Trafalgar Square
London's grand civic heart: Nelson's victory immortalised in stone, surrounded by world-class art and democratic tradition.
Trafalgar Square stands as London's most iconic public plaza, a grand civic space at the heart of Westminster commemorating Britain's naval triumph at the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar. Dominated by the towering Nelson's Column and guarded by four majestic bronze lions, the square pulses with cultural significance, hosting the world-renowned National Gallery, historic St Martin-in-the-Fields church, and serving as a vital gathering place for celebrations, demonstrations, and community events. Free to access and perpetually alive with street performers, fountains, and contemporary art installations, it remains an essential destination for understanding London's democratic spirit and maritime heritage.
A brief summary to 5 Trafalgar Sq
- 5 Trafalgar Sq, London, GB
- Duration: 0.75 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to experience the square with fewer crowds and superior lighting for photography, especially for capturing Nelson's Column and the lions against clear skies.
- Explore the National Gallery's free permanent collection before or after your time in the square; the north terrace connection makes this seamless and enriches your cultural experience.
- Check the Fourth Plinth's current contemporary art installation—it changes regularly and often sparks conversation; the commissions represent cutting-edge public art practice.
- Attend a weekend gathering or demonstration if your schedule permits; witnessing the square's role as a democratic forum adds profound context to its historical significance.
- Examine the bronze relief panels at Nelson's Column's base and the Imperial Measures on the north terrace wall—these details reveal layers of history often overlooked by casual visitors.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Underground (Tube)
The nearest Underground stations are Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines, 2–3 minutes' walk south) and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines, 3–4 minutes' walk east). From Charing Cross, exit onto The Strand and walk north; from Leicester Square, head west through Covent Garden. Single fares within London zones 1–2 cost approximately £1.75–£2.80 depending on time of day. Services run frequently throughout the day and evening.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Trafalgar Square directly, including routes 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 87, 91, 139, and 176. Buses stop on The Strand and Whitehall around the square's perimeter. A single bus journey costs £1.75 (contactless payment) or £2.80 (cash). Buses run 24 hours on many routes; daytime frequency is typically every 5–15 minutes depending on the route.
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Walking from Central London
Trafalgar Square is highly accessible on foot from surrounding areas. From Piccadilly Circus (15 minutes), walk north through Regent Street and turn east onto Piccadilly, then north onto Haymarket. From Covent Garden (8 minutes), head south through the piazza and down James Street. From the Thames embankment (10 minutes), walk north via Villiers Street. The square is flat and well-lit with clear pavements; all approaches are pedestrian-friendly.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Black cabs and ride-share services (Uber, Bolt) operate throughout London. Fares to Trafalgar Square from central locations typically range from £8–£20 depending on origin and time of day. Peak-hour surcharges apply. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked via apps; ride-shares are app-based only. Journey times vary from 5–20 minutes depending on traffic.
5 Trafalgar Sq location weather suitability
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Discover more about 5 Trafalgar Sq
A Monument to Naval Heroism and British Victory
Trafalgar Square commemorates one of history's most decisive naval engagements: the Battle of Trafalgar, fought on 21 October 1805 off Cape Trafalgar near Cádiz, Spain. Under the command of Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson, the outnumbered Royal Navy achieved a stunning victory against combined French and Spanish forces, effectively ending Napoleon's threat of invasion and establishing British naval supremacy for over a century. Though Britain triumphed, Nelson himself fell to a French musket shot during the chaos of battle, his body later given a hero's burial at St Paul's Cathedral. The square was officially named in his honour in 1830, transforming this space into a permanent tribute to both the victory and the fallen admiral.Nelson's Column: Engineering and Artistry United
At the heart of Trafalgar Square rises Nelson's Column, a 56-metre-high Corinthian monument completed between 1840 and 1843 to designs by architect William Railton. The column's shaft is crowned by a 5-metre sandstone statue of Nelson himself, sculpted by Edward Hodges Baily and positioned to gaze across London. The pedestal is adorned with four bronze relief panels depicting Nelson's greatest naval victories—the Nile, Copenhagen, Cape St Vincent, and Trafalgar itself—cast from melted-down French cannons captured during the Napoleonic Wars. Surrounding the column's base stand four magnificent bronze lions, designed by the celebrated painter and sculptor Sir Edwin Landseer and cast by Carlo Marochetti in 1867. These guardians have become as iconic as the monument itself, their powerful forms symbolising British strength and naval prowess.From Royal Mews to Democratic Forum
Before becoming London's most celebrated public square, this site served as the King's Royal Mews from the 14th to the 17th centuries, housing the monarch's horses and carriages. In 1812, the Prince Regent (later King George IV) commissioned architect John Nash to redesign the area as part of a grand vision to transform central London. Progress stalled following Nash's death, but momentum resumed when the National Gallery's construction began in 1832. Sir Charles Barry, architect of the Houses of Parliament, oversaw the square's completion between 1840 and 1845, creating the harmonious civic space that endures today. The 2003 pedestrianisation of the north terrace further enhanced accessibility, linking the square seamlessly to the National Gallery and establishing it as a truly welcoming public realm.Architectural Grandeur and Cultural Treasures
Trafalgar Square is surrounded by buildings of exceptional historical and artistic importance. The National Gallery, completed in 1838 by architect William Wilkins, dominates the northern edge with its neoclassical façade and houses one of the world's finest art collections, from Renaissance masterpieces to Impressionist treasures. St Martin-in-the-Fields, occupying the northeast corner, showcases a magnificent Classical portico designed by James Gibbs in the 1720s and remains an active church and cultural venue. Canada House anchors the eastern side, while the equestrian statue of King Charles I, positioned to the south since 1675, gazes down Whitehall toward the site of his execution. Four corner plinths punctuate the square's geometry; three support bronze statues of military heroes, while the fourth hosts rotating contemporary artworks, ensuring the space remains a living canvas for modern artistic expression.A Gathering Place for Democracy and Celebration
Since its completion, Trafalgar Square has served as London's primary venue for public assembly, political demonstration, and national celebration. Suffragettes rallied here during their campaigns for voting rights; anti-war protesters have gathered to voice dissent; and countless New Year's Eve celebrations have drawn thousands to ring in the new year together. The square's two fountains, designed by architect Edwin Lutyens in 1939 as memorials to admirals David Beatty and John Rushworth Jellicoe, add visual grace while their water features have historically served to discourage large gatherings. Today, the Mayor of London actively supports the democratic tradition of assembly, regularly granting access for rallies and demonstrations on diverse political, religious, and social causes, maintaining Trafalgar Square's role as the nation's democratic heartbeat.Quirks and Hidden Details
Beyond its grand monuments, Trafalgar Square harbours charming curiosities that reward close observation. The smallest police box ever built stands on the southeast corner—originally a lamp installed in 1826, it was converted in 1926 when Scotland Yard added a telephone line and light for officers to call for assistance, and now serves as storage. The north terrace wall contains Imperial Measures set into stone in 1876, allowing surveyors to verify archaic units like perches and chains against modern feet and yards. The square's famous pigeons, once numbering in the thousands, have become part of its folklore, though their population has been managed in recent decades. Street entertainers, from musicians to living statues, animate the square daily, creating an ever-changing tableau of performance and human connection.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Nelson's Column
0.1 km
A towering tribute to Admiral Nelson’s naval triumph, standing proudly at the heart of London’s historic Trafalgar Square.
Obelisk Charles James Napier
0.1 km
A contested monument to a complex military figure in London's most iconic public square.
Admiralty Arch
0.2 km
A majestic Edwardian gateway linking Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace, embodying Britain's royal heritage and naval history.
St Martin-in-the-Fields Church Path
0.2 km
Georgian masterpiece and spiritual anchor of Trafalgar Square, influencing church architecture worldwide.
Royal Marines Memorial
0.2 km
A stirring bronze tribute on The Mall honoring Royal Marines’ sacrifice in China and South Africa, blending art and history in London’s ceremonial heart.
16-18 Whitehall
0.2 km
Explore 16-18 Whitehall, the historic site of England’s grandest royal palace and home to the stunning Banqueting House, a masterpiece of classical architecture.
Old Admiralty Building
0.2 km
Historic heart of Britain’s naval command, blending grand architecture with pivotal moments in London’s maritime legacy.
Captain James Cook
0.2 km
Bronze tribute to the explorer who charted the Pacific and shaped the British Empire
Eleanor Cross
0.2 km
A Victorian Gothic Revival monument marking the final resting place of Queen Eleanor’s funeral procession, blending medieval legacy with London’s historic heart.
Mary Poppins Statue
0.3 km
Where cinema's most elegant nanny takes flight in the heart of London's film district.
Equestrian statue of Edward Ⅶ
0.3 km
Majestic bronze tribute to King Edward VII in the heart of London’s historic Waterloo Place, blending regal artistry with imperial heritage.
Guards Crimean War Memorial
0.3 km
A poignant bronze tribute in central London honoring the valor and sacrifice of ordinary soldiers in the Crimean War.
Royal Naval Division War Memorial
0.3 km
A solemn and elegant tribute by Sir Edwin Lutyens commemorating the Royal Naval Division’s sacrifice in WWI, set in the heart of London’s historic military district.
Café de Paris
0.3 km
Legendary West End cabaret where royalty danced, stars performed, and history was made—now closed after 96 years.
Goodwin’s Court
0.3 km
Experience the serene charm of Goodwin's Court, a historic landmark in London, perfect for leisurely strolls and captivating photography.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Fourth Plinth
0.0 km
A historic plinth transformed into a world-famous stage for cutting-edge contemporary art in the heart of London’s Trafalgar Square.
Trafalgar Square
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Experience the vibrant culture and rich history at Trafalgar Square, London's iconic public square and cultural hub.
London by Night Tours
0.0 km
Discover London’s iconic landmarks aglow with night lights on an engaging open-top bus tour departing from historic Trafalgar Square.
Canada House
0.1 km
Canada House: Historic Greek Revival architecture meets vibrant Canadian culture in the heart of London’s Trafalgar Square.
The National Gallery
0.1 km
Home to one of the world’s greatest collections of Western European paintings, this grand London gallery offers free access to masterpieces from the 13th to the early 20th century.
National Portrait Gallery
0.1 km
Explore the world’s largest portrait collection showcasing British history and culture in a welcoming, accessible London landmark.
St Martin-in-the-Fields
0.1 km
An iconic neoclassical church at Trafalgar Square blending rich history, architectural brilliance, and vibrant cultural life in central London.
Grand Building
0.1 km
A grand Victorian landmark on the Strand, transformed from a luxury hotel into a vibrant cultural and community hub in the heart of London.
Edith Cavell Memorial
0.2 km
A solemn tribute in central London honoring Edith Cavell’s courage, compassion, and sacrifice during World War I.
Solve A Mystery - London (Pick-Up Point)
0.2 km
Unravel a historic murder mystery through iconic London streets in this immersive self-guided detective adventure.
Garrick Theatre
0.2 km
Experience timeless West End theatre in the intimate, historic Garrick Theatre, where classic charm meets captivating performances.
Theatre Royal Haymarket
0.2 km
Historic West End theatre with rich traditions, elegant design, and acclaimed productions in London’s vibrant Haymarket district.
ODEON Luxe West End
0.2 km
Experience luxury cinema and vibrant West End culture at Odeon Luxe West End in the heart of Leicester Square.
London Coliseum
0.2 km
Experience grand Edwardian theatre and world-class opera and ballet at the iconic London Coliseum in the heart of London’s West End.
The Ghost Bus Tours
0.2 km
Dark comedy meets London history on a theatrical double-decker bus tour through the capital's most sinister stories.
Essential places to dine
Ekstedt at The Yard
0.3 km
Experience Nordic wood-fired cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt in the historic Great Scotland Yard Hotel, blending ancient fire cooking with British seasonal ingredients.
Wild Honey St James
0.3 km
Michelin-starred French-influenced cooking in a Grade II-listed banking hall, where refined technique meets understated elegance.
J Sheekey
0.3 km
Classic British seafood excellence in Covent Garden’s elegant, theatre-adjacent dining gem.
The Garden
0.4 km
A Mediterranean-inspired garden oasis offering refined seafood and elegant dining in the heart of London’s Corinthia Hotel.
The Northall
0.4 km
Refined British dining with seasonal flair in a grand, elegant setting at Corinthia London’s distinguished restaurant.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.4 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Evelyn's Table
0.4 km
Discover Evelyn's Table, a Michelin-starred, intimate dining counter in Soho offering inventive British cuisine with French and Japanese flair.
New Loon Fung Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience authentic Cantonese dim sum and classic Chinese dishes in one of Chinatown’s largest, long-standing restaurants on bustling Gerrard Street.
Clos Maggiore
0.5 km
Experience London’s most romantic French restaurant with enchanting blossom-filled conservatory and an award-winning wine cellar in Covent Garden.
Rules
0.5 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
0.5 km
Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
Meet Fresh
0.5 km
Authentic Taiwanese desserts in lively Soho, offering generous portions of mochi, taro balls, and refreshing fruit teas in a bustling urban setting.
Bustronome London
0.5 km
Dine in luxury aboard a panoramic double-decker bus while touring London’s iconic landmarks with gourmet cuisine and fine wines.
Palm Court Brasserie
0.5 km
Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.5 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Crest of London Ltd
0.2 km
Discover authentic London souvenirs and local crafts at Crest of London Ltd, your premier gift shop in historic Whitehall.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
0.3 km
Step into a whimsical world of antiques, art, and literary treasures inspired by Alice in Wonderland in the heart of London’s Cecil Court.
Cool Britania
0.3 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
Unique Britain
0.3 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and artistic keepsakes in the heart of London’s lively West End on historic Cranbourn Street.
Gifts of London
0.4 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
0.4 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Glorious London Gift & Souvenir, a must-visit shopping destination.
Lillywhites
0.4 km
London's iconic sports megastore at Piccadilly Circus—where athletic excellence meets retail tradition.
Floral Street
0.4 km
Contemporary floral fragrances crafted with purpose, sustainability, and joy in the heart of London.
St Martin's Courtyard
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and relaxation at St Martin's Courtyard in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
House of Spells
0.5 km
Step into a world of magic and fandom at House of Spells, London’s enchanting emporium for Harry Potter and fantasy collectibles.
Henry Pordes Books Ltd
0.5 km
London's legendary independent rare bookshop preserving literary treasures on historic Charing Cross Road.
Charing Cross Rd
0.5 km
Charing Cross Road: London’s iconic street for book lovers, theatres, and vibrant urban culture in the heart of the West End.
La Boutik
0.5 km
Soho's chic haven for European designer imports on buzzing Dean Street—unique fashion finds in London's creative epicenter.
Jermyn St
0.5 km
Discover Jermyn Street, London’s historic menswear enclave blending timeless craftsmanship with contemporary style and refined elegance.
The Moomin Shop London
0.6 km
Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
0.2 km
Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
Old Shades
0.2 km
Historic Whitehall pub pouring cask ales and pub classics since 1898, steps from Trafalgar Square—a true taste of London tradition.
The Harp, Covent Garden
0.2 km
A historic Covent Garden pub famed for award-winning ales, traditional ciders, and a timeless, welcoming atmosphere.
All Bar One Leicester Square
0.2 km
Stylish wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester Square, perfect for socializing, dining, and private events in central London.
Blind Spot London
0.3 km
Discover a secretive speakeasy with globally inspired cocktails and intimate ambiance tucked inside St Martin’s Lane Hotel, Covent Garden.
Mr Fogg's Tavern
0.3 km
Step into a Victorian-inspired tavern in Covent Garden, where inventive cocktails meet hearty British fare in an eclectic and lively setting.
The Spy Bar
0.3 km
Step into London’s secret subterranean bar where espionage history meets masterful cocktails and exclusive, no-photos privacy.
The Alchemist St Martin's Lane
0.4 km
Experience theatrical cocktails and vibrant dining in the heart of Covent Garden’s iconic theatre district.
Gordon's Wine Bar
0.4 km
Step into London's oldest wine bar, where history, candlelight, and award-winning wines create an unforgettable cellar experience.
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
0.4 km
Step into a Victorian explorer’s world with inventive cocktails, immersive storytelling, and a mechanical mixologist in Covent Garden’s unique speakeasy.
Blame Gloria - Cocktail Bar in Covent Garden
0.4 km
Dive into Blame Gloria’s neon-lit retro cocktail haven in Covent Garden, where legendary rock vibes and wild themed brunches electrify your night.
Ku Bar
0.4 km
Soho's legendary gay bar icon: three levels of inclusive vibes, cocktails, and basement beats in Chinatown's electric heart.
All Bar One Covent Garden
0.4 km
Stylish Covent Garden wine bar serving shareable plates, extensive wines, and cocktails in a lively West End setting—ideal for pre-theatre drinks or group gatherings.
Covent Garden Social Club
0.4 km
Dive into Covent Garden's dual-world party den: prohibition cocktails below, live piano magic above—West End's ultimate nightlife hideaway for cocktails, cabaret, and endless sing-alongs. (162 characters)
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
0.4 km
Discover a hidden Soho speakeasy blending 1920s Shanghai charm with inventive cocktails and exquisite dim sum in London’s Chinatown.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
TSQ Club
0.1 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Heaven
0.3 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
The Penthouse London
0.3 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Luxe Club
0.3 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.4 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
0.5 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
The Ivy Club
0.5 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Sophisticats Soho
0.6 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
The Scotch of St James
0.6 km
Legendary Mayfair speakeasy where 60s rock stars jammed and today's elite dance till dawn in velvet-clad intimacy.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
0.6 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.6 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
The Box Soho
0.6 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
0.6 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
Club49Soho
0.7 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
The Cuckoo Club
0.7 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
