Five reasons why Bradford is the best place to be

Bradford is having a bit of a moment, and with City of Culture 2025 events on the horizon, the city is gearing up to welcome the world. With great food, entertainment, and the arts, here are five ways to get the most out of the exciting and welcoming city of Bradford.

International cuisine - from take-aways to award winning restaurants

Renowned for its international cuisine, Bradford is home to many award-winning curry restaurants. Catering for all tastes and budgets, the city offers everything from classic fish and chips to a wide range of take-aways, cafes and restaurants. A full English breakfast option sits comfortably alongside vegan, Afro-fusion, Vietnamese street food and Greek Cypriot dishes. Diverse, exciting, and affordable, Bradford’s food culture brings together street food and high-end cuisine and offers something for everyone. 

For a taste of Bradford, check out:

• Chaskah - a Kashmiri restaurant with great food and great vibes
• Drakes Fisheries - classic fish and chips right in the centre of the city
• My Thai - Thai food to eat in or take away
• Mamma Mia - A family-run authentic Italian restaurant

Shopping, socialising, and big-name brands

Enjoyable and eco-friendly, the new Darley Street market will offer shopping and cultural events. Independent traders, music and pop-up events will all be here to tempt you. For even more great shopping and food, The Broadway Shopping Centre brings together high street names in a convenient city centre location.

Art Galleries and museums; cultural heritage and stylish exhibition space

The National Science and Media Museum sits at the heart of the city, a free museum devoted to the science and culture of light and sound. Cartwright Hall, Bradford, and Salts Mill, in nearby Saltaire, in turn celebrate both nineteenth century painting and the work of Bradford born contemporary artist David Hockney.

Music, theatre, and entertainment venues

In 2024 Bradford Live, a new 4,000 capacity music venue is due to open. The former Odeon cinema sits beside The Alhambra Theatre, which hosts events from international dance to musicals, drama, and pantomime, while St George’s Hall brings classical music and talks to the city. With exhibitions, events and artist residencies, the University of Bradford’s Gallery II is an equally vibrant cultural space.

Be part of the 2025 buzz

Hosting 1000 events and performances, including 365 artist commissions, alongside major international arts festivals and collaborations, Bradford will soon be sharing its unique heritage with the world. As the UK’s youngest city (with 29% of our population being under 20), young people will be key in the delivery of a wealth of prestigious City of Culture events. Get onboard and get involved as you explore both your potential as a student and the potential our city holds.