Piccadilly Circus is a famous public space in London, England. It is known for its bright neon signs, iconic statue of Eros, and busy traffic. Piccadilly Circus is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, as it offers a variety of attractions, entertainment, and shopping options.
To visit Piccadilly Circus, you do not need a ticket or a reservation. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, you may want to avoid peak hours when the traffic and crowds are more intense. The best time to visit is in the evening, when the neon lights create a dazzling spectacle.
To get to Piccadilly Circus, you can use public transportation or walk from nearby areas. The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus on the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines. You can also take buses that stop at Piccadilly Circus or Regent Street. If you are walking, you can reach Piccadilly Circus from Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street, or Regent Street.
Some tips for visiting Piccadilly Circus are:
- Watch out for pickpockets and scam artists who may target tourists.
- Take photos from different angles and perspectives to capture the essence of the place.
- Explore the surrounding areas, such as Soho, Chinatown, Covent Garden, and Mayfair.
- Enjoy the street performers and artists who often entertain the crowds.
- Visit some of the nearby attractions, such as the National Gallery, the London Transport Museum, or the Royal Academy of Arts.
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Piccadilly Circus, you can join one of the many tours that are available. Some of the tours are:
- The Original London Sightseeing Tour: This hop-on hop-off bus tour covers all the major landmarks in London, including Piccadilly Circus. You can choose from different routes and durations, and enjoy live commentary and audio guides.
- London by Night Tour: This bus tour takes you to see the illuminated sights of London at night, such as Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. You can also enjoy a free walking tour and a river cruise.
- London Rock Music Tour: This tour takes you to see the places where rock legends lived, performed, and recorded in London. You will see iconic venues such as Abbey Road Studios, Carnaby Street, and Piccadilly Circus.
Some prohibitions for visiting Piccadilly Circus are:
- Do not litter or vandalize the public property.
- Do not block the traffic or pedestrian flow.
- Do not feed or disturb the pigeons or other animals.
- Do not climb on the statue of Eros or other monuments.
Some things to see at Piccadilly Circus are:
- The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain: This is the official name of the statue of Eros, the Greek god of love. It was erected in 1893 to commemorate Lord Shaftesbury, a philanthropist and social reformer. The statue is made of aluminum and is one of the first statues to use this material.
- The Neon Signs: These are the trademark feature of Piccadilly Circus. They have been displaying advertisements since 1908 and have become a symbol of modernity and consumerism. The signs have changed over time to reflect the trends and technologies of each era.
- The Criterion Theatre: This is a historic theater that opened in 1874. It is known for its ornate interior and its long-running comedy shows. It has hosted famous actors such as Charles Dickens, Laurence Olivier, and Judi Dench.
Piccadilly Circus is a number one destination for anyone who wants to experience the vibrant and diverse culture of London. It is a place where history meets modernity, where art meets commerce, and where people meet people.
