Today, I'm taking you to one of the most iconic places in London: Piccadilly Circus. It's often one of the first places you set foot when you arrive in the West End, with its huge illuminated screens, fountain, constant traffic, and fast-paced atmosphere. If you're planning a trip to London, you will almost certainly pass through here, even if it's just to change Tube lines or walk to Soho, Leicester Square, or Trafalgar Square.
In this article, I explain what to see and do at Piccadilly Circus, how to understand its history, how to get there easily, and how to include it in your itinerary so you really make the most of the neighborhood. I'm also sharing ideas for outings (theaters, guided tours, slightly unusual experiences), best places to eat, and a few hotel options if you'd like to stay nearby. The idea is that you know exactly what to do once you're there, rather than just crossing the square without paying attention to it.
- Piccadilly Circus is a major transport hub in the West End, ideal for setting out on foot toward Soho, Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Trafalgar Square.
- Plan to go mainly at the end of the day or in the evening to enjoy the illuminated screens, the theater atmosphere, and the lively shopping streets.
- Combine your time at Piccadilly Circus with a West End show or a visit to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.
- The neighborhood is very central but expensive for accommodation: it's often more worthwhile to stay a bit farther away and come by Tube.
- The Tube (Bakerloo and Piccadilly line) is still the fastest way to get there, but several bus routes also serve the square.
- If you enjoy original experiences, consider Harry Potter tours, Silent Discos, or guided tours of West End theaters that pass near Piccadilly Circus.
- Why is Piccadilly Circus famous?
- Piccadilly Circus at a glance
- A famous craftsman behind the name Piccadilly
- Why is Piccadilly Circus such a major junction in London?
- What is Piccadilly Circus known for?
- What to do and see in Piccadilly Circus?
- Where to Eat Near Piccadilly Circus
- How to get to Piccadilly Circus?
- The Traveler's Memo for visiting Piccadilly Circus in London
Why is Piccadilly Circus famous?
Piccadilly Circus is known for its large illuminated advertising screens, its famous fountain topped with the statue often called "Eros," its very lively atmosphere, and its strategic position at the heart of London's West End. It is at once a major intersection in London, a popular meeting point, and a gateway to very busy neighborhoods such as Soho, Chinatown, Leicester Square, and Trafalgar Square. Many visitors go there for the theaters, shopping, restaurants, and the typically London atmosphere of the area.
Piccadilly Circus is also famous for its shops, its West End theaters, and its role as a major transport hub. With its giant screens and constant hustle and bustle, the place is often compared to Times Square in New York, even though the atmosphere there remains more European and more compact.
Piccadilly Circus at a glance
Piccadilly Circus is at once a road junction, a pedestrian square, a transport hub, and a gateway to the liveliest neighborhoods in London.
Piccadilly Circus, crossroads of the West End
Piccadilly Circus lies at the heart of the West End, at the intersection of several major arteries: Regent Street (a very commercial north–south axis) and the famous Piccadilly thoroughfare, which leads toward Green Park and Hyde Park Corner. From this square, you're only a few minutes' walk from Soho, Leicester Square, Chinatown and Trafalgar Square, which makes it an excellent landmark for planning your walks in London.
The Piccadilly Circus Tube station is served by two very convenient lines, the Piccadilly Line (which connects in particular to Heathrow, King's Cross St Pancras, Covent Garden) and the Bakerloo Line (which goes toward Waterloo, Paddington, Baker Street). If you do not yet know where you are going to stay, keeping an eye on these two lines is often a good idea to make getting around easier.
| When to stop at Piccadilly Circus? | Time to allow | Ideas to combine |
|---|---|---|
| During a first discovery of the West End, to get your bearings and feel the atmosphere of the neighborhood | 30 to 45 minutes on the square, more if you go shopping | Walk along Regent Street, detour via Soho and Chinatown |
| In the evening before or after a musical or a show | 1 to 2 hours depending on the show | Theater in the West End, dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe or in Soho |
| For a targeted shopping break in central London | At least 2 to 3 hours | Regent Street, Hamleys, major brands and bookstores |
| To explore the surrounding area on foot in half a day | 3 to 4 hours | Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery |
A famous craftsman behind the name Piccadilly
The name Piccadilly comes from a highly reputed 17th‑century tailor, whose house, "Piccadilly Hall," ended up giving its name to the entire thoroughfare and then to the crossroads.
From Robert Baker to the "piccadills"
Before it was a road junction in London, Piccadilly was first the nickname of the home of a famous English tailor, Robert Baker. He became known for his expertise in "piccadills" (also spelled "pickadills"), those stiff collars that were very fashionable in the Jacobean era (late 16th – early 17th century). He even made the collars for the bridal trousseau of Elizabeth Stuart in 1613, which, at the time, placed him at the very top of his profession.
His house was therefore christened "Piccadilly Hall," a name that gradually extended to the street itself. This slightly forgotten clothing detail is nonetheless at the origin of one of the best-known crossroads in the world. Even today, London's main "tailors' street," Savile Row, is located just a stone's throw from Piccadilly Circus, like a nod to this tailoring story.
John Nash and the birth of the crossroads
Fast forward to the early 19th century. John Nash, an already experienced architect, attracted the attention of the Prince Regent and future King George IV, who entrusted him with a vast urban planning program: the development of Regent Street, Regent's Park and several adjacent streets. As part of this, in 1819 Nash designed a road junction at the meeting point between Regent Street and the Piccadilly thoroughfare.
It was then named "Regent Circus South": the word "circus" refers to the circular shape of the junction and "south" to the fact that it is located south of another roundabout, "Regent Circus North," at the junction with Oxford Circus. It was not until the 1880s and the creation of Shaftesbury Avenue that the layout of the neighborhood was completely reconsidered. The junction then lost its original circular shape but adopted its current name of Piccadilly Circus.
For the record, John Nash did not stop at this crossroads. He was also behind the development of the Regent's Canal, Trafalgar Square, Marble Arch and Clarence House (residence of King Charles III). He also oversaw the transformation of Buckingham Palace into a palace and the complete renovation of the Royal Pavilion in Brighton.
Why is Piccadilly Circus such a major junction in London?
Piccadilly Circus became a major junction because it brings together theaters, public transport, shops, and hugely popular nightlife spots all in one place.
In the heart of "Theatreland"
Piccadilly Circus quickly became known as a very popular crossroads. It is located in the heart of what is nicknamed "Theatreland", London's theater district. The area is bounded to the south by the Strand, to the west by Regent Street, to the north by Oxford Street, and to the east by Kingsway. You will find the vast majority of the famous West End theaters there: the Royal Opera House, London Coliseum, Lyceum, Apollo, Gielgud, Lyric Theatre, and many others.
If you enjoy musicals, this is typically the area you will return to several times during your stay. From Piccadilly Circus, you quite literally have dozens of theaters within walking distance, which makes it a very convenient starting point for an evening at the theater.
A very busy transport hub
Two very busy Underground lines intersect here (the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines), the square is a junction between several major roads, and it sits right next to areas that are very popular for going out (Soho, Covent Garden, Leicester Square). Taken together, these factors largely explain its success and the impression of constant movement you get when you arrive in the square.
What is Piccadilly Circus known for?
Piccadilly Circus is known for being one of the most touristy, lively, and brightly lit places in London. Some travelers love its very urban energy, its theaters, its giant screens, and its big-capital-city vibe; others find the area noisy and very crowded, especially in the evening and on weekends.
In reality, the appeal of Piccadilly Circus mainly comes from its exceptional location: you are just a few minutes' walk from many iconic neighborhoods in central London. Even if the square itself does not take long to visit, it is an excellent starting point for exploring the West End.
What to do and see in Piccadilly Circus?
Around Piccadilly Circus, you can combine taking in famous landmarks, shopping, cultural outings, and more original experiences, all within a very small radius.
Admire the famous advertising boards
The large screens in Piccadilly Circus have become a symbol of London, a sort of English mini Times Square. You will see them as soon as you arrive, almost no matter which direction you come from, and this is often where visitors take out their camera.
Given how busy Piccadilly Circus was, advertising started appearing here very early on. The signs have been powered by electricity since 1908 (Perrier was the first advertiser). Over the decades, the square followed technological advances and new environmental concerns: the first incandescent bulb installations were replaced by neon lights, then by digital screens starting in 1998 (Coca-Cola was the first advertiser to have a digital display), before eventually switching to LEDs.
In 2011, the last neon lights gave way to LEDs, which use much less energy, and in 2017, the multiple screens were replaced by a single giant screen designed by the American company Daktronics. At night, it literally lights up the square; during the day, it gives the junction a very contemporary feel, which contrasts with the more traditional architecture around it.
See the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain
In the center of the square, the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain serves as a meeting point, an improvised bench, and a visual landmark for many visitors. Its statue is often called "Eros," even though it actually more likely represents his brother Anteros, the symbol of selfless love.
It was built in 1893 to pay tribute to Anthony Ashley-Cooper, a politician and philanthropist who notably campaigned against child and teenage labor, especially for those employed in mines or as chimney sweeps. He also advocated schooling for the poorest and the abolition of the opium trade. Highly respected, he could have been buried in Westminster Abbey because of his contribution to society, but in his final wishes he chose otherwise.
His statue is nevertheless present in the abbey, and a fountain in his honor stands on Piccadilly Circus. When you are there, take a few minutes to sit on the steps and watch the flow of passersby, the red buses one after another, and the contrast between the historic facades and the bright screens.
See a musical or a show
Piccadilly Circus is one of the best starting points if you want to see a musical in London or a show in the West End, because many theaters are located within just a few minutes' walk.
The lineups change regularly, but here are some iconic shows that are performed in this area:
- The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre), a sure bet if you are traveling with family.
- Matilda (Cambridge Theatre), very popular with children and teens.
- Les Misérables (Sondheim Theatre), for those who enjoy powerful stories.
- The Phantom of the Opera (His Majesty's Theatre), a West End classic.
- Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre), perfect if you like ABBA's music.
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Palace Theatre), unmissable for fans of the saga.
- The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre), with a much more offbeat tone.
During my stays in London, I like to plan a stop at Piccadilly Circus at the end of the afternoon, have a coffee or simply sit for a while on the square before heading to the theater I've chosen. It helps you ease into the West End atmosphere without rushing.
Visit the Hard Rock Cafe and eat there
If you have never set foot in a Hard Rock Cafe, Piccadilly Circus is a great opportunity to try it: beyond the meal, you also come to see the objects on display, as the chain is known for owning many collector's items that belonged to rock legends.
The chain was born in London in 1971 and the Piccadilly Circus location offers a very lively atmosphere with a warm welcome. You will find the classic items on the menu (burgers, ribs, salads, generous desserts) in a setting where guitars and stage costumes cover the walls.
I strongly recommend that you book in advance with skip-the-line access because the wait can be long, especially on weekends (up to 2 hours during the busiest times). The Piccadilly Circus Hard Rock Cafe is, for me, one of the better locations of the chain worldwide, with service that is often very attentive.
Shopping around Piccadilly Circus
Around Piccadilly Circus, you are right in the middle of three major streets that are perfect for shopping: Regent Street, Piccadilly, and Oxford Street just a few minutes away.
On Regent Street, you will find a mix of large international chains, premium brands, and iconic London stores. It is one of the best-known shopping streets in the British capital, with Hamleys in particular, the huge toy store that is very popular with families. Among the brands you will find there are, for example: Wolford, Hollister, Nespresso, Jo Malone, Uniqlo, Peregrine, Mulberry, Burberry, Claudie Pierlot, Tommy Hilfiger, Abercrombie & Fitch, Karl Lagerfeld, Massimo Dutti, Anthropologie, Maje, Calvin Klein, Levi's, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Coach, Kate Spade, Cos, Canada Goose… The stores change over time, but you generally find a very rich mix of fashion, beauty, accessories, home decor, cafés, and iconic shops.
On the main thoroughfare of Piccadilly, you can also make a detour to the large Waterstones bookstore, which is particularly pleasant if you like books in English, beautiful illustrated editions, or travel guides. Finally, Oxford Street is just a few minutes' walk away, which explains why Piccadilly Circus is often considered one of the best starting points for going shopping in London.
Join a Harry Potter-themed guided tour
If you are a fan of the saga, Piccadilly Circus is a good base for following in the footsteps of Harry Potter in London, as several walking tours go through this area and end just a stone's throw away.
The city is full of filming locations from the Harry Potter saga but also places of interest for fans, such as the façade of the theater where "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is performed. In particular, you can book this tour, which is offered with an English-speaking guide.
The route ends just a short walk from Piccadilly Circus after exploring several of the city's famous filming locations, which are also, quite simply, pretty corners of London to discover even if you are not a fan of the saga.
Visit Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery
From Piccadilly Circus, you can easily reach Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery on foot in about ten minutes.
Trafalgar Square is one of the best-known squares in London: you can see Nelson's Column there, erected in memory of Admiral Nelson, who died while winning the Battle of Trafalgar, which pitted the United Kingdom against France and Spain. The square is often lively, with street performers, temporary installations, and an open view toward Whitehall and the start of the City of Westminster.
Right next door, you can visit the National Gallery, a beautiful museum mainly dedicated to painting from the 13th to the 20th century. As in many London museums, access to the permanent collections is free, which makes it an excellent option if you are looking for low-budget activities. Personally, I like to go for short visits focused on a few rooms, rather than trying to see everything in one go.
Allow just 10 minutes on foot to get there from Piccadilly Circus via Haymarket.
Have a Silent Disco experience
If you enjoy slightly different experiences, Silent Discos in London can be a very fun way to discover the West End.
The concept is simple: you meet up as a group in a festive setting, each participant with a wireless headset. Everyone listens to the same music, dances, and parties… while from the outside, everything seems surprisingly silent. In London, the agency Silent Disco Walking Tours has developed a "guided tour" version of this concept, and the route dedicated to the West End is particularly well suited to the Piccadilly Circus area.
The idea is to discover London's best-known theaters while hearing excerpts in your headset from the musicals being performed there, along with plenty of anecdotes from your guide about the history of the theaters and their most famous shows. You can book online here. It is an activity better suited to those who don't mind letting go a little in the street, but the memory often really sticks with you.
Discover the West End theaters with a guide
If you prefer a more traditional approach, there are also guided walking tours to discover the main theaters in the West End, their history, and what goes on behind the scenes.
That's the case with these tours offered by The London Theatre Walking Tour. Lasting around 3 hours 30 minutes, they immerse you in the history of the West End, between famous figures, architecture, and delightful anecdotes. These tours are more aimed at theater enthusiasts or those who would really like to deepen their knowledge of this neighborhood while enjoying a lovely walk.
Visit Soho and London's Chinatown
From Piccadilly Circus, it only takes a few minutes on foot to reach Soho and London's Chinatown, which together form one of the liveliest areas in the city.
Piccadilly Circus is located on the southern edge of Soho, which is very well known for its pubs, bars, restaurants, and nightlife. It is also where you will find Chinatown, London's Chinese quarter, recognizable by its red arches, lanterns, and Asian supermarkets.
In the past, it was a rather seedy neighborhood (marked by prostitution) but today, you can walk around Soho quite safely and simply enjoy the dynamic, festive atmosphere. In the warmer months, Londoners and tourists alike enjoy strolling there in the evening. In winter, I particularly appreciate the Christmas decorations on Carnaby Street, which are often very creative.
Explore Leicester Square
About a 5-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square offers another side of the West End, very focused on family entertainment and film premieres.
In the square, you will see many statues of characters or famous people known far beyond England's borders: Mr Bean, Harry Potter, Gene Kelly, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Poppins… Children often enjoy going on a statue hunt while adults make the most of the benches to take a break.
Around the square, there are many bars, fast-food restaurants, the famous TKTS booths where you can find discounted tickets for London musicals, candy stores like M&M's World, a really nice LEGO shop, as well as several casinos (Hippodrome Casino London, Empire Casino…) and cinemas such as Vue or Odeon Luxe. Again, all of this is just a few minutes away from Piccadilly Circus, which makes it easy to plan a whole evening without having to go back and forth across the city.
Where to Eat Near Piccadilly Circus
Around Piccadilly Circus, you will find a very wide choice of restaurants, cafés, and hotels, with a high concentration of upscale places.
Good restaurants and cafés at Piccadilly Circus
The Hard Rock Cafe is still, for me, a really good choice in the area if you want a lively atmosphere and a menu with no unpleasant surprises, as I mentioned earlier.
For a more gastronomic or more specific experience, you can also eat well at several nearby places: Hawksmoor, a well-known steakhouse that also serves fish cooked on the grill; Notto for fresh homemade pasta; Scully St James's, where chef Ramael Scully offers very international and creative cuisine; Burger & Lobster Leicester Square if you are in the mood for lobster or hearty burgers; or Sola in Soho, with its Californian influences.
The restaurants in the upscale hotels near Piccadilly Circus are also good options, especially if you are looking for an elegant setting: those at the Hotel Café Royal or the Sofitel St James (Waterloo Place) offer different atmospheres but are always quite refined.
For a gourmet break, you can stop by Carpo on Piccadilly (dried fruit, chocolates, snacks) or Redemption Roasters, a coffee chain committed to helping former prisoners reintegrate. Their prison-based roasting workshop trains inmates as coffee roasters, then supports them in finding work once they are released, either within the chain or in other partner businesses.
Where to Stay Near Piccadilly Circus
Staying a stone's throw from Piccadilly Circus is convenient but quite expensive: the ultra-central location, the neighborhood atmosphere, and the public transport connections all drive prices up.
If you would like to stay in the area, you can look at the Radisson Blu on Mercer Street, next to Shaftesbury Avenue, or the Thistle Hotel Piccadilly.
Among the 5-star hotels located just a short walk from the junction, you can mention the Ham Yard, the Cafe Royal, the Londoner, and the Sofitel Saint James. These hotels offer a high level of comfort, often with a restaurant, bar, and spa, which can be appealing if you are planning a more comfortable stay.
How to get to Piccadilly Circus?
The easiest way to get to Piccadilly Circus is to take the London Underground and get off at the station of the same name, located on the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines.
Getting there by Tube: the most practical solution
For most travelers, the tube is still the fastest option. Piccadilly Circus station is directly on the square, which means you come out right at the foot of the advertising screens. The two lines that serve it are:
- The Piccadilly line, which connects in particular to Heathrow, King's Cross St Pancras, Covent Garden, and South Kensington.
- The Bakerloo line, useful if you are coming from Waterloo, Paddington, or Baker Street.
In practice, if you arrive in London by Eurostar, you can reach Piccadilly Circus in about twenty minutes from King's Cross St Pancras with a simple change, or by taking the Piccadilly line directly depending on the route you choose.
Coming by bus: a pleasant option if you have time
You can also reach Piccadilly Circus by bus, which lets you see the city along the way. Several bus routes stop very close to the square, including routes 9, 12, 14, 19, 23, 38, 88, 94, 139, 159, and 453. The routes are clearly marked on bus shelters and on London transport apps.
The bus is a good option if you are not in a hurry and want to enjoy the view, especially during the day or early evening. At rush hour, traffic can be heavier, but it's still a good choice if you are staying in a neighborhood that is well served by buses.
Locating Piccadilly Circus on a map
To see exactly where Piccadilly Circus is located and plan your walks to the neighboring areas, here is Piccadilly Circus on a map:
The Traveler's Memo for visiting Piccadilly Circus in London
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Piccadilly Circus to help you plan your time in the area.
I wish you a rewarding discovery of Piccadilly Circus and its surroundings. This junction may seem very touristy at first glance, but it also tells part of London's history, spanning urban planning, live performance, and everyday life. By taking the time to look up, to wander a few streets away, and to combine your stop with a visit or a show, you will really get the most out of it.
