Covent Garden is probably one of the most iconic squares in London. Why you may ask? First, because it is super cute. Second, because it is very Instagrammable. Third, because there is so much to do and see! It is at the center of the city, close to all things interesting in walkable distance: theaters, museums, Trafalgar Square, Picadilly Circus, etc.
However, there are so many things to do, it can quickly feel overwhelming. Which is why I am here to help. Whether staying at a Covent Garden Hotel, at an AirBnB further away or totally somewhere else, you will want to read this little guide on what the place has to offer!
Where to Eat
Nothing is more important than food, am I right?! As you can imagine, Covent Garden is a prime tourist destination in London and is always very busy. Fortunately, there are quite a few food options available around the square so you will always find somewhere to eat! And since I have tried a few of them myself, I can vouch for them!
- Ivy Market Grill: You must know the Ivy by now. They have many branches in London and across the UK. I had the opportunity to eat at the Ivy, both in London and Edinburgh. The Ivy never disappoints! Going for brunch? The buttermilk pancakes are a killer! Lunch? What about the kings prawn curry? So delicious! The Ivy does some amazing cocktails to drink alongside your meal. My favs? Aperol Spritz and Pink Gin Fizz! That’s where I went on the day we visited Covent Garden with my husband!
- Ladurée: No need to tell you who Ladurée is. Gossip Girl addicts will know their macarons. Probably everybody will actually! I did not had lunch at Ladurée but cocktails and some afternoon tea treats: macarons and lemon pie. Both were delicious. They do however offer some lunch options such as omelette, eggs and cheese platters!
- Pain Quotidien: The perfect place for brunch or a quick lunch. They do healthy comfort food and are all about bread! Who does not love bread? It is a way of life! Shakshuka, avocado toast, frittata, simple meals yet absolutely delicious!
- Aubaine Deli, VyTA, Shake Shack, Dirty Martini & more.
What To See
Whether you are just walking through Covent Garden, having a quick look or planning to spend some time on the square, there will always be some entertainment! And you will never be disappointed!
- London Transport Museum: Passionate about urban transport? Or maybe just curious about it? This is the place for you! The museum explores the transport heritage of London and the growth of the city. Trains, underground carriages, trams, taxis; 450,000 items, including an impressive collection of over 100,000 photos documenting the changing face of the city since 1800! Tickets are free for children and £16.50 for adults if booked online!
- Street Performances: One of Covent Garden’s most famous features I guess! Street performers! Whether at the end of James Street, within the market itself or on the performance area, there is always some show going on. The public even get to participate when performers pick someone in the audience to take part!
- The Lion King: I know that technically speaking it is not on Covent Garden but a few streets away at the Lyceum theater. But it still counts! And that’s something you will want to see! My then-boyfriend-now-husband took me to see the Lion King for my 26th birthday. Best present ever! A few second in the cercle of life and I was crying! What an experience!
Where To Shop
Are you a shopping lover? Worry not, Covent Garden is the right place! Whether on the piazza itself or on the neighboring streets, you are in for a great shopping experience!
- Covent Garden: The square is a shopping heaven! On Floral Street, King Street and in the market, from tech brands and accessories to fashion, shoes and make up, there is all you need! Chocolate or pastry lovers? You’ll find that too at Godiva, Ladurée, Hotel Chocolat, Whittard, etc!
- Jubilee Market Hall: I am a bit less familiar with Jubilee Market Hall because I never really spent that much time there. However, even a quick look will tell you what it is! Busting with colors and activity, you will find different stalls selling all sort of items! Antiques and collectables, general market, or art and craft, it is all worth a look!
- James Street & Long Acre: Covent Garden station’s exit is on James Street where you will find a lot of shops. Fashion, beauty, accessories and more, anything you might need! The other station’s exit is Long Acre, where you’ve got even more stores. If you walk a bit further, you get to Neil’s Yard, a hidden colorful super cute tiny square packed with restaurants!
Where To Pose
You definitely cannot go to Covent Garden without snapping that Instagram shot, can you?! Since the whole square is super Instagrammable, you are in for a treat!
- The Ivy Market Grill: A great place for food but also a great place for photo! Now sporting a gorgeous flower arch on their door, the Ivy changes display as the seasons go! Florals are in at the moment on Instagram, so you are guaranteed some good engagement on the app with such a photo!
- Covent Garden Performance Area: Just behind the performance area, by one of the main entrances to the market, lays an absolutely gorgeous display. This too changes as the seasons go! A piano for summer and a pumpkin carriage for fall! It was being set up when I visited Covent Garden so did not get to take a photo but let me tell you, it is spectacular now! You can also find decorated swings all around the square for more photo opportunities!
- Lower Covent Garden: Covent Garden is on two levels. Street level of course with all the shops and performers, and lower level with more shops and restaurants! There too you can get a cute snapshot of yourself leaning against a floral display or just sitting at a table!
How often do you visit Covent Garden? Do you like the place? What do you usually do there? What is your favorite place in London?
Thanks a lot for stopping by. Hope you liked this post.
See you soon,
Love,
Corinne.
*This is a collaborative post. The spending money was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are my own
