Covent Garden
Covent Garden
4.5
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Filled with restaurants, bars, markets and boutiques, London's premier tourist center offers fabulous shopping by day, and the destination of theatergoers and patrons of the Royal Opera House by night.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Top ways to experience Covent Garden
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Covent Garden
Whether you're headed here to check out the multitude of shops, theaters, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, or simply to be among the multitude of people who pass through this pretty part of town, you'll love soaking up the festive and historic atmosphere in and around Covent Garden. Even if you don't have tickets to the opera or a show at one of the many famous theaters here, don't be surprised if find yourself captivated by some impromptu act of a street performer wowing the crowds in Covent Garden's Piazza. If you do have tickets, you'll be pleased to note that many of the local eateries accommodate theatergoers with prix fixe menus, early dinners, and later than usual opening hours.
How to get there
- Covent Garden • 3 min walk
- Leicester Square • 5 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- soinic2,753 contributionsTourist magnet ...When visiting London, we always come back to this well kept "market & entertainment" spot. Just walking around, doing some real or window shopping, stopping in a café/on a terrace, watching some street artists ... It's a "must visit" for plenty of fellow tourists, but not overcrowded ... it's clean&safe.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 October 2023
- SOQ2010Massachusetts3,766 contributionsCovenentOne trip to Covent gardens is a must while visiting London. This time I had to shop from Hobbs and Charlotte tillbury over there and thats what I did. Its a touristy place no doubt . Later we took a stroll towards Oxford street.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 October 2023
- NinaHartlepool, United Kingdom87 contributionsEarly birthday trip to LondonWell after a ride on a busy tube with a number of changes ended up here at Covent Garden . Just lovely and well worth the journey ! Had a lovely biscuit from the famous bens cookies and a drink in the punch and Judy had to be done !! Had a lovely walk around the numerous small shops and the street entertainment was outstanding loved Charlie chaplain !! This place had a lovely vibe to it and could have spent hours more there if hadn’t had to rush back for theatre show xx well worth a visit x couldn’t resist telling the gorilla I was a monkey hanger the look on his face !! 😀Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 10 October 2023
- thezine71London, United Kingdom49 contributionsShort's Garden Events - Beware of the Power of Your BeautyBeauty will always exist from within us all. All of us have the accessibilities to make beauty feel like something from within the soul searching for paths to explore identities. The nouveau of beauty are exemplar in living well and living for your individualistic self-worth. The panel consisted of Sharon Lloyd, Joseph Harwood and Millie Flemington - Clare. Each panellist had a powerful orality to discuss the theme of beauty that should be both inclusive and advocacy on contemporary advancements in what is considered as beautiful. Each participant on the panel had an added value to the conversation. The conversation had rhizomatic qualities to adding rooted thoughts that cannot stop evolving and growing. Beauty continues to be an aestheticism without boundaries. Non linear dialogues exist in the mainstream frameworks have to be acknowledged thus to place emphasis on the endless possibilities that come from engaging with the beauty industry. Largest minority in the world are individuals who could become disabled because life happens to us all. The big companies should not be marginalised and silence to deny their voices to be constructive parts of beauty narratives in the realms of societal advancements. Being adaptable and learning new skills is the best remedy to articulate who you are in such a fluid society. This life lesson is applicable to a plethora of situations and circumstances. It is vital to discuss the concept of beauty should be relatable to narratives explored across the ages. Thus the means of beauty could be something more and know they should aim for something more. N.B. The event held was a concise and confident way to shape the beauty industry on behalf of the British Beauty Week 2023.Visited October 2023Travelled on businessWritten 26 October 2023
- Lord ParkerTaunton, United Kingdom299 contributionsFantastic Atmosphere - Awesome ShopsThis was just fantastic - they had all the Christmas decorations up and the atmosphere was buzzing. We popped in and out of shops, although the one I was looking forward to visiting I couldn't as it was up 3 flights of stairs and my wonky legs would not take it. I enjoyed the ambience of the area and especially the four-piece string ensemble which we observed from the upper area. We enjoyed them so much, that when one of the group came around with CDs we made a purchase. I felt they really made Covent Garden come alive. There are so many great shops to browse, truly something for everyone. We didn't find it too crowded and were able to explore the area easily. A tip I can give you is to watch where you are walking if you do have "Wonky Legs" as the flooring can go from flat paving to cobbled.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 November 2023
- Andrew Snell7 contributionsTop Notch experienceAbsolutely amazing hotel and such a beautiful, lively, vibrant, thriving location. Stacey in the hotel is such an affable, gregarious, benevolent and charming host. She is such an asset to Travelodge @ Covent Garden. I will certainly be returning again in the future. 😇😊😁Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 16 January 2024
- Susan GLondon, United Kingdom357 contributionsA nice place to visit for history and browsing shops.An interesting place to visit and much improved over the years. Although we went on a very cold Tuesday most of the shops were open. Would be better at a weekend I am sure. Would recommend going on a walking tour for the history. Did feel that £1.50 to use the public loos was very expensive - having said that they were spotless.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 January 2024
- LeonLondon, United Kingdom18 contributionsA lively cultural hotspotCovent Garden London is a lively cultural hotspot with something for everyone! From the bustling markets to the street performers, it's the perfect place to explore and experience the city's culture. The atmosphere is always lively, and the shops are full of unique finds. Whether you're looking for a souvenir or a quick bite, Covent Garden has it all!Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 January 2024
- PrestonGuildUnited Kingdom56,018 contributionsCovent GardenWe too a trip to Covent Garden. We wanted to visit the shops and the market stalls. See what was in the form of street entertainment. Maybe see if there was something interesting to eat or drink. We ended up doing more browsing than shopping.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 January 2024
- Mariela and JohnParis, France47 contributionsGood and interestingThis is a great place to find your winter clothes with quality and great prices. You can find a cashmere winter coat for $99.00. They also have a lot of vintage item of all kind. It is a very interesting place to visit. The transportation museum is near by and it is surrounded by high end restaurants. It’s a wonderful place to spent your day .Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Kieran lane
6 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
After travelling from Liverpool with my partner for a gorgeous weekend in London.
We Arrived on time to be seated at table, once sat the concept was explained and the drink order was taken. This is where things went south. After making our food order and we waited 30+ minutes for our 2 glasses of sparkling wine and a bottle of beer. We had to then speak to a waiter and ask where our drinks were to be told they would arrive shortly. Another 10 minutes in and we had to ask another waitress about the drinks and she sorted them ASAP ( valuable member of team as she was sincere ). Food then arrived and it was poor quality ! Chewy meat, popcorn shrimp rubbery, any rice based sushi was mushy and so sticky it glued to the plate, vegetable gyoza fell apart mid air while picking it off the plate.
We thought maybe this is just fluke and ordered our second round of food, to wait another 20 minutes ! To then chase the food with a waiter to be told that many of our options ( salmon, tuna, the dragon sushi and basically anything meat based ) were out of stock ! along with several other dishes leaving the chewy beef, dry salmon maki and endless veggie options for choosing.
I did not pay the almost £40 per head (total almost £120) to be served with mediocre drinks and poor quality food.
We’re not big drinkers we had 2 glasses of sparkling wine and 3 beers !
we asked to speak to the manager on shift in the afternoon ( Saturday 8th August ) and we’re told “we’re sorry the menu items were out of stock, this is a supplier issue not delivering enough stock. We will give you a special offer” and 10 minutes later our table received a simple bottle of sparkling wine ! So much for a special offer. Bearing in mind we had spent almost £120 for this experience to be met with what I can only describe as poor quality fizz.
We were very excited to dine here. The venue was stunning and were told the venue was a flagship store ! I’d hate to think what the other stores must be like if this is their main store !
My advice to anyone considering of dining here is to head to Tesco and get a sushi platter or two as the quality would be much better and with the money you save maybe head to yo sushi as the attention to detail and customer service is clearly superior.
To anyone from the restaurant wishing to reply, I’m still waiting for my special offer.
We Arrived on time to be seated at table, once sat the concept was explained and the drink order was taken. This is where things went south. After making our food order and we waited 30+ minutes for our 2 glasses of sparkling wine and a bottle of beer. We had to then speak to a waiter and ask where our drinks were to be told they would arrive shortly. Another 10 minutes in and we had to ask another waitress about the drinks and she sorted them ASAP ( valuable member of team as she was sincere ). Food then arrived and it was poor quality ! Chewy meat, popcorn shrimp rubbery, any rice based sushi was mushy and so sticky it glued to the plate, vegetable gyoza fell apart mid air while picking it off the plate.
We thought maybe this is just fluke and ordered our second round of food, to wait another 20 minutes ! To then chase the food with a waiter to be told that many of our options ( salmon, tuna, the dragon sushi and basically anything meat based ) were out of stock ! along with several other dishes leaving the chewy beef, dry salmon maki and endless veggie options for choosing.
I did not pay the almost £40 per head (total almost £120) to be served with mediocre drinks and poor quality food.
We’re not big drinkers we had 2 glasses of sparkling wine and 3 beers !
we asked to speak to the manager on shift in the afternoon ( Saturday 8th August ) and we’re told “we’re sorry the menu items were out of stock, this is a supplier issue not delivering enough stock. We will give you a special offer” and 10 minutes later our table received a simple bottle of sparkling wine ! So much for a special offer. Bearing in mind we had spent almost £120 for this experience to be met with what I can only describe as poor quality fizz.
We were very excited to dine here. The venue was stunning and were told the venue was a flagship store ! I’d hate to think what the other stores must be like if this is their main store !
My advice to anyone considering of dining here is to head to Tesco and get a sushi platter or two as the quality would be much better and with the money you save maybe head to yo sushi as the attention to detail and customer service is clearly superior.
To anyone from the restaurant wishing to reply, I’m still waiting for my special offer.
Written 8 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ropes22
10 contributions
Nov 2019 • Friends
I frequently find myself in Covent Garden. It is always very busy with people shopping, watching street entertainers and minding themselves on the cobbles.
Enjoyable for a couple of hours max.
Good luck getting a seat at any of the local bars/pubs in the area, it’s always very popular and a bit pricey.
Enjoyable for a couple of hours max.
Good luck getting a seat at any of the local bars/pubs in the area, it’s always very popular and a bit pricey.
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hannah M
Manchester, UK28 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Great place to kill half an hour if you're in the area with children. Ours (aged 10, 6 and 2) enjoyed watching the street performers which was well worth the couple of quid we contributed to his collection at the end. Watching the street performers is usually a highlight of our London trips for the children 🙂
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
704jules
London, UK63 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
Have just left The Ivy Brasserie in Covent Garden. Had the £33.50 lobster linguine, can I say that the same meal at Madisons St Paul's was of far better quality (far far better) and £28!! Today we refused to pay the service, which is the first time I have ever done this in a restaurant.the waiter came up to our table literally every 5 mins and really spoilt our enjoyment of our lunch out. Such a shame for quite an expensive meal in what is supposed to be a well known and reputable restaurant.
Written 11 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Visit Blighty
2,739 contributions
Dec 2019
Covent Garden to me just has something very special about it whatever time of year, but at Christmas in particular it paints the perfect scene. Covent Garden does an excellent job at dressing to any occasion so in festive finery and with a large Christmas Tree it’s splendiferous. Plus they always make sure there’re several very Instagram friendly spots. For 2019 they had an enchanting mainly adult orientated Tiffany & Co Winter Wonderland area which looked magical and even included a mini ice rink.
It’s always fun seeing singers in the markets and the street performers. I feel a trip to London over Christmas would not be complete without a stroll through Covent Garden.
For those not familiar with Covent Garden there’s a rabbit warren of excellent shops to explore (The Apple store is a highlight and Chanel Make Up is a mecca for sure), fabulous food options and even market stores in one area. Venchi gelato is super, Marriage Freres is one of the best tea emporiums on the planet and SushiSamba is always a good idea. It has a wonderful unique atmosphere which I find myself drawn to time and time again. Also don’t forget it hosts the Royal Opera House and also the London Film Museum with its Bond in Motion exhibit. .
It’s always fun seeing singers in the markets and the street performers. I feel a trip to London over Christmas would not be complete without a stroll through Covent Garden.
For those not familiar with Covent Garden there’s a rabbit warren of excellent shops to explore (The Apple store is a highlight and Chanel Make Up is a mecca for sure), fabulous food options and even market stores in one area. Venchi gelato is super, Marriage Freres is one of the best tea emporiums on the planet and SushiSamba is always a good idea. It has a wonderful unique atmosphere which I find myself drawn to time and time again. Also don’t forget it hosts the Royal Opera House and also the London Film Museum with its Bond in Motion exhibit. .
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen Tann
393 contributions
Jan 2020
We often visit this area when filling time before a theatre visit. Yesterday it was grey and wet so wandering under cover was ideal. There are some stalls and a variety of small shops along with a few eateries. We like the pub at one end called the Punch and Judy for a drink. In the summer, you can sit on the balcony and watch the crowds and sometimes buskers.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicky T
Enfield, UK122 contributions
Dec 2019
Exit via the lifts at Covent Garden tube (never take the stairs!) or walk from nearby Leicester Square. In the centre is an undercover craft market with boutique shops on ground level and eateries. Buskers will entertain the crowds on the cobbles around the market and the popular Transport Museum and Bond In Motion exhibit is nearby.
What sets this area apart is the variety of shops and restaurants in a time when the shopping industry is struggling. Take time to explore all the side streets because there is so much more than just the central market. Restaurants vary and all tastes are covered.
Please note that most streets are cobbled so wear sensible shoes and it gets very busy so you will need to exercise some patience.
A must for tourists and Londoners alike, make a day of it, take your reusable shopping bag and enjoy.
What sets this area apart is the variety of shops and restaurants in a time when the shopping industry is struggling. Take time to explore all the side streets because there is so much more than just the central market. Restaurants vary and all tastes are covered.
Please note that most streets are cobbled so wear sensible shoes and it gets very busy so you will need to exercise some patience.
A must for tourists and Londoners alike, make a day of it, take your reusable shopping bag and enjoy.
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sleightofhand
Tonbridge, UK161 contributions
Dec 2019
It was a cold day and the whole family had hot chocolate in the area where they play live music. It was not cheap as you can imagine but was magical. the scenery and feel of the place is fabulous and going there any time of the year is stunning. Lots of street performers who do a great job un all weathers and lots of good forrd and fun ships to visit. Especially like the Oakley Store and Apple Store and Ted Baker Store. We ended up eating just outside of here but the food in and around is great with local theatres just around the corner as well. Good tube access and Leicester Square and China Town within quick walking distance as well.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rhi
United Kingdom95 contributions
Dec 2019
We always visit Covent Garden when in London as there is so much to do and see. I love just sitting on the steps and watching the entertainers perform. There is a lot of places to eat so you would not be stuck for choice! Only down side would be you have to pay to use the toilets so if you're someone like me who tends to go often it can be a problem. There is a market too which sells all sorts.
Definitely worth going to.
Definitely worth going to.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris M
Lichfield, UK1,172 contributions
Feb 2020
Very very popular tourist magnet here. If you want to see all the street entertainers then pick the busy peak times 12-5. For a more quieter browse round the stalls/market go earlier or late afternoon. It'll be rammed by the tube station at a weekend. Only 5 min walk from Leicester Square though.
Written 26 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello i want to ask please how can i go from heatrow airport terminal 5 to covent garden? there is any train or metro ?? thanks in advance
Written 21 April 2024
Hi, I would like to know if the street performers at covent garden market are there all week (in august) or week end only
Written 13 April 2022
We've seen them out even if weather is not great but it's a real buzz and there's performances under cover inside undercover in the lower lvls ,can either sit and watch while having food and drink or watch from upper lvl .best to book tables for food ,restaurant in far right corner from steps and always musicians /singers always fun
Written 24 July 2024
Restaurants nearby for press theatre lunches
Written 29 January 2022
We actually ate at the Opera House as that's where we were going that evening. Large and bright and plenty of choice, but not as strong on atmosphere maybe as many of the surrounding pubs and restaurants but they were all pretty full so the choice was decided for us!
Written 30 January 2022
We have a 10 hour layover at Heathrow coming up. If we want to visit Covent Garden how far is it from the Airport and how would we get there?
Written 18 July 2019
Piccadilly Eastbound line runs straight from Heathrow to Covent garden. £3 one way and approximately one hour. Hope that helps!
Written 18 July 2019
So me and 6 of us girls are coming to London to watch magic Mike at the hippodrome and I've taken the task to search for good bars/clubs for afterwards(Friday night show, finishes around 9pm). we want nice cocktail places but with room to dance/chat. But definitely later on a club or two to go and finish what hopefully will be a great night. We are early 30s with all kinds of taste of music. Pop, r and b. We are staying near kings cross so do we head back towards there or stay around covent garden. Many thanks. Hope I get a few suggestions
stay around convent garden or head back
Written 9 July 2019
Hi Julie. I see you got some responses which is great, because I didn’t have any suggestions to offer.
Sorry
Written 10 July 2019
Che pub mi consigliate nelle zone limitrofe x cena con ragazzini?? Buon rapporto qualità prezzo.. grazie
Written 15 April 2019
shake shack oppure verso new garden tanti piccoli localini di ottima qualità
Written 30 April 2019
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