In this article, I present Trafalgar Squareone of London's most famous and liveliest squares!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Trafalgar Square
- What you can see and do in the square
- How to reach him easily
- Practical information: opening hours, anecdotes and tour tips
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Trafalgar Square, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Trafalgar Square: article summary
Trafalgar Square: the British capital's most famous square
There are must-see places during a stay in London and Trafalgar Square - or Trafalgar Square - is certainly one of them.
Right in the heart of the city, it's a London landmark and the hub of tourist London. From here, it's easy to get anywhere! Let me introduce you to the square and explain why you should take the time to stop by!
Introducing Trafalgar Square
Before taking the form we know today, Trafalgar square housed the Royal Stables. It was in 1820, under the direction of architect John Nash (who had worked on Regent's Park Gardens, Hyde Park's Marble Arch, and the Buckingham Palace ) that it's starting to be fitted out.
In the space of just 3 hours, we show you the the best of the historic center of London (must-sees + secret spots) with a French-speaking guide just for you.
Its name comes from the battle of Trafalgaron October 21, 1805, between the ships of the Franco-Spanish fleet and those led by Vice-Admiral Nelson. The British were to crush the enemy coalition, but Horatio Nelsonthe duke of bronte, lost his life in this epic battle.
Trafalgar Square commemorates this battle, and was named after it in 1830. In 1842, the column topped by the the statue of Vice-Admiral Nelsonwhich you'll see as you pass through the square.
It's a space appreciated by LondonersIt has been a popular venue for demonstrations and gatherings since the 20th century. It serves as Corners's speakerslike the famous speakers' corner at Hyde Park !
Facts and figures about the square Â
- There are approximately 15 million annual visitors on Trafalgar Square
- For many years, a corner of the square was home to the the smallest police station of London, now a storeroom for road workers
- Every year, the city of Oslo in Norway donates the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square. It's a token of gratitude to the British for their help during the Second World War.
What can you see and do in Trafalgar Square?
In addition to taking the temperature of London life, as you stroll through this square where locals and tourists mingle, you can observe several striking features in Trafalgar Square. Here are the must-sees!
Nelson's column
This granite and bronze column climbs to 44 meters highand the statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson sits atop it. The war hero can thus dominate the square and, it is said, observe the sea or his fleet waiting for him in Portsmouth, from up there.
At the foot of this column, you can see 4 bronze lionsadded in 1867. Legend has it that they were forged in bronze from the remains of the defeated French fleet.
Historic statues
Several statues are scattered around Trafalgar Square. Among them is that of George Washington which has the particularity of being placed on a pedestal from the USA, as he had promised never to set foot on British soil!
You can also see the equestrian statues of Charles I or George IVa bas-relief depicting the famous naval battle and Nelson's death, and a fountain in memory of the Royal Navy John Jellicoe.
The National Gallery
This London museum dates from 1824 and contains a huge selection of paintings from the 12th to the 20th century. More than 2,000 works, almost all of which can be seen during a visit to the museum. 100 % free !
Famous paintings by Rembrandt, Vincent van Gogh, Turner, Rubens, Cuyp or Vermeer can be seen, which will delight art lovers.
Since 1996, the works after 1900 are sent to the musée d'art contemporain Tate Moderne London, the world's most visited museum of its kind, located in the Bankside district.
The 4e base?
You'll notice that one of the square's pedestals is empty. Originally designed to house a statue of King William IV, it remained unoccupied for a long time. Since 1999, the municipality and a local jury have been choosing a contemporary artistwhich can exhibit a work for 18 months.
In 2023/2024, it's an anti-colonial sculpture by the artist Samson Kambalu taking up space!
How do I get to Trafalgar Square?
Trafalgar Square is a central London square, at the following address: Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DS
There are many easy ways to get there:
- By metrovia Northern and Bakerloo lines, Charing Cross stop
- Via one of the following bus routes: 3, 6, 12, 23, 88, 139, 159, 453, N3, N109, N113, N136
- On foot, from one of the famous London districts neighbors
Trafalgar Square: opening hours, tips and practical information
Here's some more information about Trafalgar Square.
Opening hoursÂ
The square never closes! On the other hand, if you're planning to visit the National Gallery, you should know that it's open every day from 10am to 6pm / until 9pm on Fridays.
Visiting tips and practical information
In hot weather, opt for the cooler hours to visit Trafalgar Square as there is no shaded area.
You can find public toilets under the stairs, which can be very practical!
What to see and do in the area?
You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to continuing your visit to London after strolling through Trafalgar Square. Here are just a few ideas!
- Head southwest to discover the Buckingham Palace and St James's Park
- Head north towards the Sohoto discover the Chinatown or another famous square: Piccadilly Circus !
- Go to the Thames in the direction of Big Ben and the famous Westminster Abbey !
What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
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