An Introduction to London’s Covent Garden

London’s iconic Covent Garden is a vibrant area of the capital, packed full of things to do, see and experience. From shopping, to sightseeing, to exploring the world-famous street performers, Covent Garden is a destination like no other. Located in the heart of the West End of London, Covent Garden is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, with its cobbled streets, lively markets, beautiful architecture, and vibrant atmosphere.

Originally a small fishing village known as “Convent Garden’, the area was developed in the 1630s by Francis Russell, 4th Earl of Bedford. He envisioned Covent Garden as a residential and commercial area, and created a large piazza at its centre. The piazza quickly became a popular destination for visitors and residents alike, with a number of businesses setting up shop alongside the many theatres and pubs located in the area.

Over the years, Covent Garden has been home to a number of famous faces. Charles Dickens lived in the area for some time, whilst William Shakespeare and Charles Lamb both had connections to Covent Garden. The area also served as the backdrop for a number of iconic films, including My Fair Lady and Mary Poppins.

Today, Covent Garden is one of the most popular places to visit in London. Its unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy has made it a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking for a day out with the family or a romantic evening for two, Covent Garden has something for everyone. So, what are some of the things you can do in Covent Garden? Let’s take a closer look.

Explore the Markets

Covent Garden is home to two of London’s most popular markets: the seven-day Apple Market and the iconic Jubilee Market. The Apple Market is a delightful mix of stalls selling everything from art and photography to antiques and vintage clothing. All sorts of items can be found here, from handmade jewellery to handmade toys. The Jubilee Market is also worth a visit, with its wide range of food stalls offering everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to traditional British dishes. Both markets are open every day except for Sunday, so there’s plenty of time to explore.

Visit The Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House is one of Covent Garden’s most iconic attractions. Located in the heart of the piazza, this stunning building has been home to some of London’s most renowned performances since 1732. Today, you can enjoy an evening at the opera or a day at the ballet with performances running regularly throughout the year. Tickets can be bought online or at the Royal Opera House itself.

Shop Til You Drop

Covent Garden is famed for its unique shopping experience. From high-end department stores to independent boutiques, there’s something for everyone here. It’s worth wandering around the streets and taking in all the sights and sounds before settling on a few stores to explore further. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to grab a bite to eat in between shopping trips.

Soak Up Some Culture

Covent Garden is home to a wide variety of cultural attractions, from historic buildings to world-class galleries and museums. The British Museum is located just a few minutes walk from Covent Garden and is one of London’s top attractions. Visitors can explore its vast collection of artifacts from around the world, as well as take part in interactive exhibitions and events throughout the year. Another popular attraction is the National Gallery which houses some of Europe’s finest works of art.

Experience Street Performers

Covent Garden is renowned for its street performers. From magicians and comedians to musicians and acrobats, there are always plenty of entertainers on hand to keep visitors entertained. The area has become famous for its buskers, who perform on the streets for donations from passers-by. There’s often something different going on each day so it’s always worth checking out what’s happening while you’re here.

Take a Tour

If you want to get an insider’s view of Covent Garden then why not take a tour? There are plenty of companies offering guided tours of the area which will show you all the highlights as well as some hidden gems too. One popular tour is the Discover Covent Garden Tour which takes visitors around all the main sights, providing an insight into the area’s history and culture along the way. Book your Discover Covent Garden Tour here.

Alternatively, for those who want an even more immersive experience, why not try a Street Art Tour? This tour will take you around some of Covent Garden’s famous street art spots, providing an insight into how street art has evolved over time and what it means to those who create it. Book your Street Art Tour here.

Take in Some Theatre

Covent Garden is also home to some world-class theatres. From classic musicals such as Phantom of the Opera and Wicked to contemporary productions like Book of Mormon and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, there’s something for everyone here. Tickets can be bought online or at box offices near each theatre.

Enjoy Some Afternoon Tea

No visit to London would be complete without experiencing some traditional afternoon tea. There are plenty of places in Covent Garden where visitors can sit back and enjoy a selection of sandwiches, cakes and drinks served up on fine china plates and teapots – all with views overlooking some of London’s most iconic landmarks.

Experience A Night Out

Covent Garden is also home to some of London’s best clubs, bars and pubs. From traditional British pubs serving up ales and ciders to stylish bars offering up craft beers and cocktails, there’s something for everyone here. There are also plenty of late-night venues offering live music and DJs playing until late into the night.

Conclusion

Covent Garden is one of London’s most iconic destinations and provides visitors with a unique mix of sights, sounds and experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. From street performers and markets to theatres and galleries, there’s something for everyone in this lively area of London. So why not plan your trip today and experience all that Covent Garden has to offer?