31 places you must visit in Sheffield city centre 🤩
With incredible momentum building across Sheffield city centre, it’s an ideal destination to celebrate English Tourism Week this March.
Whether you love discovering food and drink on a city break, get an endorphin boost from fresh experiences on your doorstep or want to learn a new skill, there’s something for everyone.
Visit England’s English Tourism Week runs from Friday 13 to Sunday 22 March 2026.
We’ve curated a selection of experiences to enjoy throughout the month.
📖 Article published 11 March 2026. All information correct at time of publication.
🚀 Exciting events
💡 What’s new
🍲 Food and drink hidden gems
🛍️ Retail therapy
🎨 Other things to do
Exciting events in Sheffield city centre 🚀
Planetarium Go!
Friday 6 to Saturday 28 March
Fargate
“It’s an incredibly immersive experience,” said Reece Hunter, as he opened the doors to a pop-up planetarium on Fargate.
Planetarium Go! has landed in Sheffield after launching in London last month.
The 60-seat portable planetarium shows five different films on a 360 degree screen. It will take audience members on a journey to the stars until Saturday 28 March.
More than 1,500 tickets were sold in the first three days - and there has been plenty of interest from curious passers-by too.
Operations manager Reece added: “I think people are interested because it’s something new, and it’s an incredibly immersive experience.
“Our cartoons are suitable for ages three to ten and the documentaries are for ages ten and up.
“It’s all designed to get people learning and excited about space - especially with the new NASA Artemis II mission to the moon.
“In London we had kids coming along dressed up as astronauts, which was really fun.
“We wanted to come to Sheffield because it’s one of the big cities.The Council has been so easy to work with and very accommodating of us.”
Visitors can choose which of the five films they book to see, from The Girl Who Knew How to Walk Backwards to Exploring the Solar System.
The audience is seated in deckchairs during the shows.
Planetarium Go! is accessible for wheelchairs and open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Sheffield Beer Week
Monday 9 to Sunday 15 March
Multiple venues
You can raise a glass to the city’s reputation as the real ale capital of the world at Sheffield Beer Week.
This festival runs across the city until this Sunday 15 March, so there’s still time to enjoy a pub heritage talk, celebrate the seventh birthday of Triple Point Brewery or sample a new Sheffield Synth City collaboration beer.
See all events here.
Sheffield Varsity
Monday 9 to Wednesday 25 March
Multiple venues including Ponds Forge
Cheer on rival university teams in one of the biggest competitions of its kind in the UK.
Sheffield Varsity runs until Wednesday 25 March and includes over 30 sports, from boxing to rowing, athletics to ice hockey, and waterpolo to lacrosse.
Events take place across the city and tickets are required for some fixtures.
Pollen
Sunday 15 March, 10am-4pm
Grey to Green, Castlegate
When spring is around the corner, Sheffield’s inner-city flower market is the place to be.
Shop for plants, homewares, art, jewellery and more at Pollen, which brings all things botanical to the award-winning Grey-to-Green planting scheme along Castlegate.
Sheffield Adventure Film Festival
Friday 20 to Sunday 22 March
Showroom Cinema
Love running? Climbing? Or wild swimming?
No matter where your adventurous spirit lies, the 20th edition of the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival (ShAFF) will have a film to suit
The festival brings more than 100 films, conversations and free events to the city from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 March.
Highlights include The Finisher, following Jasmin Paris through the brutal Barkley Marathons, and closer to home, A Trip to Mam Tor, focuses on snowboarding in the Peak District.
See the full programme and book tickets here.
The Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize
On now until Sunday 10 May
Millennium Gallery
This prestigious exhibition of more than 50 diverse works comes direct from the National Portrait Gallery, and showcases the very best of contemporary photography.
Sheffield is the only place these works can be seen outside of London.
It runs daily at the Millennium Gallery until Sunday 10 May and entry is free, with a £5 suggested donation.
What’s new in Sheffield city centre 💡
Watt Bar
Opens Friday 27 March
Charles Street
Watt Barr - due to open this month - already feels like a bright spark in Sheffield’s hospitality offer.
This formerly vacant electricity substation has been transformed into a new all-day venue which will offer community, contemporary events and Creole-inspired cuisine.
It’s been a project some eight years in the making for Andy Grice, who also owns the popular Dark Horse pub in Ecclesall. Initial works started in 2018 but were delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Andy said: “There is a lot of momentum in the city centre now.
“In 2018, we had a car park opposite us, now it’s the new Sheffield Hallam University building, the Heart of the City development is heating up and it just feels like the right time.
“It feels like the city centre is growing, we aren’t on the edge of it now, but in the centre.”
Watt Bar will open at 8am daily until 11.30pm, and 1am at weekends.
The aim is to create relaxed but high quality ‘elevated canteen’ vibes that work for co-workers and students in the day, then commuters, pals and event goers at night.
There are subtle nods to the building’s history in the modern branding, with refurbished industrial lights found in Kelham Island and a control panel display behind the bar.
Doors open onto an outside terrace, and Andy also has plans to revive the Faunagraphic mural that looks over it.
“Ironically the building had no electricity when we got it”, said Andy.
“Underneath our feet is the city centre grid but there was no electricity or services in the building, we had to build everything from scratch.
“We are in the Cultural Industries Quarter, nestled next to a knifemaker and modern university buildings, while breathing new life into an unused building.
“That feels like a really positive thing.”
Drinks wise Watt Bar will cater for all tastebuds, from Cafeology coffee to craft beer.
Expect top-notch cocktails, as sister bar The Dark Horse recently won best cocktail at Sheffield Cocktail Festival for its ‘negroni with a twist.’
The food will come via new partner Goobers and be inspired by the cuisine of Louisiana. Think fried chicken to share, dirty rice and lobster or steak.
There are also plans for weekly comedy, music and quiz nights, as well as a takeaway food offer inspired by Fat Pat’s of Manchester.
Pandora
The Moor
The world’s largest jewellery brand has returned to Sheffield with a new store on The Moor.
Fans of Pandora’s customisable charm bracelets can now browse their ranges in real life, at the fresh outlet in a former Holland and Barratt store.
Lucy and Yak
Opens Saturday 21 March
Cambridge Street
It’s been a long wait for fans, but clothing brand Lucy and Yak is finally due to open its Sheffield HQ
Known for its colourful dungarees and uber comfortable clothing, the retailer has now set a launch date of Saturday 21 March, from 10am.
Tunes, treats and goody bags are available for the first 200 customers.
OMOMO
Division Street
This new hotspot (or should that be hotpot?) for Korean street food sits in the heart of an independent shopping area.
Corn dogs bursting with cheese, noodles that stretch out for days and habit-forming kimchi fried rice are all on the fresh menu after OMOMO expanded from Derby.
There’s also bubble tea (we rate the mango), and thanks to plenty of indoor seating, it’s a great place to catch up with a group.
Midnight Margaritas
Victoria Quays
If margaritas in a waterfront setting weren’t tempting enough, this tequila bar also has some extra tricks.
Themed events include tarot readings, crystal ball intuition, and the Practical Magic inspo naturally carries through to the menu.
There’s a lot going on down by the canal, also including the relatively new The Lock Inn cocktail bar.
Take a look at the Victoria Quays new Insta channel to see the very latest.
The Front Room
Scotland Street
Fresh off the production line of new Sheffield openings is The Front Room, based at venue The Hide.
It’s been open mere days, and promises to deliver coffee, food, music and events.
USPs include three old-school listening posts to enjoy music nostalgia, and new sandwiches every Monday.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Cambridge Street
Samuel L Jackson and Drake are said to be fans of new American fast food chain Dave’s Hot Chicken.
It opened in the former Ask Italian last month, and offers seven levels of spicy chicken, from ‘no spice’ to ‘reaper.’
One for the brave!
Weekend Offender (coming soon)
Pinstone Street
This menswear shop, selling clothes inspired by football terrace culture, is the first opened by the brand in England.
The Welsh retailer will offer a selection of kidswear as well as functional hoodies, jeans, t-shirts and shorts in the Heart of the City development.
Store fit out is in progress and it is expected to open soon.
Maria
Opening soon
Wellington Street
Dinner at an authentic Italian, a short stroll across a plaza, then a nightcap of carefully curated wine?
It reads like a holiday fantasy, but with the openings of Maria (date TBC) and Barks Wine (3 April, so just outside of March) it’s soon to be a reality in Sheffield city centre.
Maria, created by the award-winning team behind The Pearl at Park Hill, is inspired by the Sicilian heritage of co-founder Tom Aronica, and named after his grandmother.
Barks Wine
Opening Friday 3 April
Leah’s Yard
Barks Wine 2.0 is an expansion of the hugely popular wine shop, into a bigger unit capable of hosting bigger events and even more bottles.
Food and drink hidden gems in Sheffield city centre 🍲
Lemongrass
The Moor Market
Some of the best food in Sheffield is found off the beaten track at local independents.
Make like a local and head to The Moor Market for no-frills street food options, including authentic Thai pitstop Lemongrass.
The pork belly pad Thai is next level, and there’s often a lunch special to take advantage of.
South Street Kitchen
Park Hill
Need to eat as soon as you get off the train? No problem.
South Street Kitchen is a short walk from Sheffield Railway Station at the iconic Park Hill development.
Sip a coffee or cocktail overlooking the fabulous city centre views, enjoy dishes with a brunch vibe or attend one of their evenings celebrating global flavours from Turkey or Palestine.
Caffe Tucci
Surrey Street
Watch the world go by from this vibrant Neapolitan cafe opposite Sheffield Town Hall.
There’s always a warm welcome, decadent pistachio lattes and fresh, Italian food to enjoy. Buon appetito.
Tamper Coffee
Arundel Street
Brunch aficionados have long raved about this New Zealand inspired, laid back eatery.
The corn fritters, chilli crab scramble and mince on toast are all classic menu choices that won’t disappoint.
Not Open Don’t Come
Orchard Square
Soak up some speakeasy vibes (and later dine out on the recommendation) at this new hidden wine bar.
To get in, you call a number written on the fire exit entrance. Leaving will require some willpower.
Retail therapy in Sheffield city centre 🛍️
Heart of the City and Leah’s Yard
Between Pinstone Street, Barker’s Pool and The Moor
It’s all happening at this flourishing £470m redevelopment.
Already due to premium shopping names such as Yards Store, Søstrene Grene, Fjällräven and Bird & Blend, it's about to welcome several more.
At its centre is Leah’s Yard, a charming, cobbled hub of diverse indie businesses.
Division Street and Devonshire Street
Sheffield’s original home for bohemian and alternative shops is based along these two roads.
Pick up a pair of cowboy boots, browse unique gifts at Within Reason or take home a bouquet of blooms from Plantology.
Division Street is now pedestrianised and the area is also renowned for its buzzy nightlife.
Oseyo
The Moor
Stock up on cooking ingredients, secure Korean skincare or simply try new snacks at Oseyo.
This popular supermarket has three floors dedicated to a dazzling array of Asian goods.
Our favourites include the noodles ‘library’ and the ice cups section.
Vintage shopping
If thrifting is your jam, you are in luck.
Sheffield city centre has vintage gems galore, from eco-focused St Luke’s on The Moor, Glass Onion on Division Street, to Vulgar on Devonshire Street, home to many an eclectic or designer treasure.
Bookshop browsing
Have a wholesome day out with a gentle tour of Sheffield city centre’s bookshops.
La Biblioteka, in Leah’s Yard, is the place to pick up a thoughtful gift or payday treat, with reams of books and specialist magazines to choose from.
Juno Books on Chapel Walk stocks a carefully curated selection of literature and genres written predominantly by, for, or about women and marginalised people.
If you are hunting down the latest release or offer, try Waterstone’s in Orchard Square.
High street favourites
You’ll find major shopping brands in the city centre too.
Try Fargate for Marks & Spencer, Lush, Hotel Chocolat, Boots and Superdrug, plus TK Maxx nestled inside adjoining Orchard Square.
On The Moor, there’s Next, H&M, Primark, independent department store Atkinson’s, Sketchers, River Island and Sports Direct.
Other things to do in Sheffield city centre 🎨
Off The Canvas
Eyre Street
Pick a craft and get busy at Off The Canvas, an art cafe that’s also home to a one-of-a-kind splatter room. Painting, air dry clay modelling and bracelet making are all on offer.
Plus, there are regular themed events.
Güs Wellness
Cambridge Street
Head here for a spot of relaxation and to embrace the Scandinavian sauna lifestyle.
This purpose-built sauna, ice bath and cafe experience is a stylish oasis to meet pals, enjoy a date or take some overdue solo time.
Their guided sauna experiences feature sound, aroma and breathwork. Brace yourself for the Baltic ice baths!
Street Art
Sheffield is an award-winning city when it comes to street art.
New additions to the scene include the Rivers and Hills mural, the city’s biggest.
Pete McKee’s classic The Snog on Broad Lane is the perfect spot for a couple’s selfie.
And brick mosaic the Steelworker on Castle Street is a nod to the city’s steel heritage.
Read our full guide to street art highlights here.
Cooking classes
Cambridge Street Collective
Brush up on your chef skills with a global cooking course that also gives back.
Blend Culinary Foundation, based at the Cambridge Street Collective food hall, offers excellent cooking classes across all types of cuisine, taught by local experts.
Attending any of the events inside a purpose built cooking school helps fund free, low-cost cooking sessions for children, families and vulnerable adults.
Sheffield Food Tours
If you are limited on time, another way to discover Sheffield’s flourishing food scene is through a fun group food tour.
Sheffield Food Tours has curated two city-centre routes, both providing an illuminating snapshot of the city’s dining and drinks opportunities.
Click here to jump back to the top.