Sheffield, often referred to as the "Steel City," is a vibrant metropolis nestled in South Yorkshire. Known for its rich industrial heritage, lush green spaces, and thriving cultural scene, Sheffield offers a plethora of activities for visitors and locals alike. Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or foodie, Sheffield has something for everyone. In this guide, we'll explore the best things to do in Sheffield, including our highly recommended Sheffield Food Tours.

1. Explore the Millennium Gallery

The Millennium Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers. Located in the heart of the city, this gallery showcases an impressive collection of art, craft, and design. From contemporary exhibitions to historical artifacts, there's always something new to discover. Ambulo the museum’s cafe is a great place for a refreshment pit stop. Treat yourself to customer favourite old school classic school cake with icing and sprinkles (pictured) and a cup of Yorkshire Tea.

2. Wander Through the Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Take a leisurely stroll through the Sheffield Botanical Gardens, a 19-acre oasis featuring over 5,000 species of plants. The gardens are perfect for a relaxing day out, offering beautiful landscapes and a serene atmosphere, includes a Victorian bear pit and tropical glasshouse. The cafe there, My Joni, offer well executed brunch and lunch options with outside terrace overlooking the spectacular gardens.

3. Discover Industrial History at Kelham Island Museum

Kelham Island Museum provides a fascinating insight into Sheffield's industrial past. Located on a man-made island, the museum features interactive exhibits and the mighty River Don Engine, a testament to the city's engineering prowess. Visit The Millowners Arms there, a former museum exhibit modelled on a traditional Sheffield Pub. If you visit the museum on Saturday morning you can join our 12pm Taste of Kelham Food Tour for the afternoon - pre-booking is essential though so if you are too late, you can always do our Self-Guided Food Tour via the Indie Food Tours app and eat your way around 5 of the best venues in the area in your own time.

4. Enjoy a Day at Endcliffe Park

Endcliffe Park is just one of Sheffield's many parks, offering a mix of woodland and parkland, it's an ideal spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and outdoor activities. The park also features a playground, outdoor gym, and an imposing monument of Queen Victoria. Do the Porter Valley walk all the way to Forge Damn Cafe for a locally made ice cream and keep an eye out for kingfishers and herons and Shepherd’s Wheel en-route. If you are planning a trip to the park around lunch time, grab yourself a delicious bite to eat from Urban Pitta across the road (off Hunters Bar Roundabout) - fresh filled homemade pitta pockets at budget-friendly prices.

6. Take a morning Stroll down Sharrow Vale Road

About a mile outside the city centre, you will find Sharrow Vale Road - this popular neighbourhood is packed full of lovely indie businesses. Start your morning with a coffee from Eve Kitchen and it would be rude not to include one of their viral doughnuts (pictured) whilst you are there. Browse Gilbert & Sons and Albert’s Clearance Depot’s excellent range of salvaged goods and antiques. Pop into The Framery and West End Picture Framing for contemporary prints.

If you are looking for brunch options, plant-based (and Instagram hit) Pom Kitchen, Made by Jonty or Cornerstone in Dyson Square all offer an excellent menu.

If picnicing is more your vibe, pick up supplies from the Porter Brook Deli and Starmore Boss (wine shop) and head to up the Botanical Gardens (see above) which is a 15 minute walk away.

If you fancy a tipple, No.3 Sharrow is a cute micropub and tap of local brewers Loxley Brewery - expect some great beer. If wine is more your thing Gill & Co (actually on Ecclesall Rd) is a fab little wine-bar offering an extensive and impressive wine list and a killer cheeseboard!

7. Experience the Sheffield Food Tours

An insider’s guide to the city and food scene - these 5 Star rated food tours take you on a gastronomic journey through the city's best eateries and hidden gems. Whether you opt for a guided tour or a Self-Guided adventure, you'll get to enjoy a variety of local dishes at a selection of the best venues in the city whilst learning about Sheffield's rich history and cultural heritage. Arrive hungry…there is lots of food!

Guided Food Tours

The guided tours are led by passionate local guides who take you to five or six different venues in either Sheffield City Centre or the Kelham Island District. You'll enjoy a selction of small plates and a special drink-tasting session, sampling a range of cuisines and discovering hidden gems serving some of the best food in Sheffield. The tours also incorporate local history and culture, offering visitors a bit of everything!

Self-Guided Food Tours

If you prefer exploring at your own pace, the Self-Guided Food Tours provide a detailed itinerary and insider tips via an easy to use app. Follow the map and show your QR code at each venue to claim your dish!

Private Food Tours

Ideal for weekend visitors, corporate events, celebrations, and hen parties, private food tours offer a personalized experience which can be tailored to your group's preferences. If you are visiting for the weekend with four or more people, get in touch to see if we can accommodate you for your own private food tour.

8. Catch a show at the Iconic Sheffield City Hall

An architectural marvel, the City Hall opened in 1932 as a hub for cultural events. From concerts to comedy shows, greats like Nat King Cole and The Beatles have performed there over the years. Keep an eye out for the Women of Steel Statue which was erected in 2016 to commemorate the women who had kept industry going whilst all the men were at war.

8. Leah’s Yard

Leah's Yard opened in August 2024 as part of Sheffield City Council’s £470 million Heart of the City regeneration project. This Grade-II listed former little mester’s yard has been transformed into a characterful independent shopping hub. Pick up a Sheffield-centric print from the city’s favourite local artist Pete Mckee, indulge at Chocolate Bar with a build-your-own hot chocolate and pick up an exceptional bar of Bullion Craft Chocolate for later. Bark’s Wine Shop and Hope Hideout offer beer and wine fans a well-curated drinks menu to enjoy on site, or if you are taking away pair it with some Henderson’s Relish cheese from Mester’s Market - a deli and local goods shop specialising in all things Sheffield.

9. Visit one of Sheffield’s fabulous food halls

Sheffield Plate

Located in Orchard Square in the City Centre, this small but perfectly formed food hall has 6 vendors and a bar. Cuisines on offer include Sri- Lankan, Latin American, Thai and Greek. A more intimate atmosphere than some of its contemporaries, the food is great and offers good value too.

Department

Formerly Kommune, Department (pictured), which reopened in May 2025 is housed in iconic Castle House (the old Co-Op Building) and boasts an array of restaurant-quality cuisines all in one place, from street food to gourmet delicacies, there are over nine in-house kitchens and rotating pop-up concepts. The department’s ethos is less food-hall vibe and more relaxed, restaurant experience with table-service.

Cutlery Works

Located down in Neepsend (next to Kelham Island), the old pro - Cutlery Works has been doing its thing since 2018. Housed across 2 floors in a former cutlery manufacturer (and latterly a mechanics), the industrial vibe mirrors that of many of the venues in the area who have repurposed vacant works units to form one of the best eating and drinking locations in Sheffield. Always a safe bet, there are 12 food vendors - check out Butcher & Catch for their epic Meat Tray or Seafood Rolls. Pop in to neighbours Heist for craft beer and Church” Temple of Fun for excellent vegan food whilst you are down there.

Cambridge Street Collective

Cambridge St. Collective is the latest venture from the award-winning food hall curators, Blend, who are also behind the Cutlery Works. Opening in 2024 as part of Sheffield’s £490 million Heart of the City Development, it’s the largest purpose-built food hall in Europe, with 20 food partners over three floors and a state of the art cookery school, Blend Culinary Foundation - a community interest company that re-invests all profits into alleviating food poverty and food education. The building is super-impressive as is the range of cuisines on offer, which include Palestinian, Ethiopian, West-African & Pakistani, to name a few. If it’s a nice day, there’s some good outside seating both upstairs via a cool roof terrace and downstairs in front of Leah’s Yard.

10. Take a Walk on the Sheffield Greenground Map

The Sheffield Greenground Map connects all of the city's green spaces, making it easy to plan scenic walks. With almost 61% of Sheffield being green space and one-third of the city sitting in the Peak District National Park this map is an excellent resource for those that want to get outside and experience Sheffield on foot. If you have a full day, The Sheffield Round Walk is a great option for seeing the city and takes in places already mentioned like Endcliffe Park and Sharrowvale all the way over to Beauchief Abbey. A 15-mile loop from the urban to the rural at the southwestern edges of the city – taking in leafy parkland, woodland streams, and pretty suburbs.

The Greenground Map demonstrates how parks, open spaces, recreation grounds, waterways, woodlands, and the Peak District National Park are all accessible for everyone to enjoy, no matter what their background or physical ability. You can download the full map here.

The best things to do in Sheffield - plan your weekend in the Steel City!

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