Leicester Square

Leicester Square which includes a fountain and a square or plaza
Leicester Square showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a city
Leicester Square
Leicester Square
Leicester Square featuring signage, heritage architecture and a city


Thrill to London's eclectic nightlife in one of its most famous locations, a vibrant square that's been an entertainment hub since the 19th century.

Leicester Square is a buzzing hub of activity, home to many diverse entertainment options. Once the site of music halls and old-fashioned movie houses, the square is now dotted with trendy restaurants, bars and cinemas. Watch mimes and other street performers, stroll around the central green area or try your luck at the casinos set in historic buildings.

The square was first laid out in 1630, and became a popular entertainment area in the mid-19th century. It was home to Turkish baths, burlesque houses, music halls and then later, movie houses such as the Empire and the Hippodrome. Visit the Hippodrome today and you will find one of the U.K.’s largest casinos. The Empire cinema remains open and is often the setting for star-studded red carpet premieres.

Head to the small garden at the centre of the square, which features a marble statue of William Shakespeare surrounded by dolphins. Walk around the edge of the green space to see statues of other famous figures from English history. Look for Charlie Chaplin, William Hogarth and Sir Isaac Newton, among others.

In the northwest corner of the square, find the quirky Swiss glockenspiel. The stand-alone clock is 32 feet (9.8 metres) high and features 27 bells, 11 moving Swiss figures and a glass drum decorated with Swiss flags.

Stroll around the square to enjoy the lively buzz and then watch a movie in one of the cinemas. At the southwest corner, look at the floor plaques with handprints of famous actors, inspired by the Walk of Fame in Hollywood.

The square is one of the most crowded places in London, particularly on weekends. Arrive in the evening and watch its pedestrianized streets come to life with neon lights, revellers and nightclub music.

Leicester Square is on numerous bus routes and also has its own Underground station. While you are here, watch a play or a musical. London's theatre district is right on the doorstep.

Plan a trip to see Leicester Square

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Reviews of Leicester Square

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
262
5 - Excellent 30%
4 - Good
461
4 - Good 53%
3 - Okay
124
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
16
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Only a few minutes walk, centre of lot of theatres, restaurants, book shops, shopping

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Visit to comedy store recommended

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lego shop a must!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Enjoyed an excellent meal with our son in the STEAK & CO, well worth a visit, brilliant staff and excellent food/atmosphere.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Cut price theatre tichet kiosk had a good selection of shows.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Leicester Square

Leicester Square offers a vibrant mix of activities, including world-class theatre performances, captivating art exhibitions, and a variety of shopping options. Whether you're looking to catch the latest West End show, explore charming boutiques, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere, this iconic square provides a perfect backdrop for an unforgettable London experience.

Shopping

In Leicester Square, you can enjoy shopping at Burlington Arcade for unique gifts and souvenirs, just 249m away. For a vibrant atmosphere, visit Borough Market, located 1.2km away, offering delicious food and local crafts. If you're up for a drive, Harrods is also 1.2km away, perfect for luxury shopping.

Recreation

At the O2 Arena, immerse yourself in a vibrant sports atmosphere, perfect for energising activities. Discover tranquillity at Hampstead Heath, where you can enjoy nature walks and serene picnics. For entertainment, the ABBA Arena offers lively concerts that uplift your spirits and create memorable experiences.

Adventure

Experience thrilling adventures at Vertical Chill, where you can conquer climbing walls, located 249m away. For karting enthusiasts, Oasis Go-Kart Track, 1.2km away, offers adrenaline-pumping races. For a unique view of London, hop on the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, 3.7km away.

Nightlife

Leicester Square buzzes with vibrant nightlife. The Dominion Theatre showcases captivating performances, while the Lyceum Theatre offers a rich cultural experience. For film lovers, Cine Lumiere presents a charming cinematic escape, all within a short stroll from the square, perfect for family outings or romantic evenings.

Find the best attractions near Leicester Square

Leicester Square is a vibrant hub brimming with attractions, including bustling streets, picturesque piazzas, and inviting urban parks. It offers a delightful mix of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. While exploring, consider searching for hotels nearby to enhance your stay and read reviews to find the perfect accommodation. Don't miss the iconic sights that make Leicester Square a must-visit destination.

  • Big Ben: This iconic clock tower, located 435m from Leicester Square, is a symbol of London. With its striking Gothic architecture, Big Ben offers a unique blend of culture and city vibes, making it a must-see for any visitor.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Merely 124m from Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus is a vibrant street renowned for its bright neon lights and bustling atmosphere. This lively spot is perfect for immersing yourself in the energetic city vibes of London.
  • Buckingham Palace: Situated 497m away, Buckingham Palace is a historic palace that serves as the official residence of the British monarch. Experience the cultural significance and grandeur of this royal landmark during your visit.

Best time to go to Leicester Square

The best time to visit Leicester Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Leicester Square falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Leicester Square falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Leicester Square

To save money on your visit to Leicester Square, consider travelling between January and March when hotel prices are lower, and try to book a month in advance for the best rates. Sundays are the cheapest nights to stay, while Wednesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to find affordable accommodation, and look for last-minute deals. For transport, take advantage of London’s extensive public transport system, which is cost-effective. Don't forget to explore free attractions in the area, and consider booking a package for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Leicester Square are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Leicester Square about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Leicester Square is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Leicester Square is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to discover the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: By booking an Expedia package, you can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay in Leicester Square with your flights and activities.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia