Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square which includes night scenes, a square or plaza and heritage elements
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square showing a city, a statue or sculpture and a fountain
Trafalgar Square showing a city, outdoor art and a statue or sculpture
Trafalgar Square featuring a fountain and a city


A historic square marking the British victory at the battle of Trafalgar, in front of the National Gallery and St. Martin-in-the-Fields.

More than 30 million tourists pass through this focal point in the heart of London every year, all watched over by Admiral Lord Nelson at the top of his column and the surrounding Four Lions. A tribute to the British Navy’s military victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, this spot has witnessed celebrations, political rallies and protests for well over a century.

When you visit this iconic square, you’ll see tourists gazing skywards and taking snaps of Nelson’s Column in the centre of the square itself. On a warm day, you’ll see many visitors cooling off by the two tulip-shaped fountains on either side.

To the north side of the square, there is the monumental National Gallery, home to a vast array of timeless pieces of art. Nearby you can also visit St. Martin-in-the-Fields, an Anglican church and one of architect Sir Christopher Wren’s many masterpieces that can be found throughout London. Dubbed the ‘Church of the Ever Open Door’, this spot is not only a place of worship for Anglicans but also a prominent venue for concerts, with choral, chamber and jazz concerts on offer periodically. Check what’s on before you visit.

Trafalgar Square is in fact owned by the royal family. It is a patriotic spot as evidenced by its name and by the statue of war hero Nelson, as well as by the bronze-cast historical figures throughout the square. Through the years, it has also witnessed social and political unrest as a spot for popular protests.

However, the square is mostly a peaceful and pleasant gathering place. Until recently, it was a notorious haven for pigeons, but their numbers have dwindled since 2003 when a strict ban was introduced forbidding visitors from feeding the birds. If you’re in this part of the city at Christmas, come and see London’s huge Christmas tree as well as a dazzling light display to welcome the season.

Located within the City of Westminster, Trafalgar Square is easy to reach by bus and tube, with Charing Cross station located nearby.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Shows & concerts

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Reviews of Trafalgar Square

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
688
5 - Excellent 37%
4 - Good
968
4 - Good 52%
3 - Okay
190
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
9
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved the Christmas tree

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Tree was naff, better in covent garden

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Closed for big sleep out, but usually excellent

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Take earplugs as very noisy on the road

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We were attending the National Portrait Museum which is just around the corner from Trafalgar Square. The Christmas markets were there and there were some lovely items on display. Lots of hustle and bustle and visitors with cameras, a really good atmosphere.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Don’t go when Extinction Rebellion are holding a rally there.

Popular places to visit


Top Trafalgar Square Hotel Deals

Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
Strand Palace Hotel
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
The Grand at Trafalgar Square

The Grand at Trafalgar Square

4 out of 5
8 Northumberland Avenue, London, England
The Grand at Trafalgar Square
Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square

Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square

4 out of 5
8 Northumberland Ave, (adjacent to Trafalgar Square), London, England
Club Quarters Hotel, Trafalgar Square
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Royal National Hotel

Royal National Hotel

3 out of 5
38-51 Bedford Way, London, England
Royal National Hotel
Corinthia London

Corinthia London

5 out of 5
Whitehall Place, London, England
Corinthia London
Page8, Page Hotels

Page8, Page Hotels

4.5 out of 5
8 St. Martins Place, London, England
Page8, Page Hotels
The Londoner

The Londoner

5 out of 5
38 Leicester Square, London, England
The Londoner
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a vibrant hub in London, offering a plethora of activities including world-class theatre performances and captivating art galleries. Visitors can enjoy live music in the area while exploring nearby shopping streets brimming with unique boutiques and high-street brands. Don't miss the chance to embark on wonderful tours that unveil the rich history and culture surrounding this iconic square, making it a must-visit for any tourist.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Trafalgar Square, visit Burlington Arcade, just 805m away, offering a charming atmosphere with various shops. Harrods and Borough Market are both 3.2km away, featuring a mix of luxury and local delights. If you're up for a drive, head to Westfield London, located 16.1km away, for a vast selection of stores.

Recreation

The O2 Arena, located 9.7km from Trafalgar Square, buzzes with vibrant sports energy, offering thrilling events. For a tranquil retreat, Hampstead Heath, 6.4km away, provides lush greenery and peaceful walks. Experience luxury at Wimbledon Tennis Club, also 9.7km away, renowned for its prestigious atmosphere and facilities.

Adventure

Experience the IFS Cloud Greenwich Peninsula Station for a thrilling cable car ride offering panoramic views of London, located 9.7km from Trafalgar Square. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill, a mere 483m away, provides an exhilarating indoor climbing experience. Don’t miss the Oasis Go-Kart Track, 3.2km away, for some adrenaline-fuelled racing fun.

Nightlife

The vibrant nightlife around Trafalgar Square offers a thrilling experience. Enjoy breathtaking views from the London Eye, just 805m away, or immerse yourself in culture at the London Dungeon and Savoy Theatre, both 0.5 and 483m away, respectively, each providing a unique blend of entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a vibrant hub offering a mix of cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and urban charm. Explore the iconic square itself, visit the nearby Trafalgar St James for dining, and discover top attractions just steps away, including Leicester Square. This area promises a delightful blend of history and modernity, making it a must-visit for any tourist in London.

  • Buckingham Palace: This iconic royal residence is a must-see, located 1.1km from Trafalgar Square. Experience the grandeur of British history and culture as you witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the stunning gardens, epitomising regal elegance.
  • Piccadilly Circus: Just 483m away, this vibrant intersection is renowned for its bright lights and bustling atmosphere. Enjoy the lively street performers, vibrant shops, and the famous Eros statue, embodying the energetic spirit of London's West End.
  • Big Ben: Located 805m from Trafalgar Square, this iconic clock tower is a symbol of London. Marvel at its stunning Gothic architecture and enjoy the picturesque views along the River Thames, blending culture with the city's vibrant energy.

Best time to go to Trafalgar Square

The best time to visit Trafalgar Square is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
August64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September60.4°F (15.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Trafalgar Square

To save money during your visit to Trafalgar Square, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Sundays are the cheapest nights to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's filters for budget and eco-friendly options, and save further by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities. For public transport, opt for an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper fares across London’s extensive network.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Trafalgar Square are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Trafalgar Square is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Trafalgar Square is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Trafalgar Square is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking near Trafalgar Square with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.