Impetuous and not overpowering, Leicester Square is still one of London's biggest tourist attractions.
Today, I guide you through the streets of this district.
Leicester Square: article summary
Explore the gardens of Leicester Square
Leicester Square is a hub of the entertainment scene since the 19th century. At the heart of it all are Leicester Gardens, adorned with a fountain, complete with a bust of Shakespeare in the middle, and surrounded by benches.
If you visit at a quiet time of day, you can get a glimpse of the once fashionable square, surrounded by classical architecture.
See a West End play
You can't spend time in London without seeing a play from West End. All year round, the capital hosts such a diverse and eclectic range of plays and musicals that it would be a real shame not to at least set foot in the city.
The area around Leicester is home to some of London's best-known theaters.
Leicester Square: discover Chinatown
Just a stone's throw from Leicester Square, Chinatown contrasts sharply with the square.
The four main entrances are marked by ornate gates, and red lanterns float in the breeze above.
Don't just take pictures, Chinatown is full of fantastic places to eat, drink and shop. Yolkin, Rasa Sayang and Four Seasons to name but a few.
Say hello to the statue of Eros
Located on the outskirts of Piccadilly CircusEros is one of London's best-known statues. But this cheeky, winged figure has much more to offer than meets the eye.
Indeed, it's not even Eros, but Anteros, the god of platonic and philanthropic love.
Leicester Square: Piccadilly Circus
It's one of the busiest places in London, with crowds of tourists, neon lights and huge billboards that shouldn't be as fascinating as they are.
Piccadilly Circus isn't for the faint-hearted, but it's a fun place to be, especially at night when everything's lit up.
Discover the Swiss Glockenspiel
Just outside M & M's boutique, you'll see something a little strange. Here, you can see the big Swiss Glockenspiel in the middle of the sidewalk, decorated with the flags of the Swiss cantons.
It's a throwback to the days when M&M World was actually the Swiss Center, a boutique and exhibition dedicated to Swiss culture and brands.
The center has long since disappeared, but they recovered the building's clock and put it on display.
Leicester Square: Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square, London's most iconic square, is just a stone's throw from Leicester.
Here you'll find :
- Visit National Gallery
- Visit National Portrait Gallery
- The Nelson Column
- The famous lion sculptures
More than just a jumble of London monuments, Trafalgar Square is actually a pretty lively place. There's always something going on, and you should go at least once.
The Lego store
Lego fanatics come from all over the world to pay homage to the giant Lego store on the corner of Leicester.
The London flagship store contains life-size models of some of the company's greatest creations, and has brick specialists on hand to help you create your own. to help you make your Lego decisions.
Leicester Square is one of the richest places to visit in London. If you're planning a vacation in the English capital, don't hesitate to make a detour here. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
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