Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus, the main attraction in central London with its iconic bright signs, is one of the must-see landmarks in London and a popular meeting point for both tourists and locals.

Alongside Times Square, its New York counterpart, these are among the most expensive advertising spaces in the world. It’s estimated that around two million pedestrians cross it each week.

From world-renowned theaters to amazing restaurants, cool bars, traditional pubs, fabulous shops, and street entertainment, this is an area that truly has it all. Join us on a journey through its history!

Piccadilly Circus, London’s most famous intersection

 

It all began on Piccadilly, a famous street in London first named Piccadilly Hall in 1626. Its origin? It was named after the house of tailor Robert Baker, known for selling large and wide lace collars called “piccadills.”

Interestingly, the street’s name was changed to Portugal Street in 1692, in honor of Catherine of Braganza, the Queen Consort of King Charles II of England. However, this didn’t last long, as it’s been known by its current name since 1743.

Years later, in 1819, Piccadilly Circus was established at the intersection of Piccadilly and Regent Street, on the site of the house and gardens belonging to the “poor little rich girl” Barbara Hutton, under the guidance of British architect John Nash, famous for his Georgian designs.

Now, the false cognate might make you think there’s a circus there, but that’s not the case. The term “Circus” actually refers to an open circular space at a street intersection, and although Piccadilly Circus lost its circular shape in 1886, it still retains its name.

Today, it’s widely recognized for its illuminated signs, the famous Eros Fountain, and its central area—a traffic island where pedestrians wait to cross while hordes of black taxis and red double-decker buses whiz by.

The Eros Fountain

The Eros Fountain, located in front of the Criterion Theatre

 

Is a true symbol of Piccadilly Circus. Originally named the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, it was built in the late 19th century in memory of one of England’s most important philanthropists, Anthony Ashley Cooper.

Its design features an ornate bronze fountain with a nautical theme, topped by a statue made of aluminum—a rare and novel material at the time—depicting a young winged figure aiming his arrow downward.

Surprisingly, the statue does not represent Eros at all, but rather his twin brother Anteros, the Angel of Christian Charity and the God of Returned Love, with a sober and philanthropic nature more fitting for Lord Shaftesbury.

What to See and Do at Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is one of London’s most famous squares

 

A staple activity is seeing a show at the Criterion Theatre, a Victorian building built in 1874 that is completely underground except for the box office, the only one of its kind in London. Its small capacity allows you to enjoy the intimacy of the place and feel close to the actors on stage.

And how could we leave out Piccadilly’s commercial spirit? One of the best things to do in London is shopping, and on this street, you’ll find everything from modern fashion boutiques to elegant Victorian shopping galleries, as well as the grand and luxurious Fortnum & Mason department store.

Additionally, a trip to London wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the magic of Piccadilly Circus at night and seeing its emblematic, luminous LED signs. For that, a nighttime tour of London would be perfect. Did you know the first sign dates back to 1908 and was for the Perrier brand?

To top it off, relax and have fun at some of London’s best bars: Aquavit, Be At One, Tiger Tiger, Gaucho, The Rialto Backstage Bar, Waxy O’Connors, and the legendary Hard Rock Café. But remember to drink responsibly!

Attractions Near Piccadilly Circus

Views of elegant Regent Street before reaching Piccadilly Circus

 

Ideally, plan enough time for your trip to the British capital because one of the main tourist draws is the Changing of the Guard in London, which takes place at nearby Buckingham Palace and lasts about 45 minutes.

Another must-see is the Tower of London, a 900-year-old castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for housing the Crown Jewels and the captive ravens that guard it. Virtually next door, Tower Bridge is another London icon and one of its most famous bridges.

If you want to complement the experience with a Thames River cruise and tour some of the city’s most notable neighborhoods in a full-day tour in with a guide, the complete London tour is perfect for you.

 

If Piccadilly Circus has so much to offer, just imagine the rest of the incredible places and attractions that await you in London. Check out our tours and excursions now and let yourself be captivated by London’s charm.