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Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is London's most famous public space — the centre of the city in both geographic and symbolic terms, with Nelson's Column at its centre, the National Gallery across the northern edge, and a constant mix of tourists, protesters, pigeons (now controlled) and impromptu events. It's free to visit, always open, and somewhere every London visitor passes through.

Nelson's Column

The 52-metre column topped by a 5.5-metre statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson was completed in 1843 to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar (1805). The four bronze lions at the base were added in 1867. The column itself is not climbable, but the steps of the National Gallery above give an elevated view back across the square and down Whitehall.

The Fourth Plinth

Three of the square's four plinths carry permanent statues; the fourth (northwest corner) has been the site of rotating contemporary art commissions since 1999 — usually provocative, sometimes bewildering, always discussed. The current commission changes every year or two; check what's there before your visit if you're interested.

The National Gallery

Occupying the entire north side of the square, the National Gallery (free entry) holds one of the world's greatest collections of Western European painting — van Eyck, Leonardo, Raphael, Velázquez, Rembrandt, Turner, Monet, van Gogh. It's so large that picking a focus (one room, one painter, one period) works better than trying to see everything.

Events

Trafalgar Square is London's gathering point for major events — New Year's Eve crowds, the Chinese New Year celebration (usually the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia), summer concerts and national commemorations all use the space. The Christmas tree (a gift from Norway since 1947) goes up in early December.

Getting There

Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo lines, National Rail) is directly adjacent. Embankment (Circle, District and Bakerloo lines) is a 5-minute walk along the Embankment.

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