Today, Leicester Square is home to a regular set of buskers, Bible bashers and caricature artists. Its famous Odeon cinema is the setting for many of London’s movie premieres, and a good place to spot the rich and famous. Prior to the 17th century, it was the garden of Leicester House, a fact that is commemorated with various statues of famous people associated with it. Monuments of Shakespeare and Charlie Chaplin stand here, surrounded by brass plates showing the distance to cities all over the globe. While the area is no longer a chic aristo hangout and has lost some of its grandeur over the years, it is a popular meeting place and entertainment centre.

Why should I go there?

Leicester Square divides opinion. For some, the globally popular cheap chain food shops, bars, cinematic behemoths, half-price theatre ticket booths, occasional amusement rides and hustle and bustle create a buzzing atmosphere; for others, this is their idea of a nightmare. Nevertheless, the Square’s undergone a transformation in recent years and further redevelopment is planned. Love it or hate it, Leicester Square has a definitive place in the city’s makeup. It’s worth dropping in to make up your own mind about it.

Where is the area?

Leicester Square has its own tube station, and is a short walk to Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden, as well as Charing Cross at Trafalgar Square.