Covent Garden isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling. Tucked away on the eastern edge of London’s buzzing West End, this district is a perfect mix of history and modern-day fun. While it’s now famous for its shops, restaurants, and street performers, it has a surprisingly colourful past.
Most people associate Covent Garden with the former fruit and vegetable market, and that’s exactly where its heart lies, the central square. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by historical buildings like the world-famous Royal Opera House and the London Transport Museum. Pop a coin in a busker’s hat, grab a coffee, and just soak up the atmosphere.
Venture north of the main thoroughfare, Long Acre, and you’ll discover a whole different side of Covent Garden. This area is a maze of charming streets, home to a quirky collection of independent boutiques, unique cafes, and specialist shops. Don’t miss the picturesque Neal’s Yard, a hidden gem known for its vibrant colours and health-food shops, or the intricate streets of Seven Dials, where seven different roads meet at a single point.
The story of Covent Garden is a fascinating one if you are into history. Believe it or not, this now-bustling area was once nothing more than fields. By the 1200s, the monks of Westminster Abbey had claimed a portion of the land, using it for their own personal gardens and orchards. They called it “the garden of the Abbey and Convent,” which eventually became the name we know today: Covent Garden. Over the centuries, things got a bit wild. By 1654, a small, open-air fruit and veg market had sprung up. As the market grew, so did the area’s reputation, with a boom in taverns, theatres, coffee houses, and even brothels. By the 18th century, the area had become notorious for its shady dealings and colourful characters.
To get things under control, a grand new building was erected in 1830 to bring some order to the market chaos. As the market thrived, more buildings were added, but by the late 1960s, the traffic was becoming a nightmare. In 1974, the historic market made a big move to its new home at Nine Elms.
Today, the original market building has been beautifully restored and transformed. It reopened in 1980 as a vibrant shopping centre, a magnet for visitors from all over the world. Inside, you’ll find an array of cafes, cosy pubs, and quaint shops. The old market halls now house a variety of smaller markets, including the famous Apple Market and the lively Jubilee Market, where you can find everything from handmade crafts to unique antiques.
Covent Garden is a place where you can feel the past in every step while enjoying the lively energy of the present. It’s the perfect place to shop, eat, or simply get lost in the magic of one of London’s most famous spots.
Covent Garden Opening Times
Covent Garden never really shuts. The square stay busy well past midnight, and some bars and restaurants have late licences, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.
How To Get To Covent Garden
Getting to Covent Garden is very easy, as it’s located in the City of Westminster, right in the heart of London. With numerous transport links, you have a wealth of options.
The most direct way to arrive is via the London Underground. The district has its very own tube station, Covent Garden, which is on the Piccadilly line. A quick note of caution: this station is known for being incredibly busy, so if you’d rather avoid the crowds, a short walk from a nearby station is a great alternative.
There are plenty of other tube stops just a few minutes away on foot. Consider using Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern lines), Holborn (Central and Piccadilly lines), Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines) and Embankment (Circle, District, Northern, and Bakerloo lines), all of which provide easy access to the area.
If you prefer to take the bus, many routes will get you close. Buses that serve the Aldwych area, such as the 9, 87, 13, 15, 23, 139, and 153, all stop a very short walk from the main Market Building. Alternatively, routes that go to Trafalgar Square, including the 24, 29, and 88, are also a fantastic option, leaving you with a short, scenic walk through the city to get to the Piazza.
The Local Area
One of the best things about Covent Garden is its central location, putting you within a stone’s throw of some of London’s most famous districts and landmarks.
Just a short walk to the west, you’ll find yourself in Leicester Square, the heart of London’s cinema and theatre scene. Just a stone’s throw from Leicester Square is London’s Chinatown. This busy thoroughfare is a hub of activity, filled with the enticing smells of countless Chinese restaurants, shops, and markets. A little further on is Piccadilly Circus, with its famous neon lights and bustling energy.
To the south, a wander across the Strand and down to the Thames will take you to Trafalgar Square, home to the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column, and from there it’s an easy stroll over the bridge to South Bank for the London Eye and Waterloo station.
The historic City of London, the capital’s financial district, is also easily accessible from Covent Garden. You can get there with a brisk walk, or by jumping on a short bus or Tube ride. Essentially, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the very best of central London on foot or with a quick hop on public transport.