Leicester Square Square

Address: Leicester Square, London WC2 (City of Westminster), England, United Kingdom

Hours: Public space - open 24 hours though shops/attractions follow their own hours

Admission: Free (public square)

Leicester Square is a pedestrianised public square in the West End of central London, in the City of Westminster. It is internationally known for its cinemas, film premieres and concentration of entertainment venues.

The square contains a central garden area and is ringed by cinemas, restaurants and entertainment venues; major film premieres and media events are routinely staged there. The area forms a cultural hub adjacent to Chinatown, theatre districts and shopping streets.

Leicester Square developed from the late 17th century around Leicester House and evolved into a public and entertainment space during the 18th and 19th centuries. Its role as a media and film hub solidified with the growth of cinema in the 20th century.

The square sits between Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden in central London, with Leicester Square Underground station serving the area on the Northern and Piccadilly lines.

• Film premieres: A major London venue for film premieres and promotional events, with high footfall evenings and weekends around cinema screenings.
• Transport access: Closest London Underground station is Leicester Square, providing direct access to the square on the Northern and Piccadilly lines.

What to See#

• Central square garden: The central pedestrianised garden and paved square that forms the public heart of the area, used for events and surrounded by seating and trees.
• Cinema and premiere venues: Cluster of large cinemas and multiplexes on the square’s edges that host film premieres and public screenings, making the square a focal point for cinema events.

Leicester Square is in the heart of London’s West End. Take the London Underground - Northern and Piccadilly lines stop at Leicester Square station and the square is immediately outside the station exits (a 0-2 minute walk). It is also a short walk from Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden and many central bus routes; vehicular access is restricted and parking is limited in the West End.

• Use Leicester Square tube station (Northern and Piccadilly lines) for the quickest drop‑off into the square and to avoid circling traffic from nearby buses and taxis.
• If you want discounted same‑day theatre tickets, head to the TKTS booth on the square in the afternoon; for a quieter experience visit early morning or late evening when crowds and street performers are thinner.
• Avoid weekend evenings if you prefer less bustle; step one block east into Chinatown or north toward the National Gallery for calmer streets and good alternatives when the square is busy.