When you visit Trafalgar Square, you're standing at what's officially considered the center of London. This isn't just tourist marketing – it's actually true. The square sits where Charing Cross once was, the traditional point from which distances across Britain have been measured since the 1200s.

The square itself came together around 1840, designed by Sir Charles Barry to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar from 1805. That naval victory against the French and Spanish fleets explains the towering Nelson's Column that dominates the space. The 169-foot column with Admiral Nelson perched on top feels almost absurdly tall when you're standing beneath it, surrounded by those famous bronze lions.

What strikes me most about Trafalgar Square is how it manages to be both a tourist magnet and a genuinely important public space for Londoners. Sure, you'll find plenty of visitors taking photos, but this is also where the city comes to celebrate, protest, and mark significant moments. The tradition of the Norwegian Christmas tree here goes back to 1947 – Oslo's annual gift in gratitude for British support during World War II.

The buildings framing the square tell their own stories. The National Gallery commands the north side with its impressive collection, while St Martin-in-the-Fields adds Georgian elegance to the northeast corner. Canada House and South Africa House represent the Commonwealth connections that shaped so much of British history.

Discover all the secrets of Trafalgar Square with our comprehensive London audio guide – there are layers of history here that aren't immediately obvious from just walking around.

The square works as more than just a destination too. It's genuinely useful as a meeting point and navigation landmark. The Strand leads east toward the City, The Mall stretches west to Buckingham Palace, and Whitehall heads south toward Westminster. Charing Cross station sits right nearby, making it incredibly accessible.

Since traffic was restricted in 2003, the space feels much more pedestrian-friendly. You can actually linger without dodging cars, which makes sense given that over 15 million people pass through annually. It's one of those rare central London spots where you can pause and get your bearings without feeling swept along by the urban current.