If there’s one major road in London that’s really full of life, that’s Piccadilly Circus. This is where you’ll see neon signs and the strong energy of the West End.
The truth is, a whole day isn’t enough to get to know this great spot. There are a bunch of shops, restaurants, and areas where you can sit and soak in the atmosphere. But the question is, where do you start, and what’s worth visiting if you have limited time?
Let us handle the rest as we list some great things to do in Piccadilly Circus, London. See what activities you can do and famous places to visit for a lively and real Londoner experience!
Shop books at Hatchcards
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Website: https://www.hatchards.co.uk/
Address: 187 Piccadilly
Contact Details: +442074399921
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 6:00 PM
If you love history and books, then Hatchards is a must-visit place for you! This is the oldest bookshop in the UK, so it’s a real flex and milestone for bookworms.
It started in 1797, and what makes it more special is that it’s an official bookseller to the Royal Household, with three Royal Warrants. Also, you’ll find Oscar Wilde’s signed books on the ground floor, making it an epic literary hotspot!
This bookshop is a 5-storey building with each floor showcasing characters, memorabilia, and photos. You can also take advantage of their cosy reading corners located on the first and third floors.
Pro Tip:
If you want a quieter reading time, go to the third floor.
Watch at Picadilly Theatre
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Website: https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/piccadilly-theatre/
Address: 16 Denman St
Contact Details: help.atgtickets.com
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Piccadilly Theatre has gone through a lot, and it’s worth a visit if you’re already in Piccadilly. From holding its debut musical to becoming a cabaret restaurant and being damaged by a German bomb, this theatre deserves to be on your list.
The auditorium can accommodate a total of 1,232 people with Art Deco design and tiered balconies. It also has multiple bars to visit before the show, though make sure to arrive early since bars often have queues.
What to catch here? You can watch Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Get Technical! You can also explore the backstage to see the lighting and set design.
When picking seats, make sure to remember these: the Stalls are closer to the screen, the Royal Circle has reasonable pricing and a great view, while the Grand Circle has that atmospheric height. Choose depending on your preference.
Pro Tip:
You need to pre-book parking at Q-Park. They give discounts to theatre goers.
Do some fancy shopping at Piccadilly Arcade
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Website: https://www.piccadilly-arcade.com/
Address: Piccadilly Arcade
Contact Details: +442076473000
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Just between Jermyn Street and Piccadilly, you’ll find the Edwardian shopping arcade. You’ll get to see a Beaux-Art designed building with 28 boutique shops.
You can find Aesop, The Valet, and Carlo Anichini barbershop here, just to name a few. If you want to take an Instagram-worthy snap, stop at the Beau Brummell statue. Also, you might want to find hidden architecture, like the Portland stone arches.
Don’t forget to look up and see the gorgeous glazed roof that gives light to the shops below it.
Pro Tip:
The best time to visit the arcade is during weekdays, particularly weekend afternoons, to avoid crowds.
Learn about science at the Faraday Museum
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Website: https://www.rigb.org/visit/faraday-museum
Address: 21 Albemarle St
Contact Details: +442074092992
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday: Closed
Into science? The Faraday Museum will satisfy your scientific thought. You’ll walk the hallway where Faraday spent time on his MRI research, electricity works, and lectures.
You’ll also see some science experimental apparatus like a transformer, a giant electromagnet, and the first electric motor. What’s even greater is that you can explore Faraday’s magnetic laboratory!
Aside from that, you can have fun with some interactive exhibits like the Chemical Elements Game. Surprisingly, this museum also has an on-site cafe!
Pro Tip:
There is a small peephole in the museum, where you can have an intimate view of Faraday’s laboratory.
Appreciate the Piccadilly lights
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Website: https://landsec.com/properties/piccadilly-lights-w1
Address: Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is famous for its flashy street, so go and see if it’s real! Visit the popular curved LED screen that isn’t just for display, but also to tell you that they’re obviously techy.
Why techy? Well, this display reacts in real-time to light levels, weather, and even traffic. It has cameras that can detect vehicles’ models or colours and then personalise ads about them.
Apart from ads, it also airs public events like NASA landings, royal messages, and children’s environmental projects.
Pro Tip:
If you want to see Piccadilly Lights longer, you can dine in at Lucent’s rooftop to enjoy that great view.
Visit House of MinaLima
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Website: https://minalima.com/
Address: 157 Wardour St
Contact Details: +442032140000
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:45 PM
Are you a Harry Potter fan? If yes, then you’ll love House of MinaLima! This multi-floor studio offers an immersive experience across several rooms.
You’ll find dozens of Harry Potter props here and as well as some original film graphic artwork. There are also press-room visuals from different titles like Fantastic Beasts, Daily Prophet, and Marauder’s Map.
The good thing about this studio is that they rotate exhibitions daily, including new props and some classic series artworks. If you’re into arts and Warner Bros. Studio masterpieces, this is a perfect treat for you!
Pro Tip:
Note that there are no restrooms or any phone-charging stations inside, so plan accordingly.
Check out the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain
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Website: https://www.british-history.ac.uk/survey-london/vols31-2/pt2/pp101-110
Address: Piccadilly Circus
You might say that it’s just a fountain, but make sure not to take it for granted! The Shatesbury Memorial Fountain, also called Eros, is a landmark you shouldn’t miss!
This statue shows a blindfolded, winged archer (familiar with Eros in Greek myth?), which symbolises mature love. Thanks to Sir Alfred Gilbert, who sculpted it and made it one of London’s hotspots.
You’ll appreciate the fountain more by circling around it. There are marine sculptures at the base, which many tourists don’t recognise. Make sure not to miss it!
Pro Tip:
If you want to contemplate here, go early morning as evenings can be crowded.
Taste something at Fortnum & Mason
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Website: https://www.fortnumandmason.com/
Address: 181 Piccadilly
Contact Details: +442077348040
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Fortnum & Mason, also called the Queen’s grocer today, features fine gourmet goods, foods, and signature teas. You might judge its name as too formal and fancy, and yes, that’s what they have inside!
There are luxurious-looking food halls with delicate chocolates and ready meals. If you’re going in the afternoon, you can have tea at Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon for a refined experience.
You can also purchase festive hampers and gifts here, like a luxurious advent calendar. If not yet satisfied, you can visit the archive with expedition memorabilia and some awesome vintage cookbooks!
Pro Tip:
There are some great seasonal launches to check out, like the edible coal.
Drink and appreciate music at Hard Rock Cafe
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Website: https://cafe.hardrock.com/piccadilly-circus/
Address: Building, 225-229 Piccadilly Criterion
Contact Details: +442072874600
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday, and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
A coffee person? No worries because Hard Rock Cafe has a flagship location in Piccadilly Circus to satisfy your caffeine hunger!
Aside from coffee, they serve American comfort meals like BBQ pork ribs and their Original Legendary Burger. You might also want to try their themed dining experiences, ranging from Gold to Ultimate Rockstart, with different menus.
This rock-themed cafe is a lively place to enjoy your food while listening to their acoustic sets and DJs. You’ll also love the walls showcasing British and international music artists like Ed Sheeran and Amy Winehouse.
Pro Tip:
The cafe offers basement dining and a private room with a sound system and projector.
Have fun at the Piccadilly Market
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Address: 48 Warwick St, Piccadilly Circus
If you want a diverse and more local experience in Piccadilly, then better go to the courtyard of St James Church! Here, you’ll find an outdoor market with a wide variety of goods to choose from.
From Monday to Tuesday, there is a food market, where you can savour Italian dishes and Thai cuisine. Then from Tuesday to Saturday, you can purchase antiques, handcrafted jewellery, and unique souvenirs.
This experience is perfect if you want to support the local traders. You can also spend some time sitting under the shade of the tree and talking to stallholders.
Pro Tip:
Plan your visit because there are specific schedules. For instance, if you want to sample fresh food, then go on Monday or Tuesday.
