London’s Piccadilly Circus is a world-class, vibrant intersection with something fun and interesting for everyone.
From its iconic illuminated billboards to its rich history, the area offers a mix of entertainment, shopping, and dining experiences.
Discover the West End’s beautiful, historic theaters. Explore the world famous Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, or go shopping on Regent Street with flagship stores!
The iconic central Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and Eros Statue make for ideal photo-taking vantage points.
Whether you’re into art, culture, or just soaking in the vibrant city vibe, this lively area has something for everyone.
This post covers the top things to do during your time here.
1. Explore the iconic Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain
The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, hidden in plain sight amid London’s neon-soaked Piccadilly Circus, is more than a pretty landmark. Crowned by the iconic statue of Anteros – incorrectly labeled as Eros most of the time – it stands for selfless love. The detail of the statue’s design is mesmerizing, making it an ideal focal point for admiration.
This monumental work is much more than an artistic creation. It has Grade II listed building status, reflecting its historical and cultural significance. A visit to the fountain is a photographer’s golden hour dream. At night, the lighting casts a fairy-tale-like shimmer—ideal for snapping gorgeous pictures.
The fountain’s surface is an equally beautiful complement to the iconic soft lights above. Adding to the energy and excitement, the bright lights and sounds of Piccadilly Circus offer the quintessential setting for taking unforgettable photos. The statue itself, its bow string replaced after breaking in 2012, continues to be an evocative subject for visitors.
The fountain is colorful in history as it was built in honor of Lord Shaftesbury for his philanthropic efforts. Once installed in 1893, it has undergone several restorations, including significant restorations in the 1980s. It was even moved twice—once in 1925 to allow construction of a tube station and then to allow for restoration work.
Its adaptability through the decades is a testament to its relevance to the story of London’s history. Outside of the fountain, the area more broadly is bustling with life. Street performers, continuous live music, and all of that energetic happy people make for a great atmosphere.
With iconic landmarks like the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, the National Gallery, shops, and dining options it’s easy to spend hours soaking in the culture. As one of London’s busiest spots, with over 100 million visitors annually, it’s a must-see for anyone exploring the city.
2. Visit the bustling Piccadilly Market
Besides exploring the iconic surroundings, Piccadilly Market offers a vibrant mix of handmade crafts and local delicacies. The stalls are brimming with unique finds, from hand-carved wooden trinkets to beautifully designed ceramics. It’s an ideal spot to pick up souvenirs that carry a touch of British tradition, whether it’s artisanal soaps or classic tea blends.
During the holiday season, the market transforms with festive decorations and special Christmas stalls, making it even more magical.
In addition, food lovers will revere the diverse array of street food vendors displaying cuisines from around the world. You can try a little bit of everything—from freshly baked, traditional Cornish pasties to the most flavorful Thai noodles—and experience the welcoming, cultural melting pot of the market.
If you enjoy eating at home, we’ve got good news. Restaurants and cafés overlooking the square offer a sumptuous selection, whether it’s warming pub classics or more refined afternoon teas.
The market is perhaps the best place to stop and get to know some of the local artisans. Many stall owners are happy to chat about their craft, giving you a deeper appreciation for the one-of-a-kind goods on display. It’s your best opportunity to find the best of what they have to offer!
Shop one-of-a-kind jewelry and leatherhouse goods that make deeply thoughtful gifts and personal prizes.
Further adding to the charms, the market is usually buzzing with live music performances, providing a festive soundtrack to all the browsing and shopping. The market’s convenient location in the picturesque Rocks precinct makes it simple to combine your visit with other must-sees, including top theaters, museums, and galleries.
You may just snag cheap, same-day theater tickets on the way while you’re at it. Keep in mind, the market is very crowded on weekends. For those looking for a quieter experience, plan a trip on the weekdays.
3. Experience the vibrant street performances
If so, then you’ll enjoy watching the strides of oozing with crazy skills of talented street performers showcasing their techniques right in the center of Piccadilly Circus. From magic tricks to music, and dance to art, that cultural vibrancy is what brings this iconic spot to life. You’ll be enchanted by a magician amazing an impossible card trick.
Or, you might experience the joy of a busker lighting up the street with heartfelt melodies. Dancers in the park tend to attract large audiences as well, twirling and twisting with remarkable force and grace. These artists are doing more than just playing it cool.
They brilliantly turn the streets into a colorful stage, creating lasting memories for all. Many of these performances even encourage you to participate, which adds a fun interactive element. Get involved with the action by clapping to the rhythm!
Or, as the sun goes down, hop on over to the dance floor for an intro salsa class and get right into the swing of it. With artists ranging from youth performers to internationally recognized stars, this transforms it from merely a show. It’s a collective experience.
These artists know how to make it personal, to draw you into their space for just a few moments. It’s a great way to get up close and personal with the street performers and those enjoying the festival with you. The multitude of acts are a testament to the UK capital’s cultural melting pot, ranging from traditional busking acts to cutting-edge artists.
You may catch a flamenco dancer one day and a beatboxer the next! It’s a celebration of contrast that makes everything so damn vibrant. Yes, though performers greatly appreciate donations (hey, they can even accept card payments these days), it’s free to watch.
It’s some incredibly dynamic, free entertainment, open to the public and accessible to all. Bonus: Don’t leave without taking a photo! Take a photo or short video to send to your buddies or post to social media.
These high-energy displays are one of the best parts of your London experience. Getting to Piccadilly Circus on the Underground is simple, and it’ll cost you nothing to get there all week long.
4. Discover the historic Criterion Theatre
The Criterion Theatre is a historic treasure worth visiting, known for its family-friendly performances that combine humor, drama, and charm. Located near Piccadilly Circus, this iconic landmark features a cozy seating capacity of 598, ensuring every seat feels close to the stage. This intimate atmosphere is perfect for enjoying a show, and families will appreciate its accessibility features, including audio-described and captioned performances.
Adding to the experience, the new Click & Collect bar service provides convenience, allowing patrons to order drinks or snacks without missing any of the action. The theatre’s Victorian architecture, a hallmark of London sightseeing, is its greatest asset and showpiece. Constructed in 1874, it boasts an ornate facade that exemplifies the decorative style of the period.
Major updates, including a redesign in 1902-03, added the Criterion Restaurant and dining rooms above the venue, blending history with functionality. The lavish decor and innovative seating layout encourage wandering. Providing as much to discover as what’s there on stage, one can leave their 23 steps to the Upper Circle, 32 steps to the Dress Circle, and 54 steps to the Stalls.
In its decades of existence, the Criterion has produced some positively extraordinary shows. John Gielgud’s Musical Chairs and Terence Rattigan’s French Without Tears ushered in the theatre’s cultural heritage. Both productions enchanted theatregoers, with French Without Tears running for a whopping 1,000+ performances.
The stage, where so many talents and stories have made their home, has provided visitors a deeper appreciation of its cultural impact. A guided tour is a fabulous opportunity to explore the theatre’s fascinating history, especially in the context of London travel tips. Learn about its heyday in 1874, when it was operated by Henry J. Byron and E.P. Hingston.
Journey through the various incarnations it’s been through since that time. These tours showcase the intriguing building-wide rich history surrounding the picturesque building. Uncover its many architectural metamorphoses and the TONY award-winning productions that have graced its stage.
5. Enjoy shopping at nearby Regent Street
Regent Street is heaven for those who love shopping, combining a rich history and timeless elegance with hip, modern retail. The street’s architecture is its own main attraction—sweeping facades and gorgeous, continuous curves give it the visual language to be one of London’s most beautiful shopping streets. This neighbourhood has all the hallmarks of British history and style, making it a prime spot for visitors interested in London sightseeing. That’s a testament to how stunning and elegant the city really is.
Youll find them all here, from high-end shops such as Burberry and Kate Spade to more pedestrian chains like H&M and Zara. Regent Street caters to all styles and budgets, so whether you’re into luxury goods or hunting for everyday essentials, there’s something for everyone. Expect to find flagship stores opening their own exclusive collections and promotions throughout the year as well.
Either way, be on the lookout for some awesome seasonal sales! During the festive season, the nearby shop windows and streets, including Carnaby Street and Leicester Square, light up beautifully, adding a magical touch to your shopping experience. Seasonal sales are a major attraction, and the discounts can be quite amazing, especially if you’re shopping with a London tourist pass in hand.
Enjoy savings of up to 47% and early bird pricing! That’s a brilliant plan to maximize your dollars while treating yourself to some of the best retail the city has in store. So much of the allure goes beyond the stores themselves, with a dazzling ambiance that makes Regent Street truly one of a kind. Intricate window displays and lively street performers draw your eyes to every corner, especially around the iconic Piccadilly Circus underground station.
Sometimes a pop-up event takes an ordinary shopping trip and turns it into an extraordinary experience. Named after the elaborate piccadills neck collars, Regent Street’s roots go back to 1819, when its junction near Piccadilly Circus was designed by John Nash. Today, it’s famous across the globe not just for its high-quality products, but as the quintessential embodiment of British culture and a must-visit for anyone on a London trip.
Conclusion
From illuminated advertisements to the stunning fountains, Piccadilly Circus perfectly mixes history, culture, and energy in one vibrant location. Don’t miss the classic beauty of the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain. Explore the vibrant scene of Piccadilly Market, where every stall tempts you to linger just a bit more. Enigmatic street performers keep everyone guessing and leave you smiling, and the Criterion Theatre continues to bring tales of yesterday into today. Regent Street in the neighborhood really ties it all together with some of the best shopping options in the world.
Whether you’re here for a quick visit or a relaxed day out, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of your time. Absorb the ambiance, relish the vistas, and depart with experiences that linger well past your return home. Piccadilly Circus is truly the most convenient gateway to all that London’s heart has to offer.