Covent Garden in London's West End is a popular destination for visitors and Londoners who enjoy shopping, theatre, restaurants, bars, history and culture.
Geographically, Covent Garden is located in Central London, bordered by the City of London andLeicester Square. It is within walking distance of Soho, the river Thames and Trafalgar Square.
There are several smaller areas within Covent Garden that are worth exploring such as the traffic-free Covent Garden market piazza, The Opera Quarter, St Martin's Courtyard, Seven Dials, Neal's Yard, and Floral Street.
Be aware not to confuse Covent Garden Market with New Covent Garden market, which is elsewhere in London.
Travel to Covent Garden
Covent Garden station is the most centrally located transport option in the area, sitting on the Piccadilly Line of the Tube. Alternatively, use Charing Cross station, Leicester Square station, orHolborn station, which are all roughly 10 minutes' walk away.
Many London buses travel close to but not through Covent Garden itself. Take a bus to Trafalgar Square then walk through the historic streets.
If you're going to be in London for more than a day, it's worth buying a Visitor Oyster Card in advance. The Visitor Oyster Card is delivered to your home before you arrive in London. It is one of the easiest ways to get around London.
If you do not have a Visitor Oyster Card, but still plan to travel around London for more than a day,buy an Oyster card at the Tube station. Learn more about Oyster Cards.
Things to see in and around Covent Garden
You will find many of London's top attractions in Covent Garden and the surrounding area:
- London Transport Museum
- The Royal Opera House home of The Royal Ballet
- Covent Garden Market
- St Martin-in-the-Fields Church
- Somerset House including The Courtauld Gallery
- Leicester Square
- Trafalgar Square
- National Gallery
Covent Garden is also well known for its street theatre in the piazza area.
Theatre in Covent Garden
There are many shows to see in Covent Garden's theatres. From West End musicals to classic plays and comedies, there is a wide range of staged entertainment in the area. Some of the more famous shows and theatres include:
- The Lion King at the Lyseum Theatre
- Stomp at the Ambassadors Theatre
- Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre
- The Woman in Black at Fortune Theatre
- War Horse at The New London Theatre
- Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre
Find out what's on in London when you visit.
Things to do in Covent Garden: Shopping
Shop for the latest fashion, shoes, cosmetics, art and crafts in Covent Garden.
The area has become a destination for premium brands such as Burberry and Apple Store Covent Garden. Explore Covent Garden shops in The Opera Quarter, St Martin's Courtyard, Seven Dialsand Neal's Yard.
At the heart of Covent Garden is the market with its quirky craft stalls and emerging designer boutiques.
Things to do in Covent Garden: Restaurants and Bars
There's a diverse range of Covent Garden restaurants and bars: from Indian meals at Masala Zoneand Dishoom, to Mexican street food at Wahaca, to late night cocktails at Dirty Martini and a huge range of beers at The Porterhouse.
Enjoy a cheap pre-theatre pizza at Fire and Stone or Italian at Spaghetti House St Martin's Lane; take in the people-watching potential of Scoff & Banter or Tuttons; or splash out on an elegant meal at Michelin-starred L'Atelier De Joel Robuchon or Rules, London's oldest restaurant.
Accommodation in Covent Garden
Some of London's best hotels are located in Covent Garden and there is accommodation available to suit all budgets.
If you're looking for cheap hotels in or near Covent Garden, the Travelodge Central London Covent Garden and the self-catering rooms at LSE Grosvenor House are both conveniently located.
