Welcome to Leicester Square and Chinatown, two of London’s most iconic and lively districts! Whether you're a movie buff, a history lover, or a foodie, this tour has something for everyone. We’ll start in Leicester Square, the beating heart of London’s entertainment scene, before diving into the rich cultural delights of Chinatown. So, put on your walking shoes, take in the sights and sounds, and let's explore the magic of London’s West End together!

🎭 LEICESTER SQUARE – WEST END LONDON

🎞️ LEICESTER SQUARE ODEON LUXE CINEMAS

As we step into Leicester Square, the first thing you'll notice is the Odeon Cinemas, two historic venues that have defined London’s film culture for decades. The larger Odeon Luxe Leicester Square has hosted countless red-carpet premieres, welcoming the biggest stars in the world. Originally opened in 1937, this legendary cinema has been beautifully restored, blending its classic art deco grandeur with cutting-edge technology.

Just across the square is the Odeon West End, a smaller but equally significant venue. It has also undergone major renovations and is now one of the only two cinemas in the UK equipped with Dolby Vision picture technology, delivering an unrivaled cinematic experience with breathtaking clarity and contrast. Both cinemas continue to be at the heart of London’s movie scene, offering everything from blockbuster premieres to indie gems.

🎭 THE LEICESTER SQUARE STATUES

As we continue, you’ll notice something quite fun—bronze statues of famous film and TV characters scattered around the square. These statues were introduced after the major renovation of Leicester Square, turning it into an open-air celebration of cinema history.

We saw Bugs Bunny, mid-mischief as always, a tribute to Warner Bros’ legendary animated films. Just a little further, you’ll see Gene Kelly, captured in his iconic "Singin’ in the Rain" pose, umbrella in hand. These statues are a great way to relive film history while exploring the square.

🏛️ LEICESTER SQUARE HISTORY, RENOVATION, VENUES, TRANSPORT

Leicester Square has been a central part of London’s entertainment scene for centuries, but its origins go back even further. Named after Robert Sidney, the 2nd Earl of Leicester, who built a grand house here in the 17th century, the square started as an elegant residential area. By the 19th century, it had transformed into a lively entertainment hub, home to music halls, theatres, and later, cinemas.

By the early 20th century, Leicester Square had become the heart of London’s film industry. Cinemas like the Empire Theatre, which first opened in 1884 as a variety theatre before becoming a cinema in the 1920s, helped establish this as the place to go for movie lovers. Over the decades, the square has hosted some of the biggest film premieres in the world, making it London’s answer to Hollywood Boulevard.

A major renovation in 2012 gave the square a fresh new look, making it more pedestrian-friendly with added greenery, fountains, and open seating areas. At its center, the statue of William Shakespeare, standing atop a charming fountain, is a reminder of London’s deep theatrical roots.

Surrounding Leicester Square, you’ll find an exciting mix of theatres, hotels, and top attractions. The nearby Prince Charles Cinema is a cult favorite, known for showing classic films.

✈️Support our journey! Your donation will fuel our pursuit of better equipment🎬resulting in enhanced travel guides!🌍

⏰ THE SWISS GLOCKENSPIEL

Now, let’s make our way to one of the most unique features of Leicester Square—the Swiss Glockenspiel, a charming piece of Swiss heritage in the heart of London.

As we approach, listen closely. Every hour, the clock chimes and a delightful display of animated figurines comes to life, twirling in sync with the melody. Originally installed on Wardour Street in 1985 as a tribute to the Swiss community in London, it was later moved to Leicester Square in 2011. The intricate craftsmanship and traditional Alpine charm make this a fascinating little hidden gem.

CHINATOWN LONDON

🏮 CHINATOWN GATE LONDON

As we step into Chinatown, the first thing you’ll see is the majestic entrance gate, standing tall with its intricate golden dragons and deep red pillars. This stunning structure, completed in 2016, is the largest Chinese gate in the UK and was built in the style of the Qing Dynasty, a nod to traditional Chinese architecture.

Take a moment to appreciate the details—the delicate carvings, the colorful patterns, the way it perfectly frames the bustling streets beyond. Passing through this gate feels like stepping into a different world, one filled with rich history, mouthwatering aromas, and a non-stop energy that makes Chinatown one of the most exciting spots in London.

The atmosphere immediately changes. Red lanterns sway gently above, strung across the streets, casting a warm glow at night. The sound of people chatting in different languages, the sizzle of street food cooking on hot woks, and the occasional burst of laughter from a nearby restaurant all create a lively, immersive experience.

🏙️ WALKING THROUGH CHINATOWN LONDON

Now, let’s take a slow walk through Chinatown’s pedestrian-friendly streets, lined with a mix of traditional Chinese bakeries, supermarkets, and specialty shops.

One of the first things you’ll notice is the incredible variety of food options. From the moment you enter, the air is filled with the rich, savory scent of roasted duck hanging in shop windows, crispy pork belly glistening under bright lights, and the unmistakable sweet smell of freshly steamed bao buns.

On Gerrard Street, the heart of Chinatown, you’ll find some of the most famous restaurants in the area, serving a mix of regional Chinese cuisines. Cantonese dim sum, Sichuan hotpot, Beijing-style roast duck—it’s all here, and it’s some of the best you’ll find in London.

Aside from the restaurants, Chinatown is also home to some fantastic bakeries and dessert shops. Places like Bake offer Taiyaki ice cream—Japanese fish-shaped waffles filled with matcha or vanilla soft serve—while Golden Gate Cake Shop sells traditional egg tarts, a must-try Hong Kong-style treat.

It’s not just about food, though. If you love exploring unique stores, Chinatown has supermarkets packed with authentic Asian ingredients, herbal medicine shops, and quirky gift stores where you can find everything from lucky cat figurines to hand-painted Chinese fans.

During major celebrations like Lunar New Year, these streets transform into a spectacular festival, with lion dances, firecrackers, and cultural performances that bring thousands of visitors to Chinatown every year.

📜 THE HISTORY OF CHINATOWN LONDON – FROM LIMEHOUSE TO SOHO

Chinatown hasn’t always been here in Soho. London’s original Chinatown was actually located in Limehouse, in the East End, and dates back to the 19th century.

The first Chinese immigrants to London were mainly sailors and traders who settled near the docks of East London, bringing with them elements of their culture—especially Chinese tea, silk, and cuisine. Over time, Limehouse became home to London’s first Chinese restaurants and businesses, but it remained a small, relatively unknown community.

Everything changed during and after World War II. The Limehouse Chinatown was heavily bombed during the Blitz, and many businesses never reopened. At the same time, Britain’s trade connections with Hong Kong grew, bringing an influx of Chinese immigrants in the 1950s and 60s. As the demand for authentic Chinese cuisine increased, many Chinese restaurant owners relocated to Soho, where rent was cheaper at the time.

By the 1970s, Chinatown as we know it today had started to take shape. More and more restaurants, grocery stores, and cultural hubs popped up, making it the go-to place for authentic Chinese food in London.

Over the decades, Chinatown continued to evolve. Neon shop signs, red lanterns, and golden dragons became signature elements of the area. More East and Southeast Asian cultures became part of the scene, with Japanese ramen shops, Korean BBQ spots, and Vietnamese pho restaurants all opening alongside classic Cantonese and Sichuan eateries.

Today, over 80 restaurants fill the streets of Chinatown, serving food from all across China as well as Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and beyond. It’s an ever-changing place that still holds on to its roots, making it one of the most exciting and diverse cultural hubs in London.