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Piccadilly is one of London’s grand West End thoroughfares, running from the neon of Piccadilly Circus past luxury shops, a great art gallery and some of the city’s most storied hotels. It is landmark London at its most confident, and the natural seam between Mayfair and the theatres of the West End.
Where is Piccadilly and how to get there
Piccadilly runs through central London from Piccadilly Circus to Hyde Park Corner. It is served by Piccadilly Circus and Green Park Underground stations and sits within easy walking distance of Soho, Mayfair and St James’s.
Landmarks and grand shops
At its eastern end, Piccadilly Circus and its famous illuminated signs and statue of Eros form one of London’s great crossroads. Along the street stand the grand grocer Fortnum & Mason, the Royal Academy of Arts at Burlington House, the elegant Regency shopping parade of Burlington Arcade, and, at the far end, the storied Ritz hotel. It is a stretch made for grand window-shopping and people-watching.
Eating and drinking
Piccadilly does grandeur well: Fortnum & Mason serves a celebrated afternoon tea, and the nearby Wolseley is a definitive grand-cafe stop. Our guide to afternoon tea in London covers the best sittings.
Good to know
What is Piccadilly Circus known for?
Piccadilly Circus is famous for its bright, wraparound advertising screens and the winged statue popularly known as Eros, at one of the busiest junctions in the West End. It is a landmark meeting point and a short walk from the theatres, Soho and the shops of Piccadilly.
Where to go next
Wander into Mayfair, Soho or St James’s, or browse all our London neighbourhood guides.
