1/2 day in Trafalgar Square, London
Sep 2nd, 2007 | 03:35 PM
#1
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Joined: Apr 2003
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1/2 day in Trafalgar Square, London
I had a last-minute invitation to speak at a meeting near Trafalgar Square. My schedule is crammed, so I will have only one afternoon and evening free before I must fly home.
There are so many amazing things in the Trafalgar Square area and within an easy walk. What would YOU do? When I travel, I love walking around, seeing the sights, and soaking up a little local culture. Any suggestions?
There are so many amazing things in the Trafalgar Square area and within an easy walk. What would YOU do? When I travel, I love walking around, seeing the sights, and soaking up a little local culture. Any suggestions?
Sep 2nd, 2007 | 04:05 PM
#3
Joined: Mar 2004
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Your question is a tough one because it depends on (a) your interests, (b) whether or not this is your first trip to London, and (c) what day of the week it is.
Personally, in your situation, I would wander over to Covent Garden, hang out, and look in the shops, etc. I would then have dinner around Covent Garden or Soho, and then go and see either an opera at the Royal Opera House, a west-end show, or a concert at St Martin in the Fields. Somewhere in there, I would browse in the bookshops on Charing Cross Rd.
I say this because I have been to London many times and have already seen the National Gallery, Portrait Gallery, etc, etc.
If this is a first-time visit, the above are highly recommended. Actually, the transportation system in London is so good that just about anything you really want to see is easily accessible from Traf Sq.
As you like walking around, have a look at London Walks - they might have a good one on the right day of the week. They do evening walks too.
Good luck!
Personally, in your situation, I would wander over to Covent Garden, hang out, and look in the shops, etc. I would then have dinner around Covent Garden or Soho, and then go and see either an opera at the Royal Opera House, a west-end show, or a concert at St Martin in the Fields. Somewhere in there, I would browse in the bookshops on Charing Cross Rd.
I say this because I have been to London many times and have already seen the National Gallery, Portrait Gallery, etc, etc.
If this is a first-time visit, the above are highly recommended. Actually, the transportation system in London is so good that just about anything you really want to see is easily accessible from Traf Sq.
As you like walking around, have a look at London Walks - they might have a good one on the right day of the week. They do evening walks too.
Good luck!
Sep 3rd, 2007 | 06:55 AM
#5
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Joined: Apr 2003
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Thank you all for these great suggestions! Tania, my free time will be on a Thursday afternoon and evening (9/13). I was last in London in 1973, so long ago that it almost doesn't count!
After thinking about everyone's suggestions, I realized I really like seeing great architecture. I'm not interested in museums this time, partly because I'll be in Paris a couple of weeks later and hitting museums hard & heavy then. I'm not a big shopper, but I'd love to go to one of the markets where I can maybe pick up some fun souvenirs for my family. I want to stay within walking distance of Trafalgar, simply because with so little time I don't want to lose time dealing with transportation.
After thinking about everyone's suggestions, I realized I really like seeing great architecture. I'm not interested in museums this time, partly because I'll be in Paris a couple of weeks later and hitting museums hard & heavy then. I'm not a big shopper, but I'd love to go to one of the markets where I can maybe pick up some fun souvenirs for my family. I want to stay within walking distance of Trafalgar, simply because with so little time I don't want to lose time dealing with transportation.
Sep 4th, 2007 | 08:58 AM
#6
Joined: Feb 2003
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Linda0515, how about a walk on the Strand past Charing Cross, Somerset House (be sure to see the courtyard), St Mary-le-Strand (James Gibbs, architect), St Clement Danes (Christopher Wren) aka the Airforce church, inside most unusual, Royal Courts of Justice, The Temple (MUST go inside to see Temple Church (DaVinci Code), the serene courtyards and the law offices. New Court is dated 1667).
You have a number of choices at this point. (1)Continue down Fleet St to St Paul's, (2)go north on Chancery Lane to Lincoln's Inn and the singular Sir John Soanes's Museum, (3)go south to the Embankment (Temple Tube) or (4)make your way to Covent Garden for shopping in the market and/or shops.
You have a number of choices at this point. (1)Continue down Fleet St to St Paul's, (2)go north on Chancery Lane to Lincoln's Inn and the singular Sir John Soanes's Museum, (3)go south to the Embankment (Temple Tube) or (4)make your way to Covent Garden for shopping in the market and/or shops.
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Sep 5th, 2007 | 10:43 AM
#10
Joined: Aug 2006
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I'm sorry Chris, I guess I should have been much more clear in my response to the person that was asking about TRAFALGAR SQUARE.
Oh and by the way, Cape Trafalgar (I assume that was to where you were referring) is located near the SOUTHERN tip of Spain.
There is Trafalgar, Indiana.
;-)
dave
Oh and by the way, Cape Trafalgar (I assume that was to where you were referring) is located near the SOUTHERN tip of Spain.
There is Trafalgar, Indiana.
;-)
dave
Sep 6th, 2007 | 02:31 AM
#11
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Yes, I am staying at The Trafalgar right on the square. Great location...so much is within easy walking distance.
What was great about jsmith's suggestion is that it was a tour to the east of the square. I had been looking to walk west of the square because all the obvious stuff is there (Parliament, Westminster Cathedral). I like the idea of jsmith's idea of seeing stuff that's not quite so obvious. One morning meeting is iffy, and now I'm hoping doesn't materialize, so I can spend the morning walking in one direction and the afternoon in the other!
Just curious...do you all consider Charing Cross a positive or negative addition to London's architecture?
What was great about jsmith's suggestion is that it was a tour to the east of the square. I had been looking to walk west of the square because all the obvious stuff is there (Parliament, Westminster Cathedral). I like the idea of jsmith's idea of seeing stuff that's not quite so obvious. One morning meeting is iffy, and now I'm hoping doesn't materialize, so I can spend the morning walking in one direction and the afternoon in the other!
Just curious...do you all consider Charing Cross a positive or negative addition to London's architecture?
