Covent Garden

The basics

Covent Garden’s original purpose was as a convent garden, where Westminster Abbey monks would grow fruit and vegetables some 500 years ago. In the 17th century, architect Inigo Jones designed St. Paul’s Church (not to be confused with the cathedral) and the Covent Garden Piazza, shaping the area into what it is today. In the streets around the market came theaters, coffee houses, and restaurants, turning the area into a nightlife hotspot.

The market arcades, built in the 1830s, were home to fruit, vegetable, and flower sellers. In the 1970s, developers moved the original market out of the city and redeveloped the arcades into stores and cafés. Nowadays, the piazza is famous for lively street performers, while the surrounding streets—Floral Street, Neal Street, Long Acre, and Mercer Street—offer some of the best shopping in London.

Guided walking, bike, and taxi tours visit the area on a regular basis. It's also a stop on top London hop-on hop-off buses.

Things to know before you go

• Covent Garden is wheelchair accessible.

• For same-day theater tickets, visit the TKTS booth on Leicester Square.

• People know St. Paul’s Church as “The Actor’s Church” because of the many theaters in the area.

• The churchyard has benches for visitors to sit and rest.

• Covent Garden’s seven main streets converge at the Seven Dials sundial.

How to get there

Covent Garden sits in the heart of the West End, London. The nearest subway (tube) station is Covent Garden Tube on the Piccadilly Line. Leicester Square station is also a short walk away.

The area is walkable from many other points in Central London and is a popular stop on historic walking and bike tours of the city. Hop-on hop-off buses also stop here.

When to get there

Covent Garden is a public piazza open all day, and Covent Garden tickets aren’t required to visit. Most Covent Garden Market stalls (including Apple Market and East Colonnade Market) are open from 10am–6pm. Nearby stores, restaurants, and theaters, including the Royal Opera House, have their own separate opening times—check before visiting.

London’s Chinatown

A few streets away from Covent Garden, Chi natown buzzes with life in the lively part of London bordered by Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road. Packed with colorful shops and restaurants serving authentic East Asian cuisine, this area attracts both locals and tourists seeking delicious, affordable eats.

Ways to explore

Many travelers visit Covent Garden as part of a broader sightseeing tour of London’s top landmarks. Most London hop-on hop-off bus tours stop here, which allows you to set your own pace and decide how long to spend at each stop. Alternatively, themed tours—such as historical pub, cheese, or Harry Potter location tours—offer a memorable way to explore the area. For a more luxurious experience, consider a private tour, which may include transport in a black cab. Covent Garden is often featured on excursions that tour other popular London markets, such as Borough Market and Camden Market.

Accessibility

There are wheelchair accessible routes around Covent Garden and an information booth in front of the South Wells of the Market Building that provides information on accessibility.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Refillable water bottle, coins for street performers

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers

Not allowed

Drones, littering, smoking in certain outdoor restaurant areas

Amenities

Restaurants, restrooms, accessible restrooms in Tavistock Court, ATMs, shops

Address

Covent Garden is located in London’s West End, and the nearest tube stations are Covent Garden and Leicester Square. The area is walkable from many central London locations and a popular stop on walking, cycling, and bus tours.

Driving

Covent Garden is located in central London, and while it’s technically possible to get there by car, the area can be challenging due to lots of traffic and limited parking spaces. Therefore, many travelers opt for public transport instead.

Public transportation

Covent Garden is super easy to get to by public transport. The nearest underground stations are Covent Garden, served by the Piccadilly line, or Leicester Square on the Northern or Piccadilly lines.

Best times to visit

Covent Garden is all about the buzz. There are street performers and crowds throughout the day. If you want to skip the peak crowds, get there in the morning.

Best days to visit

Covent Garden Market is open daily, but can get very busy on weekends, so come on a weekday—ideally Monday through Thursday—for a quieter experience.

Best months to visit

It’s always fun visiting Covent Garden. The summer months of July and August typically allow for alfresco dining (weather dependent). December is also an atmospheric month to visit for the festive lights and displays.

Special events

Christmas in Covent Garden is magical, with festive market stalls, sparkling lights, and a huge Christmas tree. It’s well worth a look if you can visit at this time.