Piccadilly Circus Tours and Activities

Piccadilly Circus featuring a city, street scenes and heritage architecture
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Often billed as the British version of Times Square, this iconic traffic hub is the perfect starting point for your London adventure.

Piccadilly Circus garnered its peculiar name from Roger Baker, a tailor famous for making men’s piccadills, the frilled collars fashionable in the 17th century. The word “circus” refers to the circular motion of traffic, which whisks around beneath the statue of the Greek god Anteros. Today, the name represents flashing lights, entertainment and the exuberance of a city on the move. Piccadilly Circus has become a must-see spectacle, which draws locals and tourists day and night. 

Piccadilly Circus marks the junction of Regent Street, Shaftsbury Avenue, Piccadilly and Haymarket. It also connects major areas, including Trafalgar Square, Soho, Chinatown and Leicester Square. At its center is the statue of a winged archer, Anteros, which rises above Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain. Designed by Alfred Gilbert and erected in 1893, it was the first statue to be cast in aluminum. Today it’s a popular meeting point or simply a great place to watch the passing crowds. 

From Anteros, choose a direction to suit your mood. Feed your shopping addiction on Regent Street. Take a dramatic turn and catch a show at the Theatre Royal, one of the many venues that makes “the circus” the heart of London’s theater district. Spend an hour or two admiring the landscapes at the nearby Royal Academy of Art, or enjoy a good belly laugh at The Comedy Store, which showcases big-name acts as well newcomers with fresh gags.

Piccadilly Circus is also known for its flashy neon signage, but these days, only one building is illuminated. The dizzying atmosphere remains, however, with lively curbside entertainers adding to the commotion. When it all becomes too much, order a beer from one of the surrounding pubs or catch your breath in a cozy café. 

Piccadilly Circus is located in the heart of London. The nearest Underground station is Piccadilly Circus.

Plan a trip to see Piccadilly Circus

Bianca's House Hotel Heathrow Airport
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, Suites and Residences
NoMad London
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Reviews of Piccadilly Circus

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
304
" "5 - Excellent 36.75937122128174%
4 - Good
408
" "4 - Good 49.334945586457074%
3 - Okay
106
" "3 - Okay 12.817412333736396%
2 - Disappointing
7
" "2 - Disappointing 0.8464328899637243%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.2418379685610641%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Mar. 4, 2020

In February in the evening it felt like a crowed summer tourist city, and was not cold.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller
Jan. 1, 2020

Not for the faint of heart. The crush of people was unexpected even for holidays. Understand it is worse in summer!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Nov. 3, 2019

Went in the evening, great vibe with musicians etc and Chinatown

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Sep. 9, 2019

Nice to see. Lots o vendors for cheap theater tickets. Lots of street performers. Lots of shopping in the area. And, of course, lots of people.

4/5 - Good

Roderick
Apr. 23, 2019

A must-see if you are in London but very crowded and full of tacky tourist traps and stores that sell stuff that’s likely will end up in a junk drawer when you get home. That said, it’s worth the experience to see it. I recommend starting right at the circus and then working your way eastward through Leicester Square and beyond to Covent Garden for a nice meal. The vibe gets calmer at each successive location. Also recommend hoofing it to Soho. The whole trip is a few Km when walked from the hotel but a feast for the senses.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
Apr. 2, 2019

Very crowded

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