Built in 1819, Piccadilly Circus has since become a prominent location in London, known for iconic landmarks and the vibrant buzzing centre beneath the many advertisements and billboards.
Piccadilly Circus itself is a world-famous landmark renowned for its vibrant energy, dazzling lights, and multitude of entertainment options. Piccadilly Circus is an unmissable gem that truly captures the essence of London and offers plenty to keep you busy.
Below we’re going to cover some of the exciting things you can do in and near to Piccadilly Circus area so you can get the most out of your visit to London! However, when visiting, to get the most out of your London experience, you should visit one of Burger and Lobster’s seven locations for some incredible brunch, lunch or dinner, and a selection of delicious cocktails.
Attraction and days out near Piccadilly Circus
Soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Walking through Piccadilly Circus is sure to envelop you in a truly electric atmosphere. People travel from far and wide to immerse themselves in the buzz found at Picadilly Circus, and the iconic advertising displays and billboards in particular, make the area bright and lively.
Embark on a historic pub tour
London is known for its many pubs, some of which have an incredible history and a remarkable past. Take a tour of some of the most historic pubs in London and hear tales of their history and the famous rogues that used to frequent them. Enjoy a pint or two along the stops and immerse yourself in that British spirit of enjoying a pub at whatever time of the day.
Explore the Piccadilly lights
No visit to Piccadilly Circus is complete without admiring the renowned Piccadilly Lights. These ‘lights’ are giant digital billboards that have been captivating visitors to Piccadilly for over a century. The billboard showcases the latest advertisements and presents some exciting visual displays that create a little slice of New York’s Times Square within London and offer one of the best free things to do in Piccadilly Circus.
Discover the local cultural landmarks
Beyond the dazzling lights, Piccadilly Circus (and London in general) is also home to several cultural landmarks. The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain is adorned with the iconic statue of Eros (Cupid, in other terms), which has become a symbol of love and a meeting point for many locals. Nearby, you'll also find the Criterion Theatre, heralded for its impressive architectural design and hosting a variety of performances throughout the year.
Indulge in some retail therapy on Regent Street
Just a stone's throw away (a 7 minute walk to be exact) from Piccadilly Circus lies Regent Street, one of London's premier shopping destinations. You’ll be surrounded by high-end boutiques, flagship stores, and some famous luxury brands. From global fashion giants to unique independent shops, Regent Street offers a retail experience like no other. Whether you’re into fully indulging in some retail therapy, or you’d just prefer to window shop, Regents Street is certainly a great place to visit on your whistle stop tour of Picadilly Circus.
West End Theatres
Piccadilly Circus is the vibrant gateway to London's renowned West End theatre district. When visiting Piccadilly Circus why not catch a world-class play, musical, or comedy show in one of the many theatres that line the streets surrounding the iconic Piccadilly Circus. Nearby you’ll find the famous Apollo Theatre, The Harold Pinter Theatre, the Prince of Wales Theatre and His Majesty’s Theatre to name a few.
Hard Rock Cafe London
Located just a short 2 minute walk from Piccadilly Circus, the Hard Rock Cafe in London is a staple for music enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Hard Rock Cafe has several venues across the world, each showcasing an impressive collection of rock 'n' roll memorabilia, such as guitars, costumes, and some great gear from legendary musicians.
The London Eye
Standing tall on the banks of the River Thames, you’ll find the famous London Eye. This iconic attraction offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city's stunning skyline and just a 20 minute walk or 11 minute tube journey to Piccadilly Circus.
The London Eye is a must visit for anyone visiting London, be it a local or a tourist. Stepping into the glass dome, you’ll travel into the sky to see the beautiful London skyline, including famous landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral, and more.
Buckingham Palace
You simply cannot visit London without visiting the world famous Buckingham Palace. The Palace stands as a majestic symbol of British royalty and history and situated just a short 15 minute walk away, it is one of the best things to do near Piccadilly Circus. During your visit to the Palace, marvel at the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony or take a stroll through the beautiful surrounding Buckingham Palace Gardens and admire the stunning architecture of the palace's exterior.
Museum of Natural History
The Natural History Museum is one of the most awe-inspiring institutions found within London. As you step inside the magnificent Victorian building, you'll find yourself surrounded by a treasure trove of knowledge and incredible artefacts. Visitors to London flock to the museum to explore the vast array of specimens, from dinosaur skeletons to rare gems and minerals. Just a 10 minute tube journey from Piccadilly Circus you’ll find the Natural History Museum, with the famous Victoria and Albert nearby too.