It’s also known for its excellent arts scene, with the Crucible and Lyceum theatres producing many acclaimed plays, and for bands from Def Leppard to The Human League and Arctic Monkeys which have put the city on the music map.
But for all its top attractions, like the stunning Sheffield Botanical Gardens, and Cambridge Street Social food hall, with its mouthwatering array of global kitchens, there are many amazing places to visit which fly under the radar.
All of these attractions deserve a wider audience, yet most are relatively unknown beyond South Yorkshire and some remain sadly unheard of even by many people living and working within Sheffield.
If you’re visiting Sheffield or have guests coming and want to show them something a bit different, or off the beaten track, here are some of the city’s hidden gems to check out.
13. Hidden gallery with work by world-famous artists
You would expect Sheffield to shout more loudly about this amazing gallery, housing work by artists ranging from Paul Cézanne and JMW Turner to Grayson Perry, Bridget Riley and Damien Hirst. But perhaps due to its location, on the fifth floor of the Sheffield Central Library building, Graves Gallery doesn't always get the attention it deserves. Despite the calibre of the artwork on show, entry is free, though donations are welcomed. | National World Photo: National World
14. Watch a match at the world's oldest football ground
Sheffield is the birthplace of the beautiful game, though it doesn't always get the recognition it's due. Sheffield FC are the world's first and oldest football club, while Hallam FC's Sandygate Road home, where matches have been played since 1860, is the oldest football ground still in use. It's become a shrine for football fanatics around the world, who travel thousands of miles to take in a game and experience a slice of sporting heritage. But it remains unknown by many football fans within the UK. | National World Photo: National World