10 Best Things to Do in Covent Garden

For a historic slice of London life, head to Convent Garden Piazza: a pedestrian square and market hall that’s hosted pedlars and performers since the 1600s. Situated in front of St Paul’s Church, this cosmopolitan attraction transformed from a bustling fruit and vegetable hub in the 1970s to the enclave it is today – filled with cafes, bars and boutique shops.

The buskers are still on the cobbles 400 years on (in the guise of contortionists, magicians and Chinese musicians). From Tuesday to Sunday, under the piazza’s vaulted glass ceiling, Apple Market opens its doors to a collective of traders selling handmade jewellery, one-of-a-kind crafts, whimsical watercolours and rare antiques.

Situated in a Grade I listed building, Theatre Royal Drury Lane bills itself as an “all-day destination” thanks to its array of entertainment and gastronomic offerings. Here, you can take in shows as diverse as Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita in Concert or Disney’s perennial favourite Frozen the Musical.

Enjoy a Regency-inspired afternoon tea in the Grand Saloon (elevated with ornate ceilings, chandeliers, luxurious furnishings and a wealth of fine art). Alternatively, hit the Cecil Beaton Bar for Tristan-Stephenson-designed cocktails including the Pink Prince Charming and the Cleopatra.

One of London’s most iconic alleys, Neal’s Yard opens up onto a charismatic courtyard garden that’s packed with independent restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. Known for its historic brick buildings, colourfully painted window frames and hexagonal patio seating, this tucked-away treasure might be tiny but its eclectic offerings pack a real punch.

Savour wood-fired pizzas at Homeslice (an eatery known for its creative toppings, including air-dried wagyu beef and truffle creme fraiche), or satiate your sweet tooth with a doughnut from St. JOHN. Neal’s Yard Remedies dates back to the 1980s and is a bona fide London favourite for organic health and beauty products.

With its Baroque Revival architecture and horseshoe-shaped auditorium, Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House is a British cultural stalwart that draws throngs of visitors every week with its mesmerising performances. On the main stage, take in shows such as WERTHER (Massenet's opera of grand passion and devastating tragedy) or visit the adjacent Linbury Theatre for ballet and dance festivals.

Celebrated for its lavish red and gold interiors, the Royal Opera House is further elevated with diverse culinary offerings at establishments such as Balconies Restaurant, Piazza, Dorfman Conservatory and the Crush Room. Here, you can sample some of the West End’s most delectable dishes like fennel risotto, seared pollock with mussel broth and Beef Wellington with red wine jus.

Automotive and locomotive enthusiasts will delight in a visit to the famed London Transport Museum. Discover what goes on behind the scenes at some of the capital’s busiest train stations (including forgotten underground tube stops such as Aldwych and Down Street).

Jam-packed with engaging exhibits and galleries, visitors can explore the city’s rich transport history at their leisure – from its early horse and carriage days to its riverboats, tramcars and buses. The museum also hosts exciting heritage vehicle outings several times a year, so check the online calendar for specific dates and details.

One of the jewels of the West End’s theatre district, the Lyceum may have origins that date back to the late 1700s but today its ornate interior is home to the Elton-John smash-hit The Lion King. Prior to the musical’s 1999 premiere, this historic venue hosted Jesus Christ Superstar, Oklahoma and touring rock bands like the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Queen.

Reserve a seat in this Grade II listed beauty and take in the story of Simba the lion as he transforms from an innocent cub to his fated position as King of the Pride Lands. The Ballroom Bar opens 90 minutes before the curtains part and serves a range of refreshing drinks and tasty snacks.

A pedestrian-friendly street with Victorian shop frontages, Cecil Court is known for its curious collection of old-world bookshops that sell antiquarian and vintage beauties. Literature lovers will be in their own private paradise as they go from door to door, searching for that long-lost title they’ve always dreamed of owning.

Only moments from the chaos of London’s Leicester Square, strolling along Cecil Court is like stepping back in time. Land a first edition of a children’s classic, a signed copy of your favourite novel or an esoteric tome about magic or witchcraft.

Seven Dials Market may be a multi-level London food court but don’t be fooled, it’s très chic. Boasting dozens of micro-restaurants and ritzy bars, it’s the perfect place for a lazy lunch, a casual dinner or to get together for after-work drinks.

The gastronomic focus here is purely global – think sublime Syrian flavours, tasty Korean classics and no-fuss falafels wrapped in freshly baked pita bread. There’s every kind of flavour you could want, whether you’re just after a snack or sweet treat, or hungry for a full-on meal.

Dating back to the 1630s, Lincoln’s Inn Fields is the largest public square in London, serving up 5 hectares of picturesque greenspace filled with mature trees including ginkgo, Indian bean, laburnum and mountain ash. This dog-friendly park is punctuated with an octagonal bandstand, public tennis courts and a number of meandering footpaths.

Conveniently situated in the heart of the park is the popular eatery Fields Bar & Kitchen. This bistro-style café is known for its wood-fired pizza, big hearty breakfasts and fresh artisan pasta, including crab spaghetti and black truffle tortellini.

Conveniently situated along Broad Court, the K2 Telephone Boxes are a must-see Covent Garden attraction that draw Instagrammers city-wide. These five cherry-red booths are quintessential British icons in a world that’s buzzing with mobile phones.

After you’ve snapped up a storm outside each one, stop for a very English afternoon tea at the Thames Foyer in the swanky Savoy hotel. Served in a glorious domed atrium, you’ll enjoy homemade scones with clotted cream (and a glass of bubbly as well).