Covent Garden, A World Class Tourist Destination There are many attractions that draw tourists and locals to Covent Garden in London, not least its top designer shops, street performers and the world famous Royal Opera House.
Covent Garden is a world-class shopping and dining destination attracting food-lovers and fashionistas alike. Buzzing with the excitement of the opera and theatreland, the area boasts some of the best shopping and dining destinations in London's West End, from Mulberry to Petersham Nurseries and Balthazar to Frenchie.
From the charm of Seven Dials and Neal's Yard to the iconic Market Building and Piazza, our world-famous shopping, dining and experience destination is home to your favourite global and independent brands. Navigate your way through our full estate and plan your visit with our Covent Garden spotlighted areas.
Once home to the world-famous fruit and vegetable market, Covent Garden's Apple Market continues to support market traders, offering a range of unique handmade crafts and goods throughout the week.
Honestly, if it's your first time in London and you're looking to explore some of the most famous neighbourhoods of the city, then Covent Garden is easily up there as one of the best.
Covent Garden Juicy Debauched History Romp - London Walk
Is Covent Garden fun at night?
Covent Garden comes alive with new energy at night, offering a variety of exciting things to do and see. From catching a show at the Royal Opera House to enjoy a drink in a rooftop bar, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your evenings in Covent Garden.
What is the difference between Soho and the Covent Garden?
Soho is the centre of London's thriving gay and lesbian scene, as well as its sex and film industries, while Covent Garden, previously London's fruit and vegetable market, has reincarnated itself as a shopping mecca and remains the heart of 'Theatreland'.
The first historical record of Covent Garden dates back to 1200, when it consisted of fields. Owned by Westminster Abbey, the land where the Market Building and the Piazza now stand was referred to as 'the garden of the Abbey and Convent', hence its name.
Portobello Road has one of the most famous street markets in the world and is home to one of the UK's most diverse communities. It has a rich history dating back to the 19th century with millions of visitors visiting the market each year.
There are two different markets in Covent Garden: the Apple Market and the Jubilee Market. The Apple Market is the permanent Market at Covent Garden that happens seven days a week. The Jubilee Market takes place in Jubilee Hall at the Southside of the Covent Garden piazza.
Covent Garden is home to the oldest theatre in London. The oldest theatre in London is the Theatre Royal on Drury Lane which dates back to 1663. Rumour has it there is an underground tunnel so the stars of the show could swiftly get to the nearby pub.
The pedestrianized area known as Covent Garden Piazza is based around a cobbled square where there is always something going on - you may even come across live performers, street food vendors and pop-up shops. The area itself is one of the most sought after in the whole of London, and it's easy to see why.
The go-to district for a good time in London, Soho hosts a wealth of world-class theatres and a compelling lineup of cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars, and clubs. At Soho's core is London's original Red Light District and the epicenter of the LGBT scene – and thus the city's hottest nightlife.
Most notably, part of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was filmed at Leadenhall Market in 2000-2001, representing the iconic wizard and witch pub The Leaky Cauldron, and also inspiring the magical shopping street Diagon Alley.
Bond Street is the place to go to find some super A-list celebrities shopping at super expensive jewellery stores and high end boutique designer shops. A walk down Bond Street will bring you to the likes of Rolex, Cartier, Bottega Venetta and Corneliani to name a few. Just make sure to take your credit card!
In recent years, Central London's Covent Garden has developed a reputation as something of an obvious and, dare one say it, expensive tourist trap. One that's aimed at drawing in newbie visitors who aren't aware of all the other wonders the city offers.
General Market - Tuesday to Friday from 10.30am to 7.30pm. The general market is well placed to serve the Covent Garden community. It offers a wide range of goods, plants to picnic hampers, greeting cards to souvenirs, beauty care and garden equipment.
New Covent Garden Market in Nine Elms, London, is the largest wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower market in the United Kingdom. It covers a site of 57 acres (23 ha) and is home to about 200 fruit, vegetable and flower companies.
Soho is a bit grittier with lots of bars and restaurants and quite compact and best explored by foot just wandering from street to street. Mayfair is more upmarket with higher end restaurants and hotels. It's a more expensive area with high end designer shops (e.g. on Old Bond Street).
But fret not: Nonmembers can enter Soho House as guests of paying members (as long as they stay close to their designated member, according to official Soho House rules). Nonmembers are also eligible to book Soho House hotel rooms and can visit one of the brand's many public-facing restaurants.
As you might expect, Soho is a somewhat costly place to own or rent a house or flat. There is limited property available here, while its location in London's centre has made prices rise even faster than those across the rest of the city.
