Leicester is a city that every self-respecting traveler must visit. There are many reasons for this. Firstly, Leicester is one of the oldest cities in all of Britain. It was founded during the reign of the Romans. The city from the very beginning was the largest trading metropolis of the country and the pillar of all of England. And of course, there is something to see.
Interesting places
Leicester is a city with many attractions. Definitely worth a look at the local castle, built in the 1070s on the ruins of the city's Roman walls. Architecture lovers will love the Cathedral of St. Martin. And lovers of nature - local botanical gardens and parks. And in Leicester, the ruins of the abbey of St. Mary are preserved. It used to be a medieval monastery.
And of course, sports cannot be missed. A professional football club called Leicester City is based in this city. It was he who last season (2015/2016) won the championship of England. And besides, Leicester City is a three-time winner of the Football League Cup and the country's Super Cup. There is a club since 1884.
For lovers of shopping
Leicester is a city not only with a rich history, but also with a huge number of various shops and boutiques. The largest shopping center here is called Highcross. And it contains over 120 different stores. In the center there are also reputable department stores - such as John Lewis, Debenhams and House of Fraser.
In the shopping center there are boutiques, the names of which are well-known to everyone - Swarovski, H&M, Carluccio's, Levis, Lacoste and many others - it's hard to list everything. By the way, in addition to shops in the shopping center there are restaurants and cafes.
Leicester is a city famous for such a direction as vintage shopping. In local stores you can buy things that have the right to be called a work of art or an exhibit.
And here is the Leicester Market - the largest indoor market in all of Europe. In general, avid shopaholics should definitely visit Leicester at least once.
Gastrotourism
Many people travel to pamper themselves with various culinary delights. Leicester (a city in England, by the way) is an ideal place for connoisseurs of ... real Indian cuisine. At first, such a formulation is surprising. But in fact, there is nothing strange, because it is in Leicester that the Indian restaurant Taj Mahal is located. It is located on Highfields Street. But besides this restaurant in Leicester there are also institutions Laguna, The Rise of the Raj, Sayonara, Phulnath and Sharmilee. And they all specialize in Indian cuisine! And the last three restaurants are completely vegetarian.
You can also try British national cuisine in Leicester. There is an excellent institution, it is called Opera House. Anyway, it’s worth taking a walk along the secluded streets of this English city - you can find many restaurants with good cuisine and affordable prices.
Memo to tourists
The population of Leicester is now about 340,000. The people here are very nice and friendly, and tourists, in which case, can turn to passers-by for help. But only in English, of course.
Be sure to visit the tourist center, located on Every Street. 95% of the people who walk there are visitors. At this place you can buy a variety of guides, a detailed map, booklets, phrasebooks and tickets for excursions.
Many make the mistake of staying in Leicester and forget to visit London. It’s only an hour and a half to go to the capital! You can get to Birmingham even faster. Sightseeing tours in this metropolis are very popular.
If you want to explore the whole Leicester, it is better to buy a travel card - it will be cheaper. They are sold in tobacco and newsagents. But in the central region, by the way, it is better to walk. Sights and interesting places there at every step.
And the best time to travel to Leicester is summer or late spring. The weather here is amazing. Winter is also quite mild, but some places for visiting may be closed.
And finally - about the payment. Most shops, shopping centers and restaurants accept not only cash, but also payment by card. Almost any. In any case, all international standards in England are accepted. It is worth remembering and taking with you less cash.