Every year, over 7 million people walk through Trafalgar Square. Most don’t stop to take a photo. But the ones who do? They come back with images that get thousands of likes. This isn’t just a tourist stop. It’s one of the most photographed places in London-and for good reason.
The Square That Never Stops Taking Pictures
Trafalgar Square isn’t just a open space between Charing Cross and the National Gallery. It’s a stage. The fountain, the lions, the pigeons, the flags, the changing light-all of it adds up to a visual feast that’s easy to capture but hard to replicate elsewhere.
Think about it: you’ve got Nelson’s Column rising 52 meters into the sky, surrounded by four massive bronze lions. Behind it, the National Gallery’s neoclassical façade frames the whole scene like a painted backdrop. On any given day, you’ll see street performers, political rallies, holiday markets, and tourists all mixing together. That’s the magic. It’s not just a location-it’s a living postcard.
Where to Stand for the Perfect Shot
If you want your photo to stand out, don’t just snap a quick selfie in front of Nelson’s Column. Move around. Try these spots:
- Bottom of the steps, facing the column - Get low. Shoot upward. The column looks taller. The lions look fiercer. The sky behind it turns into a soft gradient at golden hour.
- Behind the fountains, near the west side - Use the water as a mirror. At sunset, the reflection turns the whole square into a glowing halo. Bring a tripod if you can. This shot looks like a painting.
- On the north side, near the National Gallery - The columns of the gallery create natural leading lines. Frame Nelson’s Column between them. It’s a classic composition that works every time.
- From the upper level of the nearby cafes - Try The National Gallery’s café or the nearby Starbucks. The elevated angle gives you a clean, uncluttered view of the square. Perfect for wide-angle shots.
Pro tip: Avoid midday. The sun is too harsh. Shadows are brutal. The best light is between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM in winter-when the sun dips behind the buildings and paints everything in warm gold.
Seasonal Changes Make a Difference
Trafalgar Square looks completely different in December than it does in July. In summer, it’s green grass, open space, and people lounging. In winter, it’s a Christmas market, ice rink, and glowing lights.
During the holidays, the square transforms into a glittering wonderland. The giant Christmas tree from Norway lights up every evening. The ice rink becomes a swirling mass of people in colorful coats. The lights reflect off the wet pavement. That’s when you get those dreamy, reflective shots that go viral.
And don’t forget the pigeons. They’re everywhere. But if you wait until dusk, they gather near the fountains. A slow shutter speed turns their wings into soft streaks. It looks like motion art.
What to Wear and How to Blend In
Everyone wears a red coat in Trafalgar Square. It’s a cliché, but it’s also a secret weapon. A bright red coat, a blue scarf, or even yellow boots pop against the stone and bronze. If you’re taking a photo with people, wear something bold. It pulls the eye.
But if you want to disappear into the background? Wear neutral tones. Grey, beige, dark green. Let the square be the star. That’s how you get those clean, editorial-style shots that look like they’re from a travel magazine.
Hidden Corners No One Talks About
Most people never leave the main square. But if you walk around the back of the National Gallery, down the narrow path near the South African High Commission, you’ll find a quiet corner with a stone bench. It’s not on any map. But from there, you can shoot Nelson’s Column with a blurred crowd in the foreground. It looks like a film still.
Another spot: the east side, near the statue of George IV. It’s less crowded. The statue’s pose leans slightly forward, creating a diagonal line that leads straight to the column. It’s a subtle composition trick that photographers love.
Photography Rules You Should Ignore
They say: “Don’t shoot into the sun.” But in Trafalgar Square, that’s where the magic happens. At sunset, the light hits the column just right. It glows. The dust in the air catches the color. It’s not technically perfect. But it’s emotionally perfect.
They say: “Avoid crowds.” But the crowds are part of the story. A busy square tells you this place matters. It’s alive. A lone column with no people? That’s a postcard. A column with a hundred people laughing, taking selfies, arguing, dancing? That’s London.
Use your phone. Use your DSLR. Use a drone if you’re allowed (you’re not-no drones over Trafalgar Square). The gear doesn’t matter. What matters is timing. Be there when the light changes. Be there when the crowd pauses. Be there when the pigeons take flight all at once.
What Not to Do
Don’t stand on the lions. It’s illegal. You’ll get fined. And you’ll look like every other tourist.
Don’t use a selfie stick. The square is small. People hate them. And the police will ask you to put it away.
Don’t try to shoot during a protest or parade unless you’re prepared for chaos. The square is a political stage. Respect that. Your photo isn’t worth getting in the way of a demonstration.
Why This Place Still Works on Instagram
Trafalgar Square doesn’t need filters. It doesn’t need editing. The architecture, the history, the light-it all just works. That’s why it’s still one of the top 10 Instagram spots in London, even in 2025.
Look at the hashtags: #TrafalgarSquare has over 3 million posts. #NelsonsColumn has 1.2 million. But the ones that stand out? They’re not the most liked. They’re the most real. A child pointing at the lions. A couple holding hands under the Christmas tree. A street musician playing a violin as the sun sets behind the column.
That’s the secret. It’s not about the location. It’s about the moment you catch.
When to Go to Avoid Crowds
Weekends are packed. Especially Saturdays. If you want quiet, go on a weekday morning-Tuesday or Wednesday, right after the market sets up. Around 8:30 AM, the square is empty except for cleaners and a few early photographers.
Or go late. After 9 PM, most tourists are gone. The lights stay on. The fountains still run. The square feels like a secret. That’s when you get shots that look like they were taken in a movie.
Final Thought: It’s Not About the Shot
Trafalgar Square doesn’t care if you take a photo. It’s been here since 1843. It’s seen wars, celebrations, protests, and parades. Your photo won’t change that.
But if you take the time to really look-to notice the way the light hits the lions’ fur, or how the pigeons scatter when a bus passes-you’ll remember it longer than any filter ever could.
Can I use a drone to photograph Trafalgar Square?
No. Drones are banned over Trafalgar Square and most of central London without special permission from the Civil Aviation Authority and the Metropolitan Police. Even if you have a permit, flying over crowds is strictly prohibited. Stick to ground-level shots. They’re often better anyway.
What’s the best time of year to photograph Trafalgar Square?
Winter-especially late November to early January-is the most photogenic. The Christmas tree, ice rink, and holiday lights create layers of color and reflection. But if you prefer quiet, go in late September or early October. The weather is mild, the crowds are thin, and the autumn leaves add warmth to the stone.
Are there any free photo spots around Trafalgar Square?
Yes. The entire square is public space and free to photograph. The best free spots are the steps leading to the National Gallery, the area around the fountains, and the walkway along the east side near George IV’s statue. You don’t need to pay for entry to any building to get great shots.
Do I need a permit to take professional photos in Trafalgar Square?
If you’re shooting for commercial purposes-like for an ad, magazine, or paid social media campaign-you need a permit from Westminster City Council. For personal use, including Instagram posts, no permit is required. Just don’t block walkways or use tripods in high-traffic areas without asking.
What camera settings work best for Trafalgar Square?
For golden hour shots, use a low ISO (100-200), wide aperture (f/2.8-f/5.6), and slow shutter speed (1/30s-1/60s) to capture motion in the fountains or pigeons. For wide-angle shots of the whole square, use f/8-f/11 for sharpness across the frame. Always shoot in RAW if you can. The lighting changes fast, and you’ll want the flexibility to adjust shadows and highlights later.