Covent Garden is an entertainment mecca with Theatreland, high-end restaurants, and fashion boutiques. Like its theatres, the area has a story to tell. Shrouded in history, such as the Great Fire of London, monasteries, and early street performers, including one of the first Punch and Judy’s, and a dedicated fruit and vegetable market since 1666.
The district had excellent roots that grew into a thriving medley of landmarks and cultural icons. Discover the quirky streets and street food stalls, where you can absorb the atmosphere. Here’s a guide to ten things to do in Covent Garden.
The Best Things To Do in Covent Garden
The Royal Opera House – Magical Performance and Architecture
Despite its tragic history, visiting the Royal Opera House (ROH) is a magical experience. The current theatre is the third in its prominent Covent Garden position since opening in 1732.
It is home to Britain’s oldest national opera and ballet companies. Their performances, such as Cinderella by the Royal Ballet and the Magic Flute by the Royal Opera, are mesmerising.
Tours guide you around the grandeur of the ROH. Behind the Scenes takes you to areas usually off-limits. You’ll discover the theatre’s history and get to see the process of making a production. Tours last about one hour and 15 minutes, costing £19.00 and £20.00, depending on the day and time.
The Royal Opera House is spectacular, with an incredible atmosphere, whether taking a tour or watching a performance.
Address: Bow St, London WC2E 9DD
Telephone: 020 7304 4000
Neal’s Yard – Instagrammable Quirky Courtyard
A visit to the cute and quirky courtyard, Neal’s Yard, is a must when in Covent Garden. Tucked behind Neal’s Street, a small opening between Monmouth Street and Short’s Garden leads to one of London’s hidden gems.
It is one of the things to do in Covent Garden for free. Its small, independent shops in brightly coloured buildings with beautiful floral displays make it a popular instagrammable spot in London. The name comes from the 17th-century developer Thomas Neale, who created the Seven Dials district, comprising Neal’s Yard.
Some well-loved shops in Neal’s Yard include Neal’s Yard Remedies and Neal’s Yard Dairy, the champion cheesemakers.
Address: Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, WC2H 9DP
Seven Dials Market – International Street Food
Seven Dials Market is a paradise for lovers of globally-inspired street food. The market is an initiative of KERB, an organisation for up-and-coming independent street food traders in London.
Two sections provide food. The Banana Warehouse has a two-storey, glass-pitched roof and is the market hub, offering an array of cuisines. Cucumber Alley is smaller, with seven food traders. Two bars serve craft beers and cocktails.
The smells and sounds of the market entice you through the doors. The vibe is lively and welcoming, with a community feel.
Address: 35 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LD
Email: [email protected]
London Transport Museum – The Formation of London Transport
The award-winning London Transport Museum in Covent Garden is the world’s leading museum for urban transport.
Discover the history of London’s Transport system through to the modern-day network. Learn how the transport system grew and became affordable to the working class.
The London Transport Museum has many exhibitions and galleries describing how different periods influenced the network’s growth. Discover how the Carribean workforce contributed, how the fabrics that cover the seats were designed and made, and many more must-see exhibitions.
Tickets for the museum are annual passes with several prices. Examples include £24.00 per adult or £18.00 for local residents. Kids are free.
The London Transport Museum also holds Hidden London Tours featured in 7 Fun Activities for Adults in London.
Address: London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, London, WC2E 7BB
Telephone: 0343 222 5000
Somerset House – Courtauld Gallery
Somerset House’s history spans over 450 years, with an extended period as a royal residence and, more recently, home to The HMRC, officially leaving in 2011.
The Courtauld Institute of Art moved to the west wing in 1989 and is home to one of the finest art collections in the world.
The Somerset House Courtauld Gallery celebrates a remarkable collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists, such as the Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear by Vincent van Gogh and the most notable collection of Cézanne in the UK. Other artists displayed include Degas, Gauguin, Monet, Renoir and Seurat.
Access to Somerset House is free. However, the art collection costs £9.00 per adult and is free for children.
Address: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Telephone: 020 7845 4600
Covent Garden – The Walls Have Ears!
Covent Garden is famous for shopping and eating out. It is full of life with vibrant opera and theatre scenes. But what you may not know is the walls have ears.
Artist Tim Fishlock made plaster casts of his ears and stuck them on walls around London. Two of the ears are in Covent Garden on Floral Street. Next time you are in Covent Garden, look around and see if you can find them. It is also interesting to know that Soho has seven noses discreetly placed around the streets.
Finding the ears is a fun thing to do in Covent Garden with the kids.
Address: Floral Street, Covent Garden.
7 Dials Club – Comedy Nights
7 Dials Club is a hidden treasure in the heart of the Seven Dials area. The club can be found on Earlham Street, formerly Little and Great Earl Street, one of the seven streets of Seven Dials.
The 7 Dials Club is a great little venue hosting anything from dance classes to live gigs and quizzes.
For a brilliant laugh-out-loud night, the Comedy Carnival is taking over the club’s stage and bringing a fantastic lineup of stand-up comedians every Friday and Saturday night until October. Stars from Live at the Appollo, Mock the Week, and Britain’s Got Talent will entertain you from £18.00 per person.
To make a night of it, the 7 Dials Club is a short walk from Seven Dials Market for mouthwatering street food.
Address: 42 Earlham St, London WC2H 9LA
Telephone: 020 7691 1577
Theatre Royal Drury Lane – The World’s Oldest
Theatre is a dramatic art that tells a story to its audience. Entrenched in history, The Theatre Royal Drury Lane certainly has a tale or two to tell. The present theatre is the fourth in its position. One has been on the site since 1663, making it the world’s oldest theatre in continuous use.
The theatre has built an outstanding reputation for its beautiful facade, sweeping staircases, spectacular shows, and highly-attentive and knowledgeable staff.
The Afternoon Tea is a massive hit for a special occasion.
Prices for tours start from £22.50.
The Theatre Royal Drury Lane offers a truly quintessentially British experience in London.
Address: Catherine St, London, WC2B 5JF
Telephone: 020 3925 2998
The Jubilee Market – The Heart of Covent Garden
The Jubilee Hall that houses Jubilee Market dates back to 1904, but the market has origins as far back as 1654. Samuel Pepys, the English diarist, logged details of the first British Punch and Judy show in 1662.
These days the Jubilee Market is immediately recognisable by its Victorian frontage with brass signage and hanging baskets. The market splits into three throughout the week. Mondays are Antiques & Collectables, Tuesdays to Fridays are General Market, and Saturdays & Sundays are Arts & Crafts.
In addition to great shopping opportunities, the market guides offer tours where you discover the market’s exciting stories and history.
On the last Thursday of every month, there are free lunchtime concerts.
There is something to eat all day, from a full English breakfast and German hot dogs to a fantastic Italian restaurant.
Address: Jubilee Market Hall, 1, Tavistock Court, The Piazza, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8BD
Telephone: 020 78362139
Covent Garden Piazza – At the Heart of Covent Garden
The cobbled central square of Covent Garden is regularly referred to as the Piazza to make it more distinguishable from the general Covent Garden area. It is a popular tourist destination, famed as the heart of theatreland, such as the Royal Opera House and Theatre Royal.
Something is always happening at the Piazza. There are many fashionable shops, bars, and restaurants, including the Ivy Market Grill. Street performers provide entertainment in the way of magicians, musicians, and acrobats.
Wandering around Covent Garden soaking up the vibrance is a wonderful thing to do in Covent Garden for free. There are numerous photo possibilities, such as the Covent Garden Infinity Chamber, the iconic swing seat, the traditional flower barrows, the pretty Floral Street, and iconic British telephone booths.
Address: The Piazza, Covent Garden, London, WC2E8BD
Tips for an Enjoyable Visit to Covent Garden
- How long should you spend at Covent Garden? You may want to discover the sights and take photos. Two hours should be ample. However, you can spend a day taking a tour, having lunch, shopping, or watching a show.
- Is Covent Garden free to enter? Covent Garden, the Piazza, and the Market Building are free to enter.
- What tube stop is Covent Garden? The nearest is Charing Cross, which is a few minutes walk away.
