the 'most naff' london tourist attraction that sees 2.5 million visitors a week

Leicester Square is copping some heat at the minute (Picture: Getty Images)

London is a mecca for tourists,promising a big city world of wonders,from the London Eye to Big Ben,and Hyde Park to Madame Tussauds.

They aren’t always all they’re cut out to be,though,hence the neologism of ‘tourist traps’.

But there’s one visitor attraction that has been dubbed the ‘most naff’ of them all in the capital: Leicester Square.

In a roundup by The Telegraph it was described as the ‘West End’s premier holding pen of commerce,petty crime and rancid pizza slices’.

Despite the scathing review it’s hard to disagree,although Magic Mike at the Hippodrome may be its one redeeming quality (there’s a reason it’s run has been extended until January 3,2027).

For all its criticisms it welcomes 2.5 million visitors each week and hosts more than 52 star-studded red carpet film premieres every year.

Magic Mike is a brilliant experience – and so much more than a strip tease (Picture: Getty Images)

Some may see it as a stain on London’s landscape but it’s a historic part of the capital. In 1631 the second Earl of Leicester started construction of a large residence which included a large square open to the public in 1750.

In the 19th century theatres set up shop there,along with hotels,museums and exhibition centres. The 1960s saw the Rolling Stones,Sex Pistols,The Who and The Clash play early gigs at the legendary Cavern in the Town – which we now know as Leicester Square Theatre.

So,if you’re not looking to experience Leicester Square’s short-comings,here’s where you should go instead.

Instead of M&M world…

If you have a sweet tooth but the thought of queuing out the door just to spend a fortune on some M&Ms you could get in a supermarket,try something a little more bespoke.

Head just next door to Soho,and indulge at William Curley,a pâtissier chocolatier. The boutique chocolate shop serves up nostalgic sweet treats like fancy Jaffa Cakes or Millionaires Shortbread,while also serving some highbrow classics.

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There are also special subtitled screenings for those who are hearing impaired.

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