Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a public square in the City of Westminster, central London, created to commemorate the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar. It functions as a civic and cultural focal point close to Charing Cross and several central London institutions.

At the centre stands Nelson’s Column, a tall monument topped by a statue of Admiral Nelson and guarded at its base by four bronze lions; the column is about 52 metres high. The square is framed by the National Gallery to the north and features two ornamental fountains and several plinths that host statues and temporary public artworks.

The square was laid out in the early to mid-19th century as part of urban redevelopment and named for the naval victory of 1805; Nelson’s Column and surrounding monuments were erected in the decades that followed. Over time it has become a regular site for public demonstrations, celebrations and civic events.

Located in central London within the City of Westminster, the square sits a short walk from Charing Cross and is surrounded by major streets and cultural institutions in the West End.

• Best viewpoint: The north terrace of the National Gallery offers elevated views of the square and Nelson's Column, useful for photography and public events.

What to See #

• Nelson's Column: A 52-metre column at the square's centre topped by a statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson and surrounded by four large bronze lions at the base, serving as the square's focal point.
• National Gallery: The principal national art museum that faces the north side of the square, housing a major public collection of European paintings from the 13th to the 20th centuries.
• Public square and features: Open paved space used for public gatherings, protests and cultural events, with two ornamental fountains and several plinths for statues and occasional contemporary artworks.