Leicester, United Kingdom 🇬🇧
#1579
52.6362, -1.133196
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Leicester is a vibrant city located in the East Midlands of England, known for its rich history and diverse culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 355,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average broadband speed of 70 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 GBP ≈ 1.25 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include EE, Vodafone, and Three. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include HSBC, Barclays, and Revolut for international banking. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and local real estate agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb offer numerous options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel locations include YHA Leicester and The Leicester Student Hotel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Cookie, a creative coworking space located in the cultural quarter. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Espresso Workshop, known for its excellent coffee and spacious seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events hosted by Meetup and local business networks such as Leicester Business Festival. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Leicester Expat Meetup on Facebook and various cultural festivals. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber and Bolt are available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Cycle Leicester offers bike rentals and city cycling paths. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Skegness Beach, approximately a 2-hour drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | East Midlands Airport offers local connections. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ryanair and EasyJet operate flights from East Midlands Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the M1 and A46 motorways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Leicester Station provides national rail connectivity. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Options include Stagecoach Gold day pass and Leicester City Saver. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train connections to Nottingham, Birmingham, and London. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | BodyYoga Studios located in the city center. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | PureGym Leicester and Nuffield Health Leicester. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat at Top Load Laundry on Charles Street. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the local savory dish 'Leicester Pork Pie'. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Red Hot World Buffet offers extensive vegetarian options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Sweet Potato, known for its decadent desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Leicester Market is a great place for budget groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon UK and local online retailers like Argos. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tesco and Sainsbury's offer online grocery delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The city center features the Cultural Quarter with numerous bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Leicester Brewery Company offers local brews. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Case Restaurant Wine Bar. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food can be found at Leicester's food market on Wednesdays. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Try Narborough Road for a variety of international restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | King Richard III Visitor Centre is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Leicester Museum and Art Gallery. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Jewry Wall is one of the largest pieces of Roman wall still in existence. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Leicester Cathedral, home to the tomb of King Richard III. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Leicester Carnival and Diwali celebrations are popular. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Cultural Quarter, known for its arts and entertainment options. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Curve Theatre offers a variety of performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Leicester Market is one of the largest outdoor markets in Europe. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The O2 Academy hosts various concerts and events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out the murals in the Cultural Quarter. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Available at The Leicester Cookery School. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Simmons Gallery hosts local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Guildhall is a remarkable medieval building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's rich textile history, celebrated at the New Walk Museum. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bradgate Park is a large park about 30 minutes from the city center. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Peak District National Park is approximately 1 hour away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The River Soar offers scenic walking and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The top of Bradgate Park provides stunning views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Watermead Country Park is known for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some designated areas in parks allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Royal Mail offer parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | CEX for electronics repair and exchanges. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Leicester Table Tennis Club welcomes players. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language Café offers language exchange events. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Leicester Central Library provides a quiet space for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Peepul Centre supports various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Gaming Lounge offers console and PC gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Grosvenor Casino Leicester is a popular gaming establishment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = £100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = £80,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £2,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = £162,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = £132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. £3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = £240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. £2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = £192,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 19% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No withholding tax on UK dividends for individuals. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation applies. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% on income above £150,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable for UK tax residents. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Council Tax based on property value bands. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp Duty Land Tax 0% up to £125,000. |