Piccadilly Circus is an iconic road junction and public space in London's West End, at the meeting of Regent Street, Piccadilly, Shaftesbury Avenue and Coventry Street, laid out in 1819 to connect Regent Street with Piccadilly. It is best known for the Piccadilly Lights—Europe's largest curved LED advertising screen—and the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, popularly called 'Eros', a long-standing meeting point. In 2026 it remains a bustling crossroads leading to the theatre district, shopping streets and Chinatown, buzzing day and night, and makes an ideal starting point for photographing the lights and exploring the surrounding West End.
The Piccadilly Lights — a single curved LED screen of about 783 m², the largest outdoor advertising display in Europe. Known for its 3D-illusion visuals and live-data effects, it becomes the square's signature photo spot once it lights up after dark.
Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain (Eros) — erected in 1892–93 to honour the philanthropist Earl of Shaftesbury; its aluminium figure (officially 'Anteros') is nicknamed 'Eros' and has served as a favourite meeting point for generations.
West End theatre district — musical and drama theatres line nearby Shaftesbury Avenue, putting some of London's best shows within a short walk of the square.
Regent Street & shopping — the sweeping curve of Regent Street and adjacent shopping streets make it easy to combine sightseeing with a stroll and some shopping.
Chinatown & Leicester Square — just a few minutes away are Chinatown's restaurants and Leicester Square's theatres and cinemas, easy to fold into the same visit.
Good to know
CautionDon't engage with the 'cup-and-ball' street gambling games around the square, aggressive free-bracelet or CD sellers, or fake charity clipboard petitions. Avoid eye contact with those who approach, keep moving, and keep your wallet and phone in hand.
SafetyThis is a prime pickpocket area packed with tourists. Wear backpacks on your front, zip cross-body bags, and watch for hands reaching for a back-pocket wallet or phone in the crush or the moment you stop to photograph the screen.
SafetyThe square is ringed by traffic, so only cross at the marked crossings and signals. Traffic drives on the left in the UK—the opposite of Korea—so look right first before stepping into the road.
MannersIt's traditional to sit on the fountain steps as a meeting point, but keep passageways clear, and don't climb the statue or wade into the water. Late at night there may be enforcement around noise and drinking.
RulesPay for public transport by tapping a contactless or Oyster card at the gates, and on Underground escalators follow the custom of standing on the right and leaving the left clear for people walking.
SeasonLondon sees frequent rain year-round, so bring an umbrella and a waterproof layer. The square is very busy in the summer peak, on weekend evenings and during the year-end lights season—take extra care of your belongings then.
Practical info
Piccadilly Circus Underground station (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines) sits directly beneath the square, and the Piccadilly line runs straight here from Heathrow Airport with no change. The square, the lights and the fountain are a free, open-air public space accessible 24 hours with no ticket, but check the latest transport fares, nearby theatre tickets and opening hours before you go.
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