Piccadilly Circus is one of London’s most famous landmarks, situated in the city’s heart. This busy intersection is famous for its lively atmosphere, illuminated billboards and central location, so it’s no wonder tourists want to visit when they explore London. You can choose your favourite Piccadilly Circus luggage storage for ease.
Below are a few travel tips to assist you on your visit to Piccadilly Circus.
1. Getting There
It’s very well served by public transport to and from anywhere in London.
- By Tube: Piccadilly Circus station can be reached on the Bakerloo or Piccadilly line. Leaving the station will put you right in the action.
- By Bus: Many bus routes go through Piccadilly Circus: 6, 9, 14 and 19.
- By Walking: Piccadilly Circus is a relatively short walk from Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Soho if you’re zipping around central London.
2. Best Time to Visit
- Daytime: It is great for shopping, sightseeing, and close by sightseeing. Nevertheless, things are livelier without being overwhelming, in the daylight hours.
- Evening: After the sunset, the illuminated billboards and vibrant nightlife convert it into a magic place to visit.
If you don’t like big crowds, go early in the morning or late at night.
3. Must-See Attractions
Piccadilly Circus is more than just a roundabout; it’s surrounded by noteworthy attractions:
- The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and Statue of Eros: Popular meeting point and a great photo spot.
- The LED Billboards: One of the modern day symbols of Piccadilly Circus, the screens beamed on these screens provide a spectacular light display.
- Criterion Theatre: This historic venue is right on Piccadilly Circus, and offers top performances from around the world.
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not! (temporarily closed): One of the world’s quirkiest museums full of oddities from around the world.
- Regent Street: In a short walk from Piccadilly Circus, this street has some of the best shopping, and dining in London.
4. Things to Do
- Shopping: Just a stone’s throw away is the shopping on Regent Street, which contains a whole range of flagship stores including Hamleys, the iconic toy store.
- Dining: Taste your way round an array of dining options from casual cafes to fine dining. If you don’t want to be restricted to the alley below ground, try one of the restaurants nearby that offers dining on the rooftop.
- Nightlife: The centre of London’s nightlife is Piccadilly Circus, which is backed up by an astonishing number of bars, clubs and live music venues in Soho.
- Street Performances: If you’re lucky you might get to see some street performers strut their stuff in the square.
5. Nearby Attractions
- Leicester Square: This area is just a five minute walk away and is known for its cinemas, theaters and M&M’s World store.
- Trafalgar Square: This historic square, with the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column, is a 10 minute walk away.
- Chinatown: Chinatown, which is located within walking distance, is a place that is full of authentic Asian cuisine and cultural experiences.
- Covent Garden: Only a short walk away, explore markets, street performances and all manner of unique shops.
6. Tips for Photographers
Come back at golden hour to shoot on the softer light, or at night to photograph the billboards with glow.
Look for Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain from a central perspective.
Shoot with a wide aperture lens to show the architectural and street scenes nearby.
7. Safety Tips
- Crowds: We don’t want to lie, the Picadilly Circus can be very crowded, but most of all, on holidays or on weekends. Don’t be a victim of pickpocketing—keep an eye on your belongings.
- Traffic: Traffic in the vicinity can be heavy and fast, be careful crossing streets.
- Stay Aware: The area is generally safe, but be wary, more so in the evening, and take normal precautions.
8. Budget-Friendly Options
If you have a budget Piccadilly Circus has something for you.
- Free Activities: Take part in people watching, touring the area and snapping some photos of the familiar landmarks.
- Affordable Eats: Try to grab some food from food stalls or casual eateries in Chinatown and Soho to eat.
- Discount Tickets: Also check out the TKTS booth with discounted theater tickets, just down the road in Leicester Square.
9. Accessibility
However Piccadilly Circus is very wheelchair friendly, smooth pavements with accessible entrances into many shops and restaurants. But there may not be provision for proper facilities in some old buildings.
Fun Facts
Its current name Cricus was derived from the Latin word for circle, in reference to the way the area was built in the first place.
But Piccadilly Circus has had illuminated billboards since at least 1908.
Insider Tips
- Hidden Gems: Grab a look in quirky shops and cafes in Soho nearby.
- Avoid Rush Hours: An easier experience is during off peak commuting times (from 8 AM to 10 AM, 5 PM to 7 PM).
- Plan Ahead: And if you’d like to catch a show or dine at a well known restaurant, book ahead so you know you’re in.
Sustainability Tips
- Walk or Bike: Instead, reach Piccadilly Circus using eco-friendly modes of transport.
- Reusable Bottles: Drinking fountains are available in central London, bring a reusable water bottle.
Final Words
But Piccadilly Circus is much more than just the famous crossroads – it’s the cultural, entertainment and historical hot spot. Whether it’s an outing to the shops, to dine or to just carouse in the stimulating atmosphere you are bound to enjoy a great trip in one of London’s most iconic spots.
