Piccadilly Circus Tours and Activities

Piccadilly Circus showing a city, signage and heritage architecture
Piccadilly Circus featuring a city, street scenes and heritage architecture
Piccadilly Circus
London which includes heritage elements, a city and street scenes
Piccadilly Circus


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.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Piccadilly Circus

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Piccadilly Circus with a variety of exciting activities! Enjoy world-renowned theatre performances, indulge in shopping at trendy boutiques, and explore nearby art galleries. Capture stunning photographs of the iconic lights and architecture, and don't miss the chance to join a lively pub crawl or dance the night away at a trendy nightclub. Piccadilly Circus offers an unforgettable blend of sightseeing and entertainment for every visitor.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in Piccadilly Circus, explore Burlington Arcade, a charming shopping centre just 483m away, perfect for family outings. Harrods, located 1.6km away, offers luxury shopping, while Borough Market, 3.2km away, provides a vibrant atmosphere for gourmet gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, a vibrant sports facility, offers thrilling events and an electric atmosphere just 9.7km from Piccadilly Circus. For relaxation, Hampstead Heath provides a tranquil retreat with lush greenery, located 6.4km away. The ABBA Arena, 8.0km away, promises an entertaining musical experience for all.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, offering stunning views and an exhilarating ride, located 11.3km from Piccadilly Circus. For rock climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill provides an exciting challenge only 805m away. Enjoy the adventure at Oasis Go-Kart Track, 3.2km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Piccadilly Circus! Catch a show at the London Palladium Theatre, located 0.6.4km away, or enjoy a performance at Dominion Theatre, 0.8.0km away. For a quick visit, the Piccadilly Theatre is only 0.1.6kms away, offering a delightful mix of culture and entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus, a vibrant hub in London, offers a mix of street life, urban parks, and lively squares perfect for culture seekers and families alike. Visitors can enjoy the iconic neon lights, explore nearby attractions, and indulge in local dining experiences. For insightful reviews and tips, be sure to check out information about Piccadilly Circus, which is a must-see when visiting the city.

  • Buckingham Palace: A symbol of British monarchy, Buckingham Palace offers a glimpse into royal life. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a vibrant display of British tradition, and explore the stunning gardens that surround this iconic residence.
  • Big Ben: An iconic clock tower, Big Ben is not only a timekeeping marvel but also a stunning piece of Gothic architecture. Its chimes resonate throughout the city, marking the passage of time amidst the bustling life of London, making it a must-see landmark.
  • The British Museum: Home to a vast collection of world art and artefacts, The British Museum invites you to explore thousands of years of history. Marvel at treasures like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies, all while enjoying a rich cultural experience.

Best time to go to Piccadilly Circus

Visitor numbers around Piccadilly Circus is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Piccadilly Circus can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Piccadilly Circus falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Piccadilly Circus falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Piccadilly Circus

To save money on your trip to Piccadilly Circus, visit during the off-peak months of January to March when accommodation prices are lower. Look for free attractions like Hyde Park and Big Ben nearby. Book your hotel about a month in advance, ideally on a Monday, for the best rates. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and consider package options that combine flights and hotels. Additionally, explore flexible booking options with free cancellations for added savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Piccadilly Circus are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Piccadilly Circus about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Piccadilly Circus is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Piccadilly Circus is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near Piccadilly Circus with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.