20+ Wonderful Things to Do in Covent Garden, London

First-time visitor to London or a seasoned local, Covent Garden is a place that never fails to charm. Tucked between Soho and the Thames, it’s a lively blend of culture, creativity, and cobbled elegance. From open-air performances and boutique shopping to sipping Italian wine while listening to live opera and classic trio, Covent Garden offers a little bit of everything—and a whole lot of atmosphere.

If you’re planning a visit or just passing through, here’s your essential guide to the very best things to do in Covent Garden. It’s a list made for wandering, pausing, and soaking up one of the most delightful districts in the city.

1. Watch the Street Performers

Location: Piazza

Start your visit in the main Piazza, where professional street performers bring the cobbled stage to life. You might catch a magician, a string quartet, a mime, or a juggler—sometimes all at once. These acts are often trained artists who’ve been approved by a panel to perform here, making it feel like a spontaneous festival every day. Don’t forget to show your appreciation with a coin or two in the hat.

2. Explore the Apple Market

Location: Market Building

Under the beautiful arches of Covent Garden’s Apple Market, you’ll find a treasure trove of handmade crafts, vintage jewellery, prints, and artisanal gifts. This historic covered market is a delight to stroll through, especially on weekends when it’s bustling with energy and filled with unique finds.

As you approach the other end of Apple Market, you get Bun Bun,

3. Indulge in Afternoon Tea

Location: Piazza

There’s nowhere quite like Covent Garden for afternoon tea. Whether you opt for the classic French elegance of Ladurée, the luxurious offerings at The Ivy Market Grill, or something a little more modern at Mariage Frères, you’re in for a decadent treat. Expect towers of finger sandwiches, fresh scones, and fragrant teas in beautifully curated spaces. If you are looking for a different type of Afternoon Tea experience, visit SushiSamba. They offer a blend of sweet and savoury treats – not your typical sandwiches and cakes. Think wagyu, oshizushi, rainbow roll, shrimp and pork quail eggs. And, for sweets, sesame macaron, yuzu and mandarin Battenberg and chocolate mousse plus the quintessential scone, jam and clotted cream.

4. Visit the London Transport Museum

Perfect for families, history lovers, or curious minds, the London Transport Museum brings the city’s iconic vehicles and underground history to life. With interactive exhibits, vintage carriages, and child-friendly zones, it’s both educational and genuinely fun. A great rainy-day activity—or a must-stop for train enthusiasts.

5. Sip Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar

End the afternoon—or kick off the evening—with a rooftop cocktail. Covent Garden offers several elevated spots with twinkling lights and sweeping views. Try The Rooftop at The Trafalgar or The Garden at The Ivy for seasonal drinks, stylish surroundings, and a buzz of city life below. It’s perfect for a date night or catch-up with friends.

6. Browse the Boutiques

Location: Various around Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a shopper’s dream—whether you’re after luxury labels or independent gems. Explore stylish British heritage brands like Barbour and Paul Smith, treat yourself to self-care at Aesop or Neal’s Yard Remedies, or browse unique finds at Kikki.K, Free People, and the Moomin Shop. It’s the kind of place where you might come for socks and leave with a silk scarf and three candles you didn’t know you needed.

7. Enjoy a Meal in Neal’s Yard

Location: Neal’s Yard Monmouth St.

Tucked just off Monmouth Street, Neal’s Yard feels like stepping into a secret garden painted in rainbow hues. This tucked-away courtyard is home to some of London’s loveliest cafés and restaurants. Try the sourdough pizza at Homeslice, nourishing bowls at 26 Grains, or raw chocolates at Wild Food Café. It’s also home to the original Neal’s Yard Dairy for some of the best British cheeses you’ll ever taste.

8. Wander through Seven Dials

Location: Seven Dials and Seven Dials Market

From the centre sundial monument, seven streets fan out in a star-like shape—each one brimming with independent stores, stylish boutiques, and hidden foodie spots. It’s quieter than the main piazza but no less charming. Stroll down Monmouth Street or Earlham Street for design inspiration, gorgeous window displays, and the occasional street mural.

Remember to also visit Seven Dials Market for independent street food and drinks.

9. See a West End Show

Location: West End

Covent Garden sits at the heart of London’s theatreland. Within just a few minutes’ walk, you can take your pick from blockbuster musicals, powerful plays, and operatic performances. Catch Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre, The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, or explore new productions at the Donmar Warehouse. For something extra special, book a performance at the Royal Opera House, one of the most beautiful venues in the city. If you are working your way towards the West End from the Covent Garden Market, the Palace Theatre, home to Harry Potter, the Cursed Child has a dominating presence on Shaftesbury Avenue (photo below).

10. Discover Fragrance and Elegance at Diptyque Covent Garden

For a sensory experience that feels both luxurious and thoughtful, visit Diptyque’s Covent Garden boutique. Known for its iconic candles, personal fragrances, and exquisitely designed packaging, the store offers a calm, elegant space to explore scent. Whether you’re drawn to floral, woody, or citrus notes, you’ll find something to elevate your home or self-care rituals. It’s a beautiful spot to browse slowly—and perhaps leave with something that feels like a small everyday luxury.

11. Try the Gelato at Venchi (Chocolate and Gelato)

Location: Covent Garden Market Building

For a moment of pure indulgence, head to Venchi just off the main piazza. This Italian chocolatier is famous for its cascading chocolate walls, decadent pralines, and irresistibly creamy gelato. Whether you go for a classic pistachio, rich dark chocolate, or something fruity and seasonal, it’s the kind of treat that feels like a mini holiday.

12. Take a Picture at the Floral Benches

Covent Garden is known for its seasonal floral installations, and the famous flower-adorned benches, market carts and archways are a must-see. Whether it’s spring blossoms, summer blooms, or festive winter garlands, these backdrops are made for Instagram—and for real-life memory-making too. Bring your camera, strike a pose, and capture the magic.

13. Sip on Coffee in a Quiet Corner

Location: Seven Dials and Surrounding

If you need a break from the buzz, Covent Garden has plenty of cosy coffee spots for a little breather. Try Abuelo, an Australian–Argentinian café serving flat whites and wholesome brunch, or the legendary Monmouth Coffee Company, known for its expertly sourced beans and pour-over perfection. Ideal for journalling, reading, or just watching the world go by.

14. Discover the Hidden Art

Covent Garden rewards the curious. Look closely and you’ll spot all sorts of quirky hidden details: a bronze nose on Great Queen Street, secret plaques, and even cheeky bits of graffiti-style art on quiet side alleys. There’s also the ‘Talking Statues’ project, where scanning a QR code might let Shakespeare himself tell you a tale. It’s like a treasure hunt for the culturally curious.

15. Pop into St Paul’s Church (The Actors’ Church)

Tucked away on the west side of the piazza, this peaceful, historic church is a moment of calm in the heart of Covent Garden. Known as the Actors’ Church, it’s filled with memorials to theatre legends and often hosts small concerts or plays in the garden. Sit quietly on a bench, listen to birdsong, and take a breath. Sometimes, that’s all you need. This is also where street performers like to use as backdrop when performing at the piazza.

16. Grab a Burger at Shake Shack

Need a satisfying bite between strolls? Shake Shack in the Market Building is a cult favourite for good reason. Expect juicy burgers, crispy crinkle-cut fries, and frozen custard shakes that make the whole queue worth it. Grab a bench outside, tuck in, and enjoy the buzz of the piazza all around you. We have written a review of our experience, tips and what to order at Shake Shack, Covent Garden, give it a read.

17. Listen to Opera and Classical Music Under the Arches

One of Covent Garden’s most magical experiences happens inside the South Hall of the Market Building, where the acoustics make every note soar. Classically trained musicians and opera singers regularly perform under the arches—offering stirring arias, string ensembles, or romantic piano pieces. It’s like a private concert you didn’t know you were invited to.

18. Enjoy a Glass of Italian Wine at The Wine Place

Location: Market Buildings Lower Floor (Open Basement)

Set just beside the South Hall Piazza, opposite the staircase to the open basement floor, The Wine Place is a lovely little hideaway offering Italian wines by the glass, bottle, or even dispenser. Pair your vino with a board of antipasti or a few cicchetti, and soak up the atmosphere as music drifts through the air from nearby performers. It’s a perfect pause before dinner or a mellow end to your afternoon.

19. Hear Love Songs in the Piazza

Location: Piazza

Street singers in Covent Garden often go beyond the typical busker fare—think acoustic guitarists crooning vintage soul, or heartfelt renditions of pop ballads that stop people in their tracks. If you’re lucky, you might hear a spontaneous duet, or a whole crowd softly singing along. Whether you’re with someone or solo, it feels romantic in that timeless London way.

20. Take in the Architecture of the Market Building

Before you leave, look up. The Covent Garden Market Building, with its soaring iron and glass canopy and stately Georgian details, is an architectural beauty. Completed in 1830, it’s full of history and elegance. Wander around the interior walkways, look at the ornate lamps, and admire how the whole space blends tradition and vibrancy in the most London way possible.

Covent Garden is one of those rare places that blends atmosphere, elegance, and everyday magic. You can spend an afternoon exploring its markets, sipping coffee to the sound of live music, or simply soaking up the charm of its historic streets. Each visit offers something a little different—something to taste, see, hear, or remember. Make space for it in your next London day out, and let yourself be surprised. We leave you with another photo of the historic Covent Garden Market Building, the start of our journey of exploration, not far from Covent Garden Tube Station and Location Map.