What to do in Covent Garden, London in 2026
The Garden Market at Covent Garden. All photos by John O’Boyle / The Empty Nest Explorers
Covent Garden has been a must-visit on every one of our trips to London. Covent Garden is located in the heart of the West End and is easily accessible by tube, bus, or walking.
On our most recent trip, Debbie and I spent a lot of time exploring the surrounding Greater Covent Garden area. Below are some of our favorite attractions in Covent Garden.
History of Covent Garden
In the 1200s Westminster Abbey used the land to plant a garden, it was then referred to as "the garden of the Abbey and Convent".
In the 1500s the Tudors ruled Britain and commissioned architect Inigo Jones to build a square and fancy homes in a bid to attract wealthy residents. At the time the area was known as ‘convent garden’.
Somewhere along the way the word “convent” merged with the French word “couvent” which means a religious building.
By 1654 a small open-air fruit-and-vegetable market emerged on the ritzy square. But by the 18th century, the area had fallen into disrepair and was known for its many brothels.
Years later Parliament acted and architect Charles Fowler was commissioned in 1830 to erect a roof and create a market. Additional buildings were added creating the area as we know it today.
Pro tip: Avoid the "Covent Garden Tube" Trap
The Covent Garden Underground station has 193 steps (equivalent to a 15-story building) to the street. Of course, there are elevators, but they get backed up at busy times because nobody wants to walk up 193 steps.
So if you are traveling when the station may be crowded, you should get off at Leicester Square and walk the 5 minutes to Covent Garden.
For help getting around London, check out our post: How to Use London’s Public Transportation: A Guide for Visitors
Visit Covent Garden Markets
Covent Garden isn't just one market. It is three main markets with a rotation of antiques, handmade crafts, and general goods that changes daily.
The open-air Apple Market features a series of stalls under a roof. The Apple Market is where the original market was located. The vendors sell unique and often handmade pieces.
The Jubilee Market features antiques on Monday, a general market on Tuesday through Friday, and arts and crafts on the weekend.
The Apple Market (The Centerpiece):
Mon: Antiques and collectibles (great for vintage silver and prints).
Tue–Sun: Handmade British crafts, jewelry, and watercolors.
Highlight: Ahura Collectables for nautical brass instruments or local artists selling hand-painted London scenes.
East Colonnade Market:
Located on the far east side of the Market Building (closest to the London Transport Museum), this is a single long row of stalls that often gets overlooked by tourists.
This market has a more eclectic, "boutique" feel. It’s famous for handmade soaps, sweets, and children’s clothing. You’ll also find the famous Magician’s Stall, which has been a staple of Covent Garden for decades
Daily: A smaller, permanent run of stalls.
The Jubilee Market (The "Eclectic" One):
The Jubilee Market is in its own separate building on the South Piazza. It’s a bit more "rough around the edges" compared to the Apple Market, which makes it great for bargain hunters.
Mon: Antiques (usually starts very early, around 5:00 AM).
Tue–Fri: General market (souvenirs, clothing, household items).
Sat–Sun: Arts and Crafts (unique gifts and handmade soaps).
Pro tip: The Jubilee Market is also home to some of the area's best "value" food, including a classic English breakfast cafe and a popular Italian restaurant right inside the hall.
St. Paul's Church: The Actors' Church
Right on the west side of the Piazza, tucked behind the main market building, is St. Paul's Church. Most visitors walk past without a second glance, and that's a shame because it's one of the more interesting spots in the whole area.
Built in 1633 and designed by Inigo Jones, St. Paul's has been the neighborhood's parish church for nearly 400 years. It picked up the nickname "The Actors' Church" because of its long connection with London's theater world. Walk inside and you'll see memorial plaques for some of the biggest names in British entertainment history.
The churchyard is a lovely spot to sit and catch your breath away from the crowds. The portico steps facing the Piazza are where Samuel Pepys watched the very first recorded Punch and Judy performance back in 1662. And if you're a My Fair Lady fan, this is where the story begins, as Shaw set the opening scene of Pygmalion right here.
The church hosts free lunchtime concerts throughout the year, so check their website before you visit. It's one of the best free things to do in Covent Garden that most tourists completely miss.
Street Performers
One of the best things about Covent Garden is completely free.
The street performers in the West Piazza are genuinely world-class. Covent Garden has a long-standing auditioned entertainment program, so you're not watching random buskers. These are performers who earned their spot.
We've seen opera singers, acrobats, and magicians on those cobblestones. The crowds they pull are impressive.
If you arrive and a performance is in full swing, stop and watch for a few minutes. It's one of those Covent Garden moments you'll actually remember.
The London Transport Museum
Exterior of the London Transport Museum.
The museum's main building is located in a Victorian iron and glass building that had formed part of the Covent Garden vegetable, fruit, and flower market.
We are particularly interested in transportation but I think anyone would find the museum enjoyable. There are lots of real buses and other exhibits for kids (and adults) to climb on.
You can easily spend an hour or two learning about London’s Underground and bus system.
The admission ticket costs £24.50 for adults, and kids under 18 get in free. Your ticket is valid for a full year from the date of purchase, so there's no pressure to see everything in one go.
Book online before you visit to save time at the door.
There is also a wonderful gift shop that you can browse even without paying the admission charge. There are all sorts of transportation-themed items and artwork.
There is also an appealing line of pillows, blankets, and other items designed with the distinctive colors of London’s various subway lines. Debbie picked up a pair of socks designed with the purple tones of the Elizabeth Line.
Neal’s Yard
Located within the greater Covent Garden area is one of the most Instagrammable areas in London - Neal’s Yard. The courtyard is highlighted with colorful window frames and vibrant cafes. The surrounding area features many quaint shops and quirky boutiques.
Seven Dials neighborhood
If you said all roads lead to Seven Dials, you might be right. Seven streets converge at the central roundabout, in the middle is a column bearing six sundials – with the column acting as the seventh sundial.
In 1690 King William lll gave Sir Thomas Neale a generous plot of land near Covent Garden with the hope of creating an elite village.
Unfortunately by the 19th century, the “elite village” was among the most notorious slums in London.
The area was described by Charles Dickens in 1835: “... streets and courts dart in all directions until they are lost in the unwholesome vapour which hangs over the house-tops and renders the dirty perspective uncertain and confined.”
Today Dickens would not recognize the area and I’m sure King William and Sir Neale would be proud.
The Seven Dials area now offers a wide selection of restaurants and bars. If you are looking for many restaurants in one spot then the Seven Dials Market Food Court might be for you.
In the 19th Century, Seven Dials Market, housed cucumbers and bananas. The market is now split into two sections: Cucumber Alley and Banana Warehouse. The highlight is a huge two-story food court.
Goodwin’s Court
Taking just a few steps down this tiny alley will transport you from a busy street to the Victorian era. There really isn’t much to see; it’s just a cool blast from the past.
Harry Potter fans have argued that this might be the inspiration for Knockturn Alley. If you are a Potter fan, Cecil Court, another contender for Knockturn Alley, is nearby.
If you are a Harry Potter fan, you can find some wonderful Harry Potter-themed guided tours here.
Go City Pass
If you plan to see multiple attractions during your trip a Go City Pass might save you money.
Take a look on their website and see. Click here.
Seeing a West End Show in Covent Garden
An astounding number of theaters are located in the Covent Garden area—more than twenty theaters house performances for every taste. At the Royal Opera House, you can see some of the world’s best opera and ballet.
You can purchase tickets ahead of time or try your luck with last-minute tickets on the London TKTS website.
Restaurants
Since nearly every other door in Covent Garden leads to a different restaurant, it's rather hard to recommend one. There really is a restaurant for any taste and price tag.
The White Lion is a pub in Covent Garden, London, on the corner of James Street and Floral Street. A pub has been operating on the site since at least 1839.
The Lamb & Flag is one of the oldest pubs in London. It is famously a spot where bare-knuckle prize fights were held (earning it the nickname "The Bucket of Blood")
On two different visits to London, we dined at Din Tai Fung in Covent Garden. We ate at the internationally acclaimed restaurant in Seattle and Vancouver, so now we seek it out if there is one nearby. You can watch the kitchen staff prepare their wonderful dumplings through a huge glass window.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Covent Garden
Is Covent Garden worth visiting?
Yes! Covent Garden is one of London’s most vibrant districts, offering a unique blend of history, world-class dining, and street performance. It is particularly worth it for those who enjoy independent shopping at Seven Dials, the history of the London Transport Museum, and the "village feel" of Neal’s Yard.
What is the best day to go to Covent Garden?
For Atmosphere: Saturday and Sunday are the busiest, with the most street performers and a high-energy "London" vibe.
For Shopping: Tuesday through Thursday mornings are the best for browsing the Apple Market without the crowds.
For Antiques: Monday is the specific day for the antique market at Jubilee Market.
Pro tip: Since many of the attractions are covered, Covent Garden is a great rainy-day attraction.
How do I get to Covent Garden?
The easiest way is via the Covent Garden Tube Station (Piccadilly Line). However, because this station uses lifts that can have long queues, we recommend getting off at Leicester Square or Holborn and taking a short, scenic 5-minute walk to the Piazza.
Is there a Harry Potter street in Covent Garden?
While not an official filming location, Goodwin’s Court and Cecil Court are widely believed to be the inspirations for Knockturn Alley and Diagon Alley. Both are within a 3-minute walk of the main market and are a must-see for fans of the franchise.
What are the best free things to do in Covent Garden?
You don’t need to spend money to enjoy the area! Some of the best free activities include:
Watching the world-class Street Performers in the West Piazza.
Visiting St. Paul’s Church (The Actors' Church) and its peaceful gardens.
Walking through the colorful Neal’s Yard.
Heading to the Royal Opera House Level 5 Terrace for a panoramic view of the market.
Where can I eat on a budget in Covent Garden?
Covent Garden can be expensive, but Seven Dials Market is the best spot for high-quality, budget-friendly "street food" style meals.
Another great tip is to look for "Pre-Theatre Set Menus" at local bistros, which often offer two or three courses at a significantly discounted price between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM.
How much time should I spend in Covent Garden?
Most visitors find that 3 to 4 hours is enough to see the markets, Neal’s Yard, and grab a meal. However, if you plan to visit the London Transport Museum or see a West End show, you can easily spend a full day and evening in the area.
You really can’t go wrong dedicating a few hours to stroll, dine, and drink your way through Covent Garden.
If you are looking for other things to do in London, check out our blog posts about watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and 13 Free Things to do in London.
This post was researched and written by John O'Boyle of The Empty Nest Explorers.
John is a professional photographer and videographer whose work has been published by the New York Times, NBC News, and Getty Images. He has been part of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team and nominated for New York Emmy Awards. You can learn more about John and the Empty Nest Explorers here.
Some other England travel blog posts:
London has one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world. Combine London’s underground metro and the iconic red buses with the new easy-to-use tap-to-pay system, and visitors can easily get anywhere in the city. The Elizabeth Line is a great way to get from Heathrow to central London.
London also has river boats, famous black cabs, and Uber. So with Google Maps guiding your way, you should absolutely use London’s public transportation on your next trip.