Leicester Square: The Heartbeat of London's Entertainment
Experience the vibrant heart of London at Leicester Square, a cultural and entertainment hub filled with theaters, cinemas, and diverse dining options.
Leicester Square is a vibrant hub in the heart of London, known for its rich cultural offerings, lively atmosphere, and iconic cinemas. A must-visit for tourists, this square is the perfect spot to soak in the dynamic energy of the city while enjoying world-class entertainment and dining options.
A brief summary to Leicester Square
- Leicester Square, London, WC2H 7LU, GB
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit in the evening for a magical atmosphere with street performers and illuminated theaters.
- Check out free film screenings in the square during summer months for a unique experience.
- Arrive early for popular theater shows to secure good seats and enjoy pre-show dining.
- Be mindful of pickpockets, especially during crowded events or festivals.
- Explore nearby attractions like Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery, all within walking distance.
Getting There
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Walking
From Covent Garden, exit the Covent Garden tube station and head southwest on Henrietta Street towards the Strand. Continue walking straight until you reach the junction with the Strand. Turn left onto the Strand and walk until you reach the traffic lights at the intersection with Charing Cross Road. Cross over to the other side of the road. Continue straight for approximately 0.5 miles, passing the iconic buildings and theatres along the way. When you reach Leicester Square, you will see the large open area filled with restaurants, cinemas, and street performers.
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Underground
From Covent Garden tube station, take the Piccadilly Line (light blue) towards Cockfosters. Travel for 1 stop and get off at Leicester Square station. From the station, follow the signs to the exit, and you will be at Leicester Square in no time. Note that the cost for a single journey is approximately £2.40 using an Oyster card or contactless payment, and £4.90 if you are purchasing a paper ticket.
Discover more about Leicester Square
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mary Poppins Statue
0.0 km
Where cinema's most elegant nanny takes flight in the heart of London's film district.
Agatha Christie memorial
0.2 km
A captivating bronze tribute to Agatha Christie, celebrating her literary genius and theatrical legacy in London's vibrant theatre district.
5 Trafalgar Sq
0.3 km
London's grand civic heart: Nelson's victory immortalised in stone, surrounded by world-class art and democratic tradition.
The Fourth Plinth
0.3 km
A historic plinth turned world-renowned stage for bold contemporary art in the heart of London’s Trafalgar Square.
Goodwin’s Court
0.3 km
Experience the serene charm of Goodwin's Court, a historic landmark in London, perfect for leisurely strolls and captivating photography.
Canada House
0.3 km
A grand Greek Revival building on Trafalgar Square, Canada House is a cultural and diplomatic showcase for Canada in the heart of London.
Trafalgar Square
0.3 km
Explore the iconic Trafalgar Square, a historical landmark in London filled with art, culture, and vibrant public life.
Piccadilly Circus
0.3 km
Piccadilly Circus pulses with iconic neon lights, historic monuments, and vibrant street life at the heart of London’s West End.
225 Piccadilly Circus
0.3 km
At the luminous heart of London’s West End, 225 Piccadilly Circus dazzles with history, iconic lights, and vibrant urban energy.
St Martin-in-the-Fields Church Path
0.3 km
Georgian masterpiece and spiritual anchor of Trafalgar Square, influencing church architecture worldwide.
Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)
0.3 km
Iconic London landmark honoring Victorian philanthropy with the world’s first aluminium statue, set amidst Piccadilly Circus’s vibrant theatre district.
Shaftesbury Ave
0.3 km
Discover London’s vibrant Shaftesbury Avenue, the epicenter of the West End's theatre scene, offering a myriad of shows, dining, and nightlife options.
Nelson's Column
0.3 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Nelson’s naval triumph, standing proudly at the heart of London’s historic Trafalgar Square.
Obelisk Charles James Napier
0.3 km
A contested monument to a complex military figure in London's most iconic public square.
Piccadilly & Piccadilly Circus
0.3 km
London's dazzling heart: iconic neon lights, legendary Eros statue, and the pulsing epicentre of West End entertainment.
Unmissable attractions to see
Mr Bean Statue
0.0 km
Sit beside cinema's most beloved bumbler in Leicester Square's iconic film tribute.
Harry Potter Statue
0.0 km
Discover the enchanting Harry Potter Statue in Leicester Square, capturing the magic of Quidditch and London’s cinematic legacy.
ODEON Luxe West End
0.0 km
Experience luxury cinema and vibrant West End culture at Odeon Luxe West End in the heart of Leicester Square.
ODEON Luxe Leicester Square
0.1 km
Experience London’s iconic Art Deco cinema with luxury recliners and the UK’s first Dolby Cinema screen in the heart of Leicester Square.
Scenes in the Square Sculpture Trail
0.1 km
Discover a century of cinema through iconic bronze statues in Leicester Square’s free, interactive film-themed sculpture trail.
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
0.1 km
Explore the world’s largest LEGO® Store in London’s Leicester Square, where creativity, iconic models, and exclusive experiences await every fan.
Swiss Glockenspiel
0.1 km
Experience the charm of the Swiss Glockenspiel in London, where art and tradition meet in a captivating clock tower performance.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.1 km
Dive into London’s nightlife at Zoo Bar & Club, a cocktail haven offering themed parties, delicious drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere right in the city center.
M&M'S London
0.1 km
Discover the colorful world of M&M'S in London, where every visit is a sweet adventure filled with chocolate delights and interactive fun.
London self-guided board game tour
0.1 km
Explore London’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems through a fun, interactive self-guided board game tour at your own pace.
Solve A Mystery - London (Pick-Up Point)
0.1 km
Unravel a historic murder mystery through iconic London streets in this immersive self-guided detective adventure.
ODEON Luxe Haymarket
0.1 km
Experience luxury cinema in London’s West End with intimate screens, premium seating, and a curated selection of foreign and independent films.
Prince Charles Cinema
0.1 km
Discover London's iconic independent repertory cinema offering cult classics, arthouse gems, and unforgettable themed screenings in the heart of Leicester Square.
Café de Paris
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of London at Café de Paris, an iconic venue known for live music, exquisite dining, and unforgettable events.
Grosvenor Casino, Piccadilly
0.1 km
Experience nonstop gaming excitement and stylish social vibes in the heart of London’s West End at Grosvenor Casino Piccadilly.
Essential places to dine
J Sheekey
0.2 km
Classic British seafood excellence in Covent Garden’s elegant, theatre-adjacent dining gem.
New Loon Fung Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience authentic Cantonese dim sum and classic Chinese dishes in one of Chinatown’s largest, long-standing restaurants on bustling Gerrard Street.
Evelyn's Table
0.2 km
Discover Evelyn's Table, a Michelin-starred, intimate dining counter in Soho offering inventive British cuisine with French and Japanese flair.
Meet Fresh
0.2 km
Authentic Taiwanese desserts in lively Soho, offering generous portions of mochi, taro balls, and refreshing fruit teas in a bustling urban setting.
Gauthier Soho
0.3 km
Innovative vegan French fine dining in a stylish Soho townhouse, blending tradition with plant-based creativity.
Bantof
0.3 km
Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Wild Honey St James
0.4 km
Michelin-starred French-influenced cooking in a Grade II-listed banking hall, where refined technique meets understated elegance.
Kricket Soho
0.4 km
Discover bold, modern Indian small plates in a lively Soho setting with an open kitchen and vibrant basement dining.
Blacklock Soho
0.4 km
A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
La Bodega Negra Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience daring Mexican cuisine and vibrant nightlife in Soho’s provocative La Bodega Negra, where edgy ambiance meets inventive flavors.
Hoppers Soho
0.4 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and signature hoppers in a lively, intimate Soho setting bursting with authentic flavors and culture.
Clos Maggiore
0.4 km
Experience London’s most romantic French restaurant with enchanting blossom-filled conservatory and an award-winning wine cellar in Covent Garden.
Mele e Pere
0.4 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors and a rich vermouth selection in the cozy, candlelit basement of Soho’s Mele e Pere.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.4 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Palm Court Brasserie
0.4 km
Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cool Britania
0.1 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
Unique Britain
0.1 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and artistic keepsakes in the heart of London’s lively West End on historic Cranbourn Street.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
0.2 km
Step into a whimsical world of antiques, art, and literary treasures inspired by Alice in Wonderland in the heart of London’s Cecil Court.
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
0.2 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Glorious London Gift & Souvenir, a must-visit shopping destination.
House of Spells
0.2 km
Step into a world of magic and fandom at House of Spells, London’s enchanting emporium for Harry Potter and fantasy collectibles.
Henry Pordes Books Ltd
0.3 km
London's legendary independent rare bookshop preserving literary treasures on historic Charing Cross Road.
Charing Cross Rd
0.3 km
Charing Cross Road: London’s iconic street for book lovers, theatres, and vibrant urban culture in the heart of the West End.
La Boutik
0.3 km
Soho's chic haven for European designer imports on buzzing Dean Street—unique fashion finds in London's creative epicenter.
Lillywhites
0.3 km
London's iconic sports megastore at Piccadilly Circus—where athletic excellence meets retail tradition.
St Martin's Courtyard
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and relaxation at St Martin's Courtyard in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Machine-A
0.3 km
Small but influential Soho boutique showcasing curated avant‑garde and emerging fashion with gallery‑like presentation.
JW Anderson London Soho
0.3 km
Soho's avant-garde flagship: minimalist Shaker-inspired space brimming with gender-fluid luxury fashion, artisanal homewares, and exclusive collaborations.
CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
0.4 km
Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
Floral Street
0.4 km
Contemporary floral fragrances crafted with purpose, sustainability, and joy in the heart of London.
Crest of London Ltd
0.4 km
Discover authentic London souvenirs and local crafts at Crest of London Ltd, your premier gift shop in historic Whitehall.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
All Bar One Leicester Square
0.1 km
Stylish wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester Square, perfect for socializing, dining, and private events in central London.
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
0.1 km
Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
Ku Bar
0.2 km
Soho's legendary gay bar icon: three levels of inclusive vibes, cocktails, and basement beats in Chinatown's electric heart.
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
0.2 km
Discover a hidden Soho speakeasy blending 1920s Shanghai charm with inventive cocktails and exquisite dim sum in London’s Chinatown.
Mr Fogg's Tavern
0.2 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired tavern in Covent Garden, where inventive cocktails meet hearty British fare in an eclectic and lively setting.
Blind Spot London
0.2 km
Discover a secretive speakeasy with globally inspired cocktails and intimate ambiance tucked inside St Martin’s Lane Hotel, Covent Garden.
The Alchemist St Martin's Lane
0.2 km
Experience theatrical cocktails and vibrant dining in the heart of Covent Garden’s iconic theatre district.
Covent Garden Social Club
0.2 km
Dive into Covent Garden's dual-world party den: prohibition cocktails below, live piano magic above—West End's ultimate nightlife hideaway for cocktails, cabaret, and endless sing-alongs. (162 characters)
The Harp, Covent Garden
0.3 km
A historic Covent Garden pub famed for award-winning ales, traditional ciders, and a timeless, welcoming atmosphere.
Duke Of Wellington
0.3 km
A lively Soho pub blending traditional British charm with modern nightlife energy on Wardour Street.
The Coach & Horses, Soho
0.3 km
Historic Soho pub famed for its legendary landlord, literary clientele, and London’s first vegetarian and vegan menu.
The Admiral Duncan - Soho
0.3 km
Historic Soho gay pub and resilient LGBTQ+ landmark, symbolizing community strength and vibrant nightlife since the 1830s.
Village Soho
0.3 km
A lively, inclusive gay bar in Soho with energetic dance floors, go-go dancers, karaoke nights, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ atmosphere.
Bar Soho
0.3 km
A theatrical two‑floor cocktail bar on Old Compton Street — daytime drinks and late‑night DJs for dancing, private hire and people‑watching in the heart of Soho.
The Thin White Duke
0.3 km
Discover Soho’s intimate cocktail bar inspired by David Bowie, blending bespoke drinks, award-winning dim sum, and creative recording studios.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Penthouse London
0.1 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Luxe Club
0.2 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.3 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
0.3 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
The Ivy Club
0.3 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
TSQ Club
0.3 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Sophisticats Soho
0.3 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.3 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
The Box Soho
0.4 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Club49Soho
0.4 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
La Capannina Club
0.4 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
0.5 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Heaven
0.5 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
The Roxy
0.5 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
The Cuckoo Club
0.5 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.