Photography Spots Around Leicester Square: A Local’s Guide
Why Leicester Square is a Photographer’s Playground
Leicester Square sits at the beating heart of London’s West End, surrounded by cinemas, theatres, and neon-lit entertainment venues. For photographers, it offers a dense concentration of iconic landmarks, colourful signage, and ever-changing street life. Whether you’re shooting with a DSLR, a mirrorless camera, or a smartphone, the area rewards those who look beyond the obvious. This guide covers the best spots within a short walk of the square, with practical tips on timing, angles, and composition.
Leicester Square Gardens and the Statue of Shakespeare
The central gardens may be small, but they pack plenty of character. The Shakespeare statue at the centre, surrounded by four dolphins, makes a classic foreground subject. Shoot from the south side in the late afternoon when sunlight rakes across the stone, creating texture and shadow.
At night, the surrounding cinema signs—Odeon, Vue, and Cineworld—cast a colourful glow that reflects off the wet pavement after rain. Use a wide aperture and a low angle to capture reflections while keeping the statue sharp.
The Hippodrome and Cranbourn Street
Just off the square, Cranbourn Street buzzes with energy. The former Hippodrome theatre, now a casino and entertainment venue, anchors the corner with its grand architecture and bright lights. It’s a favourite for night photographers who want a mix of heritage and neon.
The illuminated facade of the hippodrome casino makes a striking backdrop for evening photos.
Stand on the opposite pavement near the Leicester Square station entrance and frame the building above the crowds. A slow shutter speed will blur passing pedestrians into streaks of colour, adding motion to your shot.
Piccadilly Circus: Five Minutes Away
Walk south down Coventry Street and you’ll hit Piccadilly Circus in under five minutes. The curved LED screens are a magnet for photographers, but the real trick is to avoid the obvious. Instead of shooting straight at the billboards, turn your camera towards the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain (often called Eros) and use the screens as a colourful, out-of-focus backdrop.
For a cleaner composition, visit early on a Sunday morning when the area is quiet. You’ll get the fountain and the empty streets without the usual crowds.
Chinatown and Gerrard Street
Enter Chinatown through the ornate gate on Wardour Street and you’ll find a compact network of lanes lined with red lanterns, Chinese signage, and small shops. Gerrard Street is the main artery and offers excellent opportunities for candid street photography.
The best light comes just after the lanterns switch on at dusk, when the sky is still blue enough to balance the warm artificial glow. Look for reflections in shop windows and puddles to add depth.
National Portrait Gallery Rooftop
For a different perspective, head to the National Portrait Gallery on St Martin’s Place. The rooftop terrace is free to access and gives you an elevated view over Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, and the London skyline. It’s ideal for wide-angle shots at sunset or blue hour.
Check opening hours before you go, as the terrace closes earlier than the main galleries. A tripod isn’t essential, but a steady hand or a wall to rest your camera on will help in low light.
Quick List: Best Spots at a Glance
- Leicester Square Gardens – Shakespeare statue and cinema lights
- Cranbourn Street – Hippodrome facade and motion blur
- Piccadilly Circus – LED screens and Eros fountain
- Chinatown (Gerrard Street) – lanterns and street life
- National Portrait Gallery rooftop – elevated city views
Practical Tips for Shooting in the Area
Leicester Square is busiest between 6pm and 10pm, especially on weekends. If you want clean shots of the architecture, aim for weekday mornings before 9am. For night photography, bring a fast lens (f/1.8 or wider) and consider a monopod, as tripods can be awkward in crowds.
Be mindful of security when photographing inside or directly outside entertainment venues. Always ask permission if you’re shooting people close-up, and respect any no-photography signs. The area is well-lit, so you can often get away with higher ISOs and faster shutter speeds than you might expect.
Finally, don’t rush. Leicester Square rewards patience. Find a spot, wait for the right light or a compelling passer-by, and let the scene unfold. With these locations in your pocket, you’ll come away with a varied and vivid set of images.
