Piccadilly Circus
On Gingerguide's self-guided London audio tour, Piccadilly Circus is a stop worth about ~30 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.
- Type landmark
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- London London guide
About Piccadilly Circus
London's iconic junction known for its dazzling neon billboards, the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, and its status as the heart of the West End.
Piccadilly Circus has been a major London junction since the 1819 construction of Regent Street. Its curved neon advertising signs, first installed in 1908, have become as iconic as Times Square in New York. The junction links Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, Coventry Street, and the Haymarket.
At its centre stands the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, topped by a winged aluminium figure commonly called Eros, though it actually represents Anteros, the Angel of Christian Charity. It was erected in 1893 to honour the philanthropist Lord Shaftesbury.
Piccadilly Circus is the gateway to London's West End theatre district and Soho. The bright lights, constant buzz, and central location make it a natural meeting point and one of the most photographed spots in the city.
Did you know? The statue atop the fountain is commonly called Eros but actually represents Anteros, the Angel of Christian Charity.
How much time do you need at Piccadilly Circus?
Around ~30 min works well for Piccadilly Circus — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.
Should you stop at Piccadilly Circus?
Yes — Piccadilly Circus made the cut as one of 41 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across London. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.
Nearby stops in London
Hear the story of Piccadilly Circus
Preview the London tour free in the Gingerguide app.