... - UKTripper

Covent Garden is one of the best areas in London that attracts many visitors and Londoners alike! That being said, it’s easy to see why… especially with all the delicious restaurants, lanes to explore and great things to do in Covent Garden.

Honestly, if it’s your first time in London and you’re exploring some of the city’s most famous neighborhoods, Covent Garden is easily one of the best. You see, a trip to London wouldn’t be complete without wandering around the Apple Market, Neil’s Yard and delicious cocktail spots to wet your whistle.

Now, there are so many things to do in Covent Garden and it can be overwhelming to pick just a few for your own trip. This is especially true if you’ve spent many of your days exploring London’s best palaces, cool markets to explore, and secret spots in the city.

This is why I want to share some of the best things to do in Covent Garden on your next trip.

Take a look below at the best things to do in Covent Garden. Have a great trip to London!

1.) Apple Market Covent Garden

Built in the 1800s, Apple Market is easily the most iconic and one of the best things to do in Covent Garden. Located in the heart of the neighborhood, it’s packed with indie market stalls, boutique shops and some decently quirky places to boot!

For instance, Apple Market is home to the UK’s first Moon Moomin Store And the high-end designers all live in little alleyways.

Stroll around, stroll by street performers and enjoy the beauty of this part of London.

2.) Neil Yard

Another great thing to do in Covent Garden is to visit Neal’s Yard and Neal Street itself. Around this small area is a treasure trove of quaint little shops, quirky boutiques and a variety of cafes and foodies.

Once you are here, don’t forget to visit Tea House on Neil Street which sells a wide range of teas from around the world. Now, being a Brit (and a firm lover of all things tea), this is easily one of my favorite places.

Afterwards, pop into Monmouth Coffee (on Monmouth Street) for a perfect, mid-afternoon pick-me-up and head to The Barbary. Here, they serve some of the tastiest North-African dishes in London, with a Berber flair.

If you’re after beauty, head straight to Neal’s Yard Remedies and Therapy Rooms, which are fantastic for picking up some of their skincare products.

Read more: Best coffee places in London

3.) Royal Opera House

Although opera is not everyone’s cup of tea, there is something truly special about seeing a performance at the Royal Opera House. To be honest, even if it’s not opera (and you’re more into ballet) the Royal Opera House is easily one of the best things to do in Covent Garden when you visit.

Before you arrive, book a show Royal Opera House Go to the website and for an entire evening in Covent Garden. Honestly, it’s a place where some of the best creative arts in the world are done and absolutely can’t be missed.

Now, even if shows aren’t your thing (and that’s fine) you can still book a guided tour to experience the place.

Read more: Best palaces in London to explore

4.) London Transport Museum

Now, if you’re looking to delve deeper into London’s transport history, the London Transport Museum is the place to go.

Once inside, you’ll see a lot of history from the world’s oldest underground network, our iconic red bus and the world’s first underground steam train. That being said, if you’re not into transport and history, you won’t find this place anywhere near a complete bust and one of the best things to do in Covent Garden.

That being said, visiting Covent Garden is really easy as it is located just shy of Apple Market. Plus, if you get caught in one of our infamous mini showers, it’s a great place to take shelter and go on an indoor activity until the rain stops.

Read more: Best neighborhoods in London to explore

5.) Eat at the best restaurants

Okay, so, Covent Garden has a wealth of restaurants! In fact, it has more restaurants than days of the year so you could literally sneer your face off at a new foodie haunt every day if you wanted to.

Now, with all these choices, I often find it hard to pick just a few good places to eat, so I’ve picked a few of my favorites below to show you.

For some delicious French-inspired cuisine, head on over Clos Maggiore. We visited recently and it was a delicious lunch menu that was very tasty. You can literally sit under the twinkling lights that stretch the shrubbery that hugs the restaurant’s ceiling and surrounding walls. If you are booking, make sure to book to eat inside the main atrium.

Alternatively, if French cuisine isn’t your thing, pop over Petersham Featuring some delicious, locally produced food in a gorgeous venue. Once here, be sure to try their lamb and anchovies for a delicious treat.

If it’s breakfast (or brunch), you pop into Drury 188-189. Here, they have some delicious smashed avocado on sour which is very tasty.

If it’s the best seafood you like, go to The Oysterman Seafood bar and kitchen where you will be served food. Be sure to make a reservation before you visit, especially on weekends. If you love seafood it is one of the best things to do in Covent Garden.

Read more: Our visit to Clos Maggiore

6.) Find the best cocktails

If you fancy a good cocktail after a day of exploring, Covent Garden is the place to be!

For the first stop, head down Eve bar, located in the basement of Frog Restaurant (by Dam Handling) in the heart of Covent Garden. Here, they will serve you some delicious cocktails that are made on the spot by the resident mixologists.

If you want a more lively affair, go ahead Blame it on Gloria Here are some very potent cocktails to kick off a night out in London. Their spiced pear cocktails are amazing!

For one of the best gin parlors in all of London, head over Mr. Foggs Which is amazing. Here, they have every type of gin cocktail you could ever imagine – with gins from around the world.

Be sure to book a table before you arrive, it’s relatively small and fills up quickly. If you like gin it really is one of the best things to do in Covent Garden (and London).

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention… you must be tipsy!

Read more: Visit these best bars in London

7.) Watch a show

Yes, it’s technically not just Covent Garden (but the whole of the West End), which is packed with some of the best shows in the world. This is why you can’t miss one when you’re in the area.

Now, if you’re planning to catch your favorite West-End show, remember to book online ahead of time for really popular shows.

Alternatively, if you’re unsure what to look for, skip ahead The official TKTS booth Right in the heart of Leicester Square for daily discounted tickets.

Every day they sell unallocated seats for shows at low prices to get seats. If you are flexible with dates and shows you can save yourself a pretty penny.

Read more: Best shows to see in London

8.) Miss the tube

A mistake many visitors make when traveling from Covent Garden to Leicester Square is to take the tube. If you are physically able, it is not required at all as it is a few minutes away. However, if you’ve got a downpour on your hands, jump right on that tube!

Save yourself a few bucks and walk 9 minutes to Leicester Square. Walking is faster than taking the tube if you’re walking and waiting for the next train, and it’s free!

Read more: Exploring London on a Budget

9.) See St. Paul in Covent Garden

Now, firstly, don’t confuse this with the famous St Paul’s in London as this is a different one! Built in the 1600s, St Paul’s Covent Garden is often referred to as the ‘actor’s church’ because of its centuries of association with the acting community in London.

Once here, take a stroll through the small gardens inside the church and see the famous plaques too.

10.) Jubilee Market

If it’s small souvenirs, antiques or bobbleheads of the Queen, Jubilee Market in Covent Garden is your place. It has stalls for everyone. Here, they have daily markets that tend to close between 5-7pm every day, so it doesn’t matter what day you visit, as long as it’s not late.

If you’re after antiques, head over on Mondays when they specialize in these. If it’s a craft stall you’re looking for, pop in on a Saturday or Sunday. Whatever the day, if you want to take home a little trinket, one of the best things to do in Covent Garden is quite easy to visit and easily accessible.