Seeking things to do in Soho + Leicester Square? Then you’re just where you should be! Between them, Leicester Square and Soho are at the epicentre of London’s nightlife scene, and are a top pick for other activities too. Including shopping, dining out, and theatre.
When thinking about things to do in Leicester Square, entertainment is top of the list. Stay or visit here and you could catch a movie premiere, grab cut-price tickets to see a West End show, spend time (and money) at the casino, or head to London’s most iconic jazz or comedy venues.
Two major London art galleries are also within a stone’s throw of Leicester Square and Soho. And with Carnaby, Oxford, and Regent Streets – as well as many more in the Soho area – the shopping scene is second-to-none.
In Leicester Square, you can follow a free movie-themed statue trail, watch the street performers, shop at flagship stores, and dine out in nearby Chinatown.
Want to know what there is to do in the heart of London’s West End? Then read on to find out!
- Who is Leicester Square (+ Soho) best for?
- Top 10 Things to Do in Leicester Square (+ Soho)
- Where to Stay in Leicester Square (+ Soho)
- Where to Eat in Leicester Square (+ Soho)
- Where to Shop in Leicester Square (+ Soho)
- Christmas in Leicester Square (+ Soho)
- How to Get to Leicester Square (+ Soho)
- Leicester Square (+ Soho) FAQs
- Leicester Square (+ Soho) Tips
- What Will You Do in Leicester Square (+ Soho)?
Who is Leicester Square (+ Soho) best for?
- Art fans
- Shoppers
- Movie buffs
- Theatregoers
- After-dark revellers
Top 10 Things to Do in Leicester Square (+ Soho)
Cinemas and film premieres
Leicester Square is famous for cinemas, as red carpet London premieres take place here. There are several big name theatres to choose from – Cineworld, Odeon, and Vue. Don’t expect any cheap tickets in this location, though!
There’s also the Prince Charles Cinema on Leicester Place, right by the square. This independent venue shows arthouse, classic and cult movies, as well as Hollywood blockbusters.
The Odeon is the main venue for premieres, if you want to try and catch one. Seeing the stars arrive on the red carpet is usually enough, though it is possible to book tickets. If you can stretch the budget, these are sold through Cornucopia Events.
Otherwise, tickets are sometimes given away as prizes, by radio stations and such. So you could get lucky!
Scenes in the Square
Leicester Square’s Scenes in the Square statues are inspired by the plaza’s rich film heritage. The series of bronze statues includes icons from all sorts of movies, and they’re captured as they’re seen on screen.
Look out – and up – to spot Batman, Mr. Bean, Bugs Bunny, Gene Kelly, Laurel and Hardy, Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington Bear, and Wonder Woman. You can also see the Iron Throne, as featured in the mega-popular Game of Thrones series.
You can access a free Scenes in the Square audio tour via Spotify.
TKTS London
TKTS London is at the heart of Leicester Square, and is a non-profit ticket booth. Discounted and last minute tickets are often available here. So you could catch a matinee or evening show in the West End, even if you hadn’t planned ahead.
Expect to wait in line – or queue as they call it in London. It’s always busy at TKTS. While you wait, you can check what’s on at the displays by the booth, or online via the Official London Theatre website.
The Comedy Store
The Comedy Store has been open in Soho since 1979. With nine side-splitting shows per week, it’s the busiest comedy club in the city. Find out what’s on at The Comedy Store here.
You can expect improv, stand-up and more from both established names and fresh talent. Shows tend to be strictly for those aged 18 plus. There’s a bar and diner at the venue, too, and you can get deals here from Wednesday to Sunday if you pre-order.
Empire Casino
At Leicester Square’s northern end is Empire Casino, a Vegas-esque venue where you can gamble the night (or day) away. It’s free to enter, but if visiting after 9pm, do bring ID with you.
Smart casual dress is fine. You can also dine at the restaurant here, or order a cocktail at the bar.
Ronnie Scott’s
This jazz club is justifiably famous and a London institution. It’s uber hip and very atmospheric, with top-drawer live music acts. A visit to Ronnie Scott’s makes for a classy and memorable night out in Soho.
Old Compton Street
Old Compton Street in Soho is famous for its after-dark scene. It’s also at the heart of London’s LGBTQIA+ lifestyle. There are plenty of gay and lesbian bars here, and all are welcome.
Street Performers
Like nearby Covent Garden, Leicester Square is known for its street performers. Expect everything from living statues to jugglers, magicians, acrobats, comedians, and musicians. If you like the act, show your appreciation by dropping a few coins into their hat.
The National Portrait Gallery
Just down from Leicester Square on St Martin’s Place is the National Portrait Gallery. In addition to a big collection of portraits, it’s got a gift shop and several places to eat. It’s free to enter, and you can pre book tickets if you want to guarantee admission.
The National Gallery
This art museum occupies a landmark building on Trafalgar Square, close to Leicester Square and Soho. Around 2,300 paintings tell the tale of European art between the mid 1200s and 1900. While tickets are free, the gallery does recommend advance booking.
Where to Stay in Leicester Square (+ Soho)
Hotels
- £££ – The Soho Hotel | 5* | Restaurant, bar, & gym | Between Berwick & Frith Streets
- £££ – Ham Yard Hotel | 5* | Restaurants, bar, gym, & spa | Near Shaftesbury Avenue
- ££ – Hazlitt’s | 4* | Bar & 24-hour reception | On Frith Street
- ££ – The Resident Soho | Room service & 24-hour reception | Near Berwick & Oxford Streets
- £ – The Z Hotel Soho | Bar & 24-hour reception | Near Leicester Square & Piccadilly Circus
Holiday rentals
- 1 bed for 4 – City & Soho views | 1 bed & 1 bath | In central Soho
- 2 bed for 6 – Soho Square apartment | 2 beds & 1 bath | On Soho Square
Where to Eat in Leicester Square (+ Soho)
Chinatown
London’s Chinatown is very conveniently sited, close to Leicester Square. Gerrard Street is at the epicentre, and decorative gates stand at each end. It’s a traffic-free thoroughfare, making it easy to wander at will and find your new favourite dim sum spot.
C & R Cafe Restaurant
This Chinatown eatery is noteworthy because it serves Malaysian food, rather than Chinese. Expect truly yummy and authentic cuisine, served in a no-frills setting. Laksa is the house speciality.
The Moon Under Water
For affordable pub grub, it’s hard to beat ubiquitous British chain Wetherspoons. The Moon Under Water on Leicester Square takes its name from author George Orwell’s idea of the perfect public house.
Kingly Court
Kingly Court in the Carnaby Street area of Soho offers three floors of cafes, restaurants, and bars. You can order food from all four corners of the globe here, freshly prepared on site.
The Shakespeare’s Head
This Soho pub close to Carnaby Street offers traditional pub food such as fish and chips, pies, and more. It has a beer garden for al fresco dining in summer.
Bar Italia
Bar Italia is a Frith Street favourite that dates back almost eight decades. It serves coffee, pizza and pasta all day and night. Football fans, musicians, late-night revellers, and mods are among its regulars. It’s on the same street as Ronnie Scott’s.
Where to Shop in Leicester Square (+ Soho)
Carnaby Street
Between Regent and Oxford Streets in Soho you can find the Carnaby Street shopping area, which actually includes 14 streets. Expect lifestyle and fashion stores from big names and independent retailers.
Carnaby Street is at the heart of popular culture, lifestyle and fashion, and was the epicentre of the Swinging Sixties revolution.
Liberty
Look out for the landmark Liberty store, where Carnaby Street meets Regent Street. It’s famous for its printed fabrics, and also sells fashion and homeware. The tudor-style building is very striking.
M&Ms Store
Don’t come here if you have a migraine – it’s full-on colour, music, bright lights, and photo opps! There are four floors of M&Ms merchandise for sale here, including homeware, clothing, and of course sweets. It’s great for gift shopping.
LEGO® Store
This flagship shop is dedicated to the plastic brick, and offers kits for all ages and interests. With two floors, it’s the biggest LEGO® Store on the planet. The models are very impressive, and there’s also regular activities and demos.
Regent Street (+ Hamleys)
This smart shopping street bridges the gap between exclusive Bond Street and everyday Oxford Street. Hamleys toy store is a must for kids of all ages. It’s the oldest toy store anywhere, dating back to 1760.
Wizards & Wonders
Licenced merchandise from the Harry Potter movie franchise – as well as many more – is sold here on Coventry Street, between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. Apart from all things Hogwarts, expect items related to Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, the Lord of The Rings, the Hobbit and more.
Chinatown
Chinatown’s streets are lined with shops. These specialise in gifts, Asian groceries, and Chinese medicines.
Music and record shops
A couple of Soho streets are famous for selling instruments and recorded music. Head to Denmark Street to pick up a guitar, or Berwick Street for vinyl finds.
Berwick Street
As well as music shops, Berwick Street also offers an appealing range of boutiques. One of the oldest markets in London also operates here, selling both fashion and food.
Christmas in Leicester Square (+ Soho)
A big Christmas pop-up event takes place in Leicester Square every winter. It runs for around two months, from early November to early January. There’s dazzling lights, a festive market, and more, including plenty of places to grab seasonal food and drinks.
How to Get to Leicester Square (+ Soho)
Underground stations
- Leicester Square – Northern & Piccadilly lines
- Piccadilly Circus – Bakerloo & Piccadilly lines
- Oxford Circus – Bakerloo, Central, & Victoria lines
- Tottenham Court Road – Central & Northern lines
Leicester Square (+ Soho) FAQs
Where is Leicester Square?
Leicester Square is at the heart of London’s West End. It’s surrounded by Trafalgar Square, to the south, Covent Garden to the east, Piccadilly Circus to the west, and Soho to the north. The pedestrianised square is famous for movie premieres, Theatreland, and other forms of entertainment.
Where is Soho?
Soho is in the West End of London. The central district is bordered by Oxford Street, Regent Street, Charing Cross Road, and Shaftesbury Avenue. Neighbouring areas include Leicester Square and Chinatown, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden, Mayfair, and Fitzrovia.
Leicester Square (+ Soho) Tips
Stay safe
This vibrant area is one of the capital’s busiest, so pickpockets sadly do operate here. Keep an eye on your valuables and use theft-proof bags to protect your cash, cards, and ID.
What Will You Do in Leicester Square (+ Soho)?
Whether you visit by day or after sunset, there’s always lots to do in the Soho and Leicester Square areas. From shopping till you drop to fine art, street performers, statues, music, theatre, and cinema, this is London’s go-to area for fun and general fabulousness.
Read next – London area guides
- Things to do in Covent Garden & Holborn
- Things to do in Tower Hill and Tower Bridge
- Things to do in Westminster (including Victoria/Charing Cross and Trafalgar Square)
- Things to do in Kensington (including South Kensington)
- Things to do in Greenwich
- Things to do in Mayfair
- Things to do in the City of London
- Things to do in Southwark & Bankside
- Things to do in Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia
- Things to Do in Belgravia & Knightsbridge
- Things to do in Notting Hill
- Things to do in East London (Shoreditch & Spitalfields)
- Things to do in Marylebone
- Things to do in Paddington
- Things to do in Chelsea
- Things to do in Battersea
- Things to do in Piccadilly Circus
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