The name Piccadilly is said to come from a type of collar, the pickadil, invented in the 1600s by one of the many tailors whose workshops still line Savile Row. This area is one of London’s most exclusive and expensive—and unfortunately, also one of the busiest. It’s packed with countless shops, bars, prestigious galleries, and high-end venues.
Piccadilly Circus
The beating heart is Piccadilly Circus, a square instantly recognizable by its huge billboards and the bronze statue of Eros, which rises above the bustling crowds, honking buses and taxis, and the flashing neon signs of commercial centers. These lights often overshadow the beauty and elegance of the stuccoed building facades.
Despite the crowds, the area is full of hidden gems and curiosities, such as Hatchard’s—regarded as London’s most beautiful bookshop, known in Lord Byron’s era. Its owner, Mr. Hatchard, was a staunch advocate for the abolition of slavery. Or visit Fortnum & Mason, a legendary department store that’s a true temple to fine food, wines, tea, and luxury dining.
Map of Piccadilly and Other London Districts
Royal Academy of Arts
Charming St. James’s Church is a small Anglican church framed by a garden that hosts an arts and crafts market on weekends. Yet the oldest building in Piccadilly is Burlington House, home to the esteemed Royal Academy of Arts. Dating to the 17th century (though later updated in Palladian style), it stands as one of the district’s historic landmarks.
Trafalgar Square
The area is also home to major museums, such as the National Gallery overlooking Trafalgar Square. This world-renowned gallery houses over 2,300 paintings spanning from the mid-13th century to the early 20th century, covering every major Western art movement and school. Set in a neoclassical building, its collection is arranged chronologically across four main wings on the upper floor.
