19 of the Best Things to Do in Covent Garden in 2024
A friend narrated to me how he spent his days in Covent Garden and how it was one of his best moments ever. He related of a sunny day in the afternoon, how he strolled through the streets and was hugged by the neighborhood’s noises — he saw buskers playing live in the market, enticing passersby to stop and enjoy the view. And the smell of freshly baked pastries drifting out from different bakeries. How he popped into charming boutiques and art galleries, admiring locally made crafts and speaking with friendly shop owners.
He had gone to Covent Garden with a mission - to experience the best of what London had to offer. During his days spent in the area, he sampled artisanal cheeses and fresh scones, browsed through racks of vintage clothing in stores, watched street performers and enjoy every of the atmospheres.
Meanwhile, by the time he stopped shopping at one of the stores, he had felt like he had truly uncovered some of the best things to do in Covent Garden. But as his days came to an end there, he realised he had just scratched the surface of what Covent Garden has to offer, not all but the best among the things to do in Covent Garden. And now, here are his compiled list of 19 quintessential Covent Garden experiences, narrated to me for your next visit.
Though it would take many repeat trips to uncover all the treasures of Covent Garden, I look forward to slowly savoring everything this part of London has to offer. Are you ready?
1. Watch a Show at the Royal Opera House
Let us go by the first on the list, opening the floor with the world’s leading opera house which was established in 1732, that’s London Royal Opera House. It presents an incredible number of opera and ballet performances within its large auditorium and studio spaces.
Visitors can attend outstanding productions from The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera, showcasing top international talent on stage. The building itself is a stunning feat of architecture, designed by Edward Middleton Barry and featuring a magnificent grand staircase, chandelier, and sweeping arcades.
Even just taking a backstage tour to marvel at the theatre’s design is a memorable Covent Garden experience. With exceptional rooms well decorated and top-notch productions, the Royal Opera House is a must-visit for entertainment seekers.
2. Watch a Play at the Theatre Royal
Grace the Theatre Royal Haymarket, Britain’s oldest playhouse and the birthplace of London’s vibrant West End theatre district. It seats just 660 people, sharing top-notch shows with dramas, comedies, and star-studded productions.
Visitors can watch top-tier theatre in a setting unchanged since the days of Oscar Wilde and Noel Coward. It’s a must-see for theatre lovers! Backstage tours also available for those who want a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of an English theatre.
3. Look out for the Architecture of St Paul’s Church
While many know Covent Garden as a bustling shopping and dining district, St Paul’s Church provides a cool respite and dazzling display in architecture. It was designed by architect Inigo Jones, and its pillars and portico have stood the test of time since 1631. Step to see the design of this parish church to admire Jones' classical interior design.
Meanwhile, never miss the charming garden courtyard, featuring a 150-year-old tree. Beyond its visual look, St Paul’s roots in British and even in American history always make it a fascinating place to visit.
4. Browse through the Apple Market
Looking forward to having an authentic Covent Garden experience? Then taking a visit to the lively Apple Market is a must. As the central market of the Piazza, Apple Market is bestowed with shoppers weaving through arts, crafts, and clothing stalls. Over 30 traders sell unique handmade jewelry, prints, pottery, accessories, and other local wares daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
The Apple Market offers fabulous opportunities to see and buy original souvenirs while still experiencing the vibrant atmosphere. While visiting, you can also admire street performers musicians, and statuesque mime artists in the market. With all these, artisans still find things to buy here at affordable prices. Indeed, the Apple Market houses all the charms of Covent Garden.
5. Check out the London Transport Museum
London Transport Museum offers a great look, and this city’s transport house has evolved for over 200 years. This park lets you explore in real vehicles, allows you to try new things by sitting behind the wheel of a bus, wanders you through reconstructions of past streets and stations, and finally drives a virtual Tube train.
Meanwhile, there are also special activities that you can indulge in like vintage bus rides and design tours which provide one-of-a-kind adventures. With its vast collection of vehicles, signs, posters, and memorabilia, the museum is a must for those looking to discover the captivating history of London’s transit and its integral role in the city’s identity.
6. Watch a Free Show at Covent Garden Piazza
Do you crave for a show? Let’s check out some street entertainment in Covent Garden. The Piazza has been a crowded space since the 17th century. Today, it continues to house exceptional groups of people — jugglers, musicians, acrobats and living statues.
Go there to see how Londoners and tourists gather in Central Courtyard throughout the day to catch unforgettable shows. Some standout performers and shows in Piazza include the Cheeky Buskers comedy troupe, and vocalist Kieran Banyard, among others, for affordably family-friendly fun. You need to go there and admire talents at this Piazza for their quintessential activities.
7. Sip Afternoon Tea at Covent Garden Hotel
The list continues, but for your refined English tradition, book Covent Garden Hotel’s famous afternoon tea served in Brasserie Max restaurant. Scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries are the perfect afternoon snack, paired with a wide tea selection.
With delicate china, white linens, and fresh roses on each table, the experience is second to none in enjoyment. Here is a special occasion for you to enjoy your pampering during your visit.
8. Catch a Film at the Odeon Luxe
Love cinema? Stop by at the Odeon Luxe located in the heart of Covent Garden, which offers a luxurious movie-going experience with well-designed seats, unlimited popcorn, and a state-of-the-art IMAX screen with stunning imagery and sound.
There you can catch up with blockbuster films, independent flicks, and Bollywood hits surrounded by upscale amenities. Their dedicated Superscreen is one of the largest in London.
9. Gaze your eyes through the Street Performers
Covent Garden’s Central Courtyard is full of street performers entertaining crowds with music, dance, acrobatics, and comedy. See self-propelling statues, mime artists, guitar players, classical string quartets, dance troupes, and many more talents.
Don’t forget to spray a few pounds in the hat to show appreciation for the free public performances that make Covent Garden worthwhile visiting.
10. Go and taste the best Chocolate at Hotel Chocolat
Yes, the original location of luxury British chocolatier Hotel Chocolat sits on the edge of Covent Garden. Not only that, the aroma of cocoa also welcomes you as passersby.
As a guest, you can go inside to enjoy your tasteful chocolates, truffles, and patented thick “Chocolate Velvetisers” crafted from the finest ingredients. Needless to say, you will be convinced to take home some solid chocolate whether as gifts or treats for your family.
11. Watch Street Performers at Covent Garden Piazza
You need to visit the Covent Garden’s Central Courtyard, an open-air stage where you never know what talent you might see performing next! On any given day, you could catch sight of eyebrow-raising contortionists, toe-tapping guitarists, dazzling dancers, hilarious comedians, and even mysterious silent statues.
For over 300 years, the Piazza has been entertaining crowds with series of street acts. There’s no admission fee – just enter and appreciate the public performances that fill the air with music and merriment. Tossing a few pounds in the hat is a nice way to support hard-working artists and help keep the living tradition alive.
12. Have a big opportunity to experience the Dungeon
The London Dungeon provides 90 minutes of hilarious theatrical fun. This interactive experience ushers you through live shows, rides, and storytelling experience bringing the dark side of London’s history to life.
In addition, journey through Jack the Ripper’s Whitechapel, and Mrs. Lovett’s pie shop (spoiler: the secret ingredient is human meat!).
13. Shop for your children at Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop
As a parent, check out toys for your children at Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop when you take a trip to Covent Garden. This shop has been existing back to the 1880s with rare collectible toys and childhood antiques.
You can also get handmade paper theatres which are used to recreatee the stories of Cinderella. What about perusing old-fashioned wooden puzzles, puppets, dollhouses, kaleidoscopes, and imaginative children’s books?
14. Watch a Show at the Cambridge Theatre
The Cambridge Theatre was opened in 1930. It represents the West End musicals and plays in Art Deco surroundings. With only 1,200 seats, you’ll feel close to the action.
Lately, there have been many improvements to the theatre in terms of productions, including Matilda, Grease, and War Horse. When you get there, you will see guided tours that provide fascinating insight into the theater’s rich history and backstage shows.
15. Go for Shopping in Neal’s Yard
Are you coming to Covent Garden anytime soon? Branch Neal’s Yard and Shop! Neal’s Yard is blessed with cute boutiques and cafes, this is the only place you can get your home decor remedies — get your cheese at La Fromage Rie and body care at Lush.
After that, you should try to grab a bite at Wild Food Cafe or a coffee at Grind - London’s first coffee shop. With its abundant plant life and fairytale lighting, Neal’s Yard feels worlds away from nearby streets.
16. Find Charming Bakeries around Covent Garden
Covent Garden offers a bucket list of top-notch bakeries to start your day with something sweet! Grab muffins and scones at Ben’s Cookies or a Nutella doughnut at Crosstown.
Meanwhile, for French-style pastries, try PAUL Bakery or Maître.
17. See Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap
The Mousetrap at St. Martin’s Theatre is the world’s longest-running play, though started in 1952. Dame Agatha Christie’s acclaimed murder keeps audiences guessing till the end. With over 27,000 performances, seeing this piece of theatrical history in the West End is a one-of-a-kind experience.
18. Visit Covent Garden’s Apple Store
Are you a tech lover? There is a two-level Apple Store which draws techie fans inside Covent Garden. Check out different products there and get buyer’s guide/advice from their agents.
Check out their photography tips and creative projects sessions which might interest you. Try out new iPhones and Apple Watches or accessories. It’s the ultimate destination for Apple devotees visiting London.
19. Find Handcrafted Jewelry at The Smiths Croft
As a lover of jewelery? The Smiths Croft is a homegrown boutique that features unique jewellery crafted by designers from around the world. Branch to shop sparkling necklaces, rings, earrings, and handmade accessories. With fair prices, it’s a fabulous spot to find that perfect piece of London jewelry.
Is Covent Garden expensive to visit?
As one of London’s top tourist destinations, Covent Garden certainly can’t be described as a budget-friendly area. Hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions all come with price tags on the high side.
However, with planning, travelers can still enjoy their adventures at Covent Garden without breaking the bank.
For accommodation, staying outside the neighborhood can save costs. The nearby Holborn, Temple, and Strand areas provide far cheaper hotel and hostel options, with plenty of public transit connecting to Covent Garden. This lets you sleep and freshen up affordably while still having easy access to Covent Garden
Meanwhile, dining and drinking are where costs can mount in Covent Garden. Sit-down restaurants are all expensive, while even a coffee, tea or beer at a cafe or pub will run £5-8. You can just grab breakfast at a supermarket like Tesco before heading out.
However, you should stop for excellent sandwiches at Pret A Manger or check out street food like burritos, kebabs and noodle boxes for under £5. Go for pub happy hours when prices are lowered.
As for entertainment and attractions, the good news is, many of Covent Garden’s top sights won’t cost you a thing. People watching in the Piazza, admiring the architecture, wandering through the Apple Market, and taking in impromptu entertainment from street performers are all free.
Beyond that, plan visits to free museums nearby like the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery and Somerset House courtyards when you need to see more about cultures.
The truth is, you need to be strategic in your decisions on accommodations, food, and sightseeing, savoring all the beauties of Covent Garden is possible even on a tight budget. Just tailor plans to your interests and financial realities.
You may have to skip the £150 5-course tasting menu, but with planning and flexibility, Covent Garden’s charms can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.
What are the kid-friendly activities to do in Covent Garden in 2024?
Covent Garden offers plenty of kid-friendly things to see and do. But in 2024, there are some exceptional things to note down — watching the street performers in the Piazza is an easy way to entertain kids for free with musicians, dancers, comedy acts and human statues.
The London Transport Museum provides a space where kids can climb and board real buses and tube trains. They can see a stage show like Disney’s The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, and also, stop by the kid-friendly Apple Store for workshops.
Kids can run around in the Jubilee Gardens park or watch street artists at work in North Hall. Take them to kid-centric stores like Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop and the original Lego Store in Leicester Square. Try a cake decorating class together at the Muffin Man shop. For culture lovers, tour the London Film Museum or see masterpieces at the National Gallery. At the end of the day, kids can cool off with gelato from Amorino. With so many activities, Covent Garden makes exploring London fun for the whole family.
FAQS
1. What are the best restaurants and bars in Covent Garden?
For dining, The Delaunay does upscale European fare in an elegant setting. Eat extraordinary seasonally-inspired tasting menus at The Five Fields. The Ivy Market Grill offers classic British dishes in a relaxed ambiance. On a budget, check out cool spots like Dishoom for Indian, Mildred’s for vegetarian food, and Holmes for fish and chips. Trendy cocktail bars include underground 13 Lifts, jazz-era The Blind Pig, and floral The Botanist. Finish with dessert at Girls About Town Wine Bar or treats from Creams.
2. What are the best things to do in Covent Garden at night?
At night, Covent Garden excels at world-class entertainment from West End musicals at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane to opera and ballet at the Royal Opera House. Laugh until it hurts seeing improv comedy at The Comedy Store or Magic Mike Live for a sexy revue. Check out London's vibrant nightlife at clubs like Heaven, live music venues like Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, or old-world pubs like Lamb & Flag for pints. For late night bites, try the ice cream sundaes at Milk Train or Fitzrovia burger joint Bleecker.
3. How much time do I need to spend in Covent Garden?
With its compact size but abundance of shops, restaurants, historic sights and entertainment, Covent Garden can easily fill 1-3 days. To hit the highlights, schedule two full days - one for the market, cafes, and central streets like Neal Street, one for the Royal Opera House, surrounding destinations like Somerset House, and a West End show at night. For a quicker visit, you can see the main market and have dinner in 4-6 hours. Extend to a full week to see several shows, take day trips outside London, and enjoy Covent Garden's nightlife.
4. Is Covent Garden accessible for people with disabilities?
Most of Covent Garden is flat and pedestrianized, that makes it navigable for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Pavement curbs have graded slopes. The tube station has lifts to platforms. Several public toilets accommodate disabled access. Major venues like the Royal Opera House and London Transport Museum offer wheelchair seating, audio loops, and accessibility information online. Contact specific restaurants to confirm accessibility options when booking.
5. What are the best times of year to visit Covent Garden?
Spring and fall are ideal with mild weather and smaller crowds than summer. Street performers and live music heat up during the summer. Don’t miss the Strada Viva Italian festival in July and the Covent Garden Carnival parade in August. On selected Sundays from May-September, the Piazza becomes a car-free zone for a lively arts and food market.
