london bus tour leicester square

The Ultimate Guide to visiting Leicester Square

Leicester square ultimate guide.

Covent Garden may have its shops and Piccadilly Circus has the world-famous lights, but Leicester Square is home to London’s vibrant theatre district which has been famous for hundreds of years.

Commonly mispronounced but rarely missed by tourists in London, Leicester Square (correctly pronounced 'Less-tir') attracts thousands of visitors each year. Some come here as part of a free walking tour around the most famous downtown landmarks, while many visit the area to watch a theatre performance or a movie premiere in London’s world-renowned 'Theatreland."

But the area now known as Leicester Square was once a private area consisting of four acres, and closed off to the public for much of the early 1600s. During this time, an elaborate palace was built on the site (called Leicester House), which was built between 1632 and 1636 by Robert Sidney, 1st Earl of Leicester.

After many protests from London’s residents, Leicester Square was finally opened to the public in 1640, but it wasn’t until the 1700s when the area was transformed into the vibrant entertainment area that it’s known for today (although the majority of the theatres in Leicester Square were built during the 19th century).

Leicester Square Highlights

There are also countless theatres which are scattered in and around Leicester Square, with the most notable being the Odeon Leicester Square, the Prince Charles Cinema, Apollo Theatre, Her Majesty’s Theatre, The Phoenix Theatre, Princes of Wales Theatre, Savoy Theatre and Theatre Royal Haymarket (just to name a few). Other popular theatres among visitors to Leicester Square include the Wyndham’s Theatre, the Phoenix Theatre, Garrick Theatre, The Criterion Theatre and the Adelphi Theatre.

The Odeon Leicester Square (located on the eastern side of the square) in particular has become one of the most famous theatres in the area, as it hosts many film premieres throughout the year. The nearby Prince Charles Cinema is another popular theatre, as it is best known for showing cult films and marathon movie events for budget prices.

It’s pretty hard to miss the Swiss Glockenspiel, the most well-known attraction that greets you as soon as you enter Leicester Square. This ten metre-tall steel clock rings on the hour every afternoon, during which figures inside the clock move around to the sound of chiming carillon bells. The clock was a gift from Switzerland and Liechtenstein and thus it is decorated with the flags of the cantons of Switzerland, and crowned with a Swiss clock.

Located at the centre of the Leicester Square stands the massive Shakespeare Monument, which sits above a giant fountain that was created in 1874 by Giovanni Fontana. Also nearby are the statues of Sir Isaac Newton, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Josh Hunter, William Hogarth and Charlie Chaplin, the founder of scientific surgery.

During the winter months, Leicester Square is transformed into a magical winter wonderland (like much of everything else in London’s West End), and during the spring and summer months the Leicester Square Gardens are especially beautiful and worth snapping a picture of.

Also, keep an eye out for the Planet Hollywood floor plaques which includes the names and handprints of famous actors like Tom Cruise, Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone and Sir Ian McKellen.

Special Tips

Getting There

Visiting leicester square.

Leicester Square is perfectly situated in the heart of London’s West End, with Trafalgar Square to the south, Piccadilly Circus to the west, Covent Garden to the east, and Chinatown to the north. In fact, many free tours around several areas of London start or end here.

Leicester Square is a pedestrian-only zone, and can be accessed anytime of the day or night. Visitors can easily stroll around to see the stunning facades of its theatres late at night or early in the morning, or sit in some of the many cafes and restaurants that surround the area during business hours.

If you happen to be visiting Leicester Square during a high-profile movie premiere, some areas may be fenced-off to cater to the celebrities who will be making appearances at the event.

When to Visit

Leicester Square is open every day, 24 hours a day, and is free to walk around for any visitor.

If you’re interested in seeing a theatre performance at one of the many theatres located in Leicester Square, be sure to check out the official website beforehand for more details.

Tickets for evening screenings can cost up to £17 per person, while 3D screenings can cost around £15 per person.

Afternoon screenings tend to be much cheaper than screenings during the evenings or weekends. Out of all the theatres in Leicester Square, the cheapest would be Princes Charles Cinema (which is located on a side street to the north of the square). Tickets here can cost as low as £1.99 on a Monday, £2.50 from Tuesday to Friday, or £3.50 on the weekends.

The TKTS (offerings discounts 20–50% off the face value) is located on the southern side of the square in the clock tower building, and is open from:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (3 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
• Wednesday, Saturday (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
• Sunday (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Theatre tickets from the TKTS can only be bought in person, unless you become a member.

If you are checking out Leicester Square you might also want to join any of the  free tours in London  that are available on offer.

Free Tours in Your Language

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Things to See and Do in Leicester Square

While in the process of leading one of our many free London walking tours, sometimes we'll pass by Leicester Square, as there's usually a lot to talk about in the area.

We're so familiar with the space that it comes to us as second nature, which is why we decided to create this article to help travelers find the best things to do in Leicester Square.

This post covers attractions to see, restaurant recommendations, and tips on getting a good deal on theatre tickets.

We'll also include a selection of helpful tips from members of our London Travel Tips Facebook Group to give you a much wider perspective.

• What is Leicester Square?
• Things to See and Do
• Nearby Attractions
• Places to Eat and Drink
• Deals Near Leicester Square

Tips From Locals and Travelers

WHAT IS LEICESTER SQUARE?

Leicester Square is in the heart of London’s West End Theatre District. 

It’s where red carpet film premieres place and fans camp overnight hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite movie stars. 

It’s also a great place to attend West End shows, eat authentic Chinese food, watch street performers, and people-watch in the charming Leicester Square Gardens.

And in case you are wondering, it's pronounced as though you are saying Lester Square.

The Square was named after Robert Signey, 2nd Earl of Leicester who built his house here in 1635.

By the late 19th century, after fashionable, wealthy people and members of the royal family moved in, Leicester Square had become a public space and hub of entertainment.

Soon the square was surrounded by several hotels and daily performances and events took place, making it a destination for visitors. 

Centuries later, people still flock to Leicester Square to enjoy entertainment, dine and drink, visit attractions and take in the vibrancy the area offers to everyone.

And don't forget, Leicester Square is home to a wonderful Christmas Market from November to January each year!

You might want to consider staying here on your trip. See your options from TripAdvisor’s list of hotels around Leicester Square .

GETTING HERE

Nearest Underground Stations:

• Leicester Square Tube Station (Piccadilly and Northern Lines)
• Covent Garden Tube Station (Piccadilly Line)
• Piccadilly Circus Tube Station (Piccadilly and Bakerloo Line)

TIP: Read our post on navigating the Underground for tips on getting around London.

Nearest Rail Station: Charing Cross

Bus Routes: 12, 19, 24, 29, 38, 88, 94, 159, 453, 176

Leicester Square is also accessible from the Piccadilly Circus stop on London hop-on hop-off bus routes like The Original Tour and Golden Tours.

TOP THINGS TO SEE AND DO

This section lists the top things to see and do in Leicester Square.

See Street Performers 

Leicester Square is well known as a hot spot for street performers and street entertainment has been happening here since the 19th century.

Most of them are set up on the north side of the Square and specialize in magic tricks and music.

Also, this is a great place to get yourself drawn on paper either as a chalk portrait or a cartoon!

Catch a Movie or a Film Premiere

Because of its location in the centre of town, as well as its history as an entertainment hub, Leicester Square is the site of many film world premieres. 

There are three cinemas in Leicester Square: Odeon Leicester Square, Vue, and Cineworld Leicester Square. 

This means it’s totally possible for members of the public to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars here in the Square. 

To find out which films premiere while you’re visiting, check out the upcoming schedules of major cinemas in Leicester Square and other places in London.

Have a Laugh at the Comedy Store

Enjoy stand up sets from established as well as up-and-coming comedians at the Comedy Store . With a full calendar year round, there is always a great night to be had here.

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You never know who you might see: Rik Mayall made a debut here in the 1970's and names like Bill Bailey, Jo Brand, Michael McIntyre and Russell Howard have all performed on this stage.

Attend a Sing-Along

The Prince Charles Cinema is tucked on a side street just to the north of Leicester Square and this venue is well known for its showings of cult classics and sing-a-longs! 

Whether it’s the Sound of Music, Lion King, or Rocky Horror, the Cinema always provides a great night out. 

Most visitors dress up to match the film being shown so don’t be afraid to don your glad rags for your visit!

Find out what’s playing at the Prince Charles Cinema when you’re in town.

Get Cheap Theatre Tickets

If you want to get your hands on low cost tickets for London’s famous West End shows, then the TKTS Ticket Booth in Leicester Square should be your first stop. 

The TKTS booth sells cheap tickets to a wide array of shows. They offer tickets for shows on the day of, the day after, and the day after that.

The TKTS website gives you up-to-date information on which tickets are being sold, and how good the deals are. 

Note that you must go to TKTS in person so make sure to get down to Leicester Square to snap them up!

TKTS is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 - 19:00 (7 pm) and Sunday from 11:00 - 16:30 (4:30 pm).

Find out more about saving money on a night at the theater from our post on how to get cheap theatre tickets in London .

Take a Walking Tour

If you really want to get to know the West End and Leicester Square, come along on a tour with us!

We offer a pay-what-you-wish Covent Garden and the West End Tour that covers the history of the area surrounding Leicester Square, the evolution of London’s theatre scene, and tips on the best shows to see and how to get low cost tickets!

We also offer a number of other pay-what-you-wish walking tours nearby like our Soho, Piccadilly Circus, and Chinatown Tour .

You might also be interested in our pay-what-you-wish walking tours of Westminster Tour , our Harry Potter Tour , and our Rock n’ Roll Tour which finishes just nearby Leicester Square.

Explore Chinatown

Tucked just behind Leicester Square and billed as ‘China in the Heart of London’, Chinatown is a small enclave of Chinese restaurants, shops, grocery stores, bakeries, and other Chinese-run businesses. 

A great place to eat delicious food and also a great place for late-night revelry, Chinatown will keep you entertained. 

Use our self-guided food tour of Chinatown, Piccadilly Circus, and SoHo to find the best authentic flavours in the area.

Read more about what to do in London’s Chinatown .

Meet Your Favourite Film Characters

Leicester Square hosts a charming collection of interactive bronze statues commemorating some of the cinemas’ most iconic characters. 

Titled “Scenes in the Square” the work is a commemoration of Leicester Square’s rich movie history. 

Spanning over the past 100 years of movie magic, this series of bronze statues features some of the film’s most iconic faces are represented here: Laurel and Hardy, Bugs Bunny, Gene Kelly, Mary Poppins, Mr Bean, Batman, and Wonder woman, and, of course, Paddington Bear!

You'll also find the beautiful marble statue of William Shakespeare that has been holding court of the centre of the gardens since 1874!

Visit M & M World

Officially opened in June 2011, this is the world’s largest candy store, spanning an incredible 35,000 square feet - or 3,250 square metres! 

There are over 100 types of M&Ms available for purchase inside and there is also a small display outlining the history of M&Ms over the decades.

TIP: Holders of the London City Pass get 15% off their purchase! Read more below .

Hear The Swiss Glockenspiel

On the northwest corner of Leicester Square is an odd-looking clock: the Swiss Glockenspiel. 

Before M&M's world existed, this location was the site of the Swiss Centre - a building that showcased Swiss products and culture, constructed in the 1960s. 

Rescued from the demolished building and restored in 2011, the glockenspiel here holds a staggering 27 bells and showcases figurines that appear, circling the clock, when the bells ring. 

Now, the glockenspiel “performs” at 12 pm, 5 pm, 6 pm, 7 pm, and 8 pm Monday to Friday with extras at 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm on the weekends/public holidays so try to see it if you can!

Get Your Fix of Lego

Leicester Square is also home to London's Lego Store ! From simple kits to some of the most complex and expensive sets on the planet, the Lego store in London has it all. Even if you don't want to buy anything, the displays make it worth a visit.

It's open from 10:00am - 10:00pm Monday to Saturday which makes it a great option to visit after the rest of the city's attractions have closed down for the day!

Hit The Leicester Square Casinos

For anybody wanting a bit of glitz and gambling, Leicester Square is home to two casinos: the Empire Casino and the Hippodrome Casino. 

The Hippodrome has been standing in Leicester Square since 1900 and has been an entertainment venue ever since.

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Today it boasts four floors of gaming (roulette, slot machines, blackjack and poker tables, etc.), a top-quality steak house, and six bars. Not to mention the cabaret and circus performances that take place here weekly. 

Find out what's on at the square's casinos when you are in London.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

This section lists attractions and places of interest that are easily accessible from Leicester Square.

Trafalgar Square

Just to the south of Leicester Square sits Trafalgar Square , a hub of art and culture in London. 

Trafalgar Square has been London’s ‘common room’ ever since it was the 19th century.

It’s where Londoners for public celebrations, gatherings, and other events throughout the year.

To the north of Leicester Square are two of London’s most magnificent - and FREE - art galleries: the National Gallery (jam packed with works by famous artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Van Gough) and the National Portrait Gallery (filled with portraits depicting some of British history's biggest names).

It’s also a popular spot to get selfies with the famous lion statues!

Learn more about visiting Trafalgar Square in our blog post.

St Martin-in-the-Fields

St Martin-in-the-Fields sits on the western edge of Covent Garden, overlooking Trafalgar Square.

Built in the 1720s by James Gibbs, it’s a beautiful example of Neoclassical design and is the burial place of Nell Gwyn, John Parkinson, Sir John Birkenhead, and Robert Boyle.

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The crypt below the church is charming and actually has a cafe inside.

Today the church is more popularly known for its orchestra and near-daily free musical performances and lectures.

Also, there is also a kid-friendly brass rubbing centre below the church.

Find out what’s on while you’re visiting.

Covent Garden

The former site of a fruit-and-vegetable market, Covent Garden today holds a modern market as well as boutique shops, restaurants, and bars. 

The courtyard is a popular site for street performers and holds a Christmas tree in December. 

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Covent Garden is also known for its great nightlife, cobbled streets, high-street shops, and excellent restaurants.

Our post on Covent Garden  can tell you more about the must-see part of London.

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is in the heart of the West End and is known for its huge advertisement signs. The iconic eros statue in the middle is a popular spot to get great photos!

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Check out our post on Piccadilly Circus to find out more. 

Consider exploring with us on our Soho, Piccadilly, and Chinatown Tour or Rock n’ Roll Tou r!

Regent Street

Starting at Piccadilly Circus and running up to Oxford Circus, this beautifully designed avenue is home to some of the largest and best-known brands in the world. 

The street itself is gorgeous all year long but is especially spectacular during the Christmas season with some of London’s best light installations decorating the road. 

Originally a playground for the London rich, today Soho is the entertainment hub of the city. There are theatres, restaurants, shops, and cocktail bars on nearly every street. 

In the swinging ’60s, Soho was the heart of the action and was the stomping ground of many musicians like the Rolling Stones and the Beatles. 

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Soho is still the heart of London’s nightlife scene with pubs, restaurants, and bars staying open well into the wee hours, making it a popular destination for visitors who want to dance the night away.

Read more about things to do in Soho here.

National Gallery

The fourth most visited art museum in the world, the National Gallery, flanks the north side of Trafalgar Square and is free to visit!

Inside are works by masters such as Van Gough, Monet, Holbein, and Turner. The gallery runs numerous talks for guests, as well as tours for groups of 4 people or fewer.

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If you’re part of a group. contact us as we can help you arrange a private tour with one of our knowledgeable guides!

Find more information on the National Gallery . 

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery houses significant works depicting historic British figures, as well as some universally recognized names and faces.

For those traveling with kids, the Gallery has special activities for children  and kids can enter all exhibitions without charge!

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Photographer’s Gallery

Founded in 1971, the Photographer’s Gallery was the first London public gallery entirely dedicated to photography. 

With rotating exhibitions and works by photographers like Juergen Teller and Taryn Simon, this is a wonderful gallery.

You can see the calendar, hours, and other information at the Photographer’s Gallery website .

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PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK

The restaurants in the middle of Leicester Square tend to be a bit ‘touristy’ although there are a few worth keeping in mind:

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Casual Sit Downs

• Leicester Square Kitchen
• Waxy O’Connors
• The Bear and Staff
• Cork and Bottle Wine Bar

Cocktails 

• The Moon Under Water
• All Bar One

Great Views

• LSQ Rooftop Bar

AREA SAVINGS AND DEALS

If you plan on seeing a lot of sites, you might want to think about getting a London tourist attraction pass , which can save you up to 55% off of retail ticket prices.

Passes include fast-track entry to many popular attractions, deals on shopping, dining, and theatre shows.

These Leicester Square attractions are included in some passes:

• London Transport Museum
• London Brass Rubbing Centre
• Curzon Cinema Soho
• Body Worlds
• 15% off purchases at M&M World

Here are some other attractions included in one or more of the various  London tourist passes :

• The Tower of London
• Westminster Abbey
• Windsor Castle
• Kensington Palace
• The London Zoo
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
• The Royal Albert Hall

Check out our post on London Tourist Passes to see if a pass is right for you.

Although we do our best to provide you with all the information you'll need to experience everything Leicester Square has to offer, there's always a chance we'll forget to mention something.

Thankfully, we also have a Facebook Group called London Travel Tips , where over 150,000 members will often share their own thoughts on popular areas such as this one.

Here are a few of the most helpful comments we found:

If you're staying in or around Leicester Square, and you're concerned about how to do laundry during your trip, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Many hotels offer free or coin-operated laundry services to their guests.
• They aren't called "laundrymats" in London, they're known as "laundrettes."
• There are at least 3 laundrettes within a 10 minute walk of Leicester Square.
• Some hotels may have partnerships with other lodgings allowing them to send their customers to their coin-operated laundrettes.

Whatever the case might be, the first step is to contact your hotel and ask them for advice, because they will undoubtedly know the best options for doing your laundry.

If you're unsure about using the TKTS booth in Leicester Square, don't be!

Most of our group members insist it's perfectly safe, it's not a scam, and you can get low cost theatre tickets with ease.

There are a lot of pubs in London, and plenty near Leicester Square. When asked about the best pub in the area, chances are you'll get a wide variety of answers, as you can see here.

When it comes to pubs, both locals and travelers are very divided and opinionated, so you might just find that almost every such location will be mentioned at least once.

Regardless, as you can see from Thomas, asking questions such as these can still be helpful in determining which pub offers the best prices!

For more helpful suggestions, make sure to visit our London Travel Tips Facebook Group, and consider asking your own question about Leicester Square.

RELATED POSTS:

• Where to Store Your Luggage
• Hop-On-Hop-Off Buses
• Tourist Attraction Passes

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Leicester Square: One of London's most famous squares

Last updated: 06/13/2020

Discover the emblematic Leicester Square, one of the most traditional and touristy squares in London, surrounded by must-see attractions.

THE LEICESTER SQUARE

For over 400 years, Leicester Square has been an important public space in London. Leicester Square (pronounced “Lester”) is a famous, pedestrian-only square located in the West End district, which serves as a tourist landmark in central London. Around 2.5 million visitors pass there every week! It is known for its theaters and cinemas, which host premieres (releases) of hot films featuring famous artists. Some of the most famous stores in the world are also located in the square, which still combines restaurants, hotels, casinos and lots of fun!

ORIGINS OF LEICESTER SQUARE

Its origins date back to 1631, when, at the request of the 2nd Earl of Leicester, the construction of a large mansion, known as Leicester House, began. A large plaza open to the public was added in 1750. Important personalities passed through it, including Sir Isaac Newton. A statue of King George I was built on the square in 1760, after the coronation of his great-grandson, George III. In the 19th century, a number of theaters were installed on the site, as well as museums and exhibition centers, making the place very popular with tourists. It was at this time that it underwent a major restoration process, in which four new statues were installed, including a fountain with a statue of William Shakespeare. However, in 1792, Leicester House was demolished because it was too run down and the owners were in debt.

LEICESTER SQUARE TODAY

As early as the 20th century, Leicester Square attracted numerous hotels, casinos, grand theaters and musical event facilities. In the famous Cavern in the Town (currently, Leicester Square Theater ), played big names like the Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols, The Who and The Clash. In the early 21st century, Westminster City Council was concerned that the square was too dangerous at night and wanted to demolish parts of it to encourage the growth of theaters and cinemas and reduce the popularity of nightclubs.

Due to the 2012 Olympics held in London, the square was extensively renovated in a work that took 17 months to complete. Beginning in 2010, a major redevelopment of Leicester Square took place as part of a scheme to expand outdoor activities. Improvements included the current granite paving. Leicester Square still makes history with great attractions and events, including the Chinese New Year festivities.

HOW TO REACH LEICESTER SQUARE

London is a city with excellent public transport options, so getting to Leicester Square is very easy. Below, check out the main options to go to the square:

• SUBWAY: The nearest metro station is Leicester Square , opened in 1906, and which is served by Piccadilly Line and Northern Line . Other nearby stations are Charing Cross (Northern Line),  Piccadilly Circus ( Piccadilly Line ) and Covent Garden ( Piccadilly Line )
• TRAIN:  The nearest train station is Charing Cross , which is just over 5 minutes away on foot.
• BUS: Bus lines 24, 29 and 176 run just outside the square on Charing Cross Road.

ECONOMY IN LONDON: ACTIVITY CARDS For those who want to do many things and visit many paid places in London, the suggestion is to purchase one of the cards that give you direct access to attractions and ride the tourist bus, saving a lot! O  THE LONDON PASS   is the most famous of them. The card can be purchased in versions of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 10 days. It entitles you to admission to over 60 of London's top attractions and 1 day tour on the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. In addition, the card offers more than 20 exclusive special offers at some of the city's shops and restaurants. See the full list of included attractions in this link . Price: from £69. Read more:  What to do in London – Complete itinerary of 5 days or more  

LEICESTER SQUARE HIGHLIGHTS

As Leicester Square is a mega tourist place, interesting attractions abound in this square that is in the heart of the English capital. As there are many things to know and do in the region, all the tips and suggestions in this post have been placed on the interactive map below, separated by type and color. Then check out the main highlights found on site.

Leicester Square has a number of statues in its surroundings. In the central area is the fountain that houses the most famous of them on a pedestal, a statue of the great poet of William Shakespeare , which was carved in 1874. It is made of marble and is a replica of another statue from the 19th century, which is found in the monument to Shakespeare in the Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey . In addition, since February 2020, in the square there is the so-called “Scenes in the Square” that shows  9 movie character statues . There is a totem in the square with a map and information about each one. see more information here and check out the characters next.

• Mr. Bean: Sitting on a bench overlooking the central area of the square is a statue of Mr. Bean, the eccentric character who is a bungler by nature.
• Bugs Bunny: The statue of the famous rabbit that gets all the ups in the stories is surrounded by flowers on the corner. To portray the character well, he is eating a carrot.

• Gene Kelly in Dancing in the Rain: The statue of Gene Kelly's memorable character from the musical “Singin' in the Rain” (1952) is reproducing the part of his dance when he hangs from a lamppost.
• Mary Poppins: For me, it has a very special meaning to have a statue of the incredible “Mary Poppins” (1964), with her inseparable umbrella that makes her fly and her suitcase from which a little of everything comes out. This was the movie I watched the most as a child and I'm in love with it.

• Batman: The statue of the famous Batman, which is the secret identity of millionaire Bruce Wayne, sits atop the Odeon Luxe Theatre. With his flowing cape, he's ready to fight crime (or see a movie at the cinema?).
• Paddington Bear: Sitting on another bench is Paddington Bear, famous for the stories that bear his name, which were first published in 1958. There are films about the cute cram school available.

• Fat and Skinny (Laurel & Hardy): The two amusing statues of comedy duo Laurel and Hardy top the TKTS box office south of the square. The statue makes a reference to the classic scene that takes place in a building from the movie “Liberty” (1929), known as “Liberty and Its Perils”, in Portuguese.
• Wonder Woman: For Super Wonder Woman fans, the statue of the heroine with her illuminated “lasso of truth” can be seen running through a wall at the Vue West End Cinema. The statue was inspired by one of her most powerful moments in a battle scene from the movie “Wonder Woman” (2017).

Close to Leicester Square tube station is the Agatha Christie Memorial , a large bronze statue that honors the incredible British writer, famous for her detective and investigative novels, including the adventures of Detective Poirot, such as “Murder on the Orient Express”. The statue is a large book with Agatha Christie's face in the center and her signature.

2. LEGO STORE

Opened in 2016, the biggest lego store in the world  It is located in Leicester Square and has 914 m², spread over 2 floors of pure fun. To give you an idea of the grandeur of this store, right in the window is a replica of the Big Ben Clock Tower, one of London's symbols, over 6 meters high, made with 200,000 Lego blocks and which took 2,280 hours to complete. be completed! The clock actually works and is illuminated at night. The store is amazing and has several characters from English culture such as Shakespeare, Queen Elizabeth made in Lego!

• Address:  3 Swiss Court, London W1D 6AP
• Schedules: Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm / Sunday from 12 pm to 6 pm

Read more:  London: The World's Largest Lego Store in Leicester Square

3. M&M'S WORLD

Also located in Leicester Square, the London unit is the largest M&M's store in the world , with 3,250 m², spread over 4 floors with lots of fun. An extensive range of M&Ms chocolates and merchandise including kitchenware, clothing, bedding, jewelry and glassware are for sale at the London location. Plus, a giant chocolate wall where you can create your own selection of M&Ms with over 100 choices is also there. The great thing about the London store is, without a doubt, the references that are made to the city and the United Kingdom. There are many items with the flag of the land of the Queen and candy colored in red, blue and white, in reference to the colors of the flag.

• Address:  Swiss Court, 1 Leicester Square, London W1D 6AP
• Schedules:  Monday to Saturday 10am to midnight / Sunday noon to 6pm

Read more:  London's "M&Ms World": The World's Largest Candy Store

4. THEATER TICKETS - TKTS

Afternoon screenings tend to be much cheaper than evening or weekend screenings. O TKTS , ticket office with cheap theater tickets (up to half price) is located on the south side of the square. If you are interested in seeing a play at one of the many theaters located in Leicester Square (see map above in dark green color), check the official website in advance for more details. Tickets can only be purchased in person, so be prepared to wait in long lines (especially during the holidays or summer months). It is open at the following times: Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm.

Leicester Square is home to a number of nationally important cinemas, such as the Odeon Leicester Square , empire  which are often used for movie premieres. Even members of the royal family often attend movie premieres, and of course, big stars of world cinema. Other famous cinemas include see , Cineworld  and Prince Charles Cinema , which is known for its cult film screenings and marathons. Of all the cinemas in Leicester Square, the cheapest is usually the Princes Charles Cinema (located on a side street north of the square). You can find tickets from £1.99 on Monday, £2.50 from Tuesday to Friday or £3.50 on weekends.

6. SWISS GLOCKENSPIEL

Northwest of Leicester Square is an area known as the Swiss Court. In the past, there was the Swiss Center, a 14-story building that functioned as a commercial building that sold various Swiss products, in addition to having a Swiss bank, a tourist office, a chocolate shop, a souvenir shop, a Café and several typical Swiss restaurants. In 2008, the building was demolished and, today, we can find the M&Ms World store, which we mentioned earlier. Nearby is the Swiss Glockenspiel, a London landmark that shows the connection of this place's past with Switzerland. The massive Glockenspiel on display here is a two-tiered totem pole. One of them displays the symbols of all Swiss cantons (equivalent to Swiss states) and the other displays a large chiming clock made up of 23 bells.

As we mentioned earlier, the Leicester Square region brings together a number of casinos, with varied games. To enter a casino, you will need to present an identity document to prove who you are and that you are over 18 years of age. In addition, you must be dressed in an appropriate dress code for the environment. Among the main casinos, we can highlight:

• The Hippodrome Casino London
• Empire Casino
• Horizons Casino
• The Rialto, Grosvenor Casino Piccadilly
• Lola's Underground Casino

8. CHINATOWN &  CHINESE NEW YEAR

The Chinatown neighborhood is right next to Leicester Square, and its gate, known as Chinatown Gate (10 Wardour St, West End, London W1D 6BZ, England), is just a few steps from the square. The place has several Chinese restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, souvenir shops and other Chinese-run businesses. During the Chinese New Year celebration, the entire region, including Leicester Square, plays host to the festivities, which include colorful parades, dancing, martial arts performances and street food stands. The party starts at 11 am and ends at 6 pm, passing through several streets in the surroundings.

9. CHRISTMAS FAIR

The city of London is wonderful during the holiday season and we have already given tips on attractions and  activities  and our experience of passing the new year's eve facing the  London Eye with the big fireworks display . If you are in London during this period, Leicester Square is one of the cool places to enjoy this time, as it hosts a very popular Christmas market known as Christmas in Leicester Square . The place is usually all lit up and decorated and busy with several typical food and drink stalls, shops with varied Christmas items, in addition to hosting a series of Christmas events daily from early November to early January of the following year.

10. EXCURSIONS THROUGH LEICESTER SQUARE

There are several London tours that pass through Leicester Square and can be included in your itinerary. Then check out some of the options we've selected.

• Private London Walking Tour with Brazilian Portuguese Speaking Guide
• Big Bus tour of London
• The Original London Sightseeing Tour: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
• London hop-on hop-off city tour
• West End Musicals Silent Nightclub Tour
• Check other options here

ATTRACTIONS NEAR LEICESTER SQUARE

Check out some interesting attractions around Leicester Square. You can click and go directly to the post where we give tips and tell you about experiences in each of these places.

• The National Gallery : One of the best art galleries in the world with works by Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Veronese, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Claude, Rembrandt, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Goya and Monet. Free entrance
• National Portrait Gallery : The world's first portrait-focused gallery open in the world. The portraits displayed there were selected according to the importance of the person portrayed, not the artist who portrayed them. Free entrance
• Trafalgar Square : One of the main squares in London, where several important events take place and is the immense column of 52 meters high called the Nelson Column.
• Covent Garden : The heart of Covent Garden is Covent Garden Market, a complex of restaurants, shops, street performers and lots of entertainment that is located in a square where the circulation of cars is prohibited.

• London Transport Museum : Transport Museum with many interactive areas, the history of transport and its importance to the city are told in detail and guarantee the fun of adults and children.
• London Film Museum : Museum dedicated to the British film industry. The museum displays original props, costumes and sets from feature films.
• Piccadilly Circus : It is a very popular meeting point in London and always crowded with tourists. Around it are dozens of super famous stores and commercial establishments, advertising panels, screens and luminous signs that light up the London nights.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN LEICESTER SQUARE

Leicester Square is a very touristy area, so places are usually very crowded and prices can be a little higher than normal. If hunger strikes when you're there, below are some tips on restaurants, bars/pubs and even sweets. Other good options for eating are close by in Covent Garden .

RESTAURANTS

• Bubba Gump Shrimp Co (Seafood)
• Shake Shack (burger)
• little Italy (Italian food)
• Bella Italia (Italian food)
• vantra (vegan food)
• MOD Pizza (Pizza)
• Paris cafe (French food)
• The Theater Café (Coffee, quick snacks)
• Sartori (Italian food and pizza)

BARS / PUBS

• The Bear and Staff (pub)
• Waxy O'Connor's (pub)
• Cork & Bottle Wine Bar  (wine bar)
• The Moon Under Water  (cocktails)
• Lola's Cupcakes Leicester Square (cupcakes, cakes, etc.)
• Amorino (flower shaped ice cream)

WHERE TO STAY AT LEICESTER SQUARE

As we mentioned before, Leicester Square is a very touristy area, with easy access to public transport, many nearby attractions, restaurants, souvenir shops. For this same reason, the area can be a little noisy at night. Therefore, be very careful when booking a room at hotels in the area so as not to have problems at night. Then check out some of the best accommodation options in the region.

• Zedwell Piccadilly
• Assembly Hotel
• The Z Hotel Piccadilly
• Thistle Trafalgar, Leicester Square
• Thistle Piccadilly Hotel
• Hotel Indigo – London – 1 Leicester Square
• Victory House Hotel London
• St Martins Lane
• Sofitel London St James
• Radisson Blu Edwardian, Hampshire
• The Londoner

BOOK NOW your hotel and save up to 50% . Travelers readers are with a SUPER DISCOUNT ! And the best, with FREE CANCELLATION *!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Leicester square.

• Address: Leicester Square, West End, London WC2H 7LU, England

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Read more about London:

• What to do in London – Complete itinerary of 5 days or more
• 45 places to see London from above (attractions and restaurants)
• England: Discover 30 free museums in London
• England: Discover London's 8 Royal Parks
• 15 amazing attractions to see on a day trip from London

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24 Things to do in Leicester Square

Leicester Square in London’s West End is not just the place for red-carpet film premieres. It’s a public square with daytime shopping and dining plus evening theatres, clubs and nightlife. The area also covers London’s Chinatown and Trafalgar Square so there’s something for everyone.

Her Majesty’s Theatre Bask in the lavish décor of Her Majesty’s Theatre

The site of Her Majesty’s Theatre has hosted productions since 1705. The current theatre was opened in 1897 and visitors are treated to lavish architecture and interior décor. Since 1986 theatre goers have enjoyed the staging of one of the world’s most popular musicals, The Phantom of the Opera.

The theatre’s Victorian architecture is influenced by the French Renaissance. Relax pre-show in the Champagne bar located in the foyer and admire the décor, before heading in to the auditorium to be royally entertained like the thousands before you down the years.

Leicester Square Gardens Find a famous statue in Leicester Square Gardens

Surrounded by trees, Leicester Square Gardens in the centre of Leicester Square. It was redeveloped in 2012 with fountains added around the William Shakespeare statue plus more seating.

The Grade II listed (must be preserved) marble figure stands on a pedestal flanked by dolphins at the centre of a fountain. Jets of water shoot up 2 metres into the air and the fountain is lit at night.

Another prized memorial in Leicester Square Gardens is the bronze statue of Charlie Chaplin sculpted by John Doubleday.

Trafalgar Square Stand in the famous Trafalgar Square

Surrounded by historic buildings, everyone has heard of this public square.

There are four plinths for statues in the corners of the square. Bronze statues stand on three of them and the Fourth Plinth has a changing display of contemporary artworks.

The two fountains are lovely to see and there’s the very tall Nelson’s Column too.

Trafalgar Square is closed to traffic on the north side so this wide promenade has lots of street performers – usually including a few ‘floating Yodas’!

Lots of annual public events take place here including Chinese New Year and St Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Japan Centre Shop and dine at the Japan Centre

In London since 1976, the Japan Centre flagship store has been on Panton Street since 2017.

The traditional ‘depachika’ (the Japanese word for a basement food hall) has specialist food rooms, all set around open kitchens and a central dine-in courtyard.

There’s a miso room, a dedicated tea room where you can try and buy lots of different blends, and a sake room with experts on hand.

The take-out deli section of the store has noodles, including ramen and hand pulled udon, Japanese curry, and a range of gyoza and tempura.

In the main shop, you can buy dry goods like seaweed as well as fresh fish for making sashimi. And there are non-food items such as cookware, beauty products and manga comics too.

National Gallery See world-class art at the National Gallery

Taking up the whole of the northern side of Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is a wonderful art gallery. Free to visit, inside there are over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.

And these aren’t just any paintings as these are European art masterpieces. You’ll recognise loads of the artworks from big names such as Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Velázquez, Rubens and Leonardo da Vinci.

It’s a beautiful building so it’s worth going in even if you think you’re not an art lover.

Vue West End See the latest release at Vue West End

If you want to see the latest cinema release, this Leicester Square cinema is a good choice. There are nine screens with 1,388 seats. The stepped seating ensures everyone has a great view.

But be prepared for high prices as West End cinema trips are rarely a bargain.

Café de Paris See a show or dance the night away at Café de Paris

Since its grand opening in 1924, the opulent Café de Paris has hosted more than nine decades of nightlife. The grand sweeping staircases and glittering chandeliers make this a fine place to make a night of it.

Cineworld Leicester Square See a blockbuster at Cineworld Leicester Square

The Empire Leicester Square is a well-known cinema now operated by Cineworld. It’s one of the Leicester Square cinemas used for film premieres and first runs.

It’s a multiplex with 9 screens including an IMAX with laser projection and 3D options. Be warned, seeing new releases in Leicester Square is never cheap.

Empire Casino Play the tables at the Empire Casino

This is a 24-hour Vegas-style casino on the north side of Leicester Square. Table games include blackjack, poker and roulette and there are plenty of slots too.

The Carlsberg Sports Bar offers multi-screens of Premier League matches, NFL and more. Or head up to the Icon Balcony Bar for cocktails on the terrace overlooking Leicester Square.

National Portrait Gallery Peruse portraits of famous British people at the National Portrait Gallery

This was the first portrait gallery in the world when it opened in 1856. The National Portrait Gallery has a collection of portraits of historically important and famous British people.

Yes, there are paintings of kings and queens but there are also photographs of today’s celebrities.

It’s free to visit the main galleries and there are pay-for temporary exhibitions too.

Swiss Glockenspiel Listen to the bells on the Swiss Glockenspiel

Where M&M’s World now stands was the Swiss Centre until 2008. While most don’t miss the building, there was some sense of loss that the glockenspiel on the outside was gone.

A version of it (redesigned and restored) returned on a 10-metre pole in the pedestrianised Swiss Court in 2011. It features 11 moving Swiss figures against a traditional Swiss alpine backdrop.

There are 27 bells, 4 Swiss Jacomas representing bell ringers and 2 clocks at the top of the structure. The bells chime and a five-minute performance takes place five times a day, Monday to Friday, and eight times a day at the weekend.

It’s a nice quirky find to see in action.

Leicester Square Theatre Enjoy A night at Leicester Square Theatre

This 400-seat theatre is just off Leicester Square. It’s been lovingly restored with two bars in the main theatre and an intimate bar downstairs with a capacity of up to 70 for cabaret-style performances.

Expect to find comedy plus improv, magic and family shows, so really, something for everyone.

Oh, and in a previous incarnation, this was where the Sex Pistols played one of their first gigs on 15 November 1976.

The Comedy Store Laugh the night away at The Comedy Store

This is an over 18s only specifically designed stand-up comedy venue. It launched the career of lots of ’80s’alternative comedians’ such as Rik Mayall and French & Saunders, as well as Paul Merton and Ben Elton.

The comedy week has topical news-based comedy on Tuesdays and improv based on audience suggestions on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday it’s classic stand-up comedy, and the last Monday of the month is open mic.

Body Worlds Exhibition Hang out with dead people at the Body Worlds Exhibition

Gunther von Hagens’ Body Worlds exhibition has been touring the world since 1995 but it now has a permanent home in Piccadilly Circus.

As a museum of the human body, on display are a series of plastinated posed corpses and internal organs. Yep, all of the anatomical specimens in the exhibition are real.

This isn’t a small museum as there are seven floors of exhibits, including some animals too. Think of it like Madame Tussauds, except much gorier.

TKTS Grab cheap theatre tickets at TKTS

Originally known as the Official Half Price Ticket Booth, TKTS has been on the south side of Leicester Square since 1980.

There are other theatre ticket sellers in the square but this is the only official one as it’s run by the Society of London Theatres (SOLT) with all profits supporting the theatre industry.

Open seven days a week, TKTS has tickets for shows on the day and up to a week in advance. Not all are discounted but many are and the range available is always good.

The queues can be long but you can see the full list of what’s on sale on the website or on the displays outside the booth. Booking fees are included in the advertised prices and you can pay by MasterCard, Visa or cash.

Picturehouse Central Grab a coffee before a movie at Picturehouse Central

This is so much more than a cinema as the ground floor is a rather excellent cafe with top-notch tea and chocolate brownies. And that all-important free wifi too, of course.

The mezzanine level is where to stop for lunch or for a drink in the evening. Back to the movies, this is a seven-screen arthouse multiplex that shows quality blockbusters and independent, classic, foreign-language and documentary films.

You’ll soon see why many become a member here (and it’s not just to get into the Members Only Bar).

Piccadilly Circus Get snap happy in Piccadilly Circus

A circus just means a junction and there are five busy streets that connect at Piccadilly Circus. Considering there’s not actually that much to do here, Piccadilly Circus still gets around half a million visitors daily.

Consider it a colourful backdrop so take a seat at the Eros statue to people watch, or get a photo of the huge iconic video adverts.

Do look out for the rare police public call box between Piccadilly and Regent Street. It looks like a miniature Doctor Who TARDIS and dates from about 1935.

Prince Charles Cinema Catch a movie at the Prince Charles Cinema

Down a side street off Leicester Square, the Prince Charles Cinema is the only independent cinema in central London. Unlike other West End cinemas, the ticket prices are pretty cheap and there’s an annual membership for further reductions.

You won’t see the latest releases here but you will find a selection of cult, arthouse and classic films, as well as all-night movie marathons, on the two screens.

And the sing-a-long events are great fun as you learn dance moves and practice your cheers before the show so expect everyone to get up when the songs start. Do note, the PCC has drinks and popcorn for sale but no hot or smelly food is allowed.

M&M’s World Buy brightly-coloured candy at M&M’s World

Why is an American chocolate shop one of the most popular tourist attractions in London? Well, it’s the only M&M’s World in Europe and there are four floors of chocolate!

You enter through a 1963 London double-decker bus and get sucked into the photo ops everywhere. Make your own blends from a full range of both milk chocolate and peanut M&Ms at the rainbow Wall of Chocolate.

Or try the M&Ms colour mood analyser to hear your colour announced to all. (You want to be blue as it’s the coolest.) The bright lighting, colours and loud music make this an ‘in your face’ type of shopping experience but it is hard to deny it’s fun.

There’s more merchandise than you thought possible from mugs and clothing to jewellery and towels. The candy isn’t cheap here but this is a place for gift shopping that’s open until midnight Monday to Saturday.

Hippodrome Casino Be Spoilt for Entertainment at the Hippodrome Casino

A stunning late-Victorian building, the Hippodrome has been a theatre, music hall, nightclub and now a huge casino.

There are five floors of gaming, including a dedicated poker deck and private poker rooms. Open 24 hours a day with free entry and no membership required. There’s no dress code so anyone (over 18) can just walk in.

And The Matcham Room (named after Frank Matcham who designed the building) is where they stage the Theatre shows.

LEGO Store Be a big kid in the LEGO Store

With fun on two floors, this is the largest LEGO store in the world. And it’s very ‘London’ from the 6.5m Big Ben (with a working clock that’s illuminated at night) to the life-size LEGO tube carriage where you can sit between a Queen’s Guard and William Shakespeare to pose for pics.

There are photo opportunities aplenty here as there’s also a red telephone box, Royal Mail postbox and the Leicester Square tube roundel (just so you don’t forget where you are). Obviously, they want you to buy while here so the shelves are lined with loads of kits and the Mosaic Maker is a real highlight (if you have deep pockets).

You sit in what looks like an ordinary photo booth yet the photo it takes is transformed into your own personalised LEGO kit! You get a box of all the pieces needed plus a printout of your photo to use as build instructions.

Canada House Admire the art and the building at Canada House

This is the High Commission (diplomatic office) for Canadians in London but any of us can go inside to see the Canada Gallery for free. There are paintings, sculptures and more showcasing Canadian talent.

And there’s usually a temporary special exhibition too. The building is also rather lovely so they offer free tours once a month (book on the website).

Harry Potter Tour Wander the area on this free Harry Potter Tour

On this free walking tour, muggle tour guides show you buildings and streets that inspired and appeared in the schoolboy wizard films.

You’ll hear about the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 that happened in Leicester Square and go to a very cool sweet shop that sells Dumbledore’s favourite Sherbert Lemons.

The 2.5-hour tour runs daily at 11am and 3.30pm from Leicester Square at the Swiss Flags Monument between M&M’s World & the Lego Store. (Look for a guide carrying a strawberry umbrella.) While the tour is free, you can reward the guide at the end of the tour. In fact, they’d like you to very much.

Chinatown London Eat and shop in Chinatown

London’s Chinatown is relatively small compared to the Chinatowns in US cities but it’s still great for food shopping or dining at the many restaurants.

Red Chinese lanterns often hang over the side streets and the decorative Chinese gates, at either end of pedestrianised Gerrard Street, make the best photo ops.

Whether you want to grab a pork bun from the Golden Gate Cake Shop on Macclesfield Street or pick up a waving Hello Kitty, this is the right place to be.

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Newton to Shakespeare

Leicester square has been home to a number of historical figures. Statues of William Hogarth, Sir Joshua Reynolds, John Hunter and Sir Isaac Newton have all featured in the gardens, which at the centre, permanently showcases William Shakespeare.

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The best things to do around Leicester Square with kids

Right in the busy heart of tourist London, the chances are you’ll find yourself in or around Leicester Square with kids at some point during your stay in the city.

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Whether you’re drawn here by its movie and theatre links, or have your sights set on Lego and M&Ms, the square and its surroundings are full of family attractions – not to mention being a stone’s throw from Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square.

So if you’re looking for things to do near Leicester Square with kids, I’ve picked out some of the best options for different ages, as well as some family-friendly places to eat in the area.

Contents - click to jump to a section

Follow the Movie Character Trail

Young movie fans can snap some photos with their favourite film characters along Leicester Square’s family-friendly Scenes in the Square trail.

The unique art installation features a collection of bronze statues scattered around the square. You can find Harry Potter on his broomstick playing Quidditch, Paddington Bear eating a marmalade sandwich on a bench, and Mary Poppins floating into the sky with her umbrella. 

It was previously home to a full-sized replica of the Iron Throne from the hit show Game of Thrones, so while that has moved on, it’s worth keeping an eye out for new arrivals too.

Following the trail is one of the top free things to do in Leicester Square if you’re visiting London on a budget.

For more of the best things to do in London with kids , check out my top tips

Snap some photos in the Lego Store

What kid (or adult for that matter!) wouldn’t enjoy visiting the largest Lego store in the world!?

Spread across two huge floors on the corner of Leicester Square, the Lego Store is best known for its many amazing interactive Lego sculptures. You can see a life-size Lego doubledecker bus, take a family photo with Lego Shakespeare, and admire the 20+ foot tall model of Big Ben with its working clock face.

You’ll also find plenty of cool Lego merchandise and limited edition items on offer. Obviously, you don’t have to buy anything but it’s pretty difficult to visit the store with kids and not walk away with something. 

The Lego Store is so popular that there’s often a queue to enter. But don’t let this put you off as the line usually moves fairly quickly.

Indulge your sweet tooth in M&M World

One of the best things to do in Leicester Square with kids with a sweet tooth is visiting the chocolate-lover’s heaven that is M&M World .

At 35,000 square feet over four floors, M&M World is the largest sweet store in the world. Kids can build their own pick-n-mix from the world’s biggest chocolate wall, featuring over 100 M&M varieties, have their ‘colour mood’ analysed, and even get their faces printed on an M&M.

Plus the busy store sells far more than just sweets. You’ll find colourful M&M branded kids clothing, towels, mugs, toys, and so much more.

Needless to say, it’s very easy for the costs to add up: this isn’t the place to grab some cheap choc!

Splash around in the Leicester Square fountains

Leicester Square Gardens is a peaceful green space right in the centre of the lively square. During the warm summer months, it’s the perfect place to cool down and escape the hectic streets of London’s West End for a while.

Adults can relax underneath the large canopy of trees, while children will love splashing around in the fountains that shoot up from the ground around the square’s Grade II listed Shakespeare statue. 

For more free things to do in London with kids , check out my top picks

Listen to the Swiss Glockenspiel

Leicester Square was once home to the Swiss Centre, a unique attraction built to showcase Swiss culture and promote tourism in the country. 

After the building was demolished in 2008, the Swiss Glockenspiel, with its bells and figures, found a new home on a pole close to its former site to commemorate the attraction (you can read more about its history here ).

The Glockenspiel features 27 bells and many Swiss figurines, including mini bell-ringers, set in a traditional Swiss alpine backdrop. Several times each day, the bells ring and the figures move in a fun five-minute performance. 

It’s a quirky detail that a lot of visitors miss, but a fun one for younger kids – not to mention being another of the best free things to do in Leicester Square for families.

Treasure Map Trails

One of the best ways to explore Leicester Square with younger children is taking on the challenge of a Treasure Map Trail.

Perfect for families with 5 to 12 year olds, this Leicester Square and Chinatown Rogue Robots trail challenges little ones to find many hidden treasures around the neighbourhood, including sculptures, statues, gargoyles, and more. The trail takes around 90 minutes to complete.

Priced £6.99 for the folded trail, there’s 10% off if you use the code MUMMYTRAVELS . And as well as the brightly coloured illustrated map that’s posted to you, you’ll find some interesting facts on the map to help get kids more engaged in local history as you navigate the square and search out its treasures.

Watch a film at the cinema

Leicester Square’s cinemas are like no others in the country, with their state-of-the-art film technology and modern facilities.

There are three huge flagship cinemas located on the square; Odeon , Vue , and the Cineworld Leicester Square (formerly the Empire). Located in the heart of London’s West End, the cinemas have been hosting glitzy red carpet premieres and movie first runs for decades and if you’re lucky, you might even stumble across one taking place.

If you’re not in the square while a star-studded premiere is in progress, you can still walk in the footsteps – and sit in the same seats – as some of your favourite celebrities, by taking the family to see a new release on one of the big screens. 

As you’d expect from a central London cinema, tickets and food can be a little on the steep side, so don’t be surprised to find it’s pricier than your local multiplex though.

The square is also home to the smaller Prince Charles cinema , which often shows classic (and cult classic) movies if you’re visiting London with teens, as well as other family-friendly movies.

Grab discount theatre tickets from the TKTS Booth

A trip to the theatre is one of the best family evening activities in London’s West End. And the good news is that it doesn’t have to cost you your life savings to get good tickets.

The TKTS Booth has been situated in the south of Leicester Square since the 1980s and is known for being the go-to place for discounted theatre tickets. The booth is the only official discount ticket seller in the area as it’s run by the Society of London Theatres (SOLT), so you know you’re not going to get scammed.

At the booth, you can buy last-minute tickets for many of London’s top shows for up to 50% off. Most tickets are for the same day or the coming few days, and if you do get same-day tickets, most West End theatres are just a short walk from Leicester Square.

For more tips on saving money on London with kids , including other ideas for theatre discounts (and the TKTS app), check out my top picks

Check what’s on in Leicester Square

You’ll find pop-up events taking place throughout the year in Leicester Square, including a Christmas market in December and Christmas lights twinkling from November, as well as occasional art installations.

Check out the complete list of what’s on in Leicester Square here.

TOP TIP: Struggling with the unusual pronunciation? It’s said ‘Lester’ Square

The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience

One of the newest family-friendly attractions around Leicester Square is the exhilarating Crystal Maze LIVE Experience .

While parents reminisce about the famous 90s TV show, kids over the age of 9 will enjoy running around the different themed zones with an amusing host, solving mysteries and facing a series of mental and physical challenges to win the coveted crystals.

Once all of the challenges are complete, your family will head inside the iconic Crystal Dome itself to grab tokens that are being whooshed around your head by strong fans. It really is a fun family-bonding experience.

Jump on a bus tour of London

Although you can jump on London’s hop-on hop-off buses at stops around the capital, the starting point for the Tootbus Yellow route is on Coventry Street, just at the end of Swiss Court leading from Leicester Square.

Quite a few of the company’s other special tours leave from this point, including the Christmas lights tour and the Night Tour , while the Tootbus Kids tour also departs from Charles II Street, a few minutes away.

For more tips on the best London bus tours with kids , check out this post

Take a stroll around Chinatown

London’s Chinatown can be found just to the north of Leicester Square and is a cool area to explore with children of all ages. 

Pass by M&M World and take a right turn onto Wardour Street. Here you’ll find the iconic Chinatown gate leading to a series of small streets, packed with exciting sights, smells, and sounds.

Kids will love wandering through the lively streets of Chinatown, marvelling at the rows of hanging red lanterns and peering into windows at the delicious Asian delights.

Treat the littles ones to an indulgent Bubble Waffle from Bubblewrap (my daughter’s favourite), a brightly-colored mermaid-tail matcha ice cream from Taiyakiya, or a sweet Bubble Tea from Woo Tea. The area’s many buffet-style Chinese restaurants are an affordable lunch option for hungry families too.

Walk to Trafalgar Square

The official centre of London, Trafalgar Square is just a five-minute stroll away, with a whole series of attractions of its own which are easy to combine with the other things to do around Leicester Square with kids.

Home to the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery , you’ll also find public art on the Fourth Plinth, which changes on a regular basis – there’s always something eye-catching and thought-provoking to discover there.

You can also spot Nelson’s Column and the Trafalgar Square lions at its base, along with the statue of Charles I on his horse, the point where all distances are measured from in the city.

Visit Covent Garden

Leicester Square is also less than 10 minutes’ walk from Covent Garden – in fact, at busy times in Covent Garden Underground station, you’ll be asked to get off at Leicester Square tube and finish your journey on foot, it’s so close.

As well as the London Transport Museum and Covent Garden market, there are often extra pop-up events taking place throughout the year, from fake snow at Christmas and pumpkins at Halloween, to temporary events themed around anything from Frozen to Lego plus big screens in the piazza.

Get 6% off tickets to the London Transport Museum using my code MUMMYTRAVELS6 if you book through this link

With some more of London’s best family-friendly theatre in the area, including Matilda and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child , it’s an easy one to combine with the string of things to do near Leicester Square with kids.

See Piccadilly Circus

In the opposite direction, it’s also just five minutes to Piccadilly Circus, famously home to the statue of Eros – which is actually a statue of Anteros, and officially named the Statue of Christian Charity, although you won’t find anyone calling it that!

It’s also famous for the string of illuminated signs which flash and flicker day and night, including an advert for Coca-Cola, which has been displayed in Piccadilly Circus since 1955. Originally the Piccadilly Circus lights weighed 5,000 pounds and contained nearly a mile of neon – today there’s an ultra-high definition 4K resolution screen with 11,858,400 pixels and 281 trillion colours.

There’s no actual circus, of course: the name comes from the Latin for ring or circle, although this particular one has turned into something of a traffic-snarled square over the years, one of the city’s busiest junctions.

As some bonus trivia for Harry Potter fans, the scene filmed here included 300 extras and had to be shot early in the morning because of the difficulties of shutting Piccadilly Circus down.

For more Harry Potter locations in London , check out this post

Where to eat around Leicester Square with kids

The heart of tourist London also has more than its fair share of tourist traps, but you can still find some great places to eat near Leicester Square for families.

There are a string of chain restaurants as well, such as Byron Burgers, TGI Fridays and Bella Italia among others.

Chinatown has countless places for families to eat , with choices including dim sum and all-you-can-eat buffets as well as Dumplings Legend – check out the section above for more ideas of Chinatown treats as well, but you won’t be short of options.

Japan Centre

The courtyard at the Japan Centre has everything from katsu curry to sushi and sashimi to fuel you up for your day out in London, not to mention plenty of other fun odds and ends to buy, from Japanese sweets to ceramics.

Hard Rock Cafe

Along with the world’s largest Rock Shop, Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus is another family favourite if you’re looking for places to eat around Leicester Square with kids – find pasta, salad and chicken on the menu as well as burgers.

The flagship Happy Bar & Grill sits right between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, and it’s a great place for families, with favourites including burgers, chicken strips and fish & chips on the kids’ menu.

The Theatre Cafe

This theatre-themed cafe on St Martin’s Lane has live performances by West End stars, and show tunes in between, along with theatrical memorabilia on the walls. There are snacks and cakes on The Theatre Cafe menu as well as pizza – you can even perform yourself at one of the open mic slots.

Pizza Pilgrims

One of a string of branches around the capital, Pizza Pilgrims Covent Garden is only a couple of minutes from Leicester Square and has vegan options alongside classic margheritas and more inventive options for mini gourmets.

Sadly the branch of Mod Pizza on Leicester Square, with its build-your-own pizza options, has now closed.

Greggs flagship store

I know what you’re probably thinking but the Greggs flagship store on Leicester Square is one of the biggest in the country, with more steak bakes than you can shake a vegan sausage roll at in this ‘MegaGreggs’.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Girl by fountain copyright MummyTravels, all other images courtesy of Depositphotos/AdobeStock

Award-winning family travel blogger and mum to the mini traveller, aka Minnie. Together we've visited Europe, America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia, tried a cruise and a road trip, and survived countless long-haul trips. London (UK) based. Serious beach habit.

Can you please update this. Neither Shakespeare nor the underground carriage are at the Lego store now (April 2023). You forgot to mention the queues and crowds too. Very inaccurate description of Leicester Square.

Thanks for the comment – the models do inevitably change, but Shakespeare was certainly still there a couple of weeks ago (sitting by the doubledecker bus, which I’ve added in in place of the tube carriage). I do specifically mention the queue for the Lego store too, and that the square itself is the busy tourist heart of the city. Just how busy depends when you visit but school holidays like this Easter break during your trip are always busier.

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EuroBuffs: Soccer Foreign Tour

May 12, 2024 | Soccer

Updates from London and Barcelona

By: Lola Stanley, Lawson Willis, Angelina Moschetti, Juliauna Hayward

Colorado soccer is off on its 2024 foreign tour, hitting stops in London and Barcelona from May 10-20. Lola Stanley , Lawson Willis , Angelina Moschetti and Juliauna Hayward will keep a rotation blog of all the happening. Fans can also follow along on Instagram and Twitter @CUBuffsSoccer.  May 12

Happy Sunday, Buffs fans!

Today, we had an adventure-filled day. The morning started simple with breakfast at the hotel. Some girls tried an English breakfast with toast and baked beans to immerse themselves in the culture, while others stuck to the basics like hashbrowns and eggs. 

We then set off to our game against Haringey Borough F.C. The final score was 9-0, and we played very well, showcasing some great soccer. We also had some good laughs and enjoyed our time playing an international team. 

Following the game, we did what girls do and got all dressed up before heading into the city. We split into groups to try different restaurants in London, including a rooftop lounge, sushi, and Indian food. After these wonderful dinners, we walked around, exploring the amazing architecture, stores, and all that London has to offer. Once on the bus back to the hotel, Juliauna (Hayward) and the coaches got on aux to play music for all of us to sing to as we enjoyed each other's company to end the day on a great note!

Overall, this trip has been amazing, and we are all incredibly grateful to be here!

Sko Buffs, 

Angelina Moschetti

Today, we landed in London and hit the ground running! Although we were tired, the excitement of seeing the city fueled us through a few miles of walking and exploring. We ventured to some of the most famous sights in London, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.

We are so excited for the next few adventures in London and can't wait for our first match of the European Tour tomorrow against Haringey Borough F.C. at 2 p.m. (local time)

Sko Buffs and we will check back in tomorrow!

- Lola Stanley

EuroBuffs: Soccer Foreign Tour

Colorado soccer is off on its 2024 foreign tour, hitting stops in London and Barcelona from May 10-20. Lola Stanley, Lawson Willis, Angelina Moschetti and Juliauna Hayward will keep a rotation blog of all the happening. Fans can also follow along on Instagram and Twitter @CUBuffsSoccer. 

Happy Sunday, Buffs fans!

Today, we had an adventure-filled day. The morning started simple with breakfast at the hotel. Some girls tried an English breakfast with toast and baked beans to immerse themselves in the culture, while others stuck to the basics like hashbrowns and eggs. 

We then set off to our game against Haringey Borough F.C. The final score was 9-0, and we played very well, showcasing some great soccer. We also had some good laughs and enjoyed our time playing an international team. 

Following the game, we did what girls do and got all dressed up before heading into the city. We split into groups to try different restaurants in London, including a rooftop lounge, sushi, and Indian food. After these wonderful dinners, we walked around, exploring the amazing architecture, stores, and all that London has to offer. Once on the bus back to the hotel, Juliauna (Hayward) and the coaches got on aux to play music for all of us to sing to as we enjoyed each other's company to end the day on a great note!

Overall, this trip has been amazing, and we are all incredibly grateful to be here!

Sko Buffs, 

Angelina Moschetti

Today, we landed in London and hit the ground running! Although we were tired, the excitement of seeing the city fueled us through a few miles of walking and exploring. We ventured to some of the most famous sights in London, including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square.

We are so excited for the next few adventures in London and can't wait for our first match of the European Tour tomorrow against Haringey Borough F.C. at 2 p.m. (local time)

Sko Buffs and we will check back in tomorrow!

-Lola Stanley

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Leicester City: Thousands line streets for bus parade as Foxes return to Premier League

• Leicester City FC
• Leicester City
• Monday 6 May 2024 at 9:34am

ITV News Central correspondent Peter Bearne joined the crowds in Leicester to celebrate an unforgettable promotion for the Foxes, at the victory bus parade.

Thousands of Leicester City fans flooded the city centre to celebrate the Foxes' promotion to the Premier League.

The club secured the top spot in the Championship with a 0-3 away win at Preston North End on Monday.

Crowds gathered near the Clock Tower on Sunday 5 May and lined the surround streets for the open top bus parade which travelled through the city centre.

The club said it wanted to thank supporters by staging an "unforgettable" occasion.

Club chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, manager Enzo Maresca and the Leicester players joined DJ MistaJam on the Haymarket balcony overlooking the Clock Tower, lifting the Championship trophy to a sea of blue.

Leicester City won the Championship with 97 points, amassing a joint club-record 31 league victories and lifting an eighth second-tier title.

The club says the victory bus parade was a "thank you from everyone at the Club for being such a big part of the team’s success this season."

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