Piccadilly is at the centre of London, England’s capital. From breathtaking architecture to a plethora of clubs, pubs, bars, and restaurants, as well as historical landmarks, this guide outlines why you shouldn’t miss a trip to this iconic location.
We will also share how the Piccadilly line train can help you get the most from your visit.
Why should you visit Piccadilly?
With world-class entertainment so easily available, choosing where to visit can be tricky. Even knowing which area of London to visit is a challenge. However, if you're looking for a day out that truly captures the essence of London, then Piccadilly should be at the top of your list.
No visit to Piccadilly would be complete without taking in the breathtaking sights of Piccadilly Circus.
The iconic square is a stunning blend of historical architecture and modern technology, with enormous advertising boards towering above the bustling streets below. It's impossible not to enjoy the energy and atmosphere of London at its most vibrant.
One of the highlights of Piccadilly Circus is the renowned Statue of Eros.
Created in the late 1800s in honour of the seventh Earl of Shaftesbury, the statue is an interpretation of Anteros, the brother of the Greek god Eros. With its rich history and incredible beauty, the statue is one of the most photographed and recorded landmarks in all of London.
Whether you're a history buff, a lover of architecture, or simply seeking a taste of London's vibrant energy, a visit to Piccadilly is an absolute must. Come and discover for yourself the magic of this incredible destination!
What To Do At Piccadilly
Piccadilly in London is an absolute treasure trove for tourists, offering a vibrant mix of old and new that is guaranteed to leave you spellbound. With a rich historical backdrop intermingled with modern sights and sounds, Piccadilly is the perfect place to soak up some true London charm.
If you're looking for a bite to eat, the Hard Rock Café is a culinary and musical must-visit. Once you're done eating, why not head out for some smooth sipping at one of the many glamorous cocktail bars in the area?
And if you're in the mood for some dancing, Piccadilly is home to some lively clubs that are sure to keep you going all night long.
If pub crawls and tours are your thing, there are plenty of options available to help you explore the area and visit its many iconic sites. With so much to see and do, visiting Piccadilly is never a dull time!
During the day, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in some retail therapy, with a vast array of shops offering both well-known brands and independent boutiques.
And if you're in a more cultural mood, both the Criterion Theatre and Piccadilly Theatre are nearby. These offer the perfect opportunity to catch a show or simply admire their renowned architecture.
To take in the beauty of Piccadilly and its surrounding areas, we recommend taking an open bus tour. With guided tours available, you'll learn all about different parts of the city as you go, making it a truly memorable experience.
Getting the Piccadilly train line
Piccadilly is well connected with underground links, so getting to and from here will be no problem. The underground station sits directly under Piccadilly Circus, with the Piccadilly line train taking you right into the heart of this bustling area.
Piccadilly Circus sits on the Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines. Both of these connect to many other notable landmarks across London so you can use them to continue exploring once you have taken in all that Piccadilly has to offer.
- To get from Waterloo train station to Piccadilly, go to the Waterloo underground and get the Bakerloo line straight to Piccadilly Circus.
- Charing Cross station is also directly connected to Piccadilly through the Bakerloo line and takes five minutes.
- Kings cross station is also on the Piccadilly line. Take any Piccadilly line train from Kings Cross St. Pancras and stay on the line for 15 minutes to be at the centre of the action.
- London Euston to Piccadilly requires a train line change but doesn’t add considerable time to the journey. Get on the northern line at London Euston and change at Leicester square for the Piccadilly line. All in all, your journey is still under 15 minutes.
- Marylebone station connects to Piccadilly via the Bakerloo line but requires a walk to Regents Park to make the connection. With that being said, the total journey time for this route is still only just over 15 minutes.
- When travelling from Victoria Station, catch the Victoria line to Oxford Circus, then change onto the Bakerloo line to get to the heart of Piccadilly.
- Much like Waterloo, Paddington train station connects directly to Piccadilly through the Bakerloo line. The total journey time only takes 12 minutes or so.
Other nearby tube stations
Piccadilly is not just a stand-alone area, many other well-known stations and places are close by and worth exploring:
- Green Park station is further down from Piccadilly Circus and is right next to Green Park itself. After marvelling at the Piccadilly lights, a stop at this next station will allow you to sit back and enjoy the peace and greenery of the park.
- Leicester Square is the next station along Piccadilly Circus on the Piccadilly line and contains a multitude of restaurants, bars, and food stalls.
- Leicester Square is also home to several impressive cinemas, often used for film premieres. Thanks to this, it’s the perfect place to catch a movie.
- Oxford Circus is just north of Piccadilly Circus. Once taking your picture with the Statue of Eros, either walk for ten minutes or catch the Bakerloo line to Oxford Circus to indulge in some retail therapy.
- South of Piccadilly is Waterloo Station. Travel on the Bakerloo line to the Waterloo underground stop to access the main train station.
Waterloo also has a lot of bar and restaurant options to offer if you’re still peckish. It is also a short walk from the London Eye should you wish to enjoy London’s impressive landscape from up high.
Plan your Piccadilly adventure with Avanti
Experience the bustling heart of London by exploring the vibrant Piccadilly area. It is a treasure trove of retail destinations, historic landmarks, and entertainment for all ages.
Whether you're eager to take in the iconic sights or have a night on the town, Piccadilly promises a fantastic time.
Keep planning simple, and book with us for a hassle-free journey. With savings to be made with group tickets, Railcards and our app, you don’t have to hesitate in booking your next London visit.
