Leicester Square is right in the heart of the bustling metropolis of London. The area is probably most famous for its selection of cinemas, and a roster of stars can often be found traversing the red carpet of Odeon Leicester Square, home to UK premiers of films. There’s more to Leicester Square than the movies though, and we’ve put together a guide for the best things to do in Leicester Square to help you make the most out of your trip!
Tasty Noodles
Kicking off our list of the best things to do in Leicester Square is the delicious Lanzhou Lamian Noodle Bar, located right next to Leicester Square Station. Whilst it may look unassuming from the outside, Lanzhou has been serving up some of the best cheap fare in London for years. They specialise in noodle soups, the broth for which bubbles away evocatively from the kitchen – which is right in the middle of the dining room. The best thing about this quirk is that diners get to watch the chefs prepare the lamian – hand pulled noodles – created from one large piece of dough, slapped and stretched until it magically turns into long elasticy noodles. The taste of the noodles is second to none – we recommend trying them with the beef brisket!
You can find out more about Leicester Square on our amazing London Walking Tour.
Opening hours:
Monday-Thurs: 10.00-2.00, Fri-Sat: 10.00-5.00, Sun: 10.00-22.00
Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Lines)
14, 19
Q Park, (0113 238 4200), 39-41 Whitcomb St, London WC2H 7DT
Famous Cinema
Next on our list of the best things to do in Leicester Square is one of the most famous cinemas in the world. Built in 1937, the Odeon Luxe manages to combine old fashioned charm with modern luxury and is well worth a visit. It is most famous for hosting the London premiers of blockbuster films, the stars of which can regularly be seen wandering down the red carpet into the entrance.
You can find out more about Leicester Square on our amazing London Walking Tour. Click here to find out more about Footprints’ amazing walking tour!
9:30am-11pm
Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Lines)
14, 19
Q Park, (0113 238 4200), 39-41 Whitcomb St, London WC2H 7DT
Famous Cinema
Next on our list of the best things to do in Leicester Square is another cinema, but one quite different to the glittering lights and plush seats of the Odeon Luxe. The Prince Charles Cinema is a little gem of a theater tucked away around the corner of the busy square, which shows cult classics and modern movies at reasonable prices.
You can find out more about Leicester Square on our amazing London Walking Tour. Click here to find out more about Footprints’ amazing walking tour!
See website for show times
Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Lines)
14, 19
Q Park, (0113 238 4200), 39-41 Whitcomb St, London WC2H 7DT
Exclusive Bar
Next on our list of the best things to do in Leicester Square is a bar fit for the stars. Intimate and exclusive, Icon Balcony Bar is our fabulous candlelit cocktail lounge with a beautiful balcony overlooking Leicester Square. Inside, the style is reminiscent of a French boudoir, with chandeliers, antique wallpaper, exposed brickwork and opulent crimson furnishings. It is the perfect place to meet friends for a drink in truly special surroundings. It has been enjoyed by many celebrity guests, among them Julia Roberts and Madonna, and a wide variety of drinks can be enjoyed, including boutique beers from around the world and delicious cocktails.
You can find out more about Leicester Square on our amazing London Walking Tour.
Opening hours:
Sun18:00 – 02:00
Mon – Thu: 17:00 – 02:00
Fri: 17:00 – 03:00
Sat: 18:00 – 03:00
Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Lines)
14, 19
Q Park Chinatown, (0113 238 4200), 20 Newport Pl, London WC2H 7PR
Famous Comedy
In the heart of London’s theatreland, Soho Comedy Club offers the best of London comedy. It has been voted London’s friendliest Comedy Club and named a top 10 club by Time Out for its consistently high quality and innovative shows. A perfect end to the list of the best things to do in Leicester Square.
You can find out more about Leicester Square on our FREE London Walking Tour!
Opening hours:
Mon: 20:00 – 23:00
Fri: 21:00 – 23:30
Sat: 19:30 – 23:30
Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Lines)
14, 19
Q Park Chinatown, (0113 238 4200), 20 Newport Pl, London WC2H 7PR
You can find out more information of this site, and some of the most iconic sites in the city, on a private London walking tour!
For more information, click here