Top 9 London Squares

Perhaps one of the greatest achievements of the London city planners throughout the centuries is the creation and preservation of open spaces. The design of public squares was intended to create an open urban space where the public could meet, relax and socialise. It was also a way of efficiently creating a gap between large prestigious properties, affording them must sought-after light, albeit from a communal space.

Almost every visitor to London will at some point visit one of these 9 squares, whether it is to enjoy a bit of London greenery or merely pass through on the way elsewhere.  These may be 9 of the best known squares, but there are several hundred across Greater London, each with their own unique charm.

1. Trafalgar Square

Probably the most famous of all of London's squares. Trafalgar Square may not be green but it is a focal point for London to gather and mark important events. The awarding of the 2012 Olympics was celebrated here and this has traditionally been the main place to mark the New Year celebrations in the city. Nelson's Column and the four bronze lions are one of London's most popular photo spots.

2. Leicester Square

Not really square shaped Leicester Square is the heart of the London's cinema scene, with many of the world movie premieres taking place here. It's a very popular place to hang out and watch some of London's stranger folk, but don't forget to take some pics of the William Shakespeare statue - the centrepiece of Leicester Square. 

3. Parliament Square

A favourite spot for both TV presenters and peace protesters, this green lawn just outside the Houses of Parliament is a good spot to unwrap your sandwiches and look out for famous politicians trying to look good on camera (or indeed trying to avoid the cameras altogether).

4. Berkeley Square

More of an elongated rectangle, Berkeley Square is a green oasis in the heart of London's Mayfair and is surrounded by embassies, sports car showrooms and million pound apartments. The square serves as a lunchtime retreat for the shoppers of nearby Bond Street.

5. Grosvenor Square

Also known as the American Square, Grosvenor Square is entirely dominated by the imposing if ugly building that is the US Embassy and its security paraphernalia. Step into the park itself and you'll find fascinating memorials to past American presidents and a simple but tastefully designed 9/11 remembrance garden.

6. Soho Square

This is indeed a perfect square and a lovely green space too. A place to relax from the rigours of an afternoon drink in Soho, the square is also home to the Football Association and the British Board of Film Classification so you may see some surprising faces wandering the streets surrounding the square.

7. Sloane Square

Not really worthy of the square label in any sense, Sloane Square is in fact an oval and is covered with paving slabs. It is however in quite a posh part of south west London and perhaps deserves inclusion in this list as an excellent place to sit on a bench with your sandwiches and people watch.

8. Russell Square

This square in north London makes a very pleasant place to sit and rest awhile if you're walking between King's Cross or Euston and the West End. Russell Square is also a popular park for the residents of this part of London.

9. St. James's Square

This is surely one of London's most elegant squares. It is green, perfectly square and surrounded by some of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in London. Take the time to read the information boards to learn of the many famous (and infamous) residents of the square.

Why not tour these and other sights of central London by bus? Visit our site to book a City Tour London Open Top Bus Tour today!