Things to Do in Covent Garden (+ Holborn) | What to See & Where to Shop, Stay, & Eat

Whether you love theatre, shopping, or dining out, Covent Garden is one of London’s most popular areas. There are so many things to do in Covent Garden for free, as well as plenty of paid Covent Garden attractions to visit. 

If you’re wondering what to do in Covent Garden, you’re in just the right spot. This guide to what’s going on in Covent Garden shares all the best places to go in Covent Garden. From where to go by day, to the top things to do in Covent Garden at night, we have you covered!

Covent Garden forms part of what’s known as London’s West End. The Covent Garden and Holborn location we’re focusing on is bordered by The Strand and the Thames to the south, Bloomsbury to the north, the City of London to the east, and Leicester Square to the west. 

There are also interesting things to do near Covent Garden in the Holborn area, which lies to the immediate east of the former. 

Read on to find out all the best Holborn and Covent Garden things to do and places to go. By the end of this article, you’ll be all set for cool things to do in the Covent Garden area. As well as where to stay, eat, and shop. Let’s go!

Who is Covent Garden best for?

• Theatregoers
• Fans of retail therapy
• Those who want a West End location
• People seeking a good choice of restaurants

Top 10 Things to Do in Covent Garden (+ Holborn)

Covent Garden Markets

A wide selection of stalls is yours to browse at the Covent Garden markets. With a range of unique goods for sale, it’s a great place to pick up one-off items and gifts. Though they’re all under one roof, they actually comprise a series of separate markets.

The markets sell arts and crafts, clothing and accessories, antiques, and general goods. They consist of Apple Market, East Colonnade Market, and Jubilee Market. What’s on offer at the latter changes according to the day of the week.

On Mondays you can buy antiques, and on weekends, a range of unique artworks, gifts, and homeware items. From Tuesday to Friday, expect general goods. 

Find out more about Covent Garden markets in our London markets guide.

Street Entertainment

Covent Garden piazza, and the surrounding area, is a favoured haunt of street entertainers. Watching whatever’s on is one of the best free things to do around Covent Garden. The colourful acts typically include contortionists, mine artists, and more. 

Covent Garden Infinity Chamber

Whether you’re seeking fun things to do in Covent Garden with kids or for adults, another of the top free attractions is the new infinity chamber. It’s a very Instagrammable spot, with thousands of colour-changing LED lights. You can find it in Conduit Court, and access the chamber 24 hours per day. 

London Transport Museum

An array of historic vehicles, a collection of posters, and the chance to try a tube driving simulator await at this museum. It’s situated right in the centre of Covent Garden, by the markets. 

The Royal Opera House

The Royal Ballet as well as the Royal Opera perform at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Sometimes, you can also attend free lunchtime recitals here. The interior is also richly decorated, with lots of plush velvet upholstery and intricate gilt detailing. 

Theatreland

Covent Garden is at the heart of London’s Theatreland, so it’s a great place to see a show. London’s answer to Broadway comprises around 40 theatres spread across the West End, so there’s sure to be something on that you want to watch. 

Somerset House

This beautiful neoclassical building is set around a central courtyard, south of The Strand and north of the Thames. During summer, there are fountains in the courtyard for children to splash about in, while in winter, an ice rink takes over. 

Also at Somerset House are six restaurants, plus the Courtauld Gallery. There’s also a regular programme of events going on here. 

Sir John Soane’s Museum

The renowned neoclassical architect Sir John Soane used to live at this Lincoln’s Inn Fields address. It’s now a museum, and often named as one of London’s hidden gems. Soane died in 1837, and the depository has been preserved just as it was back then. 

Entry is free, and walk-ins are welcome. Pay the museum a visit and you can see Soane’s vast collection of architectural models, artwork, furniture, and antiquities.

Lincoln’s Inn Fields

Lincoln’s Inn Fields is the capital’s biggest public square. It’s a public park where you can run, walk, have a game of tennis, or simply chill out. Lincoln’s Inn is also home to The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, which is a prominent barristers’ organisation. 

Charles Dickens Museum

The Charles Dickens Museum is a must for any Dickens fan. The house at 48 Doughty Street is where Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, and The Pickwick Papers were written. This area also typifies the settings for Dickens’ novels. 

Where to Stay in Covent Garden

Hotels

• £££ – The Savoy | 5* | Restaurants & bars, pool, spa, & gym | On The Strand
• £££ – Waldorf Hilton | 4* | Restaurants, bars, & gym | On Aldwych

• ££ – The Resident Covent Garden | 4* | Kitchenettes & room service | Just off The Strand
• ££ – Page 8 Page Hotels | 4* | Bar/cafe & guest lounge| Near Charing Cross

• £ – Z Hotel Trafalgar | Bar & 24-hour reception | Between Charing Cross, Leicester Square & Covent Garden
• £ – Z Hotel Covent Garden | Bar & 24-hour reception | Between Charing Cross, Leicester Square & Covent Garden

Holiday rentals

• 1 bed for 2 –  Loft with terrace | 2 beds & 1 bath | Near Neal Street
• 2 bed for 4 – Bright Floral Street flat | 2 beds & 1 bath | Centre of Covent Garden
• 3 bed for 6 – Spacious central apartment | 3 beds & 3 baths | North of Leicester Square & Covent Garden

Where to Eat in Covent Garden

Cafe in the Crypt

The crypt at St Martin-in-the-Fields church plays host to a popular subterranean cafe close to Covent Garden. It’s open for a late breakfast, lunch, and early dinner, with the exact opening hours varying on a daily basis. You can also drop in for coffee and cake, and there’s a nice gift shop too. 

Punch and Judy

Named after the puppets traditionally used for outdoor performances, the Punch and Judy in Covent Garden is a London institution. It’s a proper 18th century pub, serving affordable food. British favourites like fish and chips, pies, and burgers feature on the menu. 

Tuttons

Tuttons in the piazza offers all-day dining. There’s a brasserie-style interior, an outdoor terrace, and a menu featuring British classics. 

Rules

Rules is Covent Garden’s traditional British offering, and in fact the capital’s oldest restaurant. Expect a historic interior and substantial British favourites, plus an upstairs bar serving a wide range of drinks.

Clos Maggiore

If you have a fancy for French fare, head to Clos Maggiore for a flavour of Provence. In summer, the retractable glass roof comes into its own, transforming the dining space. 

Masala Zone

Colourful Masala Zone offers affordable, authentic Indian food in Covent Garden. Accolades from the Daily Telegraph and Evening Standard confirm the quality of the regional curries, grills, and street food. 

Dishoom

Dishoom’s successful formula offers a Bombay vibe in London’s West End. Walk-ins are positively welcomed here, so you don’t need to plan in advance. You can even start the day here with an Indian-style breakfast such as the bacon naan roll, or sip a cocktail in the Permit Room.

Wahaca

Wahaca Covent Garden serves up Mexican-style fare for lunch and dinner. Or you can pop in for a pre-theatre cocktail. On Chandos Place, it’s particularly close to the Adelphi Theatre. Wahaca was founded by Masterchef winner Thomasina Miers. 

Din Tai Fung

East and West collide right by the West Piazza in Covent Garden. Din Tai Fung is decorated with some really classy pieces from the orient, including stone lions and wooden carvings. Steamed dumplings are a speciality, but you can also tuck into fried rice, noodles, soup, and other Asian favourites. 

Pick & Cheese at the Seven Dials

This is my absolute go-to EVERY time I am in London—think sushi but even better. A million times better—it’s a cheese conveyor. Yes, the most delicious cheeses on the planet are available at Pick & Cheese. Find them in the Seven Dials market. Make a reservation—it’s popular!

RedFarm

RedFarm is a playful place that gives Din Tai Fung a run for its money when it comes to food from the Orient. Its playful touch has made it an Instagram star, not least with fans of Pac-Man. RedFarm was also voted a Times Top 100 Restaurant. 

SUSHISAMBA Covent Garden

SUSHISAMBA in Covent Garden is located slap-bang in the centre of the piazza, and serves colourful cocktails as well as Asian and South American fusion sushi. It’s worth booking a table for the views alone.

This Covent Garden restaurant is both a locals’ haunt and a celebrity favourite. 

Where to Shop in Covent Garden

In addition to the Covent Garden markets, the area offers many appealing shopping options. Here are some of the best.  

Apple Store

Three floors of technical wizardry await at Apple’s flagship store in Covent Garden. You can book one-to-one consultations or approach staff for assistance if you need technical support.

In addition to drooling over iPads, iPhones, and iMacs, you can also take advantage of the free learning events frequently held in store. 

Designer Shops

Lots of upmarket brands are represented in Covent Garden. British and international fashion brands include Burberry, Fred Perry, Hackett, Paul Smith, Dior, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Chanel.

The likes of Aesop, Jo Malone and Penhaligon’s tick the luxury scented goods and cosmetics boxes, too.  

Neal Street & Neal’s Yard

Neal Street is a very photogenic part of Covent Garden, near the Seven Dials area. You can find lots of independent brands here, as well as plenty of high street favourites. Boutiques and eateries abound.

Don’t miss Neal’s Yard, off Shorts Gardens, where you can visit Neal’s Yard Apothecary and Neal’s Yard Dairy. 

Christmas in Covent Garden

With impressive decorations, huge trees, twinkling lights, and lots of festive goods for sale, Covent Garden is one of the best places to be as Christmas approaches. The lights at the piazza are switched on during early November, too, so you can get in on the act early!

Don’t forget to book a Christmas photoshoot with Domi of Scalens Studio – we had a fabulous time and check out our lovely picture! (Quote UKTP10 for a 10% discount)

How to Get to Covent Garden and Holborn

Underground stations

• Covent Garden – Piccadilly line
• Holborn – Central and Piccadilly lines

Train stations

• Charing Cross

Buses

• Look out for buses stopping at the Strand, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, or Aldwych.

Covent Garden FAQs

Is Covent Garden worth visiting?

Covent Garden is one of the most popular London areas to visit, whether you’re a first timer or a London resident. It offers great dining, shopping and entertainment, and is at the heart of the city, West End, and Theatreland. 

What is Covent Garden famous for?

Covent Garden was originally known for its fruit, vegetable, and flower markets. Today, a trio of covered markets occupy the same site. New Covent Garden Flower Market is now located in Nine Elms, south of the Thames. 

Is Covent Garden fun at night?

Covent Garden is just as lively by day as by night. Lots of theatre-goers frequent the area between dining and their show. There’s all kinds of nightlife on offer here, including clubs, comedy nights, and live music. 

Covent Garden Tips

Mind the stairs

Covent Garden tube station has a lot of stairs, though there is a lift. You can avoid these by walking to Holborn or Leicester Square instead.

Go by day and night

It’s worth seeing Covent Garden by day and by night, if you have time to go twice – or opt to stay here!

Bring some coins

The street performers are a major part of the Covent Garden scene, and will always appreciate any coins you can toss in their direction.

What Will You Do in Covent Garden and Holborn?

It’s plain to see why Covent Garden is one of London’s most popular areas. It’s a vibrant place to be by day and after dark, offering tourist attractions, top-notch shopping, a variety of restaurants and bars, street entertainers, theatres, the Royal Opera House, and more. 

You’ll never regret heading to this colourful part of the city, where there’s always something going on!

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