Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(See “West End Walk” map,
here
.)
Length of This Walk:
Allow three hours to lace together these highlights (or much more
if you go beyond window-shopping). To trim about an hour off this walk, do just Part
1 (trim more by skipping some window-shopping).
When to Go:
Take your pick—shopping by day, or nightlife after dark. The many shops
in this walk are generally open Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00 or 20:00, and Sun 12:00-18:00.
If you'd like to have afternoon tea at The Wolseley or Fortnum & Mason, plan on ar-
riving at either place between 15:30 and 18:30 (though The Wolseley closes earlier on
shops stay open at least until 18:00 (and many later). After that, you join the bustle of
people grabbing dinner or a show.
Getting There:
Take the Tube to the Leicester Square stop, which is a block from the
square itself.
Finding Your Way:
If you have a more detailed map than the one provided here, it may
help you find your way more quickly through the maze of irregular streets.
• Start at Leicester Square. Stand at the top of the square and take in the scene.
(See “West End Walk” map,
here
.)
Leicester Square
Leicester (LESS-ter) Square is a small park surrounded by glitzy cinema houses. This
space was modernized and spiffed up in anticipation of the 2012 Olympics crowds. It sits
smack in the middle of the theater district—ground zero for London's enticing offerings
of flashy musicals, intimate plays starring big-name actors, and much more (for details,
see the Entertainment in London chapter). Here, at the entertainment center of London,
a statue of Shakespeare looks out, as if pondering the quote chiseled into his pedestal:
