7 Things to Do in London’s Covent Garden

Update (15 Oct 2019): This is a very old article. For the best local gems in Covent Garden, get the 3-Day London Itinerary.

Covent Garden is a popular area to visit in London, and I’m totally on board with that. Covent Garden Piazza can get a bit crowded but it you get just a bit away from it there’s lots of little tidbits to discover. Here are 7 cool things to do in Covent Garden when you’re in London.

1. Check out the street performers

Most of the time, you’ll see street performers in Covent Garden Piazza, usually with a couple hundred people around them watching as they do their act. These performers have to go through pretty rigorous auditions to be able to claim their spot so they’re usually pretty decent. Don’t forget to give some cash if you end up watching.

2. Visit Seven Dials

Seven Dials is an area with seven streets that converge onto a roundabout with a beautiful sundial in the middle. This is a great starting point for some shopping and food options, or head to Neal’s Yard, just spot the signs pointing you in the right direction. It’s a beautiful little square is a great photo moment with its colourful buildings, but is also a great place to have some healthy food or grab some beauty products at Neal’s Yard Remedies.

A post shared by Love and London (@jess_inlondon) on Jun 6, 2016 at 9:53am PDT

3. Shop the markets

There are a few markets around Covent Garden, and they’re right next to each other. Get to Covent Garden Piazza and you’ll find  Covent Garden Market and Jubilee Market. Small vendors sell all types of goods here, but if you’re into antiques, hit up Jubilee Market on a Monday.

4. Visit the London Transport Museum

Train and transportation nerds, you’ll like this place, you’ll learn about the history of London’s transportation. Adult tickets are £17.50 but kids under 18 go for free and the tickets are valid for 12 months. You get free entry with the London Pass. Even if you don’t want to go in the museum, the gift shop has some of the best tube themed items I’ve seen in London.

Check this out: Should you get the London Pass?

One of my favourite photo spots, shot by @ozlemturan_lifestyle. Find the Zizzi’s next to the Royal Opera House and you’re there 😊

A post shared by Love and London (@jess_inlondon) on Apr 4, 2017 at 8:45am PDT

5. Instagram the phone box row

Near the Royal Opera House is a row of telephone boxes next to a beautiful statue of a dancer. Every time I share this on Instagram, everyone loves it. It’s a great photo moment! Just find the Zizzi’s near the ROH and you’re there.

The SMELLS that come from Swedish bakery @bageriet_london are stupidly good. Find it on a quiet side street near Covent Garden.

A post shared by Love and London (@jess_inlondon) on Jun 26, 2017 at 8:53am PDT

6. Grab some street snacks

There are lots of yummy food options in and near Covent Garden. Grab a cupcake at Lola’s cupcakes, go for a gooey hot cookie at Ben’s Cookies, or grab some ice cream at Udderlicious.

7. Go shopping

Covent Garden is a great area for shopping. You’ll find lots of popular British high street brands on Long Acre Road, boutique shops around Seven Dials, and many of the UK’s best beauty brands have shops around the area too.