Piccadilly Circus
London's dazzling heart: iconic neon lights, legendary Eros statue, and the pulsing epicentre of West End entertainment.
Piccadilly Circus is London's most iconic public square and a global symbol of the city's vibrant energy. Built in 1819 as a junction connecting Regent Street with Piccadilly, this legendary intersection pulses with life day and night. Famous for its dazzling neon billboards, the beloved Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain topped by the Eros statue, and its role as a major entertainment hub, Piccadilly Circus draws millions of visitors annually. Surrounded by world-class theatres, cinemas, restaurants, bars, and shops, it serves as the beating heart of London's West End and a quintessential meeting point for locals and tourists alike.
A brief summary to Piccadilly & Piccadilly Circus
- London, W1J 9HT, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit after dark to experience the full impact of the illuminated neon billboards and advertising screens, which create the most spectacular and photogenic atmosphere.
- Arrive on a weekday evening rather than weekends to enjoy the vibrant energy while avoiding the most extreme crowds that gather during peak tourist seasons.
- Use the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain as a reliable meeting point; its central location and iconic status make it an easily identifiable landmark within the busy square.
- Explore the surrounding streets including Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, and the entrance to Leicester Square, which are all within a short walk and offer additional shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
- Consider visiting the Criterion Theatre or checking for West End productions at nearby venues; the theatrical scene adds cultural depth to your visit beyond the surface spectacle.
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 tube station is directly beneath the square, served by the Piccadilly Line and Bakerloo Line. Journey times vary by origin: from King's Cross approximately 8–12 minutes, from Victoria approximately 6–10 minutes, from Leicester Square approximately 2–3 minutes. Trains run every 2–5 minutes during peak hours and every 5–10 minutes off-peak. Single journey fare within central London zones is approximately £1.75–£2.80 depending on your starting point; contactless payment and Oyster cards are accepted.
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Bus Routes
Multiple bus routes serve Piccadilly Circus and surrounding streets including Regent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue. Routes 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 23, 38, and 159 provide access to the area. Journey times from central London locations typically range from 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and origin. Single bus fares are approximately £1.75 (contactless or Oyster card) or £2.80 (cash). Buses run frequently throughout the day and night, with night routes available.
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Walking
Piccadilly Circus is highly accessible on foot from surrounding areas. From Leicester Square approximately 5–7 minutes walk via Coventry Street. From Trafalgar Square approximately 10–12 minutes walk via Strand and Charing Cross Road. From Oxford Circus approximately 8–10 minutes walk via Regent Street. From Green Park tube station approximately 12–15 minutes walk via Piccadilly. The surrounding streets are well-lit, clearly signposted, and busy with pedestrian traffic throughout the day and evening.
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Taxi or Ride-Sharing
Licensed black cabs and ride-sharing services (Uber, Bolt) operate throughout central London and serve Piccadilly Circus. Journey times from major London locations typically range from 10–25 minutes depending on traffic conditions and time of day. Fares vary significantly based on origin and time; expect approximately £8–£20 from nearby West End locations during off-peak hours, rising to £15–£35 during peak evening hours. Ride-sharing apps provide real-time fare estimates before booking.
Piccadilly & Piccadilly Circus location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Piccadilly & Piccadilly Circus
The Birth of an Icon
Piccadilly Circus was established in 1819 as a strategic junction designed to connect the newly constructed Regent Street with Piccadilly, part of John Nash's ambitious urban planning vision for central London. Originally known as Regent Circus South, the intersection did not acquire its present name until the mid-1880s, following the construction of Shaftesbury Avenue and the rebuilding of the Regent Street Quadrant. The term "circus," derived from the Latin word meaning "circle," refers to the open space at this road junction, though the site has evolved far beyond its original circular form. From its inception, Piccadilly Circus functioned as a vital traffic interchange and meeting point, lying at the centre of what would become London's theatrical heartland.Neon Spectacle and Modern Identity
The transformation of Piccadilly Circus into a global landmark accelerated in the early 20th century with the introduction of electric advertising. In 1923, electric billboards were erected on the London Pavilion building, marking the beginning of the dazzling neon displays that define the square today. These illuminated advertisements have become the defining visual signature of Piccadilly Circus, creating a luminous canopy that rivals New York's Times Square in its intensity and global recognition. The iconic screens and neon signs operate continuously, casting vibrant colours across the plaza and transforming the atmosphere as daylight fades. This electric spectacle has made Piccadilly Circus instantly recognisable worldwide and a primary draw for photographers and visitors seeking to capture London's modern energy.The Shaftesbury Memorial and Symbolic Heart
At the centre of Piccadilly Circus stands the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, crowned by the statue of Anteros, the Greek god of requited love. Popularly—though mistakenly—referred to as the "Statue of Eros," this monument was erected as a tribute to social reformer Anthony Ashley-Cooper, the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, whose philanthropic work transformed Victorian society. The statue has become one of London's most beloved symbols and an essential meeting point for locals and visitors. Its presence adds a layer of historical and cultural significance to the square, grounding the modern commercial spectacle in Victorian values of social conscience and reform.Entertainment and Leisure Hub
Piccadilly Circus functions as the epicentre of London's entertainment district, surrounded by an extraordinary concentration of cultural venues and leisure facilities. The Criterion Theatre, a Victorian-era playhouse tucked beneath the circus, showcases West End productions alongside the numerous cinemas and theatres dotting the surrounding streets. The London Pavilion, originally a music hall constructed in 1859 and rebuilt in 1885, continues to serve as a focal point on the north-eastern corner. The Trocadero, a large amusement arcade, offers interactive entertainment alongside traditional gaming. Beyond these anchors, the area teems with restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and shops catering to every taste and budget, from traditional English pubs to contemporary cocktail bars and chain establishments. This density of entertainment options has earned Piccadilly Circus the nickname "the Times Square of London" and cemented its status as the city's premier night-time destination.Transport Hub and Urban Connectivity
Piccadilly Circus tube station, located beneath the plaza, serves as a major underground transport interchange accommodating approximately 40 million passengers annually. The station itself holds historical significance, with the original 1906 structure replaced in 1928 to handle the surging passenger volumes. During World War II, the station functioned as a bomb shelter, with approximately 7,000 people sheltering there each night during the Blitz. The station's Art Deco design, implemented during the height of the British Empire, earned it the designation "Heart of London." Today, the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines converge at this station, providing direct connections throughout London's transport network and making the square exceptionally accessible from all corners of the city.A Living Crossroads of Culture and Commerce
Beyond its role as a transport junction and entertainment venue, Piccadilly Circus functions as a genuine public space where London's diverse populations converge. Street performers regularly animate the plaza, creating spontaneous moments of urban theatre. The square's central location places it within easy walking distance of major cultural institutions including the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery, as well as the shopping districts of Regent Street and the bohemian energy of neighbouring Soho. The surrounding streets—Shaftesbury Avenue, the Haymarket, Coventry Street leading to Leicester Square, and Glasshouse Street—each contribute their own character while remaining integral to the Piccadilly Circus experience. Whether visited during daylight hours or after dark when the neon signs reach their full luminous potential, Piccadilly Circus remains a living embodiment of London's status as a world city where history, commerce, culture, and human connection intersect.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Piccadilly & Piccadilly Circus
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London's dazzling heart: iconic neon lights, legendary Eros statue, and the pulsing epicentre of West End entertainment.
Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)
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Experience the iconic Eros Fountain at Piccadilly Circus, a historical landmark embodying London's vibrant culture and rich history.
225 Piccadilly Circus
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Experience the vibrant energy of Piccadilly Circus in London, the iconic hub of entertainment, shopping, and nightlife that pulses with life.
Piccadilly Circus
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Experience the vibrant spirit of London at Piccadilly Circus, a lively hub of culture, entertainment, and iconic sights in the heart of the city.
St James's Piccadilly
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Guards Crimean War Memorial
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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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Waterloo Pl
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St James's Square
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3 Savile Row
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Burlington House
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Beau Brummell Statue
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The bronze dandy who redefined men's fashion and paid the price for elegance.
Pall Mall
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Pall Mall, a historic London street famed for royal heritage, pioneering gas lighting, and exclusive gentlemen’s clubs near St James’s Palace.
Unmissable attractions to see
The London Pavillion
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Picturehouse Central
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Piccadilly Theatre
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Tiger Tiger London
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Wonderville
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Comedy Carnival Leicester Square
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Ham Yard Hotel
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Experience the blend of modern luxury and vibrant culture at Ham Yard Hotel in the heart of London. A must-visit destination for discerning travelers.
Lyric Theatre
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Prince of Wales Theatre
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The Book Of Mormon
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Haymarket
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Experience the vibrant culture and historic charm of Haymarket, London's bustling hub of entertainment and culinary delights.
The Red Lion, Mayfair
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Tootbus London
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Grosvenor Casino, Piccadilly
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Café de Paris
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Experience the vibrant nightlife of London at Café de Paris, an iconic venue known for live music, exquisite dining, and unforgettable events.
Essential places to dine
Kricket Soho
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Bantof
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Evelyn's Table
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Mele e Pere
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Blacklock Soho
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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.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
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Experience the opulence of French-British cuisine at Bob Bob Ricard Soho, where every meal feels like a celebration.
NOPI
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Meet Fresh
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Savor the authentic flavors of Taiwan with chewy taro balls, silky tofu pudding, and refreshing shaved ice in the heart of London’s Chinatown.
Quaglino's
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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.
Andrew Edmunds Restaurant
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A romantic Soho townhouse serving seasonal modern European dishes with a legendary wine list in an intimate, candlelit setting since 1985.
Gauthier Soho
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Kingly Court
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Golden Lion
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Historic Victorian pub in St James, London, blending theatrical heritage with cozy charm and classic British fare.
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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Burlington Arcade
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Glassworks London - Soho
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La Boutik
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Unique Britain
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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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Liberty London
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Crest of London Ltd
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St Martin's Courtyard
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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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The Blind Pig at Social Eating House
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Basement Sate
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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
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Futuristic Looks
- Retro Vibes
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- TikTok-Friendly
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Colorful Backdrops
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
