Your Guide to Visiting Covent Garden in London: Free 1-Day Itinerary

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We used to consider Covent Garden an area to skip in London, like Leicester Square. The crowds and pricey shops turned us away. The area has warmed up to us thanks to its history, street performers, and all the great attractions in the area. We find ourselves here on every trip to London now.

If you’re planning a trip to London, visiting Covent Garden should be at the top of your list. This lively neighborhood in the heart of the West End is known for its historic market, world-class theatre, stylish shops, and buzzing street performances.

Few neighborhoods in London capture the city’s lively spirit as well as Covent Garden. With its mix of history, theatre, and street performance, Covent Garden has long been a favorite stop for first-time visitors and Londoners alike.

This guide will help you understand where Covent Garden is located, why it’s so popular, how to get there, what to do once you arrive, and some things to keep in mind before you go.

Why is Covent Garden Popular?

There are several reasons Covent Garden draws such crowds:

• Historic Market Hall: The centerpiece of the neighborhood, the restored 19th-century Apple Market building is filled with boutique shops and eateries.
• Street Performers: Jugglers, musicians, magicians, and living statues bring entertainment to the piazza almost every day of the year. This is one of our favorite reasons for visiting!
• Shopping: Covent Garden is home to international brands and quirky independent boutiques. Fashion lovers will also find flagship stores from well-known British designers. Go to Apple Market for artisinal goods from London makers.
• Theatreland: The area sits at the heart of London’s theatre district, with the Royal Opera House and several West End theatres close by.
• Dining: From casual cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants, Covent Garden’s food scene caters to every taste and budget. We enjoy the pubs in this area.
• Atmosphere: Perhaps most importantly, Covent Garden’s mix of architecture, performance, and buzzing atmosphere makes it one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Where is Covent Garden?

Covent Garden is located in London’s West End, in the Borough of Westminster. Click here for Google Map directions to Covent Garden.

It sits between the Strand to the south, Holborn to the north, and Leicester Square to the west. It backs up to Seven Dials to the north, which we visit in our one-day itinerary below.

The neighborhood is famous for its central piazza, arcaded shopping areas, and cobblestone streets.

We continue to find ourselves back in Covent Garden because of its proximity to major attractions—like Trafalgar Square, Soho, and the theatre district. The numerous attractions in the area makes it one of the city’s busiest and convenient areas to explore.

How to Get to Covent Garden

When we lived in London and when we go back to visit, you will find us taking the London Underground. As Covent Garden sits in Zone 1, Central London, taking the tube or a doubledecker bus will be your best way to reach it.

There are hotels in the Covent Garden area, especially along The Strand. See below for details on where to stay near Covent Garden.

• Where to Stay in London: 27 Great Picks
• Video: Where to Stay in London
• London Packing List
• London Travel Guide

We prefer taking the Tube, but see what is best for you when visiting Covent Garden!

By Tube

The easiest way to visit Covent Garden is on the London Underground. The neighborhood has its own stop, Covent Garden station, on the Piccadilly Line (dark blue). However, the station is notoriously small and can get crowded, especially on weekends.

For a smoother arrival, many Londoners recommend using nearby stations:

• Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern Lines): A short five-minute walk.
• Holborn (Central and Piccadilly Lines): A 10-minute walk.
• Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern Lines): About 10 minutes on foot.

Walking from one of these stations avoids the congestion of Covent Garden’s own stop.

By Bus

Several bus routes stop near Covent Garden, including routes 9, 11, 13, 15, 23, and 139. Buses can be a more scenic way to arrive, especially if you’re coming from central areas like Trafalgar Square or Oxford Circus.

On Foot

Because Covent Garden is in the West End, it’s also easy to reach on foot if you’re exploring central London. It’s only a 10-minute walk from Leicester Square, 15 minutes from Piccadilly Circus, and 20 minutes from the British Museum.

In our 1-day itinerary guide below, we walk to Covent Garden from Buckingham Palace after watching the Changing of Guard.

Visiting Covent Garden: 1-Day Itinerary

Explore Covent Garden and the surrounding neighborhoods with our FREE 1-day itinerary! We will show you our favorite spots on this simple walking tour of London.

We also have a video for this 1-Day Covent Garden Itinerary. Click below for more tips and history as we visit Covent Garden and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Things to Do in Covent Garden

Covent Garden offers a mix of attractions and experiences that appeal to shoppers, culture seekers, and casual visitors alike.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Covent Garden. Put these on your list when visiting!

1. Explore the Covent Garden Market

The market is divided into different areas:

• Apple Market: Known for antiques, handmade crafts, and unique souvenirs.
• East Colonnade Market: Offers jewelry, fashion, art, and specialty goods.
• Jubilee Market: A rotating collection of stalls selling everything from clothing to trinkets, with different themes on different days.

The architecture alone is worth admiring—the covered arcades and high glass ceilings create an atmosphere that feels both historic and modern.

If you’re looking for an expensive pint of beer, but a great view and experience, head into Punch and Judy’s. The old pub has an excellent perch overlooking the square and St Paul’s Church at Covent Garden.

2. Watch the Street Performers

One of Covent Garden’s biggest draws is the variety of street performances. Musicians, acrobats, and comedians set up in the central piazza throughout the day, and their shows often draw large crowds.

The performances are free to watch, though tipping is customary if you enjoy the show.

Our kids enjoy watching these family-friendly shows. We get sucked into the comedy and the performance. They are truly gifted performers. Tips are usually taken at the end and they do except credit card.

3. Visit the Royal Opera House

Home to the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera, the Royal Opera House is one of London’s cultural highlights. You can book tickets to a performance or simply explore the building, which is partly open to the public with a café, bar, and occasional free exhibitions.

Head upstairs to the Royal Opera House Terrace for an excellent view of Covent Garden Market and the square. Grab a pastry downstairs or grab a drink upstairs, this is the place to escape the crowd when visiting Covent Garden.

4. Discover the Shops

Covent Garden has become a shopping destination in its own right. Highlights include designer boutiques, luxury beauty brands, and quirky shops like Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop, famous for traditional toy theatres. Fashion fans will find British and international brands throughout the neighborhood.

5. London Transport Museum

We are not big shoppers, but we do enjoy a quality museum! Covent Garden is home to the London Transport Museum. If you have an affinity for Underground and double-decker bus history, check it out. It is great for children and adults.

See our 12 Best London Museums for more tips on visiting London’s best of the best.

6. Dine and Drink

From high-end restaurants like Clos Maggiore (often called London’s most romantic restaurant) to casual chain eateries and global street food, Covent Garden has a wide variety of dining options.

The area is also packed with pubs, many with centuries of history, where you can stop for a pint.

7. Catch a West End Show

Covent Garden is right in the heart of Theatreland. Nearby theatres host some of London’s most famous musicals and plays, including long-running productions. Booking tickets in advance is recommended for popular shows.

8. Explore Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, Covent Garden makes a great starting point for exploring other West End highlights. The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, the British Museum in Bloomsbury, and Soho nightlife are all within walking distance.

That is why you should download our free 1-day Covent Garden itinerary above! We will take you around Covent Garden’s neighbors.

More things to do in London:

• 9 Best Afternoon Teas in London
• 25 of London’s Hidden Gems
• Best Playgrounds in London

Drawbacks of Visiting Covent Garden

While Covent Garden is a must-see, it’s worth knowing some of its challenges before you go:

• Crowds: Covent Garden is one of the busiest spots in London. Weekends and evenings are especially crowded, which can make it hard to enjoy the space leisurely.
• Tourist Pricing: Many restaurants and shops cater to visitors, and prices can be higher than in less central areas.
• Small Tube Station: Covent Garden Underground station is cramped and often congested, especially during peak hours.
• Limited Seating: There aren’t many places to sit in the main piazza unless you’re at a café or restaurant, which can be tiring if you plan to stay for a while.
• Commercialization: Some visitors feel the area has become more focused on international brands and chain restaurants, losing some of its old-world charm.

Tips for Visiting Covent Garden

• Go early or late: Visit in the morning for a quieter experience or in the evening to enjoy the buzzing nightlife and theatre crowd.
• Explore side streets: Don’t just stick to the central piazza—venture into Seven Dials and Neal’s Yard for a more local and colorful atmosphere. Go to Seven Dials Market if you’re looking for a unique food hall!
• Combine with other attractions: Because it’s so central, Covent Garden fits easily into a day of sightseeing in the West End.
• Watch your budget: Dining and shopping here can be expensive. If you’re on a budget, consider enjoying the street performers and grabbing a quick bite at a café. Or, hop into one of the many pubs for a drink. See our London Pub Guide for details.

History of Covent Garden

The Romans first settled this area outside the walls of Londinium. Graves discovered in 2006 near Martin-in-the-Fields church are dated to 350 AD.

Around 600 AD, Covent Garden is thought to be the center of a trading town called Lundenwic. Alfred the Great started shifting the town closer to Londinium after 886 AD, making the area fields once again.

By 1200 AD, part of the area of Covent Garden had been walled off by the Abbot of Westminster Abbey for use as arable land and orchards, later referred to as “the garden of the Abbey and Convent”, and later “the Convent Garden”.

In 1630, the first public square was created here, and it was still considered to be out in the country. After the great fire of 1666, the square turned into London’s largest fruit and vegetable market. 

The market was almost demolished in the 1970s but was luckily renovated and reopened as a specialty shopping center. 

Hidden Site in Neal’s Yard: Neal’s Yard is a colorful corner of Covent Garden and it has plenty of restaurant options. See if you can find the Princess Diana as Mary Poppins mural at the entrance to Neal’s Yard when entering from Monmouth Street here. 

Final Thoughts on Visiting Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of London’s most iconic neighborhoods and a fantastic introduction to the energy of the city. That is why we always recommend friends and family to walk this area.

Sure, it can feel touristy and crowded but the history, architecture, and West End culture makes it a wonderful place to explore for the day. For first-time visitors, however, Covent Garden is almost always worth a stop.

Whether you’re shopping, catching a show, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

We have more perfect days out in London! See our London 5-Day Itinerary and Transport Guide to finish your trip planning for you. Learn more by clicking below.