Piccadilly Circus is one of the most recognisable locations on earth and one of London’s great tourist icons. The junction itself — where Piccadilly, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Coventry Street, and the Haymarket converge — has been a focal point of London life since the early nineteenth century, and is famous the world over for the illuminated advertising screens that have lit its curved façade since the 1900s, and for the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain topped by the aluminium figure popularly (though incorrectly) known as Eros.

The Underground station beneath it, opened in 1906, is one of the most heavily used on the entire network, welcoming tens of millions of visitors and Londoners every year. Serving the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines, it sits at the very heart of London’s West End theatre, shopping, and entertainment district — with Shaftesbury Avenue’s theatres, the restaurants of Soho, the boutiques of Carnaby Street, the galleries of St James’s, and the cinemas of Leicester Square all within a short walk in every direction.

The station was extensively rebuilt in the 1920s to designs by architect Charles Holden, producing the famous circular ticket hall beneath the circus itself — an engineering feat of its time. The station’s distinctive curved booking hall is a Grade II* listed structure and one of the finest surviving examples of inter-war Underground architecture.

Bakerloo line

• Northbound (towards Harrow & Wealdstone): Oxford Circus (3 min) → Regent’s Park → Baker Street → Marylebone → Edgware Road → Paddington → then on via Maida Vale, Kilburn, and Queen’s Park to Harrow & Wealdstone (approx. 35 min)
• Southbound (towards Elephant & Castle): Charing Cross (2 min) → Embankment → Waterloo → Lambeth North → Elephant & Castle (approx. 8 min)
• Frequency: every 3–5 minutes at peak times
• Key interchanges: Oxford Circus (Central, Victoria), Waterloo (Jubilee, Northern, Waterloo & City, National Rail)

Piccadilly line

• Eastbound (towards Cockfosters): Leicester Square (2 min) → Covent Garden → Holborn → Russell Square → King’s Cross St Pancras → Caledonian Road → Holloway Road → Arsenal → Finsbury Park → Manor House → then on through Wood Green, Bounds Green, Arnos Grove, Southgate, Oakwood to Cockfosters (approx. 40 min)
• Westbound (towards Heathrow / Uxbridge): Green Park (2 min) → Hyde Park Corner → Knightsbridge → South Kensington → Gloucester Road → Earl’s Court → Barons Court → Hammersmith → Acton Town — then splits:
  • To Heathrow Airport (Terminals 2 & 3, Terminal 4, Terminal 5) via Hatton Cross (approx. 45 min)
  • To Uxbridge via Rayners Lane (approx. 45 min)
• Frequency: every 2–4 minutes during peak hours — one of the most frequent services on the network
• Key interchanges: Green Park (Victoria, Jubilee), Leicester Square (Northern), King’s Cross (multiple lines, National Rail)

Getting Around from Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is a superb hub for exploring the West End on foot — many of London’s most visited attractions are within a 10–15 minute walk in any direction. For onward Underground connections, Green Park (Victoria & Jubilee lines) and Oxford Circus (Central & Victoria lines) are both just one stop away.

• Multiple exits onto Piccadilly Circus, Coventry Street, and Glasshouse Street
• Famous subterranean circular ticket hall (Grade II* listed, 1920s Charles Holden design)
• Self-service ticket machines and Oyster top-up facilities
• Oyster card validators and contactless payment throughout
• Real-time departure information screens
• ATMs within the station concourse
• Newsagent and convenience retail concourse
• Large taxi rank on Coventry Street and Piccadilly
• Numerous bus stops on Piccadilly, Coventry Street, and Haymarket
• Santander Cycles docking stations nearby
• CCTV throughout; British Transport Police patrols at busy times
• Staff available throughout operating hours

Piccadilly Circus itself 0.0 miles

Step out of the station and you are in the middle of one of the world’s most photographed locations. The illuminated curved advertising screens — now a modern LED installation — have become as much a symbol of London as Tower Bridge or Big Ben. The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, crowned by the winged aluminium figure known as Eros (actually representing the Angel of Christian Charity), has been the meeting point of Londoners and tourists alike since 1893. An unmissable spectacle at any time of day, and especially atmospheric after dark when the lights come on.

Leicester Square 0.2 miles

A short walk east, Leicester Square is London’s cinema capital, home to the famous Odeon Leicester Square — venue for countless film premieres — plus a cluster of major multiplex cinemas, the TKTS booth for discounted same-day West End theatre tickets, and a lively central garden. The square comes alive in the evenings and is the heart of London’s entertainment district.

Shaftesbury Avenue & the West End Theatre District 0.1 miles

Piccadilly Circus station is the most central stop for London’s legendary West End theatre district. Shaftesbury Avenue runs directly north-east of the circus and is lined with some of London’s grandest theatres, including the Lyric, Apollo, Gielgud, Queen’s, and Sondheim (formerly the Queen’s). The Cambridge, Shaftesbury, and numerous other major venues are within easy walking distance. Whether you are booking in advance or heading for the last-minute TKTS booth at Leicester Square, this is the heart of British musical and dramatic theatre.

Soho 0.2 miles

Immediately north of Shaftesbury Avenue lies Soho, one of London’s most vibrant and characterful neighbourhoods. A dense grid of streets packed with independent restaurants, bars, music venues, vintage boutiques, and food markets — Old Compton Street, Berwick Street Market, and Carnaby Street are all within easy reach. Soho has long been at the heart of London’s creative, LGBTQ+, and nightlife culture, and is endlessly absorbing to explore on foot at any hour.

Carnaby Street 0.3 miles

The legendary street that defined Swinging Sixties fashion remains a lively pedestrianised shopping area, with independent boutiques, street food, and a distinctive retro character. The surrounding Carnaby neighbourhood — including Kingly Court, a three-floor courtyard of independent restaurants and shops — is well worth exploring.

The National Gallery & Trafalgar Square 0.4 miles

Trafalgar Square, with Nelson’s Column, the famous fountains, and the Fourth Plinth contemporary art installation, is just a short walk south down the Haymarket. The National Gallery on the north side of the square holds one of the world’s greatest collections of Western European paintings from 1250 to 1920, with free general admission.

Regent Street 0.1 miles

The sweeping curve of Regent Street runs directly north from Piccadilly Circus, lined with flagship stores including Liberty, Hamleys (the world’s oldest and largest toy shop), Apple, and a host of premium retailers. At Christmas, Regent Street’s illuminations are among the most spectacular in London.

St James’s & Jermyn Street 0.3 miles

South of Piccadilly, the neighbourhood of St James’s is London’s historic home of gentlemen’s tailoring and luxury goods. Jermyn Street is renowned for its traditional shirt-makers, hatters, and perfumers, while St James’s Street leads down to the clubs of Pall Mall and the beautiful Green Park.

The Ritz London — Piccadilly, 0.4 miles

One of the world’s most celebrated hotels, the Ritz on Piccadilly is a byword for British luxury and elegance. Its legendary afternoon tea, the Palm Court, the Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant, and the impeccable Louis XVI decor combine to make this a once-in-a-lifetime experience for special occasions.

Hotel Cafe Royal — Regent Street, 0.1 miles

A magnificent five-star hotel in the heart of Regent Street, occupying a grand Victorian building that was once the favoured haunt of Oscar Wilde, Aubrey Beardsley, and the Bloomsbury set. Beautifully restored with contemporary interiors, multiple restaurants, and a rooftop terrace bar.

W London — Leicester Square, 0.2 miles

A contemporary, design-led hotel on Leicester Square, popular with younger travellers for its bold interiors, buzzy bar scene, and superb central location right in the heart of the entertainment district.

The Haymarket Hotel — Haymarket, 0.2 miles

A stylish boutique hotel by the Kit Kemp/Firmdale Hotels group, set in a beautiful John Nash Regency building on the Haymarket, known for its striking interiors, swimming pool, and personal service — a more discreet alternative to the grand Piccadilly hotels.

citizenM London Charing Cross — Strand, 0.5 miles

A modern, design-forward hotel offering compact but beautifully designed rooms, self-check-in, and excellent value for the location, a short walk from Piccadilly Circus towards the Strand and Covent Garden.

Brasserie Zedel — Sherwood Street, 0.1 miles

A spectacular grand French brasserie set in the lavishly restored art deco basement of the former Regent Palace Hotel, offering classic French brasserie dishes at remarkably democratic prices for the location. The enormous dining room, all gleaming brass and painted plasterwork, is one of London’s most theatrical restaurant interiors. Excellent value for money and very popular — booking recommended.

J. Sheekey — St Martin’s Court, 0.3 miles

A legendary Theatreland seafood restaurant, discreetly hidden in a narrow alley near Leicester Square and beloved by the acting profession. Exceptional fish, oysters, and the famous fish pie, served in a series of intimate wood-panelled rooms. A true West End institution.

Dishoom Carnaby — Kingly Street, 0.3 miles

A hugely popular modern Bombay café-inspired restaurant in the Carnaby neighbourhood, acclaimed for its all-day menu featuring the legendary bacon naan roll at breakfast, black dal, and superb grilled meats. Queues are common — book ahead or arrive early.

Barrafina — Frith Street, Soho, 0.3 miles

A Michelin-starred tapas bar in Soho, widely regarded as one of the finest Spanish restaurants in London, serving exceptional pan con tomate, jamón, and daily specials at a lively counter. No reservations for most seats; arrive early or be prepared to queue.

Gay Hussar — Greek Street, Soho, 0.3 miles

A venerable Soho institution since 1953, the Gay Hussar is a classic Hungarian restaurant beloved by journalists, politicians, and creative figures, serving hearty traditional dishes such as wild cherry soup, goulash, and stuffed cabbage in a warm, old-fashioned setting.

West End Theatre District 0.1–0.5 miles

Piccadilly Circus is the beating heart of London’s world-famous West End theatre scene. Within a short walk you will find the Lyric, Apollo, Gielgud, Sondheim, Cambridge, Palace, and many more landmark theatres, staging everything from long-running musicals to cutting-edge new plays. The TKTS half-price theatre booth in Leicester Square is a ten-minute walk for same-day and advance discount tickets.

Odeon Luxe Leicester Square 0.2 miles

London’s premier cinema venue, hosting major film premieres and offering a wide programme of first-run films, special events, and anniversary screenings in its flagship auditorium. A genuine event-cinema experience in the heart of London’s entertainment district.

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club — Frith Street, Soho 0.3 miles

The world-famous jazz club on Frith Street, open since 1959 and still one of the finest venues for live jazz and contemporary music anywhere in Europe. Two shows nightly; advance booking essential for popular acts.

Comedy Store — Oxendon Street 0.2 miles

The birthplace of the alternative comedy movement in the UK, the Comedy Store has been launching careers and hosting the finest stand-up comedians in Britain since 1979. Shows most nights; the Tuesday and Sunday improvisation nights with the Comedy Store Players are particularly legendary.

Hippodrome Casino — Cranbourn Street 0.2 miles

A vast entertainment complex in a gloriously restored Victorian variety theatre, housing a casino, multiple bars, restaurants, and a live entertainment venue — a spectacular setting for an evening out right on the doorstep of Piccadilly Circus.