Piccadilly Circus

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


This bustling, energetic area of London has been likened to Times Square in the US. It's also the perfect place to start your London sightseeing adventure.

This rather unusual name derives from a tailor named Roger Baker, famous for making the frilled collars worn by men the 17th Century. Contrary to popular belief, the “circus” refers to the circular motion of traffic that trundles around the central statue of the Greek god Anteros. Today, Piccadilly Circus is an amalgamation of bright lights, lavish entertainment and bustling commuters, a scene which attracts thousands of visitors each year, day and night.

The glorious aluminium statue depicting the winged archer Anteros was designed by Alfred Gilbert and constructed in 1893. It is the first of its kind to be completely cast in aluminium and is today a favourite meeting point for locals and visitors alike.

As much as it’s the epicentre of lively entertainment, Piccadilly Circus is also a great place to start your journey. Marking the junction between Regent Street, Shaftsbury Avenue, Piccadilly and Haymarket, visitors need only choose a direction to start in. The area also connects major sightseeing points of interest such as Trafalgar Square, Soho, Chinatown and Leicester Square. For those looking for the fantastic shopping outlets, head down Regent Street or take a sharp turn for the district’s major entertainment area and catch a show at the Theatre Royal or peruse the gems at the Royal Academy of Art, just around the corner.

If the bustling chaos and dizzy lights become too much, relax in one of the surrounding traditional pubs or cosy up in one of the nearby cafés.

Located in the heart of London, Piccadilly Circus is easily accessible via bus or underground. The nearest Underground station is Piccadilly Circus.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Shows & concerts

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Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
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
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
President Hotel

President Hotel

3.5 out of 5
56-60 Guildford Street, London, England
President 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
The Royal Horseguards, London

The Royal Horseguards, London

4 out of 5
2 Whitehall Court, London, England
The Royal Horseguards, London
Montcalm Piccadilly Townhouse, London West End

Montcalm Piccadilly Townhouse, London West End

5 out of 5
65-73 Shaftesbury Avenue, Piccadilly, London, England
Montcalm Piccadilly Townhouse, London West End
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 offers a vibrant mix of activities including visiting the Utopia Spa for relaxation, exploring renowned theatres for captivating performances, and indulging in shopping at nearby boutiques and department stores. Families can enjoy picnics in the adjacent parks while soaking in the lively atmosphere and major attractions that surround this iconic location. Experience the heart of London with its rich culture and entertainment options that cater to all ages.

Shopping

For shopping near Piccadilly Circus, visit Burlington Arcade, only 483m away, offering a delightful array of luxury boutiques. Shepherd Market, 966m away, is perfect for charming shops with a family-friendly vibe. If you're up for a drive, Harrods is just 1.6km away, renowned for its exquisite gifts.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, a vibrant sports venue, offers thrilling events and an energetic atmosphere, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For a tranquil retreat, Hampstead Heath provides expansive green spaces and serene paths ideal for relaxation. Meanwhile, the ABBA Arena promises an entertaining musical experience, blending fun with a lively ambiance.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station, a cable car gondola 11.3km from Piccadilly Circus, offering stunning views. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, located 805m away, provides an exciting outdoor climbing experience. Alternatively, enjoy the adrenaline rush at the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 3.2km away.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Piccadilly Circus is vibrant and enchanting, with the London Palladium Theatre only 644m away showcasing spectacular performances. Just 805m away, the Dominion Theatre offers captivating shows, while the Piccadilly Theatre, a mere 161m away, immerses you in culture and romance.

*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, picturesque squares, and urban parks. This area is perfect for those seeking cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Explore nearby attractions and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this iconic location. Whether you're visiting for the sights or the local charm, Piccadilly Circus has something to delight every traveller.

  • Hyde Park: Experience the serene beauty of Hyde Park, an expansive urban park just 1.6km from Piccadilly Circus. Enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, and boating on the Serpentine, all while surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowerbeds. It's a perfect spot for families and those seeking a break from the city's hustle.
  • Buckingham Palace: Located 1.1km away, Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch. Immerse yourself in royal culture as you witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the stunning architecture and gardens. A visit here offers a glimpse into the UK's rich history.
  • Big Ben: Just 1.3km from Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben is an iconic clock tower that epitomises London's charm. Marvel at its stunning Gothic architecture and listen to the chimes that resonate throughout the city, creating a truly cultural experience amidst the bustling atmosphere.

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 CloudyAverageAverage
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 SunnyAverageSlightly High
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 visit to Piccadilly Circus, consider travelling between January and March, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance to secure the best rates, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia if you're short on time. Sundays are the least expensive nights to stay, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Utilise the Expedia search tool to filter by budget and preferences, and combine your hotel stay with flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free activities in the area.

  • 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 June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Piccadilly Circus is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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 refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and ideal type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Piccadilly Circus with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.