Piccadilly Circus: The Vibrant Heart of London’s West End
Piccadilly Circus pulses with neon lights, historic charm, and vibrant cultural energy at the crossroads of London’s West End.
Piccadilly Circus is a bustling road junction and public space in London’s West End, famed for its iconic neon advertising screens, the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain with the statue of Anteros, and its role as a major meeting point and transport hub. Connecting several key streets, it is surrounded by historic theatres, shopping arcades, and nightlife, making it a lively cultural and entertainment hotspot.
A brief summary to Piccadilly Circus
- London, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit after dark to experience the full spectacle of the illuminated advertising screens.
- Use Piccadilly Circus tube station for quick access to central London and surrounding attractions.
- Take time to admire the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and learn about its dedication to social reform.
- Explore nearby theatres like the Criterion Theatre for a taste of London’s West End performances.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Piccadilly Circus station serves the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines, offering frequent trains every 2-5 minutes. Travel times from central hubs like King's Cross or Victoria are approximately 10-15 minutes. The station is fully accessible with escalators and lifts, but can be crowded during peak hours. Single fares cost around £2.50 with contactless payment.
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Bus
Multiple London bus routes stop near Piccadilly Circus, including routes 14, 19, and 38. Buses run every 5-10 minutes during the day, with journey times varying depending on traffic but typically 15-30 minutes from central locations. Contactless payment or Oyster cards are accepted, with fares around £1.75.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Black cabs and rideshare services like Uber can drop you off directly at Piccadilly Circus. Travel times vary with traffic, generally 10-25 minutes from central London areas. Fares typically range from £8 to £20 depending on distance and time of day.
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Walking
From nearby landmarks such as Leicester Square or Trafalgar Square, walking to Piccadilly Circus takes about 10-15 minutes on paved, mostly flat terrain. This is an accessible route suitable for most travelers, offering a chance to enjoy central London’s vibrant streetscapes.
Piccadilly Circus location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Piccadilly Circus
A Historic Nexus of London’s Urban Design
Piccadilly Circus was established in 1819 as a circular junction linking Regent Street with Piccadilly. Originally named Regent Circus South, it evolved into its current form by the late 19th century with the addition of Shaftesbury Avenue and redevelopment of the Regent Street Quadrant. The name "circus" derives from the Latin for "circle," reflecting its original round shape, although the junction has since lost this precise form. It serves as a key artery in London’s traffic network, connecting several major streets and acting as a gateway to the West End’s vibrant theatre and shopping districts.Iconic Visual Landmarks and Public Art
The site is renowned worldwide for its dazzling neon and video advertising displays mounted on the northern corner building, often compared to New York’s Times Square. At its center stands the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, topped by the statue of Anteros, commonly but mistakenly referred to as Eros. This fountain commemorates social reformer Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, symbolizing charity and selfless love. These visual elements combine to create an unmistakable urban spectacle that pulses with energy day and night.Cultural and Entertainment Hub
Surrounding Piccadilly Circus are several notable cultural venues, including the historic Criterion Theatre and the London Pavilion, which has a rich history as a music hall and now hosts entertainment and retail spaces. The area is a magnet for street performers, nightlife, and shopping, with easy walking access to Leicester Square, Shaftesbury Avenue’s theatres, and Regent Street’s elegant shopping arcades. The Circus’s proximity to these venues cements its status as a focal point for London’s theatrical and cultural life.The Underground and Hidden Histories Beneath
Beneath the surface lies Piccadilly Circus tube station, part of the London Underground network and one of the busiest stations, serving around 40 million passengers annually. The station’s history includes early 20th-century innovations like the introduction of escalators, and it played a vital role as a wartime shelter during the Blitz in World War II. Disused platforms and passages remain hidden beneath, telling stories of London’s evolving urban transport and resilience.A Dynamic Meeting Place and Tourist Destination
Piccadilly Circus is a perennial meeting spot for locals and tourists alike, drawn by the lively atmosphere, iconic landmarks, and central location. It offers a sensory experience of the city’s vibrancy, from the glow of neon lights to the buzz of crowds and street performances. Visitors can easily explore nearby attractions such as St. James’s Park, the Royal Academy of Arts, and world-class shopping, making it an essential stop in any London itinerary.Architectural and Urban Significance
The architecture around Piccadilly Circus blends historic Victorian façades with modern commercial buildings, creating a unique streetscape that reflects London’s layered history. The area’s design facilitates pedestrian flow and connectivity between major entertainment and retail zones, while the open space of the Circus itself invites social interaction and public gatherings, reinforcing its role as a vibrant urban heart.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Piccadilly Circus
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225 Piccadilly Circus
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Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)
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Piccadilly & Piccadilly Circus
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St James's Piccadilly
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Mary Poppins Statue
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Harry Potter Statue
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Mr Bean Statue
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Guards Crimean War Memorial
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Waterloo Pl
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St James's Square
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Pall Mall
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3 Savile Row
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Sir Keith Park statue
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The Smallest Gallery in Soho
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Unmissable attractions to see
The London Pavillion
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Picturehouse Central
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Tiger Tiger London
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Comedy Carnival Leicester Square
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Wonderville
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Piccadilly Theatre
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Lyric Theatre
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Prince of Wales Theatre
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Ham Yard Hotel
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The Book Of Mormon
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Tootbus London
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Haymarket
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Grosvenor Casino, Piccadilly
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Café de Paris
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The Blue Posts
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Essential places to dine
Kricket Soho
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Evelyn's Table
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Bantof
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Blacklock Soho
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Mele e Pere
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Wild Honey St James
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Michelin-starred modern European dining in a historic Pall Mall setting, blending French culinary artistry with elegant yet relaxed sophistication.
Meet Fresh
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Bob Bob Ricard Soho
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New Loon Fung Restaurant
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A bustling Chinatown institution serving generous portions of classic Chinese dim sum and regional specialties in a lively, traditional setting.
NOPI
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Gauthier Soho
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Andrew Edmunds Restaurant
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Quaglino's
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Kingly Court
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Hoppers Soho
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
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CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
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Machine-A
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Cool Britania
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JW Anderson London Soho
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La Boutik
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Glassworks London - Soho
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Unique Britain
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Burlington Arcade
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Pop Up 38
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Alice Through The Looking Glass
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Canvas Collection
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St Martin's Courtyard
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Crest of London Ltd
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Liberty London
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Thin White Duke
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Duke of Argyll
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All Bar One Leicester Square
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Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
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Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
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Disrepute - Soho
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Disrepute - Cocktail Bar in Soho
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Cahoots London
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Bar Soho
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The Black Book
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Basement Sate
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The Blind Pig at Social Eating House
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Henson's Bar and Social
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Simmons Bar | Soho
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Covent Garden Social Club
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Theatre
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
