Trafalgar Square & Surroundings
Trafalgar Square
London's most central square, named after Nelson's naval victory at Trafalgar (1805). Nelson's Column (52 meters, with four lions at the base) dominates the square. Around it: the National Gallery, St Martin-in-the-Fields (church with free concerts), and the view down Whitehall to Parliament. On New Year's Eve and during major sporting events, the square becomes the city's meeting point.
National Gallery
One of the most significant art collections in the world — and completely free. Over 2,300 paintings from the 13th to the 20th century: Van Gogh's Sunflowers, da Vinci's Virgin of the Rocks, Turner's seascapes, Monet's Water Lilies, Botticelli's Venus and Mars. Room 34 alone (the Impressionists) is worth a visit to London.
Tip: The free tours (daily, 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM) are excellent and last 1 hour. For a quick overview: the "30 Must-See Paintings" route on the website.
British Museum
Only a 15-minute walk north lies the British Museum — one of the largest and most important museums in the world, free of charge. Over 8 million objects from all of human history: the Rosetta Stone (the key to deciphering hieroglyphs), the Parthenon Sculptures (the Elgin Marbles — Greece wants them back), Egyptian mummies, the Lewis Chessmen, and the entire history of humanity under a spectacular glass roof (The Great Court, Norman Foster, 2000).
Tip: The museum is huge — plan at least 3 hours, enthusiasts a whole day. The Egyptian department (Room 4 and 62–63) and the Rosetta Stone (Room 4) are the main attractions.
