Bradford City Guide

Bradford is famous for its curry houses and South Asian food. There’s also a mix of Middle Eastern and European cuisine. Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available. Many spots in the city centre are open late, especially takeaways.

Nightlife is relaxed and centred on pubs and a few clubs in the city centre. It’s quieter than Leeds or Manchester.

Specialty coffee shops and independents are popping up alongside chains. The scene is still growing but improving.

Tipping is optional. Restaurants may add a 10-12% service charge, but otherwise 10% is fine for good service. Rounding up for taxis is normal.

Buy SIM cards at EE, Vodafone, O2, Three stores, or at supermarkets. Top choices for coverage are EE, Vodafone, and O2. eSIMs are available. Pay-as-you-go works for visitors.

Central areas are well-kept but it varies by neighborhood. Waste services are standard.

A few supermarkets open late, but real 24/7 services are rare. Some takeaways are open after midnight.

Main supermarkets are Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons. Smaller local groceries and markets offer international products. Opening hours are usually from early morning to late evening, shorter on Sundays.

Most places take cards. You only need cash for some small shops or markets.

ATMs are everywhere. Most don’t charge fees, but check with your bank for international charges.

Plenty of local primary and secondary schools. Most private schools offer some international curriculum, but options are less formal than in larger global cities. English is the main language.

Bradford’s nomad scene is small but growing. Coworking spaces and some cafés are good for meeting others.

Large parks and sports fields are easy to find. Good for outdoor sports and kids.

Nice parks and canal paths make running easy. Join a club or run solo.

Chain gyms and local fitness clubs have wide membership options.

Public and private tennis courts are widely available. Booking needed at some clubs.

Padel courts are rare but may be found at larger sports centres.

Several studios offer group and drop-in yoga classes.

Local dojos offer BJJ, boxing, muay thai and traditional martial arts. Classes for beginners to advanced.

No ski resorts near Bradford. The nearest skiing is in Scotland.

Some kayaking and paddleboarding is possible outside the city on rivers, but options are limited.

Bradford is inland. Surfing isn’t possible here.

Diving is not available in or near the city.

The city is served by NHS hospitals such as Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke's. Private care is available too. English is spoken everywhere. Pharmacies like Boots and Superdrug cover daily needs.

Tap water is safe and good to drink.

Parks, playgrounds, and museums make Bradford good for families. Baby supplies are easy to find. Many cafés are kid-friendly.

Legal protections exist and the city is generally inclusive, but it doesn’t have a big LGBTQ+ scene.

Many parks and some cafés welcome dogs. Vets and pet shops are everywhere in town.