When you think of Trafalgar Square in London, you probably picture Nelson’s Column rising above a crowd of pigeons, tourists snapping selfies, and the occasional political rally. But beyond the postcard clichés, this heart of London holds hidden corners, dramatic lighting, and cultural textures that make it one of the most photogenic places in the city - if you know where to look.
The Lion Statues at Dawn
Most people snap photos of the four massive bronze lions around Nelson’s Column during lunchtime, when the square is packed. But the real magic happens just after sunrise. The low-angle light catches the texture of the bronze, casting long shadows that make the lions look like they’re about to rise. Arrive by 7:30 a.m. on a weekday and you’ll have the whole plaza to yourself. The stone plinths are still damp from overnight mist, and the morning light turns the white marble of the column into a soft gold. This is the shot that wins awards - not because it’s grand, but because it’s quiet. It’s London at its most still.
The National Gallery’s North Facade
While everyone lines up at the front entrance of the National Gallery, the real photographic gem is the north side - the side facing the square. The neoclassical columns, the arched windows, and the subtle weathering of the Portland stone create a perfect frame for street performers, pigeons mid-flight, or even a double-decker bus rolling past. Bring a 35mm lens and shoot from ground level. The reflection of the sky in the glass panels above the entrance adds depth. Bonus: the gallery opens at 10 a.m., so you can walk straight inside after your shot and grab a coffee at the Gallery Café - their Earl Grey is served in bone china, just like it was in 1972.
The Fourth Plinth’s Current Installation
Unlike the other three plinths, the fourth one changes every 18 to 24 months. Right now, it’s ‘The New York Times’ by artist Heather Phillipson - a giant, spinning top made of foam and cherry, with a fly buzzing above it. It’s absurd, funny, and totally Instagram-bait. But the real trick? Shoot it at golden hour when the cherry glows like a lantern. The contrast between the modern art and the 19th-century architecture behind it tells a story about London: tradition meets chaos. Check the Fourth Plinth website before you go - the installations are curated by the Mayor of London’s office, and they often drop surprise reveals on Fridays.
The Water Feature at Night
Most visitors don’t realize Trafalgar Square has a water feature - it’s easy to miss amid the crowds. But after dark, the four fountains light up with programmable LEDs. On weekends, they pulse in sync with ambient music piped through hidden speakers. The best angle? Stand on the steps of the National Gallery and shoot downward. The water reflects the lights in rippling circles, and if you use a slow shutter speed (1/4 sec), the motion blurs into liquid color. It’s like a neon painting you can’t replicate anywhere else in London. Pro tip: Bring a tripod. The square gets chilly after 8 p.m., and you’ll want to stay still for a few seconds.
The Stairs Behind the South Entrance
Behind the National Gallery, tucked between the building and the street, are a set of worn stone stairs that lead up to a narrow walkway. This is where Londoners go to smoke, think, or take a breather after a long day. The stairs are covered in graffiti tags from local artists, some dating back to the 90s. The wall behind them is painted with a faded mural of a 1960s London bus. It’s not official. It’s not promoted. But it’s real. Shoot from below - the perspective makes the graffiti look like it’s climbing the stairs. It’s the most honest photo you can take in Trafalgar Square.
The Christmas Tree and Lights
Every December, Norway gifts London a 50-foot spruce tree - a tradition since 1947, in thanks for British support during WWII. The tree is decorated with 500 white LED lights and a giant star on top. But the real moment? When the lights turn on. The switch is flipped by the Lord Mayor of Westminster at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of December. The square fills with carolers in wool coats, the smell of roasted chestnuts from the stall near the fountain, and the sound of a brass band playing ‘Auld Lang Syne’. If you’re there at that exact moment, you’ll capture something deeper than a pretty photo - you’ll capture London’s quiet gratitude.
The Red Phone Box and the Statue of George IV
One of the most overlooked combos in London photography is the red phone box beside the statue of King George IV. The statue, with its dramatic pose and flowing robes, looks like it’s about to step off its pedestal. The phone box, still functioning (yes, they still work), is one of the last few in central London. The contrast between Victorian royalty and 1980s British design is surreal. Shoot from the side - the phone box’s curve mirrors the king’s outstretched arm. Use a polarizing filter to deepen the blue of the sky. It’s a tiny, perfect moment of British identity.
The Rooftop View from the Strand
There’s a little-known rooftop bar above the Strand Palace Hotel, just a two-minute walk from Trafalgar Square. It’s called The View at the Strand. You don’t need to be a guest - just buy a £12 gin and tonic and you get a 360-degree view of the square from above. The angle shows the entire layout: the lions, the column, the fountains, the crowds. It’s the only place where you can see how the square is actually a stage - for protests, concerts, and now, Instagram influencers. Go at sunset. The golden light hits the column and turns the pigeons into silhouettes. You’ll understand why this spot has been a visual anchor for London since 1843.
The Mosaic Floor in the North-East Corner
Most people walk over it without noticing. But in the north-east corner of the square, near the entrance to the National Portrait Gallery, there’s a patch of original 19th-century mosaic tiles. They’re cracked, faded, and mostly covered in pigeon droppings - but if you clean them with a damp cloth (yes, bring a paper towel), you’ll see intricate floral patterns and the initials of the original stonemasons. It’s the only surviving piece of the square’s original 1845 paving. Shoot it with a macro lens. The colors are muted - rust red, faded ochre, dusty grey - but the craftsmanship is undeniable. It’s a reminder that even the most famous places in London were once built by hands we’ll never know.
The Shadow of the Column at Midday
On a clear day in late March or early September, the sun sits directly above Nelson’s Column at noon. The shadow it casts is perfectly centered on the square - stretching straight down the central axis, past the fountains, and ending at the statue of King George IV. It’s a natural sundial. If you stand on the shadow’s tip, you’re standing exactly where the square’s original design intended. Bring a compass. The alignment is precise. This isn’t just a photo opportunity - it’s a moment of historical alignment. London’s planners didn’t just build a monument. They built a calendar.
What to Bring
- A lightweight tripod - for long exposures at night
- A polarizing filter - to cut glare off marble and glass
- A small cloth - to wipe off pigeon residue from tiles
- Warm layers - it’s windier here than you think, even in summer
- A reusable coffee cup - the nearest decent coffee is at Grind on the corner of Charing Cross Road
When to Go
- Best for quiet shots: Weekday mornings, 6:30-8:30 a.m.
- Best for light: Golden hour - 45 minutes before sunset
- Best for crowds: Friday nights in December - the Christmas lights are magical
- Avoid: Bank holidays - the square becomes a human traffic jam
Final Tip
Trafalgar Square isn’t just a landmark. It’s a living stage. The same spot where a 19th-century poet once recited verses now hosts a TikTok dance challenge. The same stones that heard Churchill’s wartime speeches now echo with the laughter of a family from Manchester taking their first selfie in London. Don’t just take a picture. Capture the layering - the history, the chaos, the quiet beauty. That’s what makes this place truly Instagram-worthy.
Can I take professional photos in Trafalgar Square without a permit?
Yes, for personal or casual use - including Instagram posts - no permit is needed. But if you’re using tripods, lighting equipment, or a large crew, you’ll need a permit from Westminster City Council. The fee is £120 for a day, and you must apply at least 10 days in advance. Most tourists and influencers skip this - but if you’re shooting for a brand or commercial project, it’s worth it to avoid being asked to leave.
Are there public restrooms near Trafalgar Square?
Yes, but they’re not always open. The nearest public toilets are inside the National Gallery - free to use if you’re visiting the museum. Outside the gallery, there’s a small kiosk near the south side with pay toilets (£1, accepts coins). Most Londoners just use the cafes - Grind, Starbucks, or the National Gallery Café - and buy a drink to use the facilities. It’s the unofficial London way.
Is Trafalgar Square safe at night?
Generally, yes. The square is well-lit and patrolled by police and CCTV. But it’s quiet after 10 p.m. on weekdays, and the fountains are turned off. If you’re shooting at night, stick to the main paths. Avoid the alley behind the National Portrait Gallery - it’s dark and has a history of petty theft. Most locals feel safe walking through the square even at midnight, especially on weekends when the bars on the Strand are still open.
What’s the best time of year to photograph Trafalgar Square?
Late March to early April and late September to early October are ideal. The light is soft, the skies are clear, and the crowds are thinner. Summer is bright but packed. Winter has the Christmas tree, but the light is flat and grey. Spring and autumn give you the best contrast - the green of the trees against the grey stone, the golden light on the column. And don’t forget: snow in January makes the square look like a Victorian painting.
Are there any free photography workshops in Trafalgar Square?
Yes - the National Portrait Gallery runs free monthly photo walks led by local photographers. They meet at the main entrance at 2 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month. No booking needed. You’ll learn how to frame the lions, capture motion in the fountains, and use the light from the gallery windows. It’s a quiet, local secret - and perfect if you want to see the square through the eyes of someone who’s been shooting it for 20 years.
