Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square dominates the landscape at Charring Cross. It was made to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar. At the centre is Nelson’s column, which includes a statue of Horatio Nelson, the vice admiral who commanded the British Fleet at Trafalgar. It is flanked by 4 majestic lions. Around the corner, the historic National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery occupy pride of place. They house masterpieces by famed artists including Leonardo Da Vinci, Claude Monet, and J.M.W. Turner. The area around the galleries is full of tourists and locals unwinding after a long day. It is crowded during the day but it is absolutely magical at night once the crowds disperse-perfect for a walk after dinner.

When in London everybody eventually finds themselves in Trafalgar Square. The square is very central with a short walk up Whitehall that will take you past the horse guards (guards on horses!), Downing Street (home of the prime minister) and Parliament and Big Ben. Another couple minutes and you’ll find Westminster Abbey. In the square there is a statue of Lord Nelson on a pedestal/column that is surrounded by massive stone lions. People and pigeons often gather here as well. Its worth a look and a few clicks of the camera.

I love standing on the steps of the National Gallery and looking out over Trafalgar Square-- pubs, fountains, double-decker buses and a view of Big Ben. The National Gallery is wonderful, but when looking at the building, walk around to the right and head to the smaller entrance that is the National Portrait Museum. Walk thru the halls to meet the entire lineage of British royals.

This is the view of Trafalgar Square from the British Museum.

London holds a special place in my heart being the first place I ever ventured on my own to study abroad. Ten years later, visiting friends and family for the holidays I took a stroll through London town reminiscing about how much I had changed while the historic sites have remained the same. A typical cold to the bones type of cold winter London evening, I enjoyed hearing carolers sing in the square as I snapped this shot.

London is a city of pedestrians, and therefore, people watching here is its own form of entertainment. Sit back in Trafalgar Square, and enjoy one of the best spots in the city for a short coffee break: Watch as children try to climb the four lions that flank Nelson’s column, or as performers gather crowds with their talents. If you’re in a rush, toss a two-pence coin in one of the fountains and hop on the Tube a few steps away. Otherwise, Big Ben will be in the distance, steadily marking the minutes.

Trafalgar Square is one of the most iconic London pubic spaces and its largest square. The site of many cultural events, it fronts the National Gallery and is home to Nelson’s Column, multiple stone lion statues, and the famous Fourth Plinth, which displays an ongoing series of temporary works of art commissioned from leading national and international artists. The current commission is, umm, a big blue cock. London trip report: http://bit.ly/1gZcVuX

The Trafalgar Square is an iconic place to visit in London. It is truly the most important cultural landmark of Modern London. Whether it’s a celebration of a festival, a manifestation for a cause or downright political turmoil, Trafalgar is the hub of activity where everything happens!