Where is Leicester Square? Cinemas, statues and West End connections

Leicester Square is a pedestrianised public square in London’s West End, not in Leicester. It combines a central garden with cinemas and film-related attractions, as described in Wikipedia’s overview.

Finding Leicester Square in London

The square sits in the City of Westminster, with access via Leicester Square Underground station. Chinatown, Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square are nearby, making it a useful stop within a wider central London walk. The location overview sets out these geographical connections.

Cinema heritage and small details

Laid out in 1670, the square developed from a residential setting into an entertainment destination. Its cinema identity includes the Odeon and a long association with film premieres, documented in its historical account.

For a more focused visit, treat the garden as a magnifier rather than merely a photo stop: choose one statue, examine its pose and setting, then compare that intimate detail with the cinema façades. This gives a short walk a clearer theme than trying to photograph everything.

Attractions and events to check before travelling

The official Leicester Square website carries attraction and event updates, including the Scenes in the Square character trail. Check the relevant venue’s current programme before planning around a screening or event; the square itself and a particular attraction are different parts of a visit.