VERDICT: We gave 4 out of 5 tickets and here’s why!
This guide forms part of our complete UK Travel Guide, featuring scenic road trips, iconic destinations, practical travel advice and honest first-hand travel experiences from across the United Kingdom.
This article is part of our London Guide series. See our 3 Days in London: Ultimate Guide and our 24 Hours in London Guide for lots of ideas on what to see and do in this capital city.
Visit Trafalgar Square & Piccadilly Circus
Whenever we visit London, we always make time for Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. Stepping out of the Tube here immediately makes us feel like we’re right in the heart of the city. The crowds, atmosphere, restaurants, cafés, gift shops and famous illuminated advertising displays all add to the experience.
We love finding a spot to stop for a few minutes and simply people-watch; sometimes that’s as much a part of visiting London as seeing the attractions themselves.
At Trafalgar Square, look for Nelson’s Column, the four bronze lions, the fountains and the National Gallery overlooking the square. At Piccadilly Circus, the famous digital advertising screens and Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, topped by the statue commonly known as Eros, are the landmarks everyone comes to photograph.
Both are easy to reach by Tube and make excellent starting points for exploring central London on foot.
Piccadilly Circus, London
Piccadilly Circus is one of London’s most famous meeting points, instantly recognizable for its illuminated advertising screens and nonstop energy. Located at the junction of Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, and Piccadilly, it marks the gateway to the West End, London’s entertainment and nightlife district. Surrounded by theatres, flagship shops, historic pubs, and nightlife venues, Piccadilly Circus has symbolized modern London since the early 20th century, fast-paced, bright, and always in motion.
At its heart stands the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, often mistaken for Eros, which has become a popular landmark and gathering spot. For visitors, Piccadilly Circus is less about lingering and more about orientation, a place that connects Soho, Leicester Square, and Regent Street in one energetic crossroads.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is London’s great civic square and one of the most important public spaces in the United Kingdom. Created in the 19th century to commemorate Britain’s naval victory at the Battle of Trafalgar (1805), the square is dominated by Nelson’s Column, honouring Admiral Horatio Nelson.
Flanked by the National Gallery, historic buildings, fountains, and statues, Trafalgar Square acts as a natural gathering place for celebrations, demonstrations, and cultural events. For visitors, it is a perfect starting point, linking Westminster, Covent Garden, and the West End and a place where London’s history, culture, and public life come together in one open, iconic setting.
Top Restaurants In The Area
🍽️ 1. Brasserie Zédel
Why it’s popular:
- Classic Parisian-style French dining at surprisingly reasonable prices
- Vast Art Deco interior, feels like dining in 1930s Paris
- Consistently reliable food, fast service, and great value
What to expect:
Steak frites, onion soup, duck confit, French desserts
Best for: Pre-theatre dining, first-time London visitors
Location: Sherwood Street (2-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus)
🍽️ 2. Dishoom Carnaby
Why it’s popular:
- One of London’s most famous Indian restaurants
- Bombay café–style menu with outstanding consistency
- Massive word-of-mouth and social media popularity
What to expect:
Black daal, chicken ruby, naan rolls, craft cocktails
Best for: Lively atmosphere, groups, evening dining
Tip: No reservations at peak times — queues move fast
Location: Carnaby Street (5-minute walk)
🍽️ 3. The Wolseley
Why it’s popular:
- Grand European café style, London institution
- Favoured by celebrities, politicians, and royalty-adjacent circles
- Excellent all-day menu in a stunning former car showroom
What to expect:
Classic breakfasts, schnitzel, oysters, afternoon tea
Best for: Breakfast, brunch, or refined lunch
Location: Piccadilly (directly on the Circus edge)
From Piccadilly Circus, you’re sitting on one of London’s best-connected Underground hubs. Two key lines run through here, Piccadilly Line and Bakerloo Line, making it effortless to reach the city’s top sights.
Easily Accessible By Tube
Top 6 destinations easily reached by Tube from Piccadilly Circus:
🚇 1. Buckingham Palace
How: Piccadilly Line → Green Park (1 stop)
Why go:
The ceremonial heart of Britain – Changing of the Guard, royal balcony, and surrounding parks. This is a must for first-time visitors and one of the quickest Tube trips in London.
🚇 2. Westminster Abbey
How: Bakerloo Line → Westminster (3 stops)
Why go:
Coronations since 1066, royal burials, and Britain’s most important church. Big Ben and Parliament are right outside the station.
🚇 3. Covent Garden
How: Piccadilly Line → Covent Garden (1 stop)
Why go:
Street performers, shopping, dining, and theatre atmosphere. It’s one stop – but honestly walkable in 10 minutes.
🚇 4. British Museum
How: Piccadilly Line → Holborn (2 stops), short walk
Why go:
One of the world’s greatest museums and free. Home to the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and ancient civilisations.
🚇 5. Tower of London
How: District/Circle Line from Westminster or change at Green Park → Tower Hill
Why go:
Crown Jewels, medieval fortress, executions, and royal intrigue. Pair it with Tower Bridge for a full historic day.
🚇 6. Hyde Park
How: Piccadilly Line → Hyde Park Corner (2 stops)
Why go:
London’s most famous park, ideal for a breather between sightseeing, with views toward Kensington Palace and the Serpentine.
Continue exploring London
Nearby London attractions
Planning Your Trip?
Before you go, don’t forget to book the essentials:
- 🏨 Hotels & unique stays
- 🚗 Rental cars
- 🎟️ Top-rated tours & attractions
- 📶 eSIMs for easy connectivity
- 🛡️ Travel insurance
- 🎒 Packing Lists
- 🎒 Travel gear from The Venturio
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
