Piccadilly Circus Tours

Piccadilly Circus featuring street scenes, a city 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

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Tophams Hotel
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Reviews of Piccadilly Circus

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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" "5 - Excellent 45.15191545574637%
4 - Good
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" "4 - Good 41.162483487450466%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 11.941875825627477%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 1.3474240422721269%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0.3963011889035667%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 19, 2020

It was the first place which I wanted to see in London. I felt pleased when I did and I tried to spend more time there, having dinner in the nearest restaurant! I would eagerly come back again to the Piccadilly Circus.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 19, 2020

It was the first place which I wanted to visit in England. I was very pleased seeing Piccadilly Circus. Tried to spend more time around it, having dinner in the nearest restaurant!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 18, 2020

In love with this place! Go at night to see it in its splendor.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 16, 2020

You can easily access the London Heathrow express train to Piccadilly which connects you to London. Quick and easy

3/5 - Okay

Michelle
Mar 11, 2020

crowded, tourist area with lots of tourist type shops, a few nicer shops, lots of theaters in this area

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler
Feb 8, 2020

Don't go here if you have small children in a stroller. Way too busy. restaurants are small and cramped. I found myself cursing, carrying a stroller up and down flights of stairs at McDonald's because their dining area is underground and has no lift. Like most of Central London, it is dirty, crowded, and frustrating. If you like little men with very tight pants ashing their cigarette on your baby stroller as they shove past you like lemmings on meth, then go for it.

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