London: Streets, Squares and Neighbourhoods

Piccadilly Circus has nothing to do with the real circus. The word means 'circle' in Latin. This is a famous public place and road junction in London. This place is popular mainly for large number of shops.

A Large number of tourists visit this place due to its neon signs and video displays. These are mounted on the buildings that are located in the corner of the street. London Pavilion is yet another famous spot in this area.

This is a huge shopping arcade on this junction. Criterion Theater is a historical building. The theater was opened in March 1874. After its inauguration, the theater underwent several renovations.

However, some of the historical traces of this building can be still seen. Due to the large number of shops and other facilities, this area is always overly crowded. This is why people in UK commonly use the phrase "crowded like Piccadilly Circus".