Top Things To Do in Leicester Square: Your Complete Guide

From the glitz and glamour of film premieres to shopping and traditional English pubs, there are plenty of great things to do when sightseeing in Leicester Square and the surrounding area. London’s iconic square has something for everyone, from family-friendly daytime activities and exhibitions to date-night spots and lots of history to learn about. There’s no shortage of entertainment, with Leicester Square home to some of the best cinemas and theatres in the city.

Iconic historical landmarks are among the must-see attractions for first-time visitors to Leicester Square. Visit the Church of Notre Dame de France to get a feel for the history of the French community in the area and to admire murals by Jean Cocteau, a prominent early-1900s surrealist. Contemporary artistry can be found along the Scenes in the Square bronze statue trail, one of the best things to do in Leicester Square for free. Seek out iconic film characters from Bugs Bunny and Mary Poppins to Paddington and Harry Potter - and don't forget to take a photo on a bench with Mr Bean.

• Church of Notre Dame de France, 5 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX
• Open 9.30am-9pm Mon–Fri (Closed on Tue), 2pm-9pm Sat, 10am-7pm Sun
• Entry is free, donations are welcome

Hands up if you love shopping! If you’re in Leicester Square, make the most of the shopping opportunities all around the area. Leicester Square is just around the corner from the famous Regent Street, which curves up towards Oxford Street — both of which are home to London’s most iconic stores and boutiques. On Regent Street, you’ll find flagship stores from Apple, Burberry, and Hollister, plus the fantastic Hamleys toy store, which was founded in 1760. On Oxford Street, there’s Selfridges, John Lewis, River Island, UNIQLO, and Zara. If you're in the capital at Christmas, browse traditional market stalls at the Christmas in Leicester Square market.

Two of the most famous shops on Leicester Square provide the chance not only to browse for souvenirs but to have memorable family experiences too. M&M’S London is four floors of chocolatey goodness. While you’re there, grab a selfie with the characters that make the brand so iconic. The two-floor flagship LEGO® Store is also a must-visit for families, especially to see the huge double-decker bus made out of 270,884 LEGO® bricks.
 

If the weather is good, nibble on M&Ms in Leicester Square Gardens, then educate your little ones about British history with busts of historical figures in each corner of the square, including Sir Isaac Newton and the artist William Hogarth. The marble central fountain features a 19th-century statue of Shakespeare.

Take a breather from the bustle with a visit to The National Gallery, a couple of minutes south of Leicester Square on foot. In this grand neoclassical building on famous Trafalgar Square, contemplate works from several centuries of British and global art history. Some of London's fascinating annual festivals also arrive in Leicester Square, including the Chinese New Year celebrations in late winter. A visit to Chinatown, very nearby, is one of the best things to do near Leicester Square at any time of year, but the parades, vivid floats, and stage performances make Chinese New Year particularly special.
 

Just a short walk from The National Gallery, indulge in a sophisticated base for things to do in Leicester Square: Sofitel London St James - a neoclassical hotel that's a London experience in itself.

• The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
• Open 10am-6pm daily (open until 9pm on Fridays)
• Entry is free, donations are welcome

Along with the Church of Notre Dame de France, continental influence can also be admired to the west of the square, where the Swiss Glockenspiel chimes its bells five times a day. This eccentric clock features eleven moving figures against an Alpine backdrop, and rings out sounds written by students from the Royal Academy of Music in London. Street performers add to the area's quirky side and raise a smile (while expecting to be compensated with donations for their undoubted talents).

If you’re in London at the right time, you might spot famous faces as they head down the red carpet en route to a film premiere amongst a frenzy of flashing cameras.  Many releases are premiered at Picturehouse Central, Shaftesbury Avenue, or ODEON Luxe in Leicester Square itself — so certainly check to find out which stars you could see. Other picture houses in and around the square include the Prince Charles Cinema, Vue Cinema London - West End, and Cineworld London Leicester Square (formerly The Empire, dating from 1884).

Leicester Square is at the heart of London's Theatreland, and the excitement of theatre-goers making their way to a venue or having pre-show dinner and drinks adds to the irresistible buzz of the area. The Noël Coward Theatre, Wyndham's Theatre, and the Criterion Theatre are within five minutes' walk of the square, to name just a few.
 

The Leicester Square Theatre features an enticing variety of shows, including cabaret, music, and comedy. Laughter also echoes out from The Comedy Store, two minutes' walk from the square.

• TKTS, Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DE
• Open 10:30am-6pm daily, 12-4:30pm Sun

The Lamb & Flag is a two-minute walk from Leicester Square and is the ideal place to order a pint of ale and some pub grub. It’s said there have been licensed premises on this Covent Garden site since Tudor times, and the current Grade II listed building, which opened in 1722, was a favourite spot of Charles Dickens. The Moon Under Water, named after George Orwell’s fictional public house, is owned by JD Wetherspoon. It’s perfect for a reasonably priced pre-cinema bite to eat or drink.

Leicester Square is a hub of red-hot nightlife and is tailor-made for big nights out.  All Bar One serves cocktails and has an extensive wine list. In nearby Soho,  Club 49 is a vibrant club with an exclusive VIP area. And Zoo Bar & Club, where you’ll need to book a table in advance, is a popular spot playing commercial R&B and hip hop. To view the captivating London skyline while sipping cocktails and dining on Mediterranean fare, check out LSQ Rooftop Leicester Square at its enviable 1 Leicester Square address.

The Leicester Square district has some of the best restaurants and cafés in Central London. Savour modern European cuisine at the polished Claude's Kitchen, or nestle into the rustic, cosy setting at Little Italy, both on Irving Street off Leicester Square. Fancy combining high-end steaks with high stakes? Dine at Heliot Steak House inside the Hippodrome Casino, which offers a unique dining experience: this renowned eatery overlooks the main gaming floor. For something quicker during a busy day in the capital, drop into Jollibee Leicester Square for Filipino fast food.

Now you have some ideas for things to do in Leicester Square, it's time to start planning your trip!