Is Piccadilly Circus a tourist trap?

London Tourist Traps: Dining and Shopping Like generations before them, tourists flock to Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Shaftesbury Avenue in their droves, lured by the (admittedly rather intoxicating) bright lights of the legendary theater district.

Is Piccadilly Circus worth visiting?

Famed for its massive digital billboards and iconic 'Eros' statue, Piccadilly Circus is also a fine jumping off point for many other major London attractions, thanks to its super-central location just steps from Soho, Chinatown, Leicester Square and the theatre district.

Is London a tourist trap?

London's top tourist spots are often expensive, crowded, and overrated. Free museums, parks, and local neighborhoods offer better, cheaper experiences. Swap famous traps like Madame Tussauds and the London Eye for hidden gems nearby.

What is the crime rate in Piccadilly Circus?

Annual total crime rate in your local area is 3962 crimes per thousand resident population. This can be rated as 10 out of 10 or high crime level compared to other local areas in England and Wales.

Why do people go to Piccadilly Circus?

The square is famous for its neon signs, different displays and the Eros fountain located in the middle of this road junction, which is now one of the city's top landmarks. Piccadilly Circus offers a variety of cinemas, theatres, shops and restaurants, including famous traditional English pubs.

Biggest Tourist Traps in London

Why is Piccadilly Circus so busy?

Additionally, the nearby Piccadilly Circus Underground Station enhances its role as a major transportation hub, contributing to the area's bustling atmosphere. Visitors can find a mix of entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences, making Piccadilly Circus one of London's most recognizable and beloved locations.

Why do people go to the circus?

For most, it's the fun and the spectacle. Those things are certainly true, but the circus has evolved into so much more solidifying its place as a performance art form. Learning the circus arts has become increasingly popular for both children and adults.

What is the number one crime in London?

According to the Office for National Statistics, many crimes recorded against people increased between the years ending June 2015 and March 2025, including violence against the person (40%), possession of offensive weapons (23%), sexual offences (75%) and theft from the person (207%).

Is Piccadilly Circus a good area to stay in London?

Surrounded by theatres, shops, and restaurants, Piccadilly Circus is a key attraction for both tourists and locals alike, serving as a gateway to some of London's most popular areas, including Soho, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden.

How many stabbings in London in 2025?

The number of knife or sharp instrument offences recorded by the police in London rose to approximately 16,344 in 2024/25, compared with 15,016 in the previous year.

How not to seem like a tourist in London?

Don't use the tourist bus – use these instead

you can simply catch one or more of the 'regular' bus routes. Taking the bus is cheaper even than the tube (only costing £1.50 per journey and maxing out at £4.50 per day if you only take buses) and best of all, you'll be doing what the locals do!

Is tourism dropping in London?

LONDON TOURISM STATISTICS

International visitors spent £7.4 billion in London from January to June 2024, a 2% decrease compared to 2023. In 2023, total spending reached £16.7 billion, reflecting an 18% increase from 2022 (£14.15 billion).

Why do they call it Piccadilly Circus?

A brief history of Piccadilly Circus

After becoming well-known for his piccadillies (a type of old-fashioned collar made from lace), the area's residents began to refer to his house as Piccadilly. 'Circus' in the square's name is actually a Latin word, which means a traffic circle at a street junction.

Is Piccadilly Circus good for shopping?

This general area is known as the West End, and is a hub for shopping, dining, nightlife, culture, and sightseeing. Piccadilly Circus is also within walking distance of other popular parts of London, such as Covent Garden and Westminster.

Is Chinatown in London worth visiting?

Instantly recognisable by its four majestically decorated gates outlining its perimeter, the sky filled with red paper lanterns, and, of course, the enticing scents from the restaurants that line its streets, Chinatown is a must-visit area during any visit to London.

Should I visit Piccadilly Circus?

Piccadilly Circus is one of London's most popular tourist destinations. Sit by the famous statue of Eros (a popular meeting point), or take some photos in front of the iconic advertising screens. From this location, you can easily walk to Piccadilly, Leicester Square, Shaftesbury Avenue or Regent Street.

What is the coolest neighborhood to stay in London?

Is Piccadilly Circus like Times Square?

London's equivalent to New York's Times Square, Piccadilly Circus brings bright bold billboards that will dazzle and delight. This area of London is always alive with entertainment and can be recognised by its fountain topped with a statue of an archer.

What city in the UK has the most stabbings?

1. London. The capital remains the city with most stabbings UK authorities have recorded, and by a wide margin.

What part of London has the most knife crime?

The West End of London has been revealed as the capital's knife crime hotspot.

Why are places in London called circus?

In this context, a circus, from the Latin word meaning "circle", is a round open space at a street junction. The Circus now connects Piccadilly, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, the Haymarket, Coventry Street (onwards to Leicester Square) and Glasshouse Street.

Where do circus performers sleep?

Lodging is provided in the form of a private room at a hotel.

What kind of people join the circus?

If you dream of performing in big tops (traditional circus), you'll need to prove your calibre as well as have the right set of skills to match the shows needs. Having a diploma or better is a definite step, as are good show reals and the like for proving your good enough.