Trafalgar Square, London (must see)
Trafalgar Square holds the distinguished title of being the foremost square in Britain, making it the closest you can get to the heart of London. Interestingly, Charing Cross, a small traffic island situated to the south of the square, is the official reference point from which all distances to London are measured. Speaking of measurements, Trafalgar is also home to the Imperial Standard measures that were utilized in the UK prior to 1965, encompassing units like inches, feet, yards, links, chains, perches, and poles. These measures were originally installed in the northern terrace wall in 1876 but were relocated behind the cafe and arranged along the steps in 2003, coinciding with the conversion of the north side of the square into a pedestrian area.
The name "Trafalgar Square" pays homage to Admiral Lord Nelson, who met his fate on October 21, 1805, at the Battle of Trafalgar. This historic naval battle was part of the Napoleonic Wars and witnessed the British, led by Admiral Nelson, taking on the combined French and Spanish fleet. The Royal Navy achieved a resounding victory, regarded as its greatest triumph in history. In commemoration of this event, the name "Trafalgar Square" was officially bestowed in 1835.
Eight years later, another tribute to Lord Nelson emerged in the form of Nelson's Column, which was erected at the square's center. Constructed from Devon granite, the column featured four bronze reliefs at its base, illustrating Nelson's most renowned battles: Saint Vincent, Copenhagen, The Nile, and Trafalgar. In 1868, four guardian lions were added at its foot, replacing the original stone ones, which were considered inadequate. Sculpted by Edwin Landseer, these bronze statues were crafted with remarkable anatomical precision, although a notable error was made in depicting the concave back of a lying lion, contrary to reality.
Lord Nelson stands amidst cascading fountains, bustling crowds, and, until recently, a multitude of pigeons. A previous London mayor deemed the city's "winged rodents" a public annoyance and consequently removed the long-standing bird-feed vendors from the square.
Why You Should Visit:
Great place to unwind in the evening, surrounded by the charm of traditional London buildings.
Tip:
Sit on the steps as the sun sets, absorbing the sounds of London...
...or use Trafalgar Square as a starting point for exploring London's attractions.
The name "Trafalgar Square" pays homage to Admiral Lord Nelson, who met his fate on October 21, 1805, at the Battle of Trafalgar. This historic naval battle was part of the Napoleonic Wars and witnessed the British, led by Admiral Nelson, taking on the combined French and Spanish fleet. The Royal Navy achieved a resounding victory, regarded as its greatest triumph in history. In commemoration of this event, the name "Trafalgar Square" was officially bestowed in 1835.
Eight years later, another tribute to Lord Nelson emerged in the form of Nelson's Column, which was erected at the square's center. Constructed from Devon granite, the column featured four bronze reliefs at its base, illustrating Nelson's most renowned battles: Saint Vincent, Copenhagen, The Nile, and Trafalgar. In 1868, four guardian lions were added at its foot, replacing the original stone ones, which were considered inadequate. Sculpted by Edwin Landseer, these bronze statues were crafted with remarkable anatomical precision, although a notable error was made in depicting the concave back of a lying lion, contrary to reality.
Lord Nelson stands amidst cascading fountains, bustling crowds, and, until recently, a multitude of pigeons. A previous London mayor deemed the city's "winged rodents" a public annoyance and consequently removed the long-standing bird-feed vendors from the square.
Why You Should Visit:
Great place to unwind in the evening, surrounded by the charm of traditional London buildings.
Tip:
Sit on the steps as the sun sets, absorbing the sounds of London...
...or use Trafalgar Square as a starting point for exploring London's attractions.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Trafalgar Square on Map
Sight Name: Trafalgar Square
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in London, England
Create Your Own Walk in London
Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Kensington/Knightsbridge Walking Tour
Situated just below Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and South Kensington are two adjacent neighborhoods with grand Victorian homes and leafy garden squares. Home to London’s most expensive homes, Knightsbridge has some of the highest density of millionaires in the world. This is clearly reflected in the selection of stores & restaurants in the area, including the famous Harvey Nichols and Harrods... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Shakespeare's London Walking Tour
Often called England's national poet or simply "the Bard", William Shakespeare is revered as one of, if not the greatest playwright this world has ever seen. The dramas, such as Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth are among the finest creations in the English language, translated into every major language and performed more often than those of any other author.... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
Jack the Ripper, an unidentified serial killer who terrorized the British capital in 1888, became notorious for the series of brutal and gruesome murders that he carried out in the East End of London. The primary setting for the Jack the Ripper attacks was Whitechapel, at the time a poverty-stricken and crime-ridden district, known for its dark alleys and narrow streets.
The name "Jack the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
The name "Jack the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Sherlock Holmes Tour in London
Among a myriad of other, real-life celebrities who have ever called London their home, perhaps the most famous is the fictional consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes, created by Conan Doyle. Indeed, the ingenious sleuth has left an indelible mark on the literary and cultural landscape of London ever since the appearance of the first stories about him in the late 1880s. Years on, there are several... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Beatles London Walking Tour
Perhaps one of the most famed and influential bands of all time, whose music has transcended generations, The Beatles continues to be a source of entertainment many decades after the group was formed (1960) and split up (1970).
"The Fab Four" – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – all came from Liverpool, but London was indeed their home-base. As the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
"The Fab Four" – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – all came from Liverpool, but London was indeed their home-base. As the... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Walk around Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, the British monarch's official residence, is a must-see for anyone visiting London, but so are the adjacent royal establishments that give a unique window into the royal way of life. On this self-guided walking tour, along with Buckingham Palace and its memorable fountain, you will visit the St. James's private royal residence, the wonderful Queen's Gallery, and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
London Souvenirs: 20 Distinctively British Products for Travelers
Most visitors to London consider shopping as part of their must-do London experience. From street markets to Victorian arcades to snobbish Sloane Square to busy Oxford Street, there are a host of shops selling items which typically represent this vibrant city. Whether you are shopping for souvenirs...