It’s about time I wrote this guide to Covent Garden. After spending years of trawling the shops, restaurants and bars in the area, I feel I am pretty educated enough for the job. If you are heading to London a must-visit destination with a historic background and plenty to do is Covent Garden. Covent Garden is one of my favourite places to explore at any time of the year.
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Covent Garden is the epicentre of London’s West-End. Centralised in the heart of theatre-land close to the Strand, Museum street, Soho and even Leicester Square, making it is the perfect place to add to your itinerary when you visit London.
Ultimate Guide to Covent Garden London everything you need to know
You can not go wrong if start your day exploring the iconic Covent Garden Market and piazza with its unique shops, cafes and street performers. Once you have finished your day my favourite thing to do is to catch a show at one of the many theatres in the area, such as the Theatre Royal or the Lyceum Theatre.
In addition to its street performers, Covent Garden Piazza is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Royal Opera House and St. Paul’s Church.
In fact there is something for everyone and even though I have spent years wandering this great part of London I can never run out if things to do.
Explore the Historic Covent Garden Piazza And Watch the Street Performers
Covent Garden Piazza is the main public square located in the heart of London’s West End. It is now known for its bustling atmosphere, historic architecture, vibrant street performers and a Christmas tree that showers people with snow every hour in December.
It was originally designed as a fruit and vegetable market in the 17th century and would have been extremely different to the place we all love and know today.
The cobble stone streets of the Piazza now house several markets, entertainment venues and shops galore. Around the Piazza you will also find the Royal Opera House and St. Paul’s Church.
One of the main attractions of the Piazza is its street performers, who entertain crowds with their music, comedy, and acrobatics daily. From magicians and jugglers to opera singers and dancers, there is always something to see and enjoy.
If you pop down in to the basement area of the Piazza in the middle you are often entertained by Opera Singers. Most street performers rely on their tips and earnings. The street performers are also legally allowed to perform there but have to apply for a space.
Top Tip: If you do want to tip but do not have any cash they often have small machines to tap.
Covent Garden Markets
The original 17th century market selling fruit and veg may no longer be there but now it has numerous other types of markets. The three main Covent Garden markets are:
- The Jubilee Market
- The Apple Market
- The East Colonnade Market
Today, Covent Garden Market is home to over 100 stalls selling a wide range of products, from cards, homeware and jewellery to designer clothing and accessories.
The Apple Market Covent Garden
The Apple Market is well known for its has handmade crafts and goods from local artisans. Every day Tuesday to Sunday, the Apple Market is filled with handmade jewellery, prints, watercolours, clothes and beautiful crafts. On a Monday similar to the Jubilee Market, you’ll find one-off antiques and collectables.
East Colonnade Market Covent Garden
The East Colonnade Market is located on the east side of Covent Garden’s Market Building and is filled with lots more artisan gifts to take home such as soaps, sweet treats and jewellery stalls. You will also find a magic stall shop here for all those budding Magicians.
Jubilee Market Covent Garden
Another popular area of Covent Garden Market is the newer Jubilee Market, which features a wide range of antiques, vintage clothing, and collectibles.
The market change selling gifts and London souvenirs on some days and antiques on others.
On a Monday you will find Antiques from 5 am to 5 pm, Tuesday to Friday is a general market from 10.30 to 7 pm whilst on the weekends you will find the Arts and crafts market from 10 am to 6 pm.
Top Tip: This is the place I have found the cheapest London Sweatshirts!
Explore Neals Yard
Neal’s Yard is a hidden gem located just a couple of minutes from Covent Garden piazza. This quaint and colourful alleyway is tucked away from the busy streets and is a haven for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The most exciting thing about Neals Yard is its colourful buildings which are are adorned with flowers, plants and trees. Its a great cultural spot with a vibrant and funky atmosphere.
One of the most popular shops in Neal’s Yard is the Neal’s Yard Dairy, a cheese shop that has been selling artisanal cheese for over 30 years. Here, you can sample and purchase a wide variety of cheeses from across the UK and Europe.
Another popular place is the Wild Food Cafe, which offers a range of vegan and vegetarian dishes made with organic and locally sourced ingredients. The cafe has a charming outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying a meal or a cup of coffee on a sunny day.
Neal’s Yard is also home to several health and beauty shops, including Neal’s Yard Remedies, which offers a range of natural and organic skincare and beauty products.
Visit The Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is a world-renowned opera house located in the Covent Garden neighbourhood of London. It has been the home of The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet since 1946 and is known for its stunning performances and beautiful architecture.
The Royal Opera House offers a variety of operas, ballets, and concerts throughout the year, featuring some of the most talented performers in the world. The performances take place in the stunning main auditorium, which has a seating capacity of over 2,200 and features beautiful acoustics and an intricate design.
In addition to its performances, the Royal Opera House also offers behind-the-scenes tours that give visitors an insight into the inner workings of the opera house. The tours take visitors through the backstage areas, the costume and wig departments, and the orchestra pit, providing a unique and fascinating look at the world of opera and ballet.
The Royal Opera House also has a range of restaurants and cafes, including the Amphitheatre Restaurant and the Crush Room, where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink before or after a performance.
Top Tip: The most magnificent eatery and spot is the rooftop bar overlooking the Piazza which is free to enter.
Relax in St Paul’s church and gardens
St. Paul’s Church and Gardens is a historic church located oposite the piazza in Covent Garden. Built in the 17th century, it is one of the oldest churches and is known as the Actors Church.
The gardens surrounding the church are also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful oasis in the bustling city. There are plenty of benches you can sit on with a sandwich for a quiet spot of lunch.
In addition to its religious services, St. Paul’s Church also hosts a range of cultural events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibitions, and community gatherings. The church is also available for private events and weddings, making it a popular destination for couples looking to tie the knot in a beautiful and historic setting. It is also the setting for Musicals by Candle light where a quartet perform popular songs from musical theatre surrounded by candles in the church.
Top Tip: Look for the penny maze!
Top Tip: For a cheap lunch go to a Tesco Express and buy a meal deal to sit and eat in the church garden.
Discover Covent Gardens Giant Penny Maze
Did you know there was a maze in covent garden? It has one of the biggest british pennies in the world in the middle. It forms the centrepiece of the maze celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It is in the garden of St Pauls Covent Garden. The Covent Garden Giant Penny was put in place to commemorate the Queens Diamond Jubilee.
Top Tip: There is only one other penny like it and it is in an Antiques shop in Battlesbridge Essex for sale for an extortionate price.
Take photos at the telephone boxes in Bow street
The telephone boxes in Bow Street are a unique and historic feature of the area. Located outside the Royal Opera House, the iconic red phone boxes have been in place since the early 1900s.
Originally designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the phone boxes were a ubiquitous feature of the British landscape in the 20th century. Now these phone boxes in a row are the best place for a selfie or instagramable London Photo.
Top Tip: Seated just opposite the Phone boxes you will find the Ballerina statue.
Explore Seven Dials Area And Market
Seven Dials is an area a few minutes walk from the square. The area is named after the seven streets that converge at a central point where a column with six sundials (originally intended to have seven) stands. The original column, erected in the 1690s, was removed in 1773 but was replaced by a replica in 1989.
Seven Dials is famous for its independent boutiques and unique shops. Visitors can find everything from high-end fashion to quirky vintage stores. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants in this area too.
Seven Dials Market also has a food and drink market located in the area of Covent Garden in London. The market features a variety of vendors offering food and drinks from all around the world.
Visit the London transport museum
Visit the London Transport Museum that explores the history of London’s public transportation system. The museum situated right in Covent Garden’s Square features a variety of exhibits, including vintage buses and trains. The London transport museum is proudly called the World’s leading museum of urban transport. The museum features a collection of over 450,000 objects, including vintage buses, trams, trains, and even a horse-drawn carriage. It includes galleries of vintage London trams, trains and buses that you can explore. You can find out all about the link between transport and the growth of London since 1800.
Where: The Piazza, London WC2E 7BB
When: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 – 18:00
Cost:
- Unlimited Annual Pass: Adults £21.00, Local Resident £15.00
- Off-Peak Annual Pass: £18.50
- Annual Pass Plus: £60
- For Free if you are: under 17, TfL Staff, LTM Friend, Patron, Carer/Companion
Tour The British museum
The British Museum where you can see the famous Rosetta Stone is just a few minutes walk from Covent garden? The British Museum is a world-renowned museum located in the Bloomsbury area of London. Founded in 1753, it is one of the oldest and largest museums in the world, with a collection that spans over 2 million years of human history.
This free public museum is dedicated to human history, art and culture. It documents the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present. It has a permanent collection of eight million works and counts as one of the largest and most comprehensive in London.
Where: 45 Wellington Street, London WC2E 7BN
When: 10am to 6pm
Cost: Free Entry
Top Tip: See my other museums in this area too!
Walk in the old footsteps of Londons Criminals in Bow street Police museum
Visiting the Bow Street Police Museum is a unique experience that offers a fascinating insight into the history of policing in London. The museum is housed in a historic building that was once a working police station and Bow magistrates’ court, which adds to the sense of history and atmosphere of the place.
The museum features a range of exhibits that showcase the history of policing in London, including artefacts, photographs, and information on famous cases and criminals.
One of the highlights of the museum is the chance to see the cells where prisoners were held, which have been preserved to give visitors a sense of what it was like to be detained there. You can also learn about famous police officers who worked at Bow Street, including Robert Peel, the founder of the Metropolitan Police, and Henry Fielding, the founder of the Bow Street Runners.
Top Tip: If you like this you might like the Jack the Ripper Museum too!
Have a pint in a Covent Garden Pub
No one can visit London without visiting an old British pub and Covent Garden has lots of them. These are my favourite pubs in Covent Garden and why:
The Lamb and Flag
Tucked away down an alley is one of the oldest pubs in Covent Garden The Lamb and Flag, dating back to 1772. This historic pub was a favourite haunt of Charles Dickens. The upstairs room, known as the “Poet’s Corner,” was frequented by literary figures such as John Dryden and once used hosted bare-knuckle prize fights.
Address: 33 Rose Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9EB
The Porterhouse
The Porterhouse is a spacious pub with spacious outside seating with a lovely buzz making it perfect for summer drinks. It’s known for its wide variety of beers from around the world, including its own brews. There is also a famous artist’s plaque on the wall of J M W Turner. The Plaque reads:
Joseph Mallord
William
Turner RA
(1775 – 1851)
Artist
was born in a house
on this siteThe Turner Society 1999
Address: 21-22 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7NA
The Cross Keys
I love the Cross Keys it feel special and old and loved! The Cross Keys historic pub has a cozy interior filled with quirky memorabilia. It looks just as remarkable outside as well as in and, it offers a warm and welcoming space on a cold or rainy day.
Address: 31 Endell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9BA
The Nags Head
The Nag’s Head is a traditional Victorian pub right opposite Covent Garden station and the perfect stop off for your first pint of the day!
Address: 10 James Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8BT
The Marquis of Anglesey
The Marquis of Anglesey is Located close to the theatres in Covent Garden, it’s a great spot for a pre- or post-show drink with a lively atmosphere. They often have a fire burning and a book on the shelf to read. Up stairs is a dining room which accommodates children diners.
Address: 39 Bow Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7AU
The White Lion
The White Lion is a traditional Victorian pub located right at the corner of Floral street opposite the Nag’s Head Pub. It is a popular place to stop and has a lively atmosphere.
Address: 24 James Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8NS
The Punch & Judy
The Punch and Judy pub named after the famous Punch Judy plays first played in the Piazza. Located in the historic Covent Garden Market building, it has a terrace offering great views of the piazza and St Paul’s Church. Do not miss this pub which offers British pub food too!
Address: 40 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF
Explore the pop up and photo stops all year round
Covent Garden has lot’s of photo opportunities that change with the seasons. They have have flower walls, swings and lots of pop ups changing all of the time.
You will find floral carts with seasonal flowers, floral walls, pop up champagne bars and even an occasional ice rink. They also promote theatre show’s that are in the area, so expect to see costumes and backdrops on display. This changes every month and fits with Easter, Christmas, Summer and Autumn.
The London film Museum
The London Film Museum is a popular destination for movie lovers and fans of British film history. Located in Covent Garden, the museum houses a collection of props, costumes, and other memorabilia from some of the most iconic films ever made. They are currently not showing any exhibitions.
Where: Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
When: Everyday, 10:00 – 17:00, except Friday: 10:00 – 16:00
Cost: The cost of admission to the London Film Museum varies depending on the exhibits and experiences. Previously they showed the Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition.
Explore Covent Gardens Shops
There are lots of shops in Covent Garden to explore and some unusual ones too. Ranging from high-end designer boutiques to independent stores, beauty shops and market stalls.
There are several areas to shop in Covent Garden, you have the markets, Long Acre Street for high street stores, Floral street for boutique stores, Here are some of the more unusual shops to find help you make the most of your shopping experience in Covent Garden:
- The Tintin Shop
- The Moomin Shop
- Benjamin Pollocks Toy Shop
- Charlotte Tilbury– Make up
- Choosing Keeping – for beautiful stationary. You can find it in 21 Tower Street.
- Gudrun Sjodrun– beautiful Kaftans
- Penhaligon’s – for amazing scents and perfumes. You can find it in 41 Wellington Street.
- Joseph Cheaney & Sons – My favourite boots for stomping the streets of London. You can find it in 26 Henrietta Street.
- Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market -unique gifts and Home ware.
Visit the oldest restaurant in London
The oldest restaurant in Covent Garden is Rules Restaurant, which was established in 1798. It has been serving traditional British cuisine to customers for over two centuries, making it a historic institution in the Covent Garden area.
The menu at Rules Restaurant features classic British dishes, including game, seafood, and traditional pies. The restaurant is particularly known for its game dishes, including venison, pheasant, and grouse.
They also have a wonderful cocktail bar upstairs that has been extended in to a glass garden room. This is my favourite place to find a classic cocktail in London. You can sometimes turn up and walk in for cocktails but it is recommend to book.
Rules in in Maiden Lane which also has many other restaurants to visit.
For more restaurant ideas in Covent Garden take a look at where to eat near the Lyceum Theatre.
Go to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and see a show
The Theatre Royal Drury Lane is one of the oldest and most prestigious theatres in the city. Recently the theatre underwent a huge renovation so features in the interior are just as impressive.
Right now they are showing Frozen but they also offer tours backstage and afternoon teas.
Catch the Lion king Musical at the Lyceum Theatre
“The Lion King” musical is a world-renowned musical that has been running at the Lyceum Theatre in London since 1999. The musical is based on the popular Disney animated movie of the same name and features music by Elton John and Tim Rice, with additional music by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and Hans Zimmer.
The musical is known for its stunning costumes and set designs, which bring the African savannah to life on stage. It also features a range of incredible songs, including “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”
Other Places Just a few minutes walk from Covent Garden
The good thing about Covent Garden is you are the heart of everything meaning that there are always more places to discover. These places are also just a few minutes walk from Covent Garden.
- Visit Somerset House and the Courtauld Gallery
- Walk to nearby Leicester Square
- Walk to Piccadilly Circus
- Explore Cecil court
- Visit the National Gallery
Do Not Miss Covent Garden at Christmas
Covent Garden at Christmas is one of the most magical places in London. There are so many things to do in Covent Garden at Christmas in and around the Square. Every year it slightly changes but they have Christmas lights, Pop-ups, Photo opportunities and Christmas stalls. It is the perfect place to get in to the christmas spirit with a huge Christmas tree and snow!
How to get to covent Garden
Covent Garden is located in the heart of Central London and is easily accessible by public transport. Here are some of the ways you can get to Covent Garden:
- By Tube: Covent Garden has its own tube station on the Piccadilly Line, which provides direct access to other popular areas such as Leicester Square, Hyde Park, and Heathrow Airport.
- By Bus: Many bus routes serve the Covent Garden area, including the 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, and 139.
- By Train: Charing Cross and Waterloo stations are both within walking distance of Covent Garden and offer connections to other parts of London and the UK.
- By Bike: There are several bike racks located throughout Covent Garden, and the area is well-served by London’s cycle routes.
- By Car: It is generally not recommended to drive to Covent Garden due to heavy traffic and limited parking options in the area. However, if you do choose to drive, there are several car parks nearby, including the Covent Garden Car Park and the NCP Car Park on Drury Lane.