Golden Mile Belgrave Road
Leicester's Golden Mile: a vibrant hub of Indian culture, renowned for gold, fashion, and incredible street food.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the biggest festival of lights!
Golden Mile Belgrave Road
Best Time
Experience the biggest festival of lights!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Leicester's Golden Mile: a vibrant hub of Indian culture, renowned for gold, fashion, and incredible street food.
"The Golden Mile is a must-visit for its dazzling Diwali lights, exquisite gold, and delicious Indian street food!"
🎯 Book Diwali Early
Diwali on the Golden Mile is huge! Book accommodation and plan travel well in advance.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, especially during festivals. Wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Diwali Festival Lights
The Golden Mile transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights, fireworks, music, and dance during Diwali. A truly magical experience!
Gold and Jewelry Shops
Explore numerous shops offering exquisite gold jewelry, a hallmark of the Golden Mile's reputation.
Indian Street Food
Indulge in a diverse array of authentic Indian street food, from golas to savory snacks.
Vibrant Indian Apparel
Discover a wide selection of traditional Indian clothing, including saris, lehengas, and sherwanis.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Diwali on the Golden Mile
Shopping and Dining Hotspot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Diwali Early
Diwali on the Golden Mile is huge! Book accommodation and plan travel well in advance.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, especially during festivals. Wear comfy shoes!
💰 Cash for Street Food
While many shops take cards, some street food vendors might prefer cash.
📱 Stay Connected
Consider a local SIM or eSIM for easy navigation and sharing your Golden Mile finds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Diwali Early
Diwali on the Golden Mile is huge! Book accommodation and plan travel well in advance.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, especially during festivals. Wear comfy shoes!
💰 Cash for Street Food
While many shops take cards, some street food vendors might prefer cash.
📱 Stay Connected
Consider a local SIM or eSIM for easy navigation and sharing your Golden Mile finds.
🧼 Respect the Space
Help keep the Golden Mile beautiful by disposing of litter responsibly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Golden Mile's vibrant atmosphere, especially during Diwali, praising the dazzling lights, fireworks, and lively entertainment. The extensive selection of gold jewelry, Indian clothing, and delicious street food are major highlights, though the crowds can be intense and some find the area can get littered.
"Today, the Diwali lights illuminated the Golden Mile in Leicester, creating an absolutely stunning experience. The event featured a free fireworks display, live music, entertainment, delicious food, and captivating dance performances. Approximately 10,000 people on the Golden Mile savored every moment. If you missed it today, be sure to mark your calendar for next year!"
Andy Singh
"Really nice place The whole Street was lit with diwali lights. You can find all kind indian jewellery, pan, utensils and many more shops."
Vrushab Neelgundmath
"Variety of shops available, specially plenty of gold jewellery shop, Indian clothing shops. While shopping find good food around as well"
Jinal Patel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Golden Mile (Belgrave Road and Melton Road) is easily accessible by bus from Leicester city center. Many visitors also find it convenient to fly into East Midlands Airport (EMA) or Birmingham Airport (BHX) and then take a train or bus to Leicester.
Parking can be challenging, especially during peak times and festivals. There are some on-street parking options and local car parks, but it's often easier to use public transport or park further away and walk.
Yes, it's about a 30-40 minute walk from the city center, or a short bus ride. Leicester College's Abbey Park Campus is also a 5-10 minute walk away.
Walking is the best way to explore the Golden Mile, allowing you to browse shops and sample street food at your own pace. Buses also run frequently along Belgrave Road.
During Diwali, Belgrave Road is often closed to traffic for the main celebrations. Public transport routes may be diverted, so check local advisories closer to the date.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Golden Mile is a public street and is free to visit. Entry is only required for specific ticketed events that may occasionally be held.
The main Diwali celebrations on the Golden Mile, including the lights switch-on and fireworks, are typically free to attend.
Shop opening hours vary, but many are open late, especially during festive periods. It's best to check individual shop hours if you have specific stores in mind.
While there aren't many official 'tours' in the traditional sense, you can find guided experiences or simply explore independently. Some local guides might offer walking tours.
During major events, expect large crowds and potential road closures. It's advisable to arrive early and be prepared for a busy atmosphere.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
The Golden Mile is famous for its extensive selection of gold jewelry stores, Indian clothing boutiques (saris, lehengas, sherwanis), and shops selling home decor, gifts, and sweets.
Don't miss out on 'gola' (crushed ice with syrup), chaat, samosas, and various other savory and sweet Indian snacks. Many vendors offer delicious options.
Yes, the Golden Mile offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly Indian dishes. Many street food stalls and restaurants cater to these dietary needs.
Bargaining might be possible in some smaller shops or for certain items, but it's less common in established jewelry stores or larger boutiques.
Several sweet shops and restaurants along the Golden Mile offer a delightful range of traditional Indian sweets like gulab jamun, jalebi, and barfi.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant Diwali lights, the intricate details of gold jewelry, colorful Indian attire, and the bustling street food scenes. The architecture of the shops also offers great shots.
It's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially shopkeepers or those in traditional dress.
For vibrant colors and street life, daytime is excellent. For magical shots, visit during the evening when the Diwali lights are illuminated or the shop signs glow.
The entire stretch of Belgrave Road is a landmark in itself, especially during Diwali. Look out for the ornate shop fronts and the main stage area during festivals.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and near public gatherings due to safety and privacy concerns. Check local regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during daylight hours for a less crowded experience, or plan to arrive early for evening events. Keep a close eye on children in crowded areas, and consider using a stroller for younger kids. The abundance of colorful clothing and jewelry shops can also be a fun distraction for children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opt for public transport to get to the Golden Mile to save on parking costs. Visiting during non-peak hours or weekdays can also lead to better deals on some items. Remember to carry some cash for street food vendors, as they might offer slightly better prices.
💍 Couples & Shoppers
Enjoy a culinary adventure together by sampling a variety of street foods or dining at one of the many authentic Indian restaurants. The lively environment and the sheer variety of goods available ensure a memorable shopping and dining experience for couples looking for something a bit different.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Golden Mile: A Cultural Hub
Beyond shopping, the Golden Mile is a culinary paradise. Visitors can indulge in a vast array of authentic Indian street food, from spicy chaat and crispy samosas to refreshing 'golas' (flavored shaved ice). Numerous restaurants and cafes offer a more extensive menu of regional Indian dishes. The area truly comes alive during festivals, most notably Diwali, where it hosts one of the largest celebrations outside of India. The 'Festival of Lights' transforms Belgrave Road into a dazzling spectacle of illuminations, fireworks, music, and dance, drawing tens of thousands of visitors.
While the Golden Mile is a hub of activity, it's important to be mindful of its upkeep. Efforts are continuously made to keep the area clean and welcoming, with community initiatives focusing on litter picking and environmental improvement. Visitors are encouraged to contribute by disposing of waste responsibly, ensuring the vibrant atmosphere is maintained for everyone to enjoy. The Golden Mile is more than just a street; it's a living, breathing cultural landmark that offers a rich sensory experience.
Navigating the Golden Mile During Festivals
To make the most of your visit, arrive early to secure a good vantage point for the fireworks and performances. Comfortable footwear is essential, as you'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Given the sheer volume of people, it's advisable to keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings. While the atmosphere is generally joyous and celebratory, the crowds can be overwhelming for some.
Public transport is the recommended way to reach the Golden Mile during these events, as parking is extremely limited and roads are closed. Local bus services will be operating, though routes may be subject to diversion. Checking local transport updates closer to the date is crucial. For those who prefer a quieter experience, visiting on a weekday evening outside of major festival times offers a more relaxed way to explore the shops and eateries.
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