Trafalgar Square is the city’s most recognized public square and the true center point from where all distances to London are measured. Managed by the Greater London Authority, it's the scene of notable main-stage events, and it’s swarmed year-round with visitors looking to discover attractions modest to grand. You’ll find historic monuments, a church and respected galleries on the piazza.
The National Gallery
No Trafalgar Square image can miss including the National Gallery (nationalgallery.org.uk), and neither can any London itinerary. One of the greatest art galleries in the world, it was founded by Parliament in 1824 and houses more than 2300 works of European art from the 13th to the early 20th century. These include seminal paintings from the likes of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Titian and Renoir, as well as Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, which often draws crowds during peak times.
Don’t miss the Sainsbury Wing (reopened in 2025) on the western side for an outstanding collection of early Renaissance paintings, Rembrandt’s two self-portraits (at age 34 and 63) and the works of the High Renaissance (1490s–1520s). Those strapped for time can join a free 60-minute guided tour of the highlights. Enquire at the information desk.
National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery (npg.org.uk) reopened in 2023 after three years of major refurbishment, and it’s packed with a who’s who of British history and culture. In 1856, this was (allegedly) the first public gallery dedicated to portraits, and now it’s home to some 250,000 pieces, making it the most extensive collection on the globe. The portraits date from the 16th century to the present day, spanning paintings, photographs, drawings, sculptures and even caricatures. Look for the Chandos portrait, the most famous portrait believed to depict William Shakespeare, as well as the vast collection of royal subjects and modern-day celebrities such as Ed Sheeran and Anna Wintour.
The Square’s Monuments
Trafalgar Square’s rich history is immortalized at numerous points of interest in the main piazza. Start with the towering, 52m-high Nelson’s Column, dedicated to Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died during the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar. During the column’s planning, it was decided that four large bronze lions would ring its base as a sign of Nelson’s heroism. Sculptor Edwin Landseer based the Trafalgar Square lions on an animal that had earlier died at London Zoo.
In an era when cameras weren’t yet widespread, he took so long to make sketches that the corpse decomposed, and parts had to be improvised. You’ll notice the paws, for example, are based on cat paws. It’s hard to miss two rather spectacular fountains, installed in 1841 to counteract the effects of reflected heat and to reduce space for large public demonstrations.
Should anything have gotten out of hand, however, the Police Box on the square's southeast corner would have dealt with it. Large enough to fit one police officer, with a direct line to Scotland Yard, it was the smallest police station in Britain. Modern CCTV means the box is no longer used, and it’s now a broom cupboard for the cleaners.
St Martin-in-the-Fields
An architectural jewel, St Martin-in-the-Fields (stmartin-in-the-fields.org) church dates back to the medieval period, when the area surrounding Trafalgar Square was nothing but farm fields. In the 19th century, it hosted the first church service ever to be broadcast on the radio. Admire the elegant interiors, aisles lined with galleries, brass chandeliers and plasterwork ceilings supported by classical columns.
Located in St Martin’s crypt is an underground cavern that’s been a secret local hangout for decades. Though there’s a sign above ground these days, it remains a peaceful retreat. Hot brews are poured under original brick-vaulted ceilings, and historic tombstones line the floor, with the occasional church benefit concert adding enchantment. If peckish, pick up some cheap and cheerful comfort foods at the canteen.