Covent Garden in London is the most visited attraction on every trip to London. It is located in the West End area, so easily accessible by bus, tube, train, and on foot.
Covent Garden offers a unique and enchanting experience in London, and I have explored all the things to do in Covent Garden to help you plan your next visit to the West End.
Right from browsing its bustling market up to discovering the hidden courtyard here and there, there is a wide range of things to do in Covent Garden.
Whether you love to know more about the cultural immersion, fun with food, and the best shopping places here, I have got you covered for the ultimate day out in Central London.
Let’s discuss in detail in the article.
What to do in Covent Garden
Covent Garden is one of the best places to visit in London, with its historic market, the world’s best theatres, and the enthusiastic courtyards. Covent Garden attracts more visitors day by day.
Let’s explore in more detail.
1. Visit London’s Transport Museum
Soak in London’s rich transportation history at this world-famous London Transport Museum. Roam among the vintage buses, tube carriages, and interactive shows that bring the city’s rich history to life.
This museum, located in the market hall, is perfect for all ages and offers the best family-friendly shows, as well as lots of activities for kids. You can see famous sites here, such as the world’s first underground steam train and electric tube railway.
You get to know here about the evolution of London’s popular historical vehicles, the world’s famous posters, and other things in the museum collection, and discover the story of London’s development and how the city’s transport network has grown.
Highlights:
- Explore the rich transportation history of London.
- An interactive show like a tube driver training simulator.
- Unmask the origin of London transport international brands.
- Explore the gallery of 100 posters and artworks.
- Discover the poster-making process.
Address: Covent Garden Pizza, WC2E 7BB, London, UK
Price: £25
Opening hours: Every day from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
2. Discover Covent Garden market
Covent Garden market is one of the best things to visit in Covent Garden; it is basically a 17th-century vegetable and fruit market.
This market has now become a home for craft stalls, luxury brands, and independent boutiques.
You can find here unique antiques and handmade jewellery, prints, watercolour, beautiful crafts, and other collectables in the Apple market.
You can find artisan soaps, handbags, hand-knit children’s clothes, a magician stall, other household items, and sweets in the East Colonnade market. You can also get a freshly baked pastry from the local vendors.
Highlights:
- Apple market for artisan crafts.
- Offers farm-fresh quality of food items and award-winning meat.
- The market offers tempting sweets, beautiful flowers, and elegant restaurants.
Address: Covent Garden market, N6A 1C5, London, UK
Price: £5 to £120 according to the number of hours you visit.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 9.00 am to 7.00 pm
Sunday: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Monday: closed
3. Visit Neal’s Yard
Neal’s Yard is a hidden gem of Covent Garden, offering you a secret escape from busy streets with its lush greenery, bohemian atmosphere, and brightly painted buildings.
This yard includes health and wellness shops, independent cafes, and ethical beauty brands, which make it the best spot for shopping.
Visit Neal’s Yard in the morning for peaceful roaming and to find a picture-perfect moment, and in the evening for a cosy dining experience.
Highlights:
- Colourful buildings and cobblestone streets.
- Includes the shop of natural and organic beauty products.
- Vibrant and colourful courtyard with its independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Address: Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, WC2H 9ER, London, UK
Price: Free to visit.
Opening hours: Every day from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm
4. Explore the Seven Dials shopping district
If you want to shop away from London’s crowds, you must visit Seven Dials. The historic network here is full of stylish independent stores and flagship brands, which is one of the best things to do in Covent Garden.
Seven Dials is a shopper’s paradise where you can discover sustainable fashion, bespoke fragrances, the best skin care products, handcrafted jewellery, or you can find the best vintage items.
Highlights:
- Uncovers the world-renowned international flagships.
- The place offers beauty and grooming boutiques.
- Over 50 contemporary cafes, bars, pubs, and restaurants.
Address: Earlham St, WC2H 9LX, London, UK
Price: £10 to £20 per person.
Opening hours:
Monday & Tuesday: 12.00 pm to 10.00 pm
Wednesday to Friday: 11.00 am to 11.00 pm
Saturday: 10.00 am to 11.00 pm
Sunday: 11.00 am 9.00 pm
5. Visit the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Theatre Royal Drury Lane offers a wide array of entertainment and gourmet offerings; it is an all-day destination in Covent Garden.
Here you can enjoy the shows like Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita in Concert, as well as Disney’s perennial favourite Frozen.
You can enjoy a Regency-inspired afternoon tea in a Grand Saloon raised with ornate ceilings, luxurious furnishings, chandeliers, and a wealth of fine art.
Highlights:
- The place has historical significance; it is the oldest continuously operating theatre in London.
- It’s an architectural marvel as it is a testament to its enduring legacy and boasts impressive interiors.
- Theatre tours explore the rich history and provide a behind-the-scenes look via guided tours.
Address: Catherine Street, WC2B 5JF, London, UK
Price: £20 to £100
Opening hours: Every day from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm
6. Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House includes the Baroque revival architecture and a horseshoe-shaped auditorium. The Royal Opera House is devoted to British culture, which draws a crowd of visitors every week with its enchanting performances.
You can visit the show like WERTHER, a messenets opera of grand passion and devastating tragedy, or you can visit the adjacent Linbury theatre for ballet and dance festivals.
The opera house is raised with various culinary offerings at the start, like Balcomies restaurant, Pizzas, as well as a crush room.
Highlights:
- The opera house is famous for its high-quality performances and grand architecture.
- You can enjoy here world-class opera and ballet.
- Offers backstage tours and dining with views of Covent Garden.
- This opera house hosted legendary performers like Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti, Margot Fonteyn, and Rudolf Nureyev.
Address: Bow Street, WC2E 9DD, London, UK
Price:£9 to £263
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 12.00 pm to 10.00 pm
Sunday: noon to 6.00 pm
7. Covent Garden Piazza
Covent Garden Piazza offers a slice of London life as a pedestrian square and market hall, which hosts a hub for street performers. Nowadays, it is the best place in London to enjoy world-class performances for free.
Right from Opera singers and fire breathers up to magicians and acrobats are offered on this street, and these performances change daily, so you can enjoy new performances every time you visit.
Grab a cup of coffee from cafes in the surrounding area and find your spot to enjoy the show.
Highlights:
- Full of cafes, bars, and boutique shops.
- Best hub for street performance, to enjoy it for free.
- St. Paul Church is the backdrop for impressive performances.
- Offers world-class entertainment here.
Address: Carnbourn Street, WC2H 7AR, London, UK
Price: Free of cost.
Opening hours: Every day from 1.00 pm to 8.00 pm
Conclusion
Covent Garden is a vibrant place in London which smoothly blends history, culture, shopping as well and entertainment in one place.
Whether you want to enjoy the world-class opera performance or indulge in the quirky charm of Neal’s Yard and Seven Dials, all spots in Covent Garden offer the best things to do in London for visitors or locals.
No matter what is season is, Covent Garden never fails to delight visitors with its rich atmosphere and endless entertainment. So, check the above to-do list before your next visit to Covent Garden in London.
