Piccadilly Circus Tours and Activities

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


Soak up the buzzing atmosphere of Piccadilly Circus, right at the heart of London’s most exciting entertainment district.

Sitting at the junction of Regent Street, Shaftsbury Avenue, Piccadilly and Haymarket, Piccadilly Circus is a hive of activity and testament to London as a city perpetually on the move. By night, crowds are drawn by the spectacle of the famous neon lights, and it is the perfect meeting point before heading off to the many attractions of London’s West End.

Created in 1819, Piccadilly Circus takes its name from the house of a tailor named Roger Baker who was famous for making and selling piccadils, a type of frilled collar, and it is called a “circus” due to the circular design, with traffic flowing around the central area. In this centre point, the statue of Anteros, the Greek god of requited love sits atop the Shaftesbury memorial fountain. Designed by Alfred Gilbert, and erected in 1893, this monument is now the perfect spot for a bit of people watching.

Once in Piccadilly Circus, you will have a dizzying choice of entertainment options. For a touch of drama, catch a show at the Piccadilly Theatre, the venue for the first-ever London performance of “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf”, or visit the Theatre Royal in Haymarket.

If you are in need of some serious retail therapy, Regent Street offers some of London’s premier retailers including the classically elegant department store Liberty. There are plenty of places to re-fuel in one of the many charming cafés and tea rooms.

Art lovers will be in for a treat at the Royal Academy of Arts, in Burlington House, Piccadilly. Founded in 1768, this artist-led institution is renowned for its collection focusing on British art from the 18th century onwards, as well as its excellent exhibition schedule, most notably the annual Summer Exhibition.

Situated in the heart of London, the easiest way to travel to Piccadilly Circus is on the Underground. The nearest station is Piccadilly Circus.

Plan a trip to see Piccadilly Circus

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Reviews of Piccadilly Circus

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
169
5 - Excellent 31%
4 - Good
283
4 - Good 53%
3 - Okay
73
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
10
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller

Beware of robber, I lost my camera there

5/5 - Excellent

Sam

Great place to visit,

Popular places to visit


Top Piccadilly Circus Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
The Grand at Trafalgar Square

The Grand at Trafalgar Square

4 out of 5
8 Northumberland Avenue, London, England
The Grand at Trafalgar Square
Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square

Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square

4 out of 5
8 Northumberland Ave, (adjacent to Trafalgar Square), London, England
Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square
Royal National Hotel

Royal National Hotel

3 out of 5
38-51 Bedford Way, London, England
Royal National Hotel
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Euston Square

Radisson Blu Hotel, London Euston Square

4 out of 5
130 Tottenham Court Road, London, England
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Euston Square
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Tottenham Court Road

Radisson Blu Hotel, London Tottenham Court Road

4 out of 5
97 Great Russell Street, London, England
Radisson Blu Hotel, London Tottenham Court Road
Zedwell Capsule Hotel, Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Capsule Hotel, Piccadilly Circus

1 out of 5
The Pavillion, Great Windmill Street, Westminster Borough, London, England
Zedwell Capsule Hotel, Piccadilly Circus
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

Piccadilly Circus is a vibrant hub offering a range of activities, including world-class theatre performances and captivating art displays. For shopping enthusiasts, the area is home to an array of popular shops and boutiques, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs or indulging in retail therapy. Don't miss the chance to explore the lively atmosphere and enjoy the iconic sights that make this location truly special.

Shopping

Discover the vibrant shopping scene at Piccadilly Circus with Harrods and Brunswick Centre, both just 1.6km away, offering a mix of luxury and family-friendly vibes. Smithfield Market, located 3.2km away, features a lively atmosphere perfect for unique finds and gifts.

Recreation

At the O2 Arena, experience thrilling sports events that energise the spirit, while Hampstead Heath offers serene trails and lush green spaces for relaxation and mindfulness. Enjoy live performances at the ABBA Arena, where the vibrant atmosphere creates a perfect blend of entertainment and rejuvenation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 11.3km from Piccadilly Circus, offering stunning views. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill is a fantastic indoor climbing venue only 805m away. Alternatively, enjoy an exhilarating race at the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 3.2km from the circus.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Piccadilly Circus is vibrant and full of energy. Catch a show at the London Palladium Theatre or Sondheim Theatre for a dose of culture and romance. For a cinematic experience, head to Cine Lumiere, where entertainment and romance await you in this lively area.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is a vibrant hub in London, offering a mix of street life, piazzas, and urban parks. It's an ideal spot for those seeking cultural experiences, family activities, and city exploration. Nearby attractions are easily accessible, ensuring you can enjoy the best of London just a short distance from this iconic location. Don't miss out on the local charm and the lively atmosphere that makes Piccadilly Circus a must-visit destination.

  • Buckingham Palace: Experience the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. Located 1.1km from Piccadilly Circus, this historic palace offers a glimpse into royal life and culture, especially during the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
  • Big Ben: Marvel at Big Ben, the iconic clock tower that stands 1.3km from Piccadilly Circus. This landmark is not only a symbol of London but also a striking example of Gothic architecture, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city.
  • Trafalgar Square: Just 483m from Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square is a lively piazza that hosts cultural events and features the impressive Nelson's Column. It's a perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy nearby galleries and eateries.

Best time to go to Piccadilly Circus

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
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 RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
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, consider visiting between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Sundays typically offer the best rates, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s filters to find eco-friendly options and sort by price to snag the best deals. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also help you save. Don't forget to explore free attractions around the area to maximise your budget.

  • 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 May to July, 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 Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Piccadilly Circus is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to customise your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near Piccadilly Circus with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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