Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square
London's dazzling heart, famous for its iconic neon signs and as the UK's cinema capital. A vibrant hub for entertainment, shopping, and transport.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lights are on, crowds thin
Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square
Best Time
Lights are on, crowds thin
Highlights
Must-see attractions
London's dazzling heart, famous for its iconic neon signs and as the UK's cinema capital. A vibrant hub for entertainment, shopping, and transport.
"This place is always buzzing with energy — bright lights everywhere and tons of people from all over."
🚶♀️ Walk Between Squares
It's a short, easy walk between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. Enjoy the vibrant streets!
📸 Capture the Neon Glow
The iconic billboards are best at night. Visit after dark for the most spectacular views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Piccadilly Circus's Neon Spectacle
Piccadilly Circus
Iconic billboards light up the night, creating a dazzling, energetic atmosphere. A true London landmark.
Leicester Square's Cinema Hub
Leicester Square
The heart of London's film premieres, often featuring red carpet events and statues of movie stars.
Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain
Piccadilly Circus
The beloved 'Eros' statue, a popular meeting point and symbol of the area's vibrant spirit.
M&M's World & The Lego Store
Leicester Square
A colorful, fun-filled experience for all ages, packed with sweet treats and building block adventures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Buzz
Cinema Capital & More
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk Between Squares
It's a short, easy walk between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. Enjoy the vibrant streets!
📸 Capture the Neon Glow
The iconic billboards are best at night. Visit after dark for the most spectacular views. +1
🎬 Check for Premieres
Leicester Square hosts many film premieres. Check schedules for a chance to see stars!
💰 Budget-Friendly Stays
Look for hostels or budget hotels near Piccadilly Circus for affordable accommodation. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Between Squares
It's a short, easy walk between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. Enjoy the vibrant streets!
📸 Capture the Neon Glow
The iconic billboards are best at night. Visit after dark for the most spectacular views. +1
🎬 Check for Premieres
Leicester Square hosts many film premieres. Check schedules for a chance to see stars!
💰 Budget-Friendly Stays
Look for hostels or budget hotels near Piccadilly Circus for affordable accommodation. +1
🍽️ Explore Chinatown & Soho
Just a short walk away, discover diverse and delicious food options in nearby Chinatown and Soho.
🚇 Easy Public Transport
Both squares are major transport hubs with excellent Tube access. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square are celebrated for their vibrant energy, iconic neon lights, and central location, making them a quintessential London experience. Visitors love the bustling atmosphere, the famous Eros statue, and Leicester Square's status as a cinema hub. However, some find the areas overly crowded and tourist-focused, with a prevalence of chain establishments.
"World Landmark & Iconic Square
Piccadilly Circus is worldwide famous, this is probably one of the busiest place in London (which obviously says a lot), it is the equivalent of NY Time Square in London.
Obviously this is a major transport hub so the tube station is really good, and actually has a line named after it.
I personally enjoy this square a lot, there is always something going on and it has many nice shops around.
This is also the starting place of the legendary Regent Street used in so many movies."
Paul Vivas
"This place is always buzzing with energy — bright lights everywhere and tons of people from all over. It’s perfect for just hanging out, people-watching, and soaking up that classic London vibe. Especially cool at night when all the signs are lit up. Definitely a fun spot to check out!"
Kyle B
"A place with the biggest screen in London with multiple options you could go to like covient garden 10mins walk or leicester square 5mins or Oxford street 10mins or trafalgar square 5mins all on foot"
Ali A.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Both Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square are incredibly well-connected by London Underground. The Piccadilly Circus station serves the Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines, while Leicester Square station serves the Northern and Piccadilly lines. Many bus routes also stop in the vicinity. 
Absolutely! The two squares are very close, just a short 5-minute walk apart. It's a pleasant stroll through bustling streets, making it easy to experience both.
While known for their main attractions, exploring the side streets of Soho and Chinatown can reveal unique shops and eateries. +1
Walking is often the best way to explore the West End, as many attractions are within easy reach. The Tube is also efficient for longer distances.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services can drop you off at designated points around both squares. However, traffic can be heavy, so factor that into your travel time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, both Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square are public spaces and free to visit. You only need tickets for specific attractions, cinemas, or theatres within the areas.
There are no entrance fees for Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square. They are open public spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Leicester Square often hosts film premieres and other public events. Check local listings or cinema websites for schedules.
While the squares themselves are free, exploring the vibrant streets, people-watching, and enjoying the atmosphere are free activities. Some rooftop bars offer free entry with the purchase of drinks.
Numerous ticket booths and online platforms offer tickets for West End shows. Many are located within or very close to Leicester Square.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic neon signs of Piccadilly Circus are a must-capture, especially at night. The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain (Eros) is also a popular photo subject. +1
Leicester Square offers opportunities to photograph the cinema facades, the statues of movie stars, and the general buzz of the square.
While generally safe, be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas. +1
For the iconic neon lights, nighttime is best. For capturing the daytime hustle and bustle, late afternoon or early evening can be good.
Some nearby buildings offer elevated views, and certain rooftop bars provide panoramic perspectives.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
These areas offer a vast array of dining, from fast food and chain restaurants to international cuisine in nearby Chinatown and Soho.
Yes, exploring Chinatown or looking for lunch deals can provide budget-friendly options. Kong Fu Burger is noted for cheap eats.
You'll find a huge variety, including Chinese, Korean, Italian, and Irish pubs, especially in the surrounding Soho and Chinatown areas.
M&M's World and The Lego Store offer themed dining experiences. Many restaurants in the surrounding areas are also family-friendly.
Happy Restaurants is praised for its ambiance and diverse menu, while Jumak 39 offers Korean BBQ. Al Antico Vinaio is popular for schiacciata.
🎫 🏨 Accommodation
There are numerous hotels around Piccadilly Circus, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury establishments. The Zedwell Piccadilly Circus is a noted budget choice.
Yes, hostels are available and can be a very affordable option for solo travelers or those on a budget, often with good locations.
Prices vary greatly depending on the hotel's star rating and time of year, but budget options can be found for around $90 USD per night.
Staying in Piccadilly Circus offers excellent convenience for accessing many London attractions, theatres, and transport links.
Montcalm Piccadilly Townhouse is a well-located option, and Zedwell Piccadilly Circus is known for its budget-friendly rates.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for restaurants that offer kid-friendly menus, and be prepared for crowds. The ease of access via the Tube also makes it simple to get to and from your accommodation. Remember to keep a close eye on children in such busy environments.
💰 Budget Travelers
Utilize the extensive public transport network to save on travel costs. Walking between the squares and to nearby attractions like Covent Garden is also a great way to save money and see more of the city.
🎬 Film Buffs
Piccadilly Circus, while not a cinema hub, is often featured in films and offers that quintessential London backdrop. The neon lights provide a dramatic setting for any film enthusiast's photos. Consider catching a show in the West End, easily accessible from both squares, for the full cinematic experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heartbeat of London: Piccadilly Circus
This area is a major transport hub, with its own Underground station serving key lines. It's also the starting point for the legendary Regent Street, a renowned shopping destination featured in countless films. While it can be chaotic, the constant buzz and bright lights offer a quintessential London experience, especially after dark.
For those seeking unique experiences, the K-Pop Korner has opened its doors, offering a dedicated space for K-Pop fans with merchandise and events.
Leicester Square: London's Cinema Capital
Beyond the premieres, Leicester Square is a hub for entertainment, boasting multiple cinemas and a lively atmosphere. It's also home to popular attractions like M&M's World and The Lego Store, which are huge draws for families and fans of all ages.
The square's central location makes it a convenient starting point for exploring other West End attractions, including Covent Garden and Chinatown, all within a short walking distance.
Navigating the Area: Transport and Accessibility
+1For those who prefer to walk, the distance between the two squares is minimal, approximately a 5-minute stroll. This makes it easy to transition between the vibrant energy of Piccadilly Circus and the cinematic allure of Leicester Square. The surrounding areas of Soho, Chinatown, and Covent Garden are also within easy walking distance, offering further exploration opportunities.
While the areas are generally accessible, it's important to note that they can get extremely crowded, especially during peak hours and event times. Navigating with mobility aids might require extra patience. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available, but traffic congestion can significantly impact travel times.
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