Trafalgar Square ( trə-FAL-gər) is a public square in the City of Westminster, Central London, established in the early 19th century around the area formerly known as Charing Cross. At its centre a high column bearing a statue of Admiral Nelson commemorates his victory at Battle of Trafalgar, the British naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars over France and Spain that took place on 21 October 1805 off the coast of Cape Trafalgar.
The site around Trafalgar Square had been a significant landmark since the 1200s. For centuries, distances measured from Charing Cross have served as location markers. The site of the present square formerly contained the elaborately designed, enclosed courtyard, King's Mews. After George IV moved the mews to Buckingham Palace, the area was redeveloped by John Nash, but progress was slow after his death, and the square did not open until 1844. The 169-foot (52 m) Nelson's Column at its centre is guarded by four lion statues. A number of commemorative statues and sculptures occupy the square, but the Fourth Plinth, left empty since 1840, has been host to contemporary art since 1999. Prominent buildings facing the square include the National Gallery, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Canada House, and South Africa House.
Marcus Suitor | Feb 25, 2018
Had a great time out with various activities, shows, entertainment by street performers. Great security by police and UK Guardian Angels patrolling the area for our safety, much respect to the SWAT food service handing out free hot meals to homeless and anyone passing by. Great community spirit, plenty to see. Awesome day out for family and friends.
T D B Das | Jan 11, 2018
One of the must and most visited place. This is close to the center point of London (center point is the Charles I statue) Events, stage shows, London Diwali celebrations and other countries cultural festivals also do take place here. Most of the parade route are through here too. Nelson's column, the Lions in the square are of particular interest for the kids and adults alike. National Gallery is not to be missed with famous painter's paintings (incl Van Gogh's Sunflowers). Some of the nightclubs, theatres are also a short walking distance from here (towards Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus). Walk down the Whitehall for brilliant sight seeing buildings from Old War building, Horse Guards Museum (don't miss the parade and the evening inspection), 10 Downing Street, Imperial War Museum and of course Big Ben!! Other countries embassies can also be seen nearby here! Plenty of food places in and around this area. Free water is served in any London eateries - just ask for plain tap water. Toilet facilities are also available in the Square and the National Gallery. Wheelchair accessible in and around the area incl National Gallery!!
elena balin | Jan 27, 2018
Nice place situated right in the centre of the city. Shops and restaurants all around the area very reasonable in price. Very close to the attraction but very busy. Lots of tourists and street artists showcasing. Every time I have to pass through it there something going on!
Muneeb Javiid | Feb 14, 2018
Very amazing and One of the famous and one of the most beautiful square in London. This square is often used for temporary events such as Chinese New Year or concerts but is also the centre of cosmopolitan street artists. There are always talented musicians and strange comedians who will give you a laugh or give you chills!
Andy Balkham | Feb 18, 2018
In true carry on style we got to see Nelsons column..... oh matron... and unfortunately not much else. It was Chinese New year and they were getting ready for a display so the fountain etc was closed off to the public. None the less, happy to have seen and stood under this iconic London landmark. You don't realise how big it is until you've seen it in person.
Philippe Mandangi | Apr 3, 2018
Trafalgar Square is one of the iconic and historic landmark of London. Located at the heart of London with close proximity to Big Ben and Number 10 Downing Street, Trafalgar Square is the main entrance to Buckingham Palace, the Queen's official residence. Not only its opening space serve as a venue for free concerts and other public gatherings, it represents diversity, especially with all the various restaurants of world flavour around it and the connectivity to other areas of London. Most of night bus lines start and/ or end there. Its beauty is most admired in the night crossover lights and the movements of tourists. One of the venues to visit in life.
Lauren G | Apr 5, 2018
I visited this landmark not long ago, and I have to say that between Trafalgar Square and the nearby Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, the House of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey; all these historic places are definite must-sees for anyone visiting London. When I last visited London, I arrived by tube from northern England to Piccadilly Station around 6:45am. There were very few people out and about at that time in the morning, at least when I went that was the case. I walked from Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square to take in the sights, enjoy the beautiful architecture, and snap a few pictures. Then I walked down Whitehall Street, past the many monuments and statues, to where I spent some time at Big Ben and across the street at Westminster Abbey as well. As a lifelong student of history, I think I could've spent all day at the Abbey alone, perusing all the different areas of the parish and reading of all the historical figures buried there, however I moved on with my tour back across the street to the House of Parliament building. After taking pictures of the Parliament building, I continued walking down the sidewalk of Whitehall Street to where the Parliament building ended and came upon a quaint garden somewhat secluded by a barrier of vegetation separating it from the hustle and bustle of busy London. A nearby placard informed me that this garden was known as Queen Victoria's Garden. The garden is deceptively large when seeing it on a map, however the area feels like a small, floral oasis when standing inside its grounds. A short walk across the garden to its furthest perimeter (which borders the Thames River) produces several benches on which one can sit under the shade of nearby trees and enjoy a peaceful view of the Thames, London Bridge, and many other iconic London sights along that portion of the river. It was on one of those garden benches that I spent time taking in the magnitude of the history that surrounded me, centuries worth of men and women who had walked these very streets, perhaps lounged in this very area. Famous scientists, politicians, academics, inventors, artists and so on had visited this very place - maybe not the garden itself, but this area of London. It was an overwhelming thought but one that made the grandeur of the surrounding landmarks even greater than I could have ever imagined from simply learning of them in a book or in school. I would wholeheartedly recommend anyone visiting London to make time to see this part of the city, but especially those with a love of history. To think of all the famous Englishmen and Englishwomen who had walked through that area of London, some who had even been on the Abbey's grounds during their lives, was a real treat I'll never forget as long as I live.
Pink Unicorn | Mar 24, 2018
Love those lions 🦁🦁🦁🦁 I remember growing up people would sit on them. Great place for kids to run around. When we visited recently there was lots of scaffolding around the column. Good atmosphere around here lots of hustle and bustle. Good transport links here and with the National Gallery on the square which you can see for free it's well worth a visit. Would recommend.
Ginnette Hargreaves-Lees | Mar 31, 2018
I still love visiting this part of the place called London Well known all over the World for it views. The Art Galleries and all the West End theatres. Written about in all sorts of books written by authors from all parts of the Globe. This can be awe inspiring for its gothic architecture; the constant sight of the famous red buses: transferring people from all over London. The once famous views of the pigeons are no longer encouraged to be fed there. With that has vanished the stall holder busy selling pigeon food. Armed with good walking shoes; maps and energy; Trafalgar Square also has many quiet hardly noticed squares to explore also. Have a wonderful day out..
Kashif Aziz | Mar 13, 2018
A beautiful place always full of tourist from around the world. Flanked by Canadian House, National Gallery and Gateway to the Mall and Buckingham Palace. A symbol of commonwealth glory. The street artists from amateurs to Masters of craft can always be found around the square showing their skills from Music, painting to Magician crafts. These artists made this square alive. A place full of culture and history.....
Kathryn Bannister | May 4, 2018
Lots of restaurants to find great food and shops to see cool items. See amazing artwork from the greatest painters at the national gallery. And buy some cool art souvenirs at the gallery gift shop. Take selfies in front of the statue or the fountains in the square. My only disappointment is that there aren't a ton of public toilets outside of the gallery. But other than that, the square is an awesome place to visit. Come visit today!
Bubbles Toft | Apr 27, 2018
As an iconic spot just based on history you should have a gander, however the atmosphere and artists here are amazing. There's also some amazing trivia in the all the sculptures. Like the lions, that sculpture had never actually seen a lion. He sculptures from other art- head from stone pieces around he'd seen and the body from his pet dog! Also the material used is from the canons melted down. The man (You can look him up so you're actually learning) only had 1 arm (eye & testicle too) the statue also has 1 arm, his right arm is actually his navy sleeve pinned to his waist - you can see this from the round about is best spot.
Laura Banks | May 8, 2018
Love the atmosphere here. From the tourists to the street performers, children enjoying the lions and the fountains. The cafe was even reasonably priced, i got two cans two ice pops and two cakes for about £10. There was a man who was giving away free rings, obviously with a donation. What a great idea. X
rajesh kumar | Jun 5, 2018
Lively place in the middle of all hustle bustle. You can easily spend entire evening here with friends and family. Just walking distance from here you can get good food outlet options also. Getting public transport from here is also not a problem. There are lion statues here onto which if you can climb, you can lovely pics.
Brandon Barratt | May 17, 2018
This review is probably best for those who are new to Trafalgar Square, If you start your day off at the national art gallery and enjoy the exquisite collection they house. Up stairs is a great restaurant Portrait with stunning views of the south of London and serving some of the best wines in London and the perfect light lunches. With the square you can stand at any point and walk in any direction and be guaranteed a great slice of London and her bustling culture. Walking down Pall Mall would be most ideal as the beautiful gardens eventually lead to Buckingham Palace.
Namrata Bagree | Jun 3, 2018
Great place for big events which aren't a concert and don't need a ticket! Can be accessible through most tubes and is very central. With fountains on either side, even on a normal day its a great place to visit. Especially good for large events such as Diwali festival, Africa event but most importantly WEST END LIVE!
jeff benjamin | May 28, 2018
Essential Tourist London starts here. Encompassing an aggregate of impressive architecture, statues, monuments, fountains and the one essential ingredient/enabler; A continuous throng of humanity trying to interpret the imagery and make sense of it all. Best panoramic vantage of the panoply and pantomime from aside the equestrian statue of King Charles on the traffic island.
rajesh kumar | Jul 21, 2018
Lively place in the middle of all hustle bustle. You can easily spend entire evening here with friends and family. Just walking distance from here you can get good food outlet options also. Getting public transport from here is also not a problem. There are lion statues here onto which if you can climb, you can click lovely pics.
John Paul Handrigan | Jul 13, 2018
It was under construction or they were preparing for some concert when I visited in July 2018. It was still very much a lovely place despite several crane eyesores. There's lots to see and do in the surrounding areas. Many restaurants too. If you like people watching, then this spot would be right up your alley.
Cassandra Y. | Jul 8, 2018
Great place for people watching!! Lots of people in this square not just the tourists. Many local people just hang out here, near the fountain, sit on the stairs. There are street performers. Busy traffics in that area. There are shops and pubs in the surrounding area. There is a National Gallery in that square. It is a nice area to walk around.
Izza Arslan | Jun 25, 2018
Historical and monumental place. It is basically a collection of statues and structures which has open access for Everyone. It’s an open space where you can sit enjoy the view and relax. Popular among tourists. It has the museum and other major places with in easy access including underground rail.
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