When you visit Leicester Square in London, you're stepping into what feels like the beating heart of the city's entertainment world. The constant buzz of crowds, the bright cinema facades, and street performers create an energy that's hard to find elsewhere in the West End.

This pedestrianised square has quite a story behind all the modern hustle. Back in 1670, it started life as Leicester Fields – a rather posh residential area named after Leicester House, which belonged to Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester. The artist William Hogarth lived here, along with other notable figures of the time. Hard to imagine now, but this was once a quiet, upmarket neighborhood.

The transformation happened gradually through the centuries. Leicester House was eventually demolished, retail moved in, and by the 19th century, major theatres were being built. Many of these later became the cinemas that dominate the square today. The Odeon Luxe Leicester Square and Empire Leicester Square are the big names everyone recognizes – you've probably seen them in photos from film premieres.

What strikes me most about Leicester Square is how it manages to be both touristy and genuinely functional for London locals. Sure, there are crowds taking photos and the usual tourist traps, but people actually use this space. The nearby Prince Charles Cinema shows cult films and sing-alongs that draw proper movie fans, not just sightseers.

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The square sits perfectly positioned for exploring the broader area. Chinatown spills over from Gerrard Street with its red lanterns and authentic restaurants, while Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are just a short walk away. The Leicester Square tube station makes getting here straightforward, though the area gets packed on weekend evenings.

One thing that catches visitors off guard is the sheer scale of the Lego store – apparently the world's largest. It's become something of an attraction in itself, with elaborate displays that even adults find themselves studying longer than they'd admit.

The square works best when you're not trying too hard to find something specific. Let the energy carry you between the cinema queues, street food vendors, and impromptu performances that pop up throughout the day.