Despite the name, it's no actual circus, just a visual one. Think Times Square in NYC (though with less electronic billboards). At the actual spot, look for the famous statue of Anteros (it's at the top of the fountain). During my 2 weeks in London, I passed by Piccadilly Circus so many times on my way to somewhere else, either by foot or bus. Great for people watching and passing the time while waiting for your bus line. Not a stop to be missed! read more

Oh boy, here comes another American about to wave the "It's, you know, like Times Square!" juxtaposition flag. I've actually never been to Times Square, but I've gotten to visit Piccadilly a few times. It's all hustle and bustle of honking cars, hordes of pedestrians, and electrified, flashing advertisements. In these respects, one could also compare it to Tokyo's Shibuya ward. Common across all three locations is the fact that they're packed to the gills with tourists. In the case of Piccadilly I'm not entirely sure what causes us all to gravitate toward it, but if you're in the market for observing the masses, it's as good a spot as any. You get travelers from everywhere and you might come across some colorful characters here. My first time there, the "Matrix" sequels were about to hit theaters so I was thrilled with seeing all of the characters on EVERYTHING here. Of course this was before it was confirmed they just weren't that good. Our tour guide led with a story about being a little boy and thinking on visiting Piccadilly he'd get to see elephants and tightrope-walkers and being supremely disappointed. I'm sure many British youth have stories like this. While the low raters say you should just avoid Piccadilly altogether, come and see it at least once. Just say you're there to see the Anteros statue or what have you, should an excuse be necessary. You'd be missing some of the local flavor, otherwise. read more

It's like Piccadilly Circus around here! If you're a tourist then join all the others for a gander at Piccadilly Circus (note - it is NOT an actual circus), if you're a Londoner or a London resident, don't bother unless you have to! It's always busy and bustling, full of tourists who, let's face it, are on their hols and don't want to walk at the speed of light like us stupid locals, always in a scowling hurry. Don't come to Picc as a local and complain about the tourists - this area is FOR them! It's painful to walk through Piccadilly Circus then Leicester Square towards Covent Garden - it is, I used to have to do it regularly - and I've often mused over the idea of a fast and slow lane for walkers, but deal with it - this is tourist-central and always will be! read more

So cool I loved the view and the entertainment of the crowd it's self ! It's a must see

London's "Times Square"? Whoa, that's a stretch. More like a Pigalle with less sex (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=pigalle&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CFgQFjAF&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.airbnb.com%2Flocations%2Fparis%2Fpigalle-saint-georges&ei=gKyPUf3qBYKKjALXsoDoAQ&usg=AFQjCNHw5DdhhniALaVaEf0KLspO1qIy7A&sig2=AqsxpAPFDJC7g76aAKiRJg&bvm=bv.46340616,d.cGE).No, you won't find the Naked Cowboy here (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=naked%20cowboy&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CDwQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FNaked_Cowboy&ei=ramPUZK7LcrTigLPh4DoDw&usg=AFQjCNG7jJBPsrkSYjWwuq8qbhpT9_Xbow&sig2=6s4S26KHhSClDu6cs7vYrQ&bvm=bv.46340616,d.cGE) but there's tons of other characters about and I photographed a few hanging out the 2nd floor window of some club called "Hard Rock" or some such nonsense (see photo). Is that Jimi up there? New movies, plays, pubs and clubs abound here and I remember one club I tried to enter but was barred by a muscular jock who said "Gay bar". "Exsqueeze me?" I asked. He repeated "Gay bar" and the move was not to let me in. So whatever that was about, I missed it. Maybe if I had a girlfriend with me? Who knows. I did happen to catch Richard O'Brien's original "Rocky Horror Show" and at the end, Richard came out and talked to all the folk. That was cool http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rocky_Horror_Show (leave the toast at home) So if you're looking for a good time, call Jenny @867-5309. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axLRUszuu9I Wait, I'm kidding. Just looking for the rise ;-) read more

Piccadilly Circus - Yes, of course I've been there. Haven't you read my profile yet? - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - London, XGL

This place is a great place for shopping, walking and people watching. We came here to do some quick shopping and to discover what London shops have to offer. Spend a couple hours walking around and taking pictures of all the sights and people. It's a lot of fun and when you come here, you'll be right in the happening part of town. read more

I don't think I've ever visited Piccadilly Circus in the name of things touristic. Come on, lets be frank here, what is there to look at? Really? Some advertising. Gap. Cashmere shops that sell flat caps unsuitable for anything other than costuming characters in Guy Ritchie films. Can someone please tell me why Piccadilly Circus is a supposed tourist drag? If you haven't been, don't go. You'll probably find yourself here at some point or another en route from Oxford Circus down Regent Street to Leicester Square or when you're lost trying to find Soho because you mistakenly asked a tourist for directions. There is a fountain. That's nice. And pigeons. Whoop-di-do. Forget it. read more

I had heard about Piccadilly Circus long before coming to the UK from playing Monopoly. At least it was easier to pronounce correctly than the nearby Leicester Square (yes, the English is one crazy phonetic jumble!) Piccadilly Circus is the confluence of several great tourist areas in London - Leicester Square, Regent Street and Piccadilly leading up from St James. Hence people seem to be passing through. However, it's worth taking a quick stop for a picture with Eros at the fountain and look around at people from all over the globe. I think it sums up cosmopolitan London pretty well. However, other than that, there isn't much to see. The neon display is an embarrarssment compared to somewhere like New York Times Square. The traffic and noise and pollution is horrible. There aren't really any good shops or restaurants nearby and it's best to move onto nearby areas. And for those who wonder, yes, there used to be a roundabout here, hence the name Circus. read more

In my humble as rhubarb crumble opinion, Piccadilly Circus is London's version of Times Square in New York. It's probably all the big TV screens that foster such an impression. Screens with light bulbs as big as beach balls, glare as bright as sunshine on your laptop screen and flash as loud as an Elvis costume. Chain restaurants! Tourist shops! Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum! Big theaters! More chain stores! It the above sounds appealing to you, you'll love Piccadilly Circus. If you prefer something with a bit more character than mud cakes, you should pick another place to dilly-dally. I guess it's something to see if you are visiting London, but Piccadilly Circus doesn't really compare to it's New "Yorkais" counterpart. There are far better places to be seen in this city. read more

This is a must visit in London especially at night, it sort of reminds me of Soho/Chelsea in Manhattan. A lot of shopping and things to see.

I only go here to shop. I usually try to avoid places that are too busy with people but I would love to be standing here at the next Lights Out London. I've never bumped into anyone I knew outside of family here though. My cousin used to make me go with him to the Trocadero Centre. My instructor brought us to this area to eat tapas and pass the theatres. read more

Piccadilly Circus.... well it is just a huge meeting point really. And in the end you can't really find anyone here unless u decide where EXACTLY you are waiting. Always loads of people around here which can be very entertaining. There are also some street artists around which is amazing if you have to wait for someone (usually people have to wait for me but shhhhh.... don't tell anyone) There are a lot of shops, theaters and restaurants around but I was actually a bit disappointed of Piccadilly Circus itself. read more

Piccadilly Circus is a landmark on the London sightseeing map, and for obvious reasons. It's always busy, as it's the centre of multiple different big London areas and so people always seem to be passing through, never stopping. If you did stop, there's not much around. Tourist shops selling your t shirts and hats, a couple of places to eat and the Criterion Theatre, where The 39 Steps is currently showing. I love the place for what it is. You stand there and totally feel like you're in London because of the amount of films you've seen that feature the exact spot you're standing in. Unfortunately the reality is a bit different as the weather in London isn't as pleasant as it is in Hollywood films, and the billboards around the Circus are a bit pathetic in comparison to other cities that have similar things; Tokyo, New York etc. read more

I understand why this gets called a tourist trap as all the commercial stores clearly geared mostly to North American tourists, but there are Lots of cool angels and structural things to see. Better at night than in the day. It gets super crowded. read more

Piccadilly Circus isn't a "circus" (Circus in this context meaning circle or round space in Latin) but it is a very busy road junction where Piccadilly, Regent Street, Haymarket, and Shaftesbury Avenue meet. The neon advertising boards remind you of NYC's Times Square. Located near Piccadilly Circus are some of London's best theaters, restaurants, bars, pubs, night clubs, and shopping located in the West End. St. James's Park is nearby and the Piccadilly Circus Tube Station has access to both the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines. The Tube is hectic around rush hour. read more

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Hahahahhaha! A nice place to end the day of quick trip touring... we disembarked from the cab here to find ourselves literally in the middle of a touristy dance exhibit gawking beat chanting mob. The highlight was when this random off the clock white collared workers walked by and the tall one in the suit and tie entered the dance routine and batteled the seasoned street performed to a standstill to the applause of onlookers. And then he simply walked away laughing... he must have been a street urchin in a past life. lulz Other than that expect the typical tourist traps, musical venues, and dining delights all over the place while people watching all the human menagerie that London's nightlife can muster. Quite nice! ;D read more

Picadilly Circus is undoubtably a tourist trap now but was, I believe, considered to be the centre of the British Empire at one time. Basically it is a large traffic intersection surrounded by some imposing buidlings and the iconic advertising screens. The Eros statue is located here, and there are a number of good shops such as Lillywhites, The Trocadero and Virgin. One top tip if you want to get a good view if Picadilly Circus is to grab a window seat on the upper floor of the Burger King. There are four or five tables with floor to ceiling windows which are a great place to watch the action below from. read more

This is the London place to see and be seen, shop, people watch, star watch when they have a movie screening and mingle in the crowds. Loaded with shops and tourist attractions lit by neon illuminate the night. We wandered for an hour or so, saw the stars arrive for the debut of Ant Man and then picked a dining spot. A fun, no stress evening - like wandering in Times Square! read more

The London equivalent of Times Square. So many people everywhere. At least I can get anywhere from here. Outta here.

Lights? Yes! Cameras? Yes! Action? Oh yes! A buzzing hive of activity in the true sense of the word. Typically a meeting place for tourists, but it also draws music and art so don't be surprised if you hear some Latin beats shaking the Circus! Or if Britain's Next Top Picasso request to charcoal your caricature. One of London's many wondrous landmark. Busy, always but also worth a stop in. And that's coming from a Londoner so it must be good! read more

While romping through Europe during Summer '08, London served as a hub for all my romping. So when in London, I did some the touristy things, and Going to Picadilly Circus was on my list (I was hoping to catch a glimpse of Austin Powers somewhere!). I made it here a few times. It's a bit of a crazy place. Lots of people hanging out in the center around the fountain. It was alright...a bit chaotic. I expected more. I did make it here right after the Euro-cup, and Picadilly Circus was overthrown by Spain! Spain beat Germany, and there was a throng of people all around the Circus. It was totally cool. I hung out in the crowd for an hour or two watching the partying. I think I sang some of the Spanish futball songs, too, cuz they were in my head for the rest of the summer ("Oleeeee, Ole, Ole, Oleeeee! Ole, Ole!" & "Cantolnia, Cantalonia, Ole, Ole, Oleeee!"). read more

Piccadilly Circus is to London what Times Square is to New York. It's fun to see it once or twice, and you do have to go there from time to time depending on what your errand list calls for that day, but it's not exactly the place where all the locals will go if given an option. I did catch an awesome sunset shot when I was there with my niece in October. Shopping around Piccadilly can be fun as well, but considering we were trying to limit our overseas spending, we didn't take in too much of that. Do I have to go to Piccadilly every time I'm in London? Yes & No. If I lived elsewhere in the UK and visited London regularly, I could skip it. But considering there was nine years between my two trip, and I don't know when the next one will be, I didn't miss out. read more

PICCADILLY CIRCUS Piccadilly Circus was a site of constant activity!!! People and shops everywhere, amid the hustle and bustle of the market square and shopping area. Especially prolific were small boutique stores and tiny eateries. Exciting place to visit and shop around. read more

How could you possibly pass this one up? I'm not just talking to the tourists, but the locals as well. If you've never been, go. If you have been, go again! read more

I actually didn't mind this area. A friend and I spent a few nights here prior to a wedding in Norfolk in which were groomsmen. I recall the area being a little pricey, but nothing any crazier than anywhere else in London. I returned for one final night prior to my departure from the UK and found myself in the company of Swedish girls and Aussies. We ended up at a lesbian bar and encountered more than one eccentricity. read more

I wasn't a huge fan of Piccadilly Circus... because 1. I am not a huge shopper and 2. there were a ton of people! I know that I should not compare, but I would say that it is similar to Times Square in NYC. There are a lot of historical spots here though and that made it alright in my book! It is a must see, though! read more

This place was a walking tour & I had no idea how busy it will be. We enjoyed it and we enjoyed shopping as well

I've been to Times Square a few times before and I've been to several districts in Tokyo that are comparable to the lighted signs and hustle and bustle of the city that never sleeps and I have to say -- London, I love you... but Piccadilly Circus is nothing like Times Square. There's basically a block or so with some lighted signs and then a lot of overpriced tourist shops and cafes. Oh yea and there's a big fountain. If you take the bus somewhere you'll probably end up passing by it (depending on your route) and that would have been sufficient for me. It's one of those places I could have easily skipped but I'm glad I went to at least say I've been. The one thing I will say is that it's in a pretty cool location so you can easily get to somewhere else in town since you probably will not be spending too much time there. After our short visit, we started walking down some side streets and ended up somewhere sketchier and more fun (as the sketchy places usually are). read more

Piccadilly Circus reminded me of Time Square in New York City or even the Las Vegas strip at night. As a matter of fact, I was a little disappointed with all the large screens ads and on-going construction around the area. It just didn't feel very European, but it was kind of neat to see the new and old in London. I arrived, took a few pictures, and left. read more

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My boyfriend and I refer to Soho as "crossing the treeline." We love Soho, but once we're in it, the streets get confusing and everything seems to be somewhere other than where we left it. Regardless, it's always nice to be there. Until we take a wrong turn, lost in conversation and wandering on a lazy Sunday, and wind up near Picadilly Circus. Damnit!! Too many people! That f'ing RED STEAKHOUSE that I always want to punch in the face. Tourists taking pictures of...what, exactly? Mayhem? Screens? Theatres? You can't avoid Picadilly Circus. We all have to be there at some point for something. There is a lot of good stuff nearby, but unless you absolutely must...just. No. All that said, it looks magnificent at night when you're drunk. read more

Cool area to check out in London. Lots of shops to check out. It's very lively and busy here. You can walk to chinatown and different shops and restaurants from here. It's worth a visit if you're not crunch for time read more

I was expecting something grander. You must go. Take a few pictures and walk around, but there really isn't much to see there past the first glance. Actually, a better plan is to find a bus route that goes through there, sit on the top level and take a few snaps as you travel through to Leicester Square or another part of Central London that has a bit more to see. It is a Circus with all the people milling about, but you'd save yourself some time if you make this a via point rather than a destination in your itinerary. read more

If you take a trip across the pond to the UK, I highly suggest you stay near Piccadilly Circus. It's like a mini Times Square. The tube (subway/metro) system is extremely efficient around here and there's a million things to do. Theaters, people watching, pubs, snog billboards, Chinatown, unique shopping (if you like tight clothing), etc. When I come back to the UK, I'll def go back to PC. read more

I'm no too sure why this place is frequented by tourists. The neon light display just isn't very big or very special. I think that is one of the main attractions as well, and it's got nothing on Times Square. The place is just way too crowded to look any further than right in front of you, ensuring you don't trip over someone's feet. I guess the best thing about it is that there are quite a few good restaurants on, and just off, Shaftsbury Avenue. It is the gateway to Soho as well. As far as tourist places go, you are better off strolling through some of the big parks, and down the South Bank. read more

The TimeSquare of London. Shops all around. You will be on one end of Regents Street, the expensive shopping capital of London. Nice place to take some pictures if you are visiting London. It is an iconic spot. And pretty much in the middle of a lot of great places. You are almost equally far from Leicester Square, Oxford Circus etc. You could also find a lot of street performers around read more

Piccadilly Circus is a much condensed London version of Times Square in New York - lots of lights, lots of people, lots of traffic and lots of motion. If Trafalger Square wasn't considered the center of London, that claim would probably fall to Piccadilly Circus. It's a popular place to meet up with friends and family. The lights have diminished to one small section on the north side (Coca-Cola has been a constant presence since 1954), and the neon has been replaced by LED lights. But it's still a fun place to see. There's a saying that if you stand in Piccadilly Circus for 40 minutes, or some other specified period of time, you'll see someone you know. read more

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The Times Square of London and I don't even like the original. Come here if you are low on neon. Come here if you like to be surrounded by tourists. Come here if you want to shop at stores that cost too much. Other than that, go elsewhere. read more

Tourist location, it is the Times Square of London. Bright and full of iconic shops and restaurants. Very popular destination, not far from leicester square. Been in so many movoes including Fast and Furious 6 car racing scene read more

Piccadilly Circus - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - London, XGL

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This is a place I avoid whenever possible, unless I'm in the mood to be swept along by a giant group of tourists. The flashing lights and video screen stuff were excting when I was a visiting teen but lost their appeal pretty quickly when I moved to Londpn ten years ago, though there is something nice about the enthusiasm and energy of the area; visitors from around the world soaking up the sights and sounds of the city for the first time. Random facts: 1) travelling by bus between Oxford and Piccadilly Circuses can take 5 minutes or 35, depending on traffic, 2) Lillywhites (http://www.qype.co.uk/place/43037-Lillywhites-London) sells great cheap sports gear but is always packed and 3) if it all gets too much, 5th View Bar (http://www.qype.co.uk/place/48154-5th-View-Bar-and-Food-London) is moments away, is cool and quiet and serves delicious cocktails! read more

I guess this is the UK "Equivelant" to NY's Times Square. Which it isnt and its smaller and not as much to see. Alot of people, sitting at the fountain doing nothing. Alot of shopping around, cant complain bout that. read more