Things to do in and around the Covent Garden neighbourhood

Well hello to you my reader chums! I love days out in London, whether it's shopping, for a spot of sight seeing or going to see a west end show; there's always something thrilling about visiting the busy capital. Covent Garden is my favourite area to explore - and for any newbie, there's more to the place than meets the eye.

If you're heading there soon, looking for things to do and hotels near Covent Garden to stay, this post is for you. On my latest day trip, I discovered many hidden gems and noted a few things down to do on my next visit. The spending money for the excursion was gifted by Hotels.com but all views are my own.

Here are a few things to do in and around the Covent Garden neighbourhood...

Visit the Jubilee Market Hall

Covent Garden is renowned for its market hall and niche shopping finds. The Jubilee Market Hall stands next to the main hub of the square and is worth the visit. It's similar to Camden Market and features everything from souvenirs, homemade crafts, printed tees to food stalls and scented candles. If you're in the market for any nick nacks, this is the place to be.

Go designer shopping

London is a top spot for shopping and Covent Garden has some of the very best gems. The main surrounding square has all the top designer names from Kurt Geiger to Burberry with plenty of makeup shops thrown in between. And the centre of it all (North and South hall) there are plenty of independent and luxurious stores to purchase some of the finest goods.

Eat in the courtyard

There's no day out in Covent Garden without trying the delicious food available - and the main courtyard is where its at. The Covent Garden Market has a variety of eating establishments from deli's, cafes, restaurants and bakeries - and eating outside is a charming experience, especially in the summer time.

I chose Aubaine Deli for lunch and sat outside in the sunshine. The rustic deli has a selection of baked goods, drinks and cooked lunch options. And, there are many wooden chairs with parasols outside to soak up the city vibes.

Visit the London Transport Museum

I'm a big fan of museums, as I love learning new things. Despite the many times I've been to Covent Garden, I had never visited the London Transport Museum prior to this recent excursion so decided to give it a go. The museum actually really surprised me - it was rather interesting learning the history of London's transport system and seeing old and new models of transport.

I especially think it's ideal for families; there were plenty of interactive experiences and you're able to even climb up some of the double decker buses. The museum is £17.50 to get in for adults.

Purchase some unique nick nacks from the Apple Market

Inside the main Covent Garden Market, there's a strip called the Apple Market. Here individual traders sell their goods, whether it's homemade cards, clothing or handbags - there are many unique items in store. It's worth having a little browse around for a present or printed-tee.

Eat the very best gelato

Who doesn't love ice cream? Covent Garden offers some of London's best. Venchi, is in Italian gelateria in the heart of Covent Garden and offers the finest range of rich flavours. I chose hazelnut and stracciatella with chocolate sauce drizzled on the top - and yes it was as mouthwatering as it sounds.

Alternatively, around a five minute walk from Covent Garden is 'Milk Train' renowned for their candy floss ice cream. I'm talking a swirly ice cream with a candy floss rim wrapped around for extra sugar goodness.

Go the the National Portrait Gallery and National Gallery

I love walking round art museums; it's a therapeutic and appreciative experience all in one. I didn't have a chance to visit the National Gallery, however I ventured into the National Portrait Gallery. The gallery had a wide selection of portraits all through time from Tudor to modern day - and they were really realistic. I was so impressed by them all! I especially liked visiting the Micheal Jackson exhibition. There were multiple rooms filled with art inspired by him and his music, and I'd highly recommend paying the extra fee to visit the special exhibition.

Both the galleries have free admission, however you can offer a donation for your entrance. The special Micheal Jackson exhibition costs £20 for adults, however if you're under 25, you're able to get in for just a £5.

Explore the back streets and their independent shops

Near the main square of Covent Garden, there's a few streets attached to it which offer an array of independent shops and cafes/restaurants - perfect for shopping and eating. New Row is quaint street with a variety of eateries - and has the cutest gelato shop, La Gelatiera. It offered loads of ice cream flavours, milkshakes and more - and was certainly Instagram worthy.

Purchase a last minute ticket to the West End

Seeing a West End show is one of my favourite ever things, and near Covent Garden are plenty of theatres showing the very best shops. Right next to Covent Garden tube station is a theatre ticket shop - and if you want to be spontaneous, why not purchase a last minute ticket for one of the shows that day? You'll find you can save loads of money and still have a fabulous theatre experience.

Watch a ballet at the Royal Opera House

I love ballet as much as I love the west end (maybe even a bit more), and I've always dreamt of seeing one live in the Royal Opera House. The Royal Opera House is located right in the heart of Covent Garden and there's even a 'La ballerina' restaurant next door.

Take a candid photograph at the floral bench

Dotted around Covent Garden are the floral benches you've probably seen in plenty of Instagram posts. When visiting (if they're not occupied) make sure to get yourself a candid snap to add to the photo album.

Visit St Pauls Church

Churches are a lovely thing to visit for any city and St Pauls is no different. As you enter the archway on Covent Garden square into St Pauls, there's a big seating area filled of benches. You can sit here to eat lunch or chill in the sunshine, as I saw many Londoners do. The inside of the church isn't massive but ever so elegant. If you'd like to attend mass, outside the church it'll say when mass is on.

Have a drink at the Punch and Judy pub and watch the street performers

Covent Garden is also renowned for its street performers whether it's a singer, dancer or magician - and you can't make a visit without watching one act. The Punch and Judy pub's terrace overlooks the plaza where majority of the acts perform - so grab a drink, get a good view and watch the acts in all their glory.

I hope you enjoyed this post on Covent Garden. What's your favourite thing to do here?

Thank you for reading <3

9 comments

D.25 August 2018 at 02:35
Such a nice guide! Thanks for sharing!

xx
www.thedecemberdame.com
Shirley Cuypers25 August 2018 at 21:43
All these things look amazing! Lovely guide, Della ! 😊

Xoxo
Shirley | https://shirleycuypers.blogspot.be
The Sunday Mode26 August 2018 at 02:18
Ok agreed about Venchi, their gelato is SO good! I love Amorino gelato too actually, but I'm not sure if they have one of those in London!

Julia // The Sunday Mode
Evie30 August 2018 at 11:23
This is a great guide! I've only ever been to Covent Garden once, but that candyfloss ice cream makes me wanna go book a trip right now!
Nic26 July 2021 at 04:10
Thanks for sharing, I have been to Covent Garden before, it's a great place to visit, I have been to the transport museum, Moomin Shop and had tea and maccroons there :)

Nic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes