You can get so much information from the Visit Bradford website, so be sure to check there for up-to-date news of what's happening in the city at the time of your visit. Also check out the handy links at the bottom of this page.

The wider Bradford area is huge, but for a weekend visit staying in the city centre is a great option. If you’re arriving by train, Bradford has two train stations, Forster Square and the Interchange. They are both in the heart of the city with less than a 10-minute walk between them. Both stations have direct access to Leeds, with Forster Square serving the local area and the Interchange, where you will likely arrive if you’re coming from further afield.

For accommodation, consider The Midland Hotel, which is next door to Forster Square and has the most incredible chandeliers in its function rooms, or The Great Victoria Hotel, near the Interchange, where Dame Helen Mirren enjoyed a stay here when she was filming The Duke. Both hotels have on-site parking if you’re visiting Bradford by car.

If, like me, you like your first port of call to be lunch when you arrive somewhere new, then there are plenty of cafes in the centre. A walk-through City Park to Cake’ole for a sandwich and, of course, some delicious cake.

City Park is home to the iconic City Hall, its grand façade standing proudly against the tranquil Mirror Pool. This popular gathering spot often hosts a variety of lively events, creating an inviting atmosphere for all. Nestled nearby, the Impressions Gallery offers an inspiring view of the park and is always worth a visit, featuring a dynamic array of contemporary photography exhibitions that highlight both local talent and international artists.

You can also explore the independent businesses within Sunbridgewells. You won’t see them from the outside as it’s a group of historic underground tunnels. Once inside, you will discover a range of bars and food outlets. It’s so unique; you must call in!

Over the road from City Park, there is the National Science and Media Museum, which has plenty to see and do for both adults and children. They usually have different exhibitions happening, which you can check in advance. It’s also home to the IMAX and Pictureville if you’re looking for a traditional cinema experience.

The Media Museum is next to the Alhambra Theatre. The theatre itself is a stunning building, both inside and out, and is often home to some fantastic shows, which are on tour from London’s West End. At the other side of City Park, you'll find St George’s Hall, one of the UK's oldest concert halls, which opened in 1853 and frequently hosts performances by famous names.

If you’re seeking alternative evening entertainment beyond the theatres, it’s time to explore the “Top of Town.” Mamma Mia’s is a longstanding favourite Italian restaurant, which is always busy and has a great buzz about it; the food is excellent too.

Behind it is North Parade, which is home to many small and independent pubs, including Boar & Fable, known for its selection of continental and craft beers, as well as The Peacock Bar, offering delicious Indian street food and real ale. Bradford’s craft beer scene has certainly flourished in recent years, and depending on the time of year you visit, you might even be lucky enough to catch one of their famous North Parade Street parties!

After enjoying Bradford’s vibrant nightlife at local hotspots, start your day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Then it’s time to explore the Bradford district. There are some wonderful areas, including Haworth and Ilkley, but for a first-time visitor, a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Village, Saltaire, offers a perfect blend of history and charm!

It’s easy to get to Saltaire from Forster Square station, and a train journey is ideal since parking isn’t always the easiest in the village. Saltaire was founded by Sir Titus Salt for the workers of his wool mill. You can see all the street names that were named after his children, and the terraces where the mill workers lived surround Salts Mill.

As you walk out of the train station, you can’t miss Salts Mill, which is open to the public and has an eclectic selection for everyone inside. To begin with, there is the David Hockney exhibition, a son of Bradford; you can see the work of this world-famous artist. Nestled inside the mill there is also a range of independent shops and Salts Diner.

Saltaire has so many independent cafes you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to lunch. You can stay in the Salts Mill Diner, which is excellent and has more of the David Hockney exhibition on display but does get very busy. If you want to avoid the queues, then visit one of the cafes on Victoria Road or head to the top of the village. Call in at Edward Street Bakery for an assortment of freshly baked goodies to enjoy on the go.

If you need to quench your thirst, there are some great bars too. Fanny's Ale House offers a fantastic selection of real ales, ciders, speciality bottled beers, and craft beer. Cultures Deli & Drafthouse is a gem in the heart of Saltaire, while The Boathouse, which is wonderful in summer with outside seating overlooking the river and Roberts Park. Roberts Park is home to the Saltaire Festival, which takes place every September.

From The Boathouse, take a nice walk along the Leeds Liverpool Canal to Bingley, which is the next stop along the canal. Along the way, you can call for a drink at The Fisherman’s and take in the Three and then Five Rise Locks. If any canal boats are travelling, you will see the locks in action. If you come off the canal at the Five Rise Locks, you will be in Bingley, which is a small market town with some great bars!

For the evening, explore some of Bingley’s drinking establishments. A few of my favourites are 99 & Main and The Potting Shed. Or if you’re looking for a nice meal, check out The White Horse or The Pepper Mill, which is back in Saltaire.

If you fancy a curry instead, then you are spoilt for choice in the Bradford District. Bring a bottle to The Sharma in Bingley, visit Shimla Spice in Shipley (next to Saltaire), or visit Jinnah in the city centre. Bradford has some of the best curry houses in the world, and they have got the awards to prove it. In fact, Bradford was named the Curry Capital of Britain for 6 years in a row, and I will never get a curry anywhere else—they are just too good in Bradford!

As your time in the city draws to a close, there's no shortage of activities to enjoy. Don’t miss Bradford Cathedral, a gorgeous Gothic gem from the 14th century. If you're around on a Sunday, why not pop in for a morning service? It’s a wonderful way to soak up the peaceful vibe of this stunning place!

If you want to do a bit of shopping, visit the Broadway Centre, which is full of your high street names. A trip to Waterstones (which is across the road) is a must; it has to be one of the best bookshops in the UK. It’s built in the historic Wool Exchange, which gives it its unique appeal.

If you’re looking for a coffee and cake stop, check out Tiffin Coffee Shop for its freshly made sandwiches, paninis, and homemade cakes—plus, of course, locally roasted coffee! Alternatively, visit Lefteris, an independent micro bakery and café known for its artisanal breads and delightful pastries. Both spots offer a wonderful experience!

Bradford was at the forefront of the industry during the Industrial Revolution, and much of this history can be seen in the buildings as you walk around. If you’re interested in finding out more, then the Bradford Industrial Museum is certainly worth a visit for all the family.
If you’ve still got time to explore, then Lister Park, just outside the city, is home to the Cartwright Hall art gallery, which has different art exhibitions from some of the best artists in the world.

If you’d rather see a little bit of Yorkshire countryside, then a visit to the Hewenden Viaduct (part of the Great Northern Railway Trail), which you can walk along in the village of Cullingworth, will blow away the cobwebs. Even though I’ve lived in Bradford my whole life, it still amazes me how easy it is to go from city life to the country, all within Bradford! From here you could drive to the beautiful village of Haworth and visit its famous cobbled street.
There really is so much to see and do in Bradford. I am sure you will have an incredible 48 hours here in Bradford, both within the city centre and its surrounding areas. For even more ideas and inspiration, check out Visit Bradford!

Images courtesy of (c)VisitBradford and Unsplash