Leicester Square in London Prepares for Christmas: 10 Hidden Spots to Visit.

According to The Sun: Christmas is just around the corner in the capital — the city will be filled with festive markets, luxurious light installations, and wonderful fairs that will attract many tourists.

Many new attractions have appeared in Leicester Square, including an ice rink in the heart of the square, making it difficult to find real treasures among London’s popular spots. But don’t worry — Sun Travel has prepared some tips.

skateleicestersquare.co.uk/London’s Leicester Square will open a new ice rink for Christmas.leicestersquaretheatre.comYou can catch a show just a few minutes from the square.

Leicester Square Theatre

Lisa Minot, Head of Sun Travel:

“I believe Leicester Square Theatre is a true gem, with various shows, but most often comedians try out their new routines before tours.”

 

“I once saw Bill Bailey there, and tickets were significantly cheaper. Another advantage is the coziness of the theatre: you are close to the action.”

 

“John Bishof is currently working on his new show, while Mickey Flanagan will perform at the end of the month.”

Indigo Hotel London

Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter:

“On the opposite side of Leicester Square, there’s a large Indigo hotel, and I’m sure most tourists walk past it.”

 

“But if you step inside and go up to the rooftop bar, you can enjoy stunning views of London. When I was there, the bar wasn’t crowded, and you can comfortably sit in plush chairs or step out onto the balcony.”

 

“Not only cocktails and beer, but there’s also coffee and hot chocolate, so you can pop in anytime.”

Brasserie Zedel

Sophie Swietochowska, Travel Assistant Editor:

“Brasserie Zédel might look like a small café from the outside, but when you pass through the tiny entrance and descend the winding stairs, you enter an underground replica of Paris in the 1930s.”

 

“On the upper level, there’s a chic café, and below, a large restaurant with chandeliers and a cozy cabaret-theatre room.”

 

“The glamorous interior captivates from the first glance — towering ceilings with marble columns and luxurious sofas. And the food prices will delight you even more.”

 

“The fixed three-course menu for only £19.95 is surprisingly low for central London, featuring signature dishes like wine-soaked coq au vin.”

At Brasserie Zédel, you'll feel like you’re in Paris.

 

“Waiters in bow ties add a special charm, and they serve traditional dishes prepared with great attention to detail — it’s not just dinner, it's a real experience.”

Cork and Bottle

Carolyn McGuire, Travel Manager:

“You should be attentive and look for the Cork And Bottle sign when entering Leicester Square from the underground station.”

 

“This unassuming glass door leads to winding stairs going down, where you’ll find a wine bar and restaurant.”

 

“The selection of wines here is vast, and the pairings with cheese will delight you. And generally, you’ll always find a free table.”

 

“This is the true definition of a hidden gem in one of the busiest tourist spots in the capital.”

Japanese Retail Center

Carolyn McGuire, Travel Manager:

“Panton Yokocho was a wonderful ramen restaurant a few streets away from Leicester Square that closed at the beginning of the year.”

 

“But it is opening a new branch in the Japanese Retail Center.”

 

“This means you can still enjoy delicious ramen (even my 5-year-old son loves it), and then buy wonderful Japanese products to take home.”

AlamyDon’t miss Cork and Bottle next time you’re in Soho.

Chinatown Bakery

Helen Wright, Travel Author:

“When I visit London with my kids, they always ask for snacks.”

 

“Trendy cafés with ice cream and donuts in central London can charge up to £7 for fancy treats, and it quickly adds up if I have two kids — especially if I order one for myself as well.”

 

“Instead, I take them to Chinatown and buy Taiyaki from the Chinatown Bakery.”

 

“These cute fish-shaped pastries filled with cream are incredibly delicious! My kids love them, and the price — four for £2.50 — is a real bargain.”

Prince Charles Cinema

Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter:

“Hidden on one of the side streets of Leicester Square, the Prince Charles cinema isn't as popular among tourists as Odeon or Vue.”

 

“The cinema shows a mix of cult classics, new releases, and events like quizzes and singalongs to movies such as Grease, Dirty Dancing, and Rocky Horror.”

 

“Tickets for non-members start from £10.50, and sitting in the red velvet chairs — don’t forget the snacks.”

Chandos

Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter:

“Heading to Trafalgar Square, you’ll see Chandos on the corner of St. Martin’s Street.”

 

“It’s a classic London pub, also known as one of the cheapest in the city.”

 

“Inside is a small space, but you'll probably find somewhere to sit — on a chair or in a box illuminated by beautiful stained glass.”

 

“You can get everything here — from beers to lagers, soft drinks, or cocktails — which you can get 2 for £20. If you’re hungry — head upstairs to eat.”

Hippodrome

Carolyn McGuire, Travel Manager:

“The Hippodrome is undoubtedly a tourist magnet, but listen to me... After a major renovation a few years ago, it is one of my top 5 places to visit after midnight in central London.”

 

“The rooftop bar is huge and delightful in summer, and the casino looks like you’re in Vegas, operating 24/7.”

 

“In 2025, there aren’t many places in London that meet these criteria.”

London Transport Museum

Carolyn McGuire, Travel Manager:

“What child doesn’t love buses and trains? At the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, they can even imagine they’re driving one of them.”

 

“Your ticket can be exchanged for an annual one, meaning you can visit it repeatedly if you’re often in central London.”

 

“I’ve used the museum as a great place for my kids to entertain themselves on rainy winter days.”

National Gallery

Helen Wright, Travel Author:

“When I visit the city with my kids, we often go to the National Portrait Gallery for free storytelling sessions or workshops they offer.”

 

“No registration is required; it’s on a first-come, first-served basis, and they are always very interesting and educational.”

 

“Also, it’s an ideal option if the weather turns bad and it starts to rain since you’re indoors.”

Sun Travel also recommends many other interesting places to visit and will give tips on what to avoid, such as the tourist trap at Borough Market.

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the city, try a new bus tour with cocktails, soundtracks from movies, and quizzes.

AlamyLeicester Square is known as a tourist trap; however, there are true treasures here worth visiting.