IN A few months, Christmas will land in the capital with lots of huge light displays, festive markets and pretty fairgrounds set to bring in hordes of tourists.
With lots of pop ups, like the new ice rink in the middle of Leicester Square, it can be hard to find some really great places around one of the , but don’t worry, has some genuine gems around the area for you.
Leicester Square will open a new ice skating rink for Christmas
You can watch a show just minutes away from the square
Leicester Square Theatre
, Head of Sun Travel – “I think Leicester Square theatre is a gem, there are loads of different shows, but you often get the big comedians trialling their new shows before going on tour.
“I once saw there, and tickets are so much cheaper. Another plus point is that it’s a very small, intimate so you are up close and personal.
“ is doing his pre-show trials at the moment, and Micky Flanagan is there later this month.”
Hotel Indigo London
, Travel Reporter – “Across from Leicester Square is the huge Hotel Indigo and I imagine most tourists just walk by it without second thought.
“However, if you go inside and up to the rooftop bar, you get some spectacular views across . Whenever I’ve been it’s wasn’t busy and you can either sit inside on the plush chairs, or head out onto the balcony.
“It’s not just cocktails and either, they also serve , hot chocolates, so you can go at any time of the day.”
Brasserie Zedel
, Assistant Travel Editor – “ Brasserie Zédel may look like a small and rather unassuming cafe from the outside but make your way through the tiny space and down a set of winding stairs and you’ll uncover an underground replica of 1930s .
“On top of the chic upstairs cafe, there’s a roomy, chandelier-laden brasserie restaurant downstairs, along with a dark and cosy cabaret room-cum-theatre, plus a sophisticated cocktail bar.
“The glamorous interior will be the first thing to wow you – tall ceilings propped up by marble-esque pillars and velvet-cushioned booths – but the price of the food will wow you even more.
“A fixed-price menu of £19.95 for three courses is staggeringly cheap for the central London location, showcasing some of its star dishes like a wine-drenched coq au vin.
Hotel Indigo has an impressive rooftop bar
You’ll be transported to Paris inside Brasserie Zédel
“Waiters dressed in dickie-bows look like they’ve stepped out of another era and they serve you traditional dishes that match – all cooked pretty darn well considering how many tables the place sits.
The whole thing is an experience, not just dinner.”
Cork and Bottle
, Head of Travel (Digital) – “You have to keep your eyes peeled for a sign that advertises Cork And Bottle , as you walk into Leicester Square from the tube station.
“The incredibly unassuming glass door leads to a winding staircase deep underground, where you’ll find the bar and restaurant.
“The wine selection is huge, with plenty of affordable options, as is the cheese. Plus, you can nearly always find a table.
“It’s truly the best definition of a hidden gem in one of the capital’s busiest tourist destinations.”
Japan Centre Retail store
, Head of Travel (Digital) – “Panton Yokocho was a fantastic ramen restaurant just a couple of streets back from Leicester Square, which closed its doors earlier this year.
“But it is now opening an outpost in the neighbouring Japan Centre Retail store .
“Which means you’ll still be able to get the great ramen (even my 5 year old son is a fan) and then you can pick up some great Japanese groceries to take home.”
Don’t miss Cork and Bottle the next time you head into Soho
Helen treats her kids to these custard-filled Taiyaki fish from Chinatown
Chinatown Bakery
, Travel Writer – “When I am visiting London with my kids, they’re constantly asking for snacks and treats.
“Trendy ice cream and donut places in central London can charge up to £7 for elaborate sweet treats, which adds up with two kids – especially if I get one for myself too.
“Instead I take them to Chinatown and buy Taiyaki from the Chinatown Bakery .
“These are cute, fish-shaped doughnuts filled with custard and they’re so good! My kids love them and they are four for £2.50, which is a total bargain.”
Prince Charles Cinema
, Travel Reporter – “Tucked away on one of Leicester Square’s side streets, the Prince Charles Cinema isn’t as discovered by day-trippers as its or Vue.
“The cinema shows a mix of cult classics, new releases, movie marathons, or events like quizzes and sing-a-long shows to films like , Dirty Dancing and Rocky Horror.
“Tickets for non-members start at £10.50, and you get a comfy plush red velvet chair – make sure to grab snacks too.”
The Chandos
, Travel Reporter – “Venturing towards Trafalgar Square, you’ll spot The Chandos on the corner of St Martin’s Lane.
“It’s a classic London boozer really, but it’s also known for being one of the cheapest in the city.
“Inside is small, but you’re likely to find somewhere to sit, whether it’s at a stool or in a booth lit up by the pretty stained-glass windows.
“You can get anything from beer to lager, mocktails, or cocktails – which you can get 2 for £20. If you’re hungry, venture upstairs for some filling food.”
The Hippodrome is more than a casino – it has a huge rooftop bar
Most people won’t realise the London Transport Museum is in Covent Garden
The Hippodrome
, Head of Travel (Digital) – “ The Hippodrome is definitely a tourist magnet, but hear me out…. Since its huge makeover a few years ago, it is in my top five list of places to head to after midnight in central London.
“The rooftop bar is massive, and great during the months, the casino floor feels almost like you’re in Vegas, and it’s open 24 hours a day.
“In 2025, London, there aren’t many places that even tick that one box.”
London Transport Museum
, Head of Travel (Digital) – “What kid doesn’t love buses and trains? At the London Transport Museum in , they can even pretend to drive one.
“ can be switched to an annual version, meaning you can get a decent number of visits in, if you find yourself in central London often.
“I used the museum as quite a handy indoor spot for my kid to blow off steam in the rainier months.”
The National Gallery has free events for children
The National Gallery
, Travel Writer – “When I venture into the city with the kids, we often walk to the National Portrait Gallery for the free story time sessions or workshops they have on.
“You can’t book, it’s first come first served but they are always really good and educational too.
“Plus, it’s ideal if the turns moody and starts to rain as you’re indoors.”
For even more places to visit, and ones to avoid, .
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the city, check out .
Leicester Square is known to be a tourist trap – but some spots are actual gems 
