Piccadilly Circus

Overview

Piccadilly Circus is London's most iconic junction, where Regent Street meets Shaftesbury Avenue at the gateway to the West End theater district. Its neon advertising signs and the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain (the "Eros" statue) are among London's most photographed symbols.

Highlights

• Neon signs: The curved electronic billboards on the north side have been a London icon since 1908, now displaying high-resolution LED screens.
• Eros statue: The aluminium figure atop the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain (1893) actually depicts Anteros, the Angel of Christian Charity — not Eros.
• Theater gateway: The junction is surrounded by West End theaters, including the Criterion, the Trocadero, and Piccadilly Theatre.

History

Piccadilly Circus was created in 1819 by John Nash as a junction connecting Regent Street to Piccadilly. The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain was erected in 1893 to honor the philanthropist Lord Shaftesbury. The first electric signs appeared in 1908.

Visitor Tips

• Photo spot: Best photographed at dusk when the neon lights glow against the twilight sky.
• Transit hub: The Piccadilly Line station is one of London's busiest — a natural starting point for theater and Soho exploration.
• Duration: 15–20 minutes.