The square was originally laid out in 1670 on land previously owned by the Earl of Leicester.
It served as a site for 'Leicester House,' the residence of Frederick, Prince of Wales, during the 18th century.
The central statue of William Shakespeare, erected in 1874, is the oldest in the square.
The square hosts the annual BFI London Film Festival, attracting global film industry figures.
Many of the bronze statues are part of the 'Scenes in the Square' trail, which uses QR codes to provide historical context.
The Odeon Luxe theater features an original Art Deco facade that has been preserved through various modern renovations.
Leicester Square is a pedestrianized public square in London's West End, primarily functioning as the city's central hub for film premieres and entertainment. It features a central garden surrounded by nine bronze statues of cinematic and literary icons, including Charlie Chaplin, Mary Poppins, and William Shakespeare. The square is anchored by the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square, which serves as one of the world's premier venues for blockbuster red-carpet events. The current landscape design includes high-pressure water jets and a revamped central park area completed in the early 2010s. Visitors encounter a mix of high-street flagship stores, including the LEGO Store and M&M's World, alongside established theaters. It serves as the historic home of the Prince Charles Cinema, known for its repertory and cult film programming. The square remains open to the public 24 hours a day as a thoroughfare connecting the West End's nightlife and theater districts.
Beside the bronze statue of Charlie Chaplin or near the central fountain area.
Visit during a major film premiere if you wish to see celebrities on the red carpet, though expect extreme crowding.
The square acts as a central junction, so use it as a meeting point before heading to nearby Soho or Covent Garden.
Check the 'Scenes in the Square' interactive map online to find specific statue locations before arriving.
Avoid dining at the large, generic chain restaurants immediately bordering the square, as they are often overpriced and oriented toward transient tourists.
