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


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.

Plan a trip to see Piccadilly Circus

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Top Piccadilly Circus Hotel & Accommodation 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
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 Grand at Trafalgar Square

The Grand at Trafalgar Square

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

Royal National Hotel

3 out of 5
38-51 Bedford Way, London, England
Royal National Hotel
The Z Hotel Holborn

The Z Hotel Holborn

3 out of 5
75 Kingsway, London, England
The Z Hotel Holborn
Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
Sea Containers London
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
Park Plaza County Hall London

Park Plaza County Hall London

4 out of 5
1 Addington Street, London, England
Park Plaza County Hall London
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, from catching a show at world-famous theatres like the Prince of Wales Theatre to indulging in retail therapy at nearby shops. For a more relaxed experience, consider joining a yoga class in one of the local studios. This bustling hub is perfect for both cultural experiences and leisurely pursuits, making it a must-visit on your London adventure.

Shopping

For a vibrant shopping experience, visit Harrods and Brunswick Centre, both only 1.6km from Piccadilly Circus. For unique gifts, head to Borough Market, located 3.2km away, where you can soak in the lively atmosphere while exploring local stalls.

Recreation

At O2 Arena, experience exhilarating live sports events that energise your spirit. For a serene escape, head to Hampstead Heath, where lush greenery invites relaxation and rejuvenation. Lastly, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere at ABBA Arena, enjoying fantastic music that lifts your mood and enhances your wellness journey.

Adventure

For an exhilarating experience, take a scenic ride on the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, located 11.3km from Piccadilly Circus, offering stunning views. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, only 805m away, provides thrilling indoor climbing adventures. Don’t miss the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 3.2km away, perfect for adrenaline junkies.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Piccadilly Circus with a visit to the London Palladium Theatre, showcasing top-notch performances just 644m away. For more entertainment, check out the Dominion Theatre, 805m away, or the Sondheim Theatre, only 322m from the bustling heart of the 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, brimming with culture and excitement. Visitors can explore the lively streets, the iconic piazza, and nearby urban parks, making it an ideal destination for families and culture seekers alike. Don't miss the chance to experience the essence of London at this famous landmark, known for its dazzling lights and bustling atmosphere. A visit to Piccadilly Circus promises unforgettable memories in the heart of the city.

  • Big Ben: A stunning clock tower and iconic symbol of London, Big Ben is renowned for its striking architecture and the rhythmic chime that resonates across the city. This landmark, located 1.3km from Piccadilly Circus, is steeped in history and offers a vibrant atmosphere, embodying the essence of British culture.
  • Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is a magnificent historic palace situated 1.1km away. Visitors can marvel at its grand façade and witness the Changing of the Guard, immersing themselves in royal heritage and culture.
  • Trafalgar Square: Just 483m from Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square is a lively piazza that serves as a cultural hub. It features impressive statues, the National Gallery, and often hosts events and gatherings, making it a perfect spot to soak up the city's vibrant energy.

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 Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 during your trip to Piccadilly Circus, consider visiting from January to March when hotel prices are lower, especially on Sundays. Use Expedia to find the best deals by searching for last-minute offers and sorting by price. Combine your hotel stay with flights and activities for additional savings. Take advantage of London’s efficient public transport system; an Oyster card can help you travel affordably. Lastly, explore the area’s free attractions, such as street performances and the iconic lights, to make your visit memorable without breaking the bank.

  • 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: 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: Expedia’s search tool lets you set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your hotel booking at Piccadilly Circus with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.