Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
A 145-foot-high monument, bearing a statue of Lord Horatio Nelson guarded by lions, marks the spot considered the center of London.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Covent Garden
Whether you're headed here to check out the multitude of shops, theaters, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, or simply to be among the multitude of people who pass through this pretty part of town, you'll love soaking up the festive and historic atmosphere in and around Covent Garden. Even if you don't have tickets to the opera or a show at one of the many famous theaters here, don't be surprised if find yourself captivated by some impromptu act of a street performer wowing the crowds in Covent Garden's Piazza. If you do have tickets, you'll be pleased to note that many of the local eateries accommodate theatergoers with prix fixe menus, early dinners, and later than usual opening hours.
How to get there
- Charing Cross • 1 min walk
- Leicester Square • 5 min walk
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Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,405 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Winston160 contributionsJust a strollGreat place all kinds of shops and food in area. Historical statues pretty busy with people hanging out or enjoying day. Good place to stop and get a beer or a bite. Close to Portrait Museum.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten September 28, 2023
- Louise MCastle Rock, Colorado3,867 contributionsMust-do in LondonTrafalgar Square is a must-do in London. It is like NYC, where the city never sleeps. It is overwhelmingly the high-end shops in every big city, along with some good ethnic food and great sights.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 29, 2023
- GertieGertLondon, United Kingdom229 contributionsAs a Londoner I didn’t recognise this super-clean square!Oh dear, here I am a Londoner who hasn’t been up to Trafalgar Sq for years! Well, on retirement I decided to get out there and act like a tourist and I was SO impressed with this super-cleaned up area! Only three pigeons strolling around who a fellow “tourist” told me hadn’t got the memo as they allegedly send up a bird of prey at dawn to warn off the pigeons - if it’s true what a great idea! I don’t dislike wild life but they used to ruin Nelson’s Column and the fountains which now look pristine! I highly suggest a visit here - and to stroll around discovering little pockets of extra history too!Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 23, 2023
- Madan Gopal MBengaluru, India7,963 contributionsIconic Square.We got down from hop on hop off bus at this point to explore and experience. This is an iconic public square with rich history and heritage. Located in the City of Westminster, this beautiful square attracts tourists and locals. As we went there during Christmas we could feel the vibrancy and all the activities. We could also see a beautiful Christmas tree donated by Norway which has been a traditional practice for decades. The Nelson's Column is another great attraction. A must visit to understand the history of centuries.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 8, 2024
- Jeffry bEssendon, Australia13,536 contributionsStatue of a great man and leaderTrafalgar Square is a special site in the center of the city of London. We have visited this special site several times and explored this area. Among the outstanding thing from the English history is the tall statue of Horation Nelson. Nelson won an exceptional navy battle against France. His triumph has never been forgotten in England; he died during this battle. Nelson's statue is worth a trip to the busy Trafalgar Square. We loved. our trip here, the Trafalgar Square is marvelous for visitors and locals..Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 28, 2024
- The_Concierge_8Trinidad and Tobago3,710 contributionsPlenty Vitamin P! Tribute to Horatio Nelson is a very cool area with a nice entertaining, happy vibe! LOVED THE LIONS!Nothing truly prepares you for your first sight of Trafalgar square. Apart from the historic importance and tribute of the space, I've never seen so many imposing statues all together, especially those magnificent lions! There was music around us from street performers and it was a really cool vibe and lots of social activity. It's a great place to just stretch your legs and relax during sightseeing the city, have a packed lunch and a drink, listen to music and get some Vitamin P; that is people-watching.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 10, 2024
- laneyislay148 contributionsA lovely spot - not to be missedI loved Trafalgar square! It's such a lovely, relaxing place. We were there on a lovely sunny day - we sat on the steps, watched the world go by while listening to the performers singing. The fountains are lovely as are the statues. The perfect spot for a visit with friends, I could have sat there for hours!Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 16, 2024
- Cheekycockney190757Basildon, United Kingdom11,432 contributionsGreat location near other equally great attractionsVisited twice in January 2024 on separate visits. As a location, it's easy to reach if you're in London. A lot of attractions are nearby so we walked from Leicester Square on one visit and on another went onto the Mall and back to Westminster. The main attractions are Nelson's column, fountains and sculptures. One of which is the statue of Charles I which is London’s oldest bronze statue. It was originally commissioned by the Lord Treasurer for his house at Roehampton in 1630 but was put into hiding during the Civil War. It was re-erected at its present site by Charles II in 1675. Lots of traffic which to cross is quite confusing, so be careful and look both ways. I visited during the day and night and on both visits felt safe. Nearby is the National Portrait Gallary just behind the National Gallary. as well as the London Coliseum.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 24, 2024
- gfsc5Perth, Australia1,787 contributionsGathering spotThis landmark square with the very famous Nelson's column is a very popular spot to meet. Lots of people gathered around. Lots of lovely old building surround the place and well worth a visit.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 19, 2024
- Joshane615Australia616 contributionsMust see!Trafalgar Square is a must see when in London. Our hotel was a few minutes walk away and the perfect location so we went here a few times during our stay. Every time we were blown away. It is an absolute beautiful Square. The fountains are lovely.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 25, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,258 reviews
Excellent
3,949
Very good
3,290
Average
882
Poor
99
Terrible
39
Andrew
Baltimore, MD643 contributions
Apr 2019
This square really is impressive compared to your normal city promenade. There are signs telling people to stay off the statues but tons of folks are climbing all over them. I wouldn't recommend it. A gorgeous place for pictures though. Very cool fountain and great architecture all around.
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian C
London, UK23,724 contributions
Jul 2020 • Solo
It was my first visit into Central London since the lockdown. While I was there for work reasons, I took a little time to explore places I enjoy nearby such as Trafalgar Square.
Relatively quiet at this time of day, it was a joy to explore, admiring the architecture of the National Gallery, St Martin in the Fields, the different embassies and commercial buildings which surround the Square, plus of course the fountains, the various statues and the memorable column and statue of Nelson himself.
The lions at the base of Nelson's column were having a touch of conservation and there were remnants of the pavement artists, but I guess it was too early in the day for them.
Relatively quiet at this time of day, it was a joy to explore, admiring the architecture of the National Gallery, St Martin in the Fields, the different embassies and commercial buildings which surround the Square, plus of course the fountains, the various statues and the memorable column and statue of Nelson himself.
The lions at the base of Nelson's column were having a touch of conservation and there were remnants of the pavement artists, but I guess it was too early in the day for them.
Written July 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
N1459UDpatriciaf
Salt Lake City, United States9 contributions
Jun 2019
Besides a great place to mingle and people watching, there are many things to do and choose from. We found it quite fun to watch a young man making flags from all the countries out of colorful chalk. Then people could throw a coin on the country you are from. You can grab a beverage, food, go to the National Gallery of London and other sites of interest. I love the many statues, lions and all the cars and buses driving around. The weather was mild and very enjoyable.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
therichastill
Stevenage, UK3,237 contributions
Dec 2020
Trafalgar Square is a grand meeting place in the centre of London.
It is a short walk from Leicester Square and the West End. Charing Cross Railway station is also close by along with the Tube station which is served by the Northern and Bakerloo lines. It's also a short walk away to the Palace of Westminster and the River Thames. The National Gallery is on the edge of the square and is free to visit if you enjoy art. You can also walk along to Mall to Buckingham Palace and Green Park.
In the centre of the Square is Nelson's Column which has a statue of Horatio Nelson atop it.
It's a focal point in London and well worth checking out.
It is a short walk from Leicester Square and the West End. Charing Cross Railway station is also close by along with the Tube station which is served by the Northern and Bakerloo lines. It's also a short walk away to the Palace of Westminster and the River Thames. The National Gallery is on the edge of the square and is free to visit if you enjoy art. You can also walk along to Mall to Buckingham Palace and Green Park.
In the centre of the Square is Nelson's Column which has a statue of Horatio Nelson atop it.
It's a focal point in London and well worth checking out.
Written December 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mcmonScotland
Girvan, UK806 contributions
Jan 2020
We visited midweek in January. We were here early and it wasn’t very busy. An iconic location to start a London tour. A great photo op with Nelson’s Column and the sculptures on the four plinths; Charles James Napier, Henry Havelock, George IV, and the fourth plinth changing aperiodically. You’ve got the National Gallery and the Portrait Gallery if you are so inclined. St Martin’s Church (go to the Cafe in the Crypt) is nearby. There is Whitehall Road leading to the Houses of Parliament and going through Admiralty Arch, the Mall leads to Buckingham Palace.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian C
London, UK23,724 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Venice has its Piazza San Marco; London has Trafalgar Square, the great piazza at the heart of the city, but being London it is nore austere and formal.
Surrounded by embassy buildings by the likes of Canada and South Africa and with the National Gallery and St Martin in the Fields at the north, the square sweeps down into Whitehall in the south.
While the most dominant monument is Nelson's Column, there are lots of other statues to explore, not least the Fourth Plinth, and don't miss the fountains.
For many, this is the heart of London and there are many special events held here.
Surrounded by embassy buildings by the likes of Canada and South Africa and with the National Gallery and St Martin in the Fields at the north, the square sweeps down into Whitehall in the south.
While the most dominant monument is Nelson's Column, there are lots of other statues to explore, not least the Fourth Plinth, and don't miss the fountains.
For many, this is the heart of London and there are many special events held here.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan C
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia168 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Visited on a Saturday daytime when the weather was great. Street performamces, music and lots of people enjoying the fountains and the famous views made for a wonderful atmosphere and a great place to chill at any time during the day.
Well worth a visit
Well worth a visit
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karenpammy2016
San Francisco, CA1,239 contributions
Jul 2022
Nice to walk all around the Trafalgar Square area despite how busy it is as it is the central area of London that divides the west and east ends. There were a lot of gates up all around Trafalgar Square and we were unable to walk into the fountain area nor up to the two lions sitting at the entrance area. It appeared that they were setting up the area for some public function as there were stacks of gates ready to be assembled.
We walked all around and over the the 4th plinth where an unique modern piece of art work is displayed and is regularly updated. Presently there was a statue of a huge cupcake with frosting and a cherry with a huge ant crawling on it. It was a sight to photograph with as it was really big, colorful, and a distinguishing piece of art work. Well worth the walk over to it!!
We walked all around and over the the 4th plinth where an unique modern piece of art work is displayed and is regularly updated. Presently there was a statue of a huge cupcake with frosting and a cherry with a huge ant crawling on it. It was a sight to photograph with as it was really big, colorful, and a distinguishing piece of art work. Well worth the walk over to it!!
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gaurav C
New Delhi, India2,959 contributions
Mar 2019
One of the Landmarks of the City of London is this public square called the Trafalgar square..full of tourists throughout the day..The square is named after the Battle of Trafalgar..The National Gallery is located just besides it..It has a nice big fountain as well..
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeffryb
Keysborough, Australia366 contributions
Sep 2020
Frafalgar Square celebrates the defeat of the French fleet by Admiral Nelson and the Royal Navy at Trafalgar. The Square is one of the busiest intersectons in London. At the centre is Nelson's Column, 170 feet (50 metres) tall. At one side is the National Gallery, holding one of the world's great art collections.
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trafalgar Square was famous for all the pigeons and you used to be able to feed them too. Is this still the case?
Thanks
Written September 13, 2020
You still can do that .
Written September 13, 2020
Estimado viajero:
Todo depende de la velocidad a la que camines y de lo que desees contemplar por el camino. No obstante, desde Trafalgar Square hasta Piccadilly Circus puedes llegar en unos diez minutos de marcha pausada, yendo por Haymarket Street. Puedes llegar hasta Leicester Square en la mitad de tiempo yendo por St. Martin Street.
Written April 26, 2019
Flying into Gatwick airport what's the best train to get to Trafalgar Square?
Flying back on a Sunday at 9.35 am and have to be there 2 hours beforehand will trains be operating that early on a Sunday? Thanks
Written January 18, 2019
There are two easier ways to access Trafalgar sq by train from Gatwick airport both of which involve two train rides:
1) You can pick a Thameslink train from the Gatwick airport rail station to London Bridge station, transfer to platform 9 then take the Southeastern train to Charing cross station.
2) Take a southern train to Victoria station then take a Circle train to Embankment station.
Trafalgar is within walking distance of both options.
As per your other question, yes you can get trains around London at anytime of the day and most of the night.
I hope that helps.
Written January 19, 2019
Buenas noches, tenemos una reservación del 28 al 2 de Enero 2019, 3 personas familia Velazquez, llegamos 11:05 pm me gustaría su opinión para el transitado del Aeropuerto al Hotel, que me recomiendan; hay Uber, Taxi o Shuttle? Vamos de aniversario por lo que nos gustaría tener una agradable estancia por lo que agradecería su opinión, gracias
Written December 19, 2018
Estimado Hector, yo como recomendacion para trasladarte en forma comoda y barata, en caso de llegar al aeropuerto de Londres Heathrow te recomiendo lo que hicimos nosotros, tomar el metro Piccadilly, por unas 7 libras te deja el metro en la estacion Leicester Square. En el aeropuerto puedes preguntar o seguir las flechas donde dice Underground, debes compras la tarjeta Oyster en las terminales de autoconsulta disponibles en el idioma que tu hables y es un tramite sencillo, debes pagar con tarjeta de credito, creo que tambien no estoy seguro si se puede pagar con efectivo. Pero es util el traslado y muy comodo en tren. Las otros opciones son mas caras porque la distancia es bastante grande. Espero te sea util la informacion. A las ordenes.
Written December 19, 2018
Are there still a lot of stuff going on like live entertainment in the evening after dark in Oct please?
Written August 14, 2018
the square is only used for soecial events, not for routine entertainment. However there are usually street artists, etc, and there's always a good atmosphere.
Written August 15, 2018
Approx 2 miles. You can walk if you have a map or it’s 3 stops using the metro.
Written July 3, 2018
Anyone know if London is having any big screens up for the England games?
Had heard Trafalgar Square but not sure if this is confirmed or not.
Written June 14, 2018
If you search on google you will find a number of locations in London but Trafalgar Square is not on the list.
Written June 14, 2018
maria4theresa
Las Vegas, Nevada
Is the Buckingham palace close to Trafalgar Square?
Written March 20, 2018
It's not close, it's around 20mins walk from Trafalgar Square through "The Mall" and it will take you straight to Buckingham Palace.
Written March 20, 2018
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