The best things to do in Covent Garden London
A guide to the best things to do in Covent Garden, London. Covent Garden is a vibrant buzzing area in London’s West End.
Covent Garden is one of London’s best known neighbourhoods and for good reason! It’s filled with lots of restaurants and cafes, as well as interesting little streets and alleyways to explore.
In this London travel guide you’ll find the best places to visit in Covent Garden, including Covent Garden brunch spots, London hidden gem streets and the best places to shop, eat and drink in Covent Garden.
How to get to Covent Garden
Covent Garden is really well connected by public transport in Central London, though note Covent Garden tube station can get very busy – especially during peak times.
If you’d like to avoid the crowds Covent Garden is easily walkable from many other areas in Central London. Or alternatively you can get a tube to Leicester Square (a 5 minute walk from Covent Garden) or Holborn (and 8 minute walk from Covent Garden.)
Covent Garden opening times
Covent Garden and the Covent Garden Piazza are always open to wander around, but the shops are usually open between 8am-10pm Monday-Saturday and Sunday 12pm-6pm. Covent Garden Apple Market is open daily from 10am-6pm
Things to do in Covent Garden for free
Although Covent Garden has some great shops or restaurants, it’s also a great place to visit in London if you’re on a budget. You can enjoy exploring the piazza and nearby streets and watch the Covent Garden street performers without needing to spend a penny.
Where to stay in Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a brilliant central location to stay in London with some seriously nice hotels to choose from. The Henrietta – a boutique hotel, super close to the Covent Garden Piazza is gorgeous, as is the Covent Garden Hotel, with its signature striped awning.
If you like to have your own space while travelling the stylish and perfectly located Hausd apartments are a really nice option.
The best things to do in Covent Garden
1. Neal’s Yard Covent Garden
Neal’s Yard is a tucked away brightly coloured alleyway in London’s Covent Garden.
In the past Neal’s Yard was used as a waste area, but now it’s a buzzing vibrant courtyard filled with some great foodie spots.
You can find Neal’s Yard between Shorts Gardens and Monmouth Street.
2. Covent Garden Piazza
The iconic Covent Garden Piazza is another must visit place in Covent Garden. If you’re looking for Covent Garden shopping spots it’s got some great little boutiques to peruse, as well as some cosy pubs, cafes and markets.
3. Goodwin’s Court
One of London’s best hidden gems – Goodwin’s Court is a magical little alleyway off St Martin’s Lane in Covent Garden. Goodwin’s Court is rumoured to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley, so a must visit for any Harry Potter fans!
4. Cecil Court
Cecil Court is another lovely little hidden gem of a street in Covent Garden. Also known as Bookseller’s Row – Cecil Court is filled with interesting independent shops selling antiques and books.
5. Apple Market London
Covent Garden’s Apple Market was once home to Covent Garden’s famous fruit and vegetable market. The Apple Market is now home to market traders selling handmade crafts, jewellery and prints.
6. Crown & Anchor
The Crown and Anchor is a traditional British pub in Covent Garden. The Crown and Anchor Covent Garden is a perfect pit spot if you want a break from exploring, or just to stop for a drink in a cosy London pub.
7. Bageriet
Bageriet (Swedish for “The Bakery”) is one of London’s best bakeries. This cosy and compact nordic bakery in Rose Street sells delicious cinnamon buns and Swedish cakes and pastries.
8. Seven Dials Market
The best spot for Covent Garden Street food. Seven Dials Market is an indoor food market, home to some of London’s best street food traders.
You can find this Covent Garden food market in Earlham Street, just off Neal Street in Covent Garden
9. The Ivy Covent Garden
Part of the The Ivy restaurant group, The Ivy is a great Covent Garden brunch spot for spot for brunch.
10. 26 Grains
26 Grains in Neals Yard is a lovely place to go for breakfast in Covent Garden. This cosy Covent Garden cafe offers up healthy & delicious breakfast and brunch options.
Note it gets very busy on weekends, so be ready to queue if you’re visiting then!
11. Punch & Judy Covent Garden
An 18th century pub in the heart of Covent Garden with a balcony overlooking the piazza.
12. Watch House Covent Garden
This stylish cafe in Covent Garden offers great coffee and is a perfect spot for people watching.
13. Neal Street
If you’re looking for great shops in Covent Garden head to Neal Street. In Neal Street you’ll find a great mix of boutiques, high street stores and vintage clothes shops.
14. Boulevard Brasserie Covent Garden
Boulevard Brasserie Covent Garden is a lovely brasserie restaurant serving up classic French dishes.
15. Covent Garden red telephone boxes
For a perfect London photo spot head to Broad Court in Covent Garden where you’ll find this row of classic British red telephone boxes.
Looking to explore more of London? You can find more London guides here.
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