Things to do in Leicester Square
The Leicester Square in London is named after the Earl of
Leicester, who was granted the land by King James I in 1630. The square was
originally a market garden, but it was developed into a residential area in the
18th century. The Leicester Square became a popular entertainment district in
the 19th century, and it is now home to a number of nightclubs, bars, and
restaurants. The square is also a popular tourist destination, and it is home
to the Leicester Square Theatre, the Odeon Cinema, and the Trocadero Hotel
London.
The Leicester Square is located in the heart of London's
West End, and it is surrounded by a number of famous landmarks. The square is a
short walk from Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster Abbey. The
Tube station at Leicester Square is served by the Bakerloo, Northern, and
Piccadilly lines.
The square has been used as a filming location for several
films and television shows, including Harry Potter and the Order of the
Phoenix, Sherlock Holmes, and Doctor Who.
How to reach Leicester Square
The best way to reach Leicester Square is by taking the
Tube. Leicester Square Station is on the Piccadilly Line. The journey from
Heathrow Airport to Leicester Square takes about an hour.
If you're coming from Gatwick Airport, the best way to reach
Leicester Square is by taking the Gatwick Express train. The journey takes
about 30 minutes.
If you're driving into London, there are a few things you
need to know. First, remember that traffic in London can be very congested.
Plan your route in advance and allow plenty of time to get to your destination.
Second, parking can be difficult to find and expensive. There are a few public
parking garages in the area, but they fill up quickly. If you're planning to
drive, it's best to use a car taxi service like UBER or take public
transportation.
Leicester Square is one of the busiest areas in London, so
be prepared for large crowds. The best times to visit are during the week when
it's less crowded. On weekends, the square is packed with people enjoying the
many shops, restaurants, and attractions.
What to do in Leicester Square
Some ideas of things to do in Leicester Square include
visiting the cinema, going to the theatre, eating out at one of the restaurants
or grabbing a bite to eat from one of the food stalls, buying some souvenirs
from one of the many shops, and taking a walk through the gardens. Leicester
Square is also a great place to people watch and take in the sights and sounds
of London.
Restaurants
Just a few minutes’ walk from Trafalgar Square and Covent
Garden, Leicester
Square is one of the busiest and most popular tourist areas in London. And
with good reason – it's home to some of the best restaurants in the city!
There are plenty of great places to eat in Leicester Square,
but some of the most popular restaurants include:
The Hard Rock Cafe
The Hard Rock Cafe in London is a popular tourist
destination, especially for those who love American food and live music. The
menu has a wide variety of items, from burgers and ribs to salads and pasta
dishes. There is also a great selection of cocktails, beers, and wines. And if
you're feeling adventurous, you can try one of the Hard Rock Cafe's famous
milkshakes! The live music is a great way to get into the London nightlife
scene, and you can often find bands playing rock, pop, and even blues music.
Cafe Rouge
Cafe Rouge is a French chain restaurant that serves a great
selection of food and wine. The atmosphere is cosy and intimate, and the staff
is friendly and knowledgeable. The menu features classic French dishes like
steak frites and onion soup, as well as lighter fare like salads and
sandwiches. The wine list is extensive, with something for everyone. Whether
you're looking for a romantic dinner spot or a place to enjoy a glass of wine
with friends, Cafe Rouge is a great choice.
The Rainforest Cafe – A fun, family-friendly
restaurant with an animal theme.
The Rainforest Cafe is a great place to take the family for
a fun and unique dining experience. The restaurant has an animal theme, with
jungle-inspired decor and animatronic animals. They serve up American cuisine
with a twist, including burgers, salads, sandwiches, and pizza. The Rainforest
Cafe is perfect for kids of all ages, and adults will enjoy the fun atmosphere
as well.
Fratelli la Bufala
If authentic Italian cuisine is what you are after then
Fratelli la Bufala is the place for you. All dishes are prepared with the
freshest ingredients and its extensive menu means there will be a dish to
everyone’s taste.
If you're looking for a more authentic dining experience,
head to London's China Town. This vibrant neighbourhood is home to some of the
best Chinese restaurants in the city. You'll find everything from hole-in-the
wall places to upscale eateries. And if you can't decide what to order, try one
of the delicious dim sum dishes.
Attractions
The Leicester Square Theatre
This theatre has been around since 1884 and is one of the
most popular in London. It's known for its West End shows, which include
musicals, comedies, and dramas. The theatre also hosts a variety of other
events, such as stand-up comedy nights and film screenings.
The National Gallery
One of the world's most famous art museums, the National
Gallery houses a collection of paintings from some of the most famous artists
in history. Visitors can see works by da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh, to
name just a few. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and
events.
Plays and Musicals
Leicester square is situated in the heart of the West End,
which one could say is the London equivalent of New York Broadway. So
naturally, there are plenty of excellent musicals and plays to choose from. If
you are looking for a family friendly play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
is the perfect option (make sure you book your ticket in advance to avoid
disappointment). If you are a thrill seeking individual, you should check out
2.22 or the Woman in Black. And Come from Away and the Book of Mormons are
amongst the best musicals you will have the pleasure to watch.
Night Life
From traditional English pubs to glamorous rooftop bars, the
world is your oyster here in Leicester square!
- Waxy
O’Connors – this traditional pub is spread across 6 floors and a great
spot for a chilled drink.
- O’Neill’s
Wardour Street – in the hearts of Chinatown, you should pay a visit to
O’Neill’s to watch live sports or enjoy some live music.
- LSQ
Rooftop – the views from this beautiful rooftop bar and restaurants
can’t be beat! Pop in for a cocktail or a quick bite and admire the
wonderful city skyline.
- The
Alchemist – renowned for the best and quirkiest cocktails in London,
the Alchemist never disappoints and is perfect for pre or post-theatre
drinks.
- Casinos
– if you are feeling adventurous and seeking some thrill, try your
luck in one of the Leicester square casinos. The Hippodrome Casino is
probably the most popular, and is located right outside Leicester square
tube station.
Leicester Square on a Budget
We know that London can be expensive and it is easy to rack
up a hefty bill while you’re having fun! So here are some tips to make the most
of your time in London on a budget.
Most supermarket chains will offer what is called a ‘meal
deal’ for little more than a fiver. This usually consists of a sandwich or
salad, a snack, and a drink. A great option if you are trying to save some
pennies.
Walk! Most of central London can be explored on foot. Buses
are also an excellent option: the pay as you go fare for a bus ride is £1.65,
and you get to enjoy the view. If you are travelling by train and tube, try to
avoid peak times (Monday to Friday between 6.30am and 9.30am, and 4pm and 7pm)
or investigate purchasing a Visitor Oyster card.
Most museum and art gallery are free (think the National
Gallery, the British Museum and the Tate Modern), and so are all of the
wonderful London parks. Green Park and St James’s Park are our favourites!
If you are planning a visit to a ticketed attraction, try
and book in advance – it could be cheaper. Alternatively, you can buy a Big
City Saver pass which will allow you to save up to 46% off on some of
everyone’s favourite London attractions such as the London eye and Madame
Tussaud.
And, last but not least, you can save money on your
accommodation by staying with us at Zedwell!
