The last tourist attraction my sister and I had to visit in the beautiful city of London was Trafalgar Square. At the square, we will find the iconic stone lions a.k.a the Fourth Plinth, Nelson’s Column, fountains and feral pigeons. It is free to visit Trafalgar Square. 😉
Getting To Trafalgar Square
We made our way to Trafalgar Square by train via the London Underground and stopped at Charing Cross Station. For your info, the nearest stations to the square are Charing Cross (Overground, Northern, and Bakerloo lines) and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines).
Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines) and Embankment (Northern, Bakerloo, District, and Circle lines) stations are also located nearby. If travelling by bus, bus routes number 3, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, 24, 87, 91, 139, and 176 respectively stop at Trafalgar Square.
In Trafalgar Square lies London’s National Gallery, an art museum that houses over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. Admission to the museum is free. It is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, except on Friday where it opens until 21:00. Do take note that the National Gallery is closed on 1 January and 24-26 December each year. 😉
Of Stone Lions & Impressive Architecture
At Trafalgar Square, we spent a good 30 minutes enjoying the view as we watched life passed before us. We observe many feral pigeons flocking the square, as well as people from all walks of life. Many were busy taking photographs of the iconic stone lions a.k.a the Fourth Plinth, Nelson’s Column, and the pigeons.
For your info, feeding the pigeons is not encouraged at the square because they are considered a nuisance and a health hazard. Anyone caught feeding the pigeons will be slapped with a hefty fine. Mayor Ken Livingstone banned pigeon-feeding in Trafalgar Square in 2003.
We did not take many photos at the square because we were too lazy and just wanted to enjoy the moment. Besides, the weather was too cold for us to bear. My sister and I happily took refuge in the Pret A Manger store nearby and warmed ourselves up with a cup of hot chocolate, cheesecake and chips. 😀
In a Nutshell
That marks the end of our 5D/4N Backpacking London without a Tour (Free & Easy) journey/travel itinerary. Overall, my sister and I had a short, but memorable trip in the vibrant city of London, United Kingdom. Together, we managed to explore and experience London without spending much money at all. In total, we spent less than £500 for our accommodation, food, public transport and miscellaneous.