Covent Garden’s compelling blend of culture, shopping, and dining reflects the very best of London. This pedestrian friendly area is filled with amazing street performers, great boutique shops and historic landmarks that include the gorgeous Royal Opera House.
With its intimate and beautiful piazza, you’ll be able to wander through quaint local markets, listen to live music, or find shelter in a warm, inviting cafe. For foodies, the exciting mix of restaurants dish up the best of world food and modern British cuisine.
Art lovers will find some of London’s best galleries on their doorstep or can enjoy a performance in the West End’s legendary theatre district. Explore the beautiful cobbled streets of Covent Garden!
Find magical surprises around every corner as you take in the world-class entertainment and infectious spirit that greets each and every guest. It’s the perfect place to start your adventure for first-time visitors hoping to experience the best of London’s charm and character.
1. Explore the Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is a must-visit historic venue, home to The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera, where you can experience world-class performances. From a reimagined classic to an Original production, the stage is always alive at the Royal Opera House with something for everyone’s taste. Watching a live ballet or opera here is a unique chance to see some of the world’s finest talent in action.
If you don’t have the luxury of a flexible schedule, free lunchtime recitals are an excellent way to experience it in a less formal, more casual manner.
In addition to a world-class repertory, the Royal Opera House boasts stunning architecture, whose roots stretch back to 1858. The building’s lavish interiors, from highly ornamented plasterwork to marble staircases, speak to the historic importance of the building. Exploring the venue is another option to take in its splendor.
Backstage tours invite the curious to experience the magic behind costume design artistry and the magic of stagecraft. In here you’ll find out all about the interesting history of one of London’s oldest theatres. These tours are an exciting experience for anyone interested in discovering what goes on behind the curtain.
The venue houses an active slate of diverse events year-round. Just be sure to confirm the schedule in advance! Booking tickets in advance for bigger shows can make sure you don’t miss out on the best seats in the house. Families will appreciate that kids five and up can participate!
Please note that every child requires their own ticket and should be seated next to an adult.
Save some time after the show to visit the beautiful Level 5 Piazza Restaurant and Terrace Bar. From here, you can enjoy delicious food and drinks, accompanied by breathtaking views over Covent Garden. It’s truly the best way to end your visit.
2. Visit the Covent Garden Market
Afterwards, visiting Covent Garden Market is delightful as it is diverse. Stroll around its beautiful market hall. You’ll be blown away by the magnificent space and glorious glass roof that exemplify 19th-century design.
The architecture itself is worth a visit, as the interplay between light and structure creates an ethereal, almost otherworldly atmosphere that feels timeless. The market itself is a hub for unique finds, featuring shops and stalls that sell everything from handcrafted jewelry to gourmet foods.
It’s the ideal location for those hoping to acquire bizarre souvenirs or handmade wares. Neal’s Yard Dairy, just down the street, is a must for cheese lovers, stocking the best of local dairy talents.
In addition to this, you will discover a mix of local retailers and multi-national companies offering you a complete shopping experience. The piazza is the beating heart and the soul of Covent Garden.
Relax amidst the bustle, complete with the UK’s largest al fresco dining experience with more than 1,000 outdoor seats. Wander through several floors filled with dozens of restaurants, cafés, and shops!
Street performers typically fill the space and draw large crowds, which makes it one of the best places to people-watch in the city. For a comprehensive visit, consider these must-visit stops:
- Neal’s Yard Dairy: Perfect for artisan cheese lovers.
- Petersham Nurseries: A charming spot for homeware and gifts.
- Bageriet: A cozy bakery offering authentic Swedish treats.
- A great option for a sit-down meal.
Covent Garden Market is a foodie’s paradise, with an astounding selection of street food and unique restaurants to experience. Its energetic atmosphere, paired with the fantastic shops and restaurants, make for a fun, relaxed, yet unforgettable experience.
3. Enjoy street performances at Piazza
Piazza’s street performances provide a high-energy, ever-changing variety of outdoor, live entertainment as talented performers take the stage. The West Piazza performers are like rock stars. From electrifying quick-paced juggling to stunning magic illusions to death-defying feats including balance on a bed of nails and unicycling over 30 feet in the air, they take audiences’ breath away.
These acts have quickly become one of their biggest attractions, pulling in more than 90% of visitors who gush over their jaw-dropping feats. No matter if you enjoy music, dance, or comedy, there is non-stop entertainment taking place in the middle of Covent Garden that will mesmerize you.
Finding a quiet spot to escape the hectic vibe is all part of the appeal. The Piazza offers some of the best people-watching in the world, so settle in and enjoy the show. Guests often linger for hours immersing themselves in the colorful atmosphere.
Or they simply sit, taking in street performances, street life, and the magic of Piazza. Whether you pick up a coffee from a local café or perch on the steps, the experience is incredibly dynamic and fun.
Snapping shots of all the colorful performers is an even bigger treat. The performers don elaborate costumes and put on dramatic performances. This makes for an incredible opportunity to get memorable moments that truly pop!
The Piazza’s bright, open space is ideal for photography. You are sure to leave with a ton of Instagram-ready photos!
Weekends usually host an even bigger and better variety of entertainers for the perfect Piazza experience. Plan your trip right, and you might find hot new pop-ups and artist installations waiting to greet you.
Plus, don’t forget all the other amazing things happening around the region! Treat yourself to an unexpected bonus! The nearby Royal Opera House is a great place to find free family activities, guided tours and even special lunchtime programs that will help keep your day packed with entertainment.
4. Discover the London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum features hands-on, immersive exhibits that take you deep into the captivating story behind London’s world-renowned transport system. These displays are not just about showcasing the vehicles, but showing how transportation has helped to create the culture, society, and even the future of London.
Explore the history of public transport! Enjoy the ride from the horse-drawn omnibuses of the 19th century to today’s high-tech public transit networks. The interactive exhibits capture the imaginations of visitors both young and old. Have a delightful and enlightening time, whether you visit with children or adults!
One of the museum’s top attractions is its huge collection of vintage vehicles and other transport-related memorabilia. From the famous red double-decker buses to the city’s first subterranean Tube carriages, these awe-inspiring displays transport you straight into London’s rich transport history.
You’ll find one of the largest transport poster collections in the world. Its collections hold more than 5,000 posters and 700 original artworks. You can see many of these pieces as prints in the museum shop. Take a trip down the Thames and discover classic art deco designs from the 1930s!
The shop is full of original London-themed souvenirs, including moquette fabric accessories and limited-edition models. You’ll be spoiled for choice with unique and special souvenirs!
Your ticket gives you unlimited entry for a year, so it is a great deal if you plan to go back again. This is especially helpful for families, as the museum is super engaging for children and adults, making it a must-see for all visitors.
For a quick breakdown of ticket prices and packages:
Ticket Type | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Adult | $27 | Includes unlimited annual entry |
Child (Under 17) | Free | Must be accompanied by an adult |
Family (1 adult + 2 kids) | $27 | Same as single adult ticket |
Once you’ve discovered all that, head to the Canteen café. Savor British classics such as bangers and mash or a hearty full English breakfast plus loads of delicious kid-friendly fare!
It’s rich with both atmosphere and activity, and with its colorful exhibitions and immersive experiences, the museum certainly lives up to its Covent Garden gem status.
5. Indulge in fine dining experiences
Covent Garden has become a foodie paradise, with restaurants of all cuisines on every street in the greater Covent Garden area. Begin at Rules, London’s oldest restaurant, for a taste of classic British cooking in a stately dining room filled with art and antiquities. From steak and kidney pie to roast grouse, the fare is a tribute to centuries of tradition.
Savor a traditional fine dining experience with a three-course meal enjoyed right here. Each guest is welcomed with a glass of Chandon and you with a half bottle of wine to enjoy during your meal! Seasonal menus mean there’s always something new and interesting to taste.
If you want a romantic evening, Clos Maggiore is the ideal place to have one. Renowned for its romantic, blossom-brimmed decor and elegant French cuisine, it’s a hotspot for wistful lovers. Dishes such as the roasted venison or the wild mushroom risotto are made to wow, making it a perfect spot for a Valentine’s date.
Pair your new form of luxury with one of their fine homegrown wines, and the ambiance just takes care of the rest. If you’re in the mood for top-shelf steaks, Hawksmoor should probably be your first stop. Famed for its masterfully seared cuts and top-notch hospitality, it’s the kind of establishment where steak enthusiasts can find their bliss.
From ribeye to porterhouse, each dish is done with precision and passion. Their pre-theatre menu is a perfect choice if you’re seeing a show in the area, especially after a delightful afternoon tea.
Their inventive drink menu makes it an entertaining yet budget-friendly experience. SUSHISAMBA is not to be missed, with its mouthwatering fusion of Peruvian, Brazilian and Japanese flavors. Overlooking the beautiful Piazza, it features delicious local cuisine along with beautiful scenery.
SUSHISAMBA is not to be missed, with its mouthwatering fusion of Peruvian, Brazilian, and Japanese flavors. Overlooking the beautiful Piazza, it features delicious local cuisine along with beautiful scenery, making it a must-visit during London Fashion Week.
Conclusion
With a vibrant culture, rich history, and thrilling entertainment, Covent Garden is an area that’s hard to beat. From the elegance of the Royal Opera House to the lively energy of street performances, it’s a place full of experiences that feel both unique and timeless. The market is a charming hive of activity, and it’s the nearby London Transport Museum that brings a sense of nostalgia and exploration. Top it all off with extraordinary dining options, and you’ve got a destination that has something for every whim, mood, and interest.
Whether you’re here for the first time or falling in love with old favorites all over again, Covent Garden always has something magical in store. Figure out what you want to do each day, enjoy the lively ambiance that surrounds you, and enjoy every single minute of your trip. There’s so much more waiting to be discovered in this lively pocket of London.