World by City

Parks & gardens

Trafalgar Square

Open in Maps
Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a public square in Central London created to commemorate the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar. Visitors go here to see the Nelson's Column monument, the surrounding architecture, and the open plaza which often serves as a site for public gatherings and events.

Getting There

The square is located in the heart of the city. It is accessible via the London Underground, with Charing Cross station situated approximately 0.1km away. Depending on your starting point in the city centre, travel time typically ranges from 10 to 30 minutes using public transport.

Duration of Visit

For a walk around the square and a view of the monuments, allow 30 to 60 minutes. If you intend to visit the adjacent galleries, you will need several additional hours.

When to Visit

The area is open to the public 24 hours a day. It gets crowded during midday, weekends, and during major public holidays or organized protests. Visiting in the early morning provides a quieter experience.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, the square can be combined with several nearby sites within walking distance:

  • National Gallery (0.1km)
  • St Martin-in-the-Fields (0.1km)
  • Charing Cross (0.1km)
  • National Portrait Gallery (0.2km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Trafalgar Square

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Trafalgar Square Nearby stays

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Pick your dates — we'll search London hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Itineraries including this place

Good to visit alongside

Charing Cross

Heritage & monuments

Charing Cross

Charing Cross is a bustling area just east of Trafalgar Square, close to landmarks like Westminster Abbey and Piccadilly Circus. It's a great base for exploring central London on foot.

0.1 km away

National Gallery

Museums & galleries

National Gallery

An art museum located on Trafalgar Square in central London. It houses masterpieces from countries around the world, spanning from the early Renaissance to the late 19th century.

0.1 km away

St Martin-in-the-Fields

Temples & religious sites

St Martin-in-the-Fields

A church on Trafalgar Square in London, known as the place where Amnesty International had its beginnings. It's also where the chamber orchestra named after it gave its very first concert.

0.1 km away

National Portrait Gallery

Museums & galleries

National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery in London houses portraits of historically significant British figures. Opened in 1856, it was the world's first national gallery dedicated to portraiture.

0.2 km away

Leicester Square

Parks & gardens

Leicester Square

Leicester Square sits at the heart of London's West End, buzzing with energy thanks to the theaters, cinemas, and restaurants clustered around it. Its proximity to the tube makes it a great base for enjoying shows and nightlife.

0.3 km away

Covent Garden

Shopping & districts

Covent Garden

This district in Westminster, London, once held a fruit and vegetable market and has since become a lively hub of shops and street performances. Nearby attractions include St Paul's Church, the Royal Opera House, and the London Transport Museum.

0.6 km away