A Big Day Out at Les Misérables

Make the most out of your day seeing Les Misérables in London, including restaurants, shopping and things to do near the theatre

Les Misérables, the stage adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel, is an international hit, performed in 54 countries and 22 languages to 130 million people worldwide. London has a special relationship with the show, however – Les Misérables is the longest-running musical on the West End, a true staple of our theatre scene. Whether you’ve been back time and time again or you’re planning your very first visit to the Sondheim Theatre, here’s your guide to things to do before seeing Les Misérables.

Things to do near Les Misérables the musical
Restaurants near Les Misérables the musical
Shopping near Les Misérables the musical
Bars and pubs near Les Misérables the musical
Tube stations and bus stops near Les Misérables the musical
On-theme activities for Les Misérables the musical

Things to do near Les Misérables the musical

Les Misérables is performed at the Sondheim Theatre, which sits in the heart of London’s West End. There’s so much to do and see in the area, with options for all kinds of weather.

If it’s sunny, there’s plenty of outdoor exploring to do. Chinatown is just two minutes from the theatre, boasting over 70 East and Southeast Asian restaurants, shops, bars and cafes, along with a vibrant atmosphere and lots of interesting architectural details. Neal’s Yard is also a short walk from the theatre. Just eight minutes away, this colourful courtyard is home to independent business with a focus on wellness and food – and makes for a great backdrop to any photo.

Trafalgar Square is six minutes away, where you can admire the lions around the fountain and Nelson’s Column, and also take in the bustle of one of London’s hotspots. Also very nearby is Leicester Square – you might enjoy hunting for statues. You can find the likes of Shakespeare, Mary Poppins and Paddington.

Both roughly five minutes from the theatre are the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, which are both home to incredible collections of art. The National Gallery in particular is a great place to check out the work of some prominent French artists.

Restaurants near Les Misérables the musical

There are a ton of popular chain restaurants within walking distance of the Sondheim Theatre. It’s worth remembering that Chinatown is right next door as well, with lots of local restaurants and street food options to explore.

Just across the road is Pho & Bun, a casual Vietnamese restaurant offering authentic flavours. Singapulah is just around the corner, a Singaporean restaurant that promises a dining experience you can’t find elsewhere in the UK. Or, if you’re after comfort food, Old Compton Brasserie is an easy, satisfying pre-theatre eatery with a large menu and great cocktails three minutes’ walk from the theatre.

For something a little more special, Macellaio RC Soho is an authentic Italian steakhouse where Fassona beef is expertly prepared and paired with artisan breads and a range of delicious sides. Right next door to the theatre, it also couldn’t be in a more convenient location. Almost as nearby, round the back of the theatre, is Paradise, which offers a tasting menu of contemporary Sri Lankan food.

For vegans – or anyone open to an impeccable plant-based dinner – Tendril is well worth the 15-minute walk from the Sondheim Theatre. Serving up a phenomenal menu of creative plant-based food, diners of all persuasions will be more than satisfied.

Shopping near Les Misérables the musical

There’s no shortage of great shopping near the Sondheim Theatre. In just five minutes, you can walk into Soho to explore independent boutiques, bookshops, high-end stores, and plenty of other unexpected discoveries. Less than 15 minutes’ walk away, Oxford Street hosts all your favourite high street stores, providing one of London’s best shopping experiences. Beautiful Covent Garden, just 10 minutes from the theatre, offers designer destinations, wellness and lifestyle stores, and big international brands, amongst so much else, whilst Carnaby Street, also 10 minutes away,is a must-visit for sight-seers and serious shoppers alike.

If you’re looking to keep the young people entertained – or your own inner child – then why not head over to Leicester Square, where two flagship stores stand opposite each other. The LEGO Store is full of amazing sculptures and sets to discover, whilst across the road M&M’S London is a sweet interactive experience, with treats you won’t find anywhere else.

Bars and pubs near Les Misérables the musical

If you’re looking for a drink before the show, the theatre bar is always a great place to soak up the atmosphere. Our recommended restaurants are also all able to shake up something good, and there are plenty of popular chains nearby.

10 minutes’ walk from the theatre, The White Horse is an art deco 1930s pub with original wood-panelled walls that sits on a cobbled street, for that classic British pub experience. Just up the road from the Sondheim Theatre you’ll also find the Duke of Wellington, a lively corner pub that offers a friendly, cheerful atmosphere with slightly quieter seating upstairs.

Eight minutes away is popular cocktail chain Be At One, which offers a wide range of pre-theatre tipples. Or, if you’re looking for an energetic pre-show experience, try Albert’s Schloss two minutes up the road, which offers a wide range of German beers for you to enjoy to live music.

Tube stations and bus stops near Les Misérables the musical

The Sondheim Theatre is situated six minutes from Piccadilly Circus tube station, which is served by the Bakerloo/Piccadilly line, but it’s also very possible to access the theatre via other lines, if you don’t mind a slightly longer walk. The nearest train station is Charing Cross, which is 13 minutes on foot. Multiple bus routes also drop off and pick up near the theatre. It’s best to plan your route with TFL.

On-theme activities for Les Misérables the musical

If you’re ready to soak up some history and get into the revolutionary spirit, London is a great place to be. You might want to visit the Imperial War Museum, which delves into a whole history of conflict, although it covers a period of time a little later than Les Misérables. It’s roughly half an hour from the theatre via tube or bus. The British Museum is also well worth a visit, and there’s plenty there to discover about Europe in the 19th century.

If you’re interested in exploring French history more specifically, why not check out the statue of French general Charles De Gaulle in Carlton Gardens, just a 15 minute walk from the theatre? You might also be interested in visiting Librarie La Page, the oldest French bookstore in the UK, stocking the largest selection of French language books in London. They’re just 20 minutes away from the theatre on the Piccadilly line.

Another way to immerse yourself in French culture prior to seeing Les Misérables is via food. Montparnasse Café is a gorgeous French café on Thackery Street – perfect for imagining yourself amongst the revolutionaries at ABC Café in Paris. Or, for an on-theme pre-show dinner, L’Escargot in Soho has been serving impeccable French cuisine since 1927 – yes, including snails.

Les Misérables is currently playing at the Sondheim Theatre – find your tickets here