Leicester Square, the heart of London, is not just a place for red-carpet film premiers anymore. It is a public square with daytime tours and late-night dining with evening theatres, nightclubs, and much more. The area also covers Chinatown and Trafalgar Square in London, so there is something for everyone. If you are visiting this place for the first time, keep reading! In this blog, The UK Time has highlighted ten fun things to do in Leicester Square. So let’s get started!
Enjoy the Luxury Decor of Her Majesty’s Theatre
Since 1705, the location of Her Majesty’s Theatre has hosted production. Its theatre was opened in 1897, and visitors have been basking in lavish architecture and interior decoration since then. Theatres goers since 1986 have relished the staging of one of the most pop musicals in the world, The Phantom of the Opera.
Before heading down to the auditorium, you will be royally entertained as the thousands of visitors before you down the years.
Take a Selfie In Front of a Famous Statue in Leicester Square Gardens!
Leicester Square Garden is aesthetically surrounded by trees in the center of Leicester Square. In 2013, it was redeveloped with fountains to enhance its appeal. Designers added more seats around the statue of William Shakespeare which quickly became a popular tourist attraction.
Leicester Square is one of the tourist favorite places as they can seize their memories on camera by taking pictures in front of the bronze statue of the King of Comedy, Charlie Chaplin. Who would not want to go here? It is a must-visit!
Stand in the Most Popular Trafalgar Square
Famous Trafalgar Square is a place for you if you are a fan of history. Surrounded by historical buildings, Trafalgar Square never fails to capture the attention, heart, and affection of all history-lover tourists! Everyone is well-aware of this public square. Here you will see two aesthetic fountains, besides a tall Nelson’s Columb. While walking in this street, you will see numerous street performers, including ‘Floating Yodas’. The impressive performances, coupled with the historical aesthetics, make the location ideal for having mix-timed fun. The location holds many annual public events, such as Saint Patrick’s Day and Chinese New Year celebrations. If you visit particularly near those dates, brace yourself for the celebratory decor and increased fun!
Dine and Shop at the Japan Centre
Since 1876, the Japan Cente flagship in London has been on Panton Street. The traditional ‘Depachika,’ which means basement food hall in Japanese, has specialist food courts with an open kitchen and dine-in in the central courtyard. An ideal place for food lovers!
The take-out deli store section has noodles such as ramen, Japanese curry, hand-pulled udon, and a variety of tempura and gyoza. In the leading shop of the Japan Centre, you can buy dry goods like seaweed and fish for cooking sashimi. You will also find non-food items such as beauty products, cookware, etc.
See First Class Art at the National Gallery
Art, art, art. Need we say more? It never goes out of fashion or fun. While going to the northern side of Trafalgar Square, you can visit the wonderful art gallery at the National Gallery. The best part? It is free to visit!
Inside, there are more than 2,300 paintings from mid-13th to 1900. The building has an aesthetic structure, which is art; those are European masterpieces. You will recognize artwork from Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rubens.
Watch the Latest Film at Vue West End
Leicester Square cinema is an outstanding choice if you are a fan of movies and want to watch the latest cinema release. There are about nine screens with 1,388 seats! Each seat ensures everyone has a great view. However, a little setback would be its cost. Brace yourself for high prices because West End cinemas are not likely a bargain.
See a Dance Show at Cafe de Paris
The grand opening of Cafe de Paris was held in 1924, hosting over nine decades of nightlife. The glittering chandeliers and grand staircases make this place a must-visit night place.
Play the Tables at the Empire Casino
On the north side of Leicester Square, there is a 24-hour casino in the style of Las Vegas. Blackjack, poker, and roulette are among the table games and many slot machines.
Premier League, NFL, and other events are broadcast on multiple screens in the Carlsberg Sports Bar. Go to the Icon Balcony Bar for cocktails on the Leicester Square terrace and to the Icon Balcony Bar for cocktails on the terrace overlooking Leicester Square.
Laugh at The Comedy Store!
This stand-up comedy venue was created mainly for adults over 18. It helped launch the careers of many “alternative comedians” of the 1980s, including Rik Mayall, French & Saunders, Paul Merton, and Ben Elton.
Tuesdays during Humor Week feature current news-based comedy, and Wednesdays and Sundays feature improv based on audience requests. Classic stand-up comedy is performed every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and open mic night is held on the last Monday of each month.
Ramble the Area of the Harry Potter Tour
Get a chance to see the fictional character of the most loving story Harry Potter. While walking on the free tour, you will get inspired by the building and streets covered in the schoolboy wizard films. The 2.5-hour tour runs daily at 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Swiss Flags Monument from Leicester Square. While this tour is free, you can also get a guide at the end of your time.
There is much more you can do in Leicester Square. This place offers you never-ending activities, be it shopping, eating, or touring. Visit soon, as Leicester Square is calling you!