Trafalgar Square, London - getting here, things to do nearby and tips

Why you should visit Trafalgar Square

• Experience one of London’s most well-known landmarks, a historic public square framed by world‑famous attractions including the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column.
• Enjoy free cultural experiences, from major art collections at nearby galleries to a year‑round programme of public events in Trafalgar Square.
• Explore central London on foot, with Covent Garden, Soho, Leicester Square and the river Thames all just a short walk away.
• Travel with ease, thanks to excellent transport connections at nearby Charing Cross, Embankment and Leicester Square stations.

Top things to do and see at Trafalgar Square

At the heart of central London, Trafalgar Square is one of the city’s most popular areas, with plenty of top attractions and things to do nearby.

Explore Trafalgar Square’s cultural highlights

Trafalgar Square is a great place for children and first‑time visitors to experience London’s cultural highlights up close. Gaze up at Nelson’s Column and the four bronze lion statues guarding its base, admire the historic fountains that light up after dark, explore the statues on the plinths including the ever‑changing contemporary artwork on the Fourth Plinth, and look out for the tiny police box said to be London’s smallest.

Experience world-class theatre nearby

Discover London’s theatre scene from Trafalgar Square, where you can catch a show at the beautiful Grade II‑listed Trafalgar Theatre, an art deco landmark beside the square, or experience the grandeur of the London Coliseum, the largest theatre in London's West End and home to the English National Opera. With the capital’s vibrant theatre district just moments away, theatre‑lovers can enjoy much‑loved productions such as The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera nearby.

Discover London on a guided tour

Book a guided walking tour from Trafalgar Square or hop on a sightseeing bus that stops nearby. Choose a London by Night Open Top Bus Tour to see Trafalgar Square and London’s most famous sights glowing after dark.

See world-famous art

Explore famous artworks from the Middle Ages to the 20th century at the National Gallery, then discover iconic portraits at the National Portrait Gallery, both located just north of Trafalgar Square. Art continues outdoors across the square with the ever‑changing contemporary installation on the Fourth Plinth, while nearby spaces such as the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) on The Mall showcase cutting‑edge exhibitions just a short walk away.

Enjoy Trafalgar Square events

You can attend one of the many family‑friendly events held in Trafalgar Square throughout the year. Supported by the Mayor of London, these free events include multicultural festivals and celebrations, from Chinese New Year and Pride in London to carol singing beneath the Christmas tree, an annual gift from Norway since 1947. Check what's on in London to make the most of your visit.

Insider tips for visiting

There’s plenty to do in and around Trafalgar Square - start by soaking up the atmosphere, then wander on foot toward nearby St. James’s, the Strand or the Embankment and discover historic streets, riverside walks and some of central London’s best places to eat and browse.

• Top tip: Stand on the central steps facing the National Gallery for one of the best photo angles, capturing Nelson’s Column, the fountains and the gallery facade in a single shot.
• Top tip: Discover world‑famous masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Turner and more on a guided National Gallery highlights tour. For a classic London experience, choose a tour that ends with a traditional afternoon tea.
• Top tip: Don’t miss The Rooftop at The Trafalgar St. James, and amazing spot for cocktails and panoramic views of Trafalgar Square and London's skyline.
• Top tip: Admire the two spectacular Trafalgar Square fountains, originally added in 1845. Sir Edwin Lutyens redesigned them in the 1930s, adding new centrepieces featuring dolphins, mermaids and tritons. Visit after dark to see the fountains illuminated with LED lighting.
• Top tip: Take a short walk from Trafalgar Square along Whitehall to spot famous landmarks including Horse Guards Parade and Downing Street, before reaching the Houses of Parliament.

Where is Trafalgar Square in London

Trafalgar Square is in Westminster, in central London. Charing Cross is the nearest station (Underground and local train services). It’s surrounded by the National Gallery to the north; St Martins-in-the-Fields Church and The Strand to the east; Whitehall to the south; and Admiralty Arch and The Mall to the south west. 

How to get there

The nearest station to Trafalgar Square is Charing Cross, which is on the Bakerloo and Northern lines, and has mainline rail services connecting to the south east of England. There is a dedicated Trafalgar Square Tube station exit, which leads directly onto the square.

Other nearby Trafalgar Square Underground stations include Leicester Square (six-minute walk), Embankment (eight-minute walk) and Piccadilly Circus (nine-minute walk).

You can also take a bus to Trafalgar Square, with the following bus routes stopping at the square: 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 87, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176 and 453.

There is limited Trafalgar Square parking in the vicinity, so you’re advised to take public transport where possible, particularly during events. Nearby parking facilities are provided by Q-Park.

A brief history of Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is named after Britain’s victory in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Although Britain won, the naval war hero Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson was killed during the battle aboard his ship, HMS Victory. His contribution is commemorated by Nelson’s Column, the central feature of the square.

The site of Trafalgar Square was occupied by the King’s Mews for several centuries, until the Royal Mews were relocated to Buckingham Palace in the early 19th century.

The square was then redesigned with development plans initiated by John Nash and completed by Sir Charles Barry. More recently, it was redeveloped in 2003 to include a pedestrianised area on the north side of the square.

Throughout its history, Trafalgar Square has been a focal point for protests, demonstrations and large‑scale public events, a role it continues to play today.

Things to do near Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is an excellent starting point for sightseeing, with many major attractions within easy walking distance. Explore Covent Garden for markets, shops and street performers, Chinatown for dining, and London’s theatre district around Leicester Square and Shaftesbury Avenue. Cultural highlights such as the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are close by, as well as St. James’s Park and the river Thames.

Nearby food and drink

Tuck into lunch or dinner at one of the many cafes, pubs and restaurants around Trafalgar Square and in adjoining streets, from relaxed dining at Café on the Square and The Admiralty pub to more refined meals at The Portrait Restaurant in the National Portrait Gallery.