48 Hours in... Leicester

Immerse yourself in contemporary city style. Leicester has undergone an exciting transformation to create a stunning, chic new city. With world-class theatre performances, vibrant festivals, contemporary cuisine, independent boutiques, aspirational shopping and inspiring architecture, this is a city to fall in love with.

Friday

Enjoy chic boutique or 'love-it budget' prices at one of Leicester's hotels - Hotel Maiyango and The Belmont will offer boutique style and luxury or relax in modern surroundings at the Holiday Inn Leicester or the Marriott Leicester. For hotels that your purse will love, head to the Campanile or Premier Inn Leicester City Centre.

1300 National Space Centre
Kick off your visit to Leicester with a tour into outer space! Visit the National Space Centre where you can explore all that is space - from the 3D S.I.M ride to taking a journey through the eyes of an astronaut, you're sure to discover some "out of this world" facts.

1500 Belgrave Road
Experience this vibrant area of Leicester where you will delight your senses with exotic sights and mouth-watering aromas. Belgrave Road is an Aladdin's cave of exquisitely embroidered sarees, glittering gold jewellery, unusual spices and delicious Asian food.

If you visit during Diwali (October 2012) - Leicester's festival is the largest outside of India - you will see a colourful celebration of fireworks, Asian dance and live performances.

1700 Curry
After spending the afternoon enjoying Belgrave Road tantalise your taste-buds with a curry. There's a world of choice of places to eat including stylish, contemporary restaurants that offer a fusion of indo-chinese delicacies, to more traditional curry houses serving authentic dishes, it's your choice how hot you dare to go!

1900 Curve
Grab a cab and enjoy a world-class performance at Curve theatre. Situated in Leicester's Cultural Quarter and designed by world-renowned architect Rafael Vinoly, Curve offers an amazing setting for the diverse range of performances on offer - whether you want art-house or big show tunes there's a show to suit all tastes.

Saturday

Spend the day treating yourself, Leicester offers a completely modern, inspirational way of shopping.

With Highcross Leicester and trendy boutiques and independent shops of the Leicester Lanes and St Martins Square, even the most discerning label junkie won't know where to start! But it's not all Prada, All Saints and DKNY there are plenty of shops that offer fantastic fashion at loveable prices.

1000 Highcross Leicester
Start your shopping trip at Highcross Leicester, where you will experience aspirational shopping and modern architecture - browse John Lewis, All Saints, Reiss and L'Occitane and come away with this seasons ‘must have'.

1200 Leicester Lanes & St.Martin's Square
Visit the Leicester Lanes and enjoy the independent chic boutiques in this historical part of Leicester city centre. Spend a couple of hours browsing quirky gift shops, jewellers selling handmade one-off sparkly things and boutiques selling off the catwalk fashion.

1400 Lunch
Once you're all shopped out, sit back, relax and enjoy some lunch and smooth sounds at Canvas Bar or head to The Case to dine in stylish surroundings.

1530 Spa
Spend the rest of your afternoon indulging in some relaxing time. Visit The City Spa where you can treat yourself to a pampering session with a massage, Fake Bake or a facial with your friends. You're guaranteed to come away feeling ready for your glamorous night out!

1900 Maiyango Restaurant
Start your evening off in style with dinner and cocktails at Maiyango. Enjoy world-fusion cuisine in surroundings inspired by Asia, Australia and Morocco. Visit Maiyango's Glass Terrace for rooftop views of the city centre whilst sipping a Mojito, Long Island or Bellini.

2200 Bars
Get your LBD and killer heels on and handbags on the ready for a night out on the town! Leicester has a great choice of champagne bars, cocktail lounges and clubs. If you want sophisticated bargrooves, foot-stomping beats or just to dance around your handbag Leicester will give you a night to remember.

Sunday

After a hearty breakfast you can either chill out at your hotel or take in more of the city's sites ...

1000 New Walk Museum and Art Gallery
Take a leisurely stroll along leafy New Walk and visit New Walk museum and art gallery - browse ancient history or discover traditional and modern art.

Once you have had a look around the Museum take a walk back towards the city centre, and stop off at one of the many places to eat along New Walk.

1200 Queens Road
Head to Queens Road, a 20 minute walk from New Walk Museum or a 5 minute taxi ride, where you will be treated to all things Spanish at Dos Hermanos. Enjoy one of their legendary brunches while catching up on the weekends events!