Leicester Square - Tourist Attractions in London West End

Leicester Square is a buzzing and very popular area in the heart of London famous for the fantastic film premiers which are regularly held at the Odeon and Empire cinemas.

Charlie Chaplin is one of the most famous actors in the world and if you take a peek in the lovely little garden in the middle of the square you'll see a statue of Mr Show-Business himself... Charlie Chaplin.

This is the very heart of London and there's always something fun to do!

The Chinese New Year and Christmas celebrations are held here and there's often a huge fair with roundabouts and music.

In June Leicester Square goes 'West End Live' and has one of the biggest FREE events of the year. Top west end shows alongside a variety of other musical acts as well as interactive displays and exhibits can be enjoyed. For more information go to - website

The lively atmosphere of this buzzing square is intoxicating! Artists paint portraits of anyone willing to have one done and the entire square is surrounded with restaurants, cafès, bars and cinemas.

Cheap Cinema Tickets

As well as the luxurious cinemas there's a very popular cinema called the Prince Charles which is just off the square... (website) You can relax on red velvet seats and enjoy many international films at greatly reduced prices. In central London what more can you want... Just sit back and enjoy!

Odeon Cinemas on the Square

The Odeon West End was built in 1930 and in 1937 became Rank's first cinema. It is situated on the south side of the Square and contains two screens and is often used for film premieres. It also hosts the annual BFI London Film Festival.

The Odeon Leicester Square was built in 1937 and is located on the eastern side of the Square. It has the largest single screen cinema in the UK and next door is the Odeon Mezzanine with five smaller screens. Every year it hosts many film premiers and also the Royal Film Performance.[

Cheap London Theater Tickets

Leicester Square is famous for the very cheap London theater tickets you can get at the Leicester Square ticket booth.

This is where you can snap up last minute bargain theatre tickets for many of London’s top shows. It's been in the square since 1980 when it used to be known as the Half Price Ticket Booth or the 'bucket shop'.

This is the sign to look for [Tkts] and it's the only official half price and discount theatre ticket operation in London and is run by the Society of London Theatre, the trade association which represents London theatre.

Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday 10.00am to 7.00pm
Sunday - 12.00pm to 3.00pm

Opposite the 'Leicester Square Ticket Booth' are the offices of Capital Radio where you'll often see many famous celebrities and next door is the popular Capital Radio Cafè.

Cheap Places to Eat

This may be one of the most expensive cities in the world but you don't have to dine out at the Ritz every night! If you feel like taking it easy there are many places to enjoy a drink or meal. All Bar One is perfectly located next to the Odeon cinema and you can dine 'al fresco'.

Directly opposite the square is Yates's Bar/Restaurant... you can enjoy a drink and meal in very spacious and comfortable surroundings at very affordable prices. For example a bottle of wine starts at £9 and 2 good sized meals for £7.99.

The area between Leicester Square and Shaftesbury Avenue is where you'll find the popular and very exciting China Town. Mouth-watering restaurants line the streets and you can get excellent lunch-time buffet offers with many snacks costing around £3 which are also perfect for that after-show dinner or snack.

Romantic Places to Eat

There are many lovely restaurants in London which are great for a romantic night out on the town. In nearby Covent Garden there are many excellent places to eat such the Covent Garden Grill and the Rock Garden which overlooks the Piazza.

Luxurious Hotel on the Square

Tip! - If you're looking for a luxurious place to stay the Hampshire Hotel occupies a prime position on the corner of Leicester Square.

It's the perfect location to explore London from as you are so close to all the main attractions of central London - Soho, China Town, the National Gallery, Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square. On your doorstep are the major restaurants, clubs and bars of this exciting area of London.

Check out more hotels in Picadilly such as Le Meridien, the Ritz and the Cavendish hotel. There are many more hotels in Covent Garden.

Things to do in London

London Attractions

Discount London Hotel

London Restaurants

Back from Leicester Square to London Areas