Back in the 17th century, a London trader named Robert Baker grew rich selling stiff collars known as Pickadils in the centre of town. The area became known as Piccadilly, and the Piccadilly stretch is now home to the Ritz, Apsley House, Wellington Arch, the Burlington Arcade and the Royal Academy of Arts. It’s a quintessentially British road, once frequented by court fops and dandies and now popular with tourists exploring the city.

At the junction of Piccadilly, Regent Street, Shaftsbury Avenue and Coventry Street sits Piccadilly Circus. The first advertising signs appeared there in 1890, offering a stark contrast to the elegant architecture nearby. The centerpiece is the Shaftsbury Memorial Fountain, otherwise known as the statue of Eros. Despite the run-down appearance of Piccadilly Circus, the refurbished Criterion Theatre, Trocadero entertainment centre, buzzing atmosphere and many

Why should I go there?

Although essentially a chaotic, dirty traffic intersection, Piccadilly Circus is the central feature of many London postcards and the area is a mass of interesting contradictions. Here you’ll find attractive architecture and high-class shops mixed with cheap tourist tat and flashing lights. At the heart of the West End, it’s a good place to walk around, and an easy stroll away from the more stylish Regent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue. If you’re tired of ‘culture’ and don’t mind parting with your cash, the Trocadero is a massive shopping arcade filled with exotic cafes, cinemas and Funland – a huge indoor entertainment centre.

Where is the area?

Piccadilly Circus is in the West End, and has its own tube station with several entrances. It’s a very short walk to Leicester Square and is well served by buses too.