Covent Garden is one of London’s most well known areas. It is often on every tourists to do list when visiting London and we can totally see why. Covent Garden has a lot to offer from restaurants and bars to history and culture and it is also home to several London theatres including the Lyceum, where the Lion King is performed. Whether you are visiting Covent Garden for a civilised dinner, a night at the theatre or you plan on dancing the night away Covent Garden is the place to be.
If you want to be in the heart of the city during your stay then we would definitely recommend staying in Covent Garden as there are plenty of hotels on offer.
There are so many hidden gems both in Covent Garden and it’s surrounding neighbourhoods. If there is one tip we could give you when exploring London it would be to walk and wonder everywhere. Don’t waste your time on the tube places are far closer than you think! Oh and don’t stick to the main roads go down the side roads that are off the beaten track because that is there that you will stumble across all the quirky and independent places!
Below are some of our favourite places in and around Covent Garden that would make the perfect day out for you and a friend!
Another Space
If you are fitness fanatics like us that like to try out the local fitness scene in whatever city we visit then why not kick start your day at this boutique gym. Another space is located in soho just a few minutes walk from the centre of Covent Garden. Give spinning or boxing a go and it will certainly leave you feeling ready for the day ahead!
Coffee & Brunch
There are coffee shops on every corner you turn in Covent Garden (or just London I fact)!
Ladurée– A must visit if you are a macaroon lover as they are known for their macaroons. Enjoy a macaroon and an English breakfast tea or coffee in their outside seating area.
The Ivy Market Grill- sitting outside on the terrace overlooking Covent Garden Square is a must! They have an all day menu and also a brunch menu so it would be perfect anytime of day.
By CHLOE- One of the coolest vegan restaurants around has recently opened in Covent Garden serving incredible vegan comfort food YUM!
Dishoom- We would advise arriving earlier than you plan on eating to avoid disappoint as it is likely you will have to que for a table, but don’t worry they hand out free coffee in the que whilst you wait! The brunch menu is served daily until 11:45!
Apple market
Apple Market was once home to a well known fruit and veg market. Although it no longer sells fruit and veg they still continue to support market traders selling a range of unique products (on Mondays the market is dedicated to antiques). The market is open form 10-6.
Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House is renowned for its outstanding performances of traditional opera. Some of the world most well known opera singers have performed at the Royal Opera House. If you are a fan of the ballet then we would definitely recommend this show.
Street performers
Why not stop and watch some of the street performers in Covent Garden for a chilled after in the Square. You could even go to the Punch and Judy bar and watch whilst enjoying a beverage. Street performers at Covent Garden have to go through auditions in order to perform so they sure do have talent!
Shops
There are so many shops to visit in Covent Garden, some are chains and some are independents so you’ll certainly find some nice goodies. The shops are really quaint so the perfect place to pick up a present for someone.
Dinner
Balthazar- is a US chain that only recently made its way across the pond and to London. The restaurant is in the heart of Covent Garden so the perfect location for some food. Despite being a US restaurant this place is vey French/Parisian with Paris style decor and delicious French food.
The menu is simple but elegant, a variety of starters including selection of artisan bread (which we ordered) and pate de campagne. To drink we went for a cote de Provence (our favourite)!
There is also the dish of the day ranging from duck pie to coq au vin (which was delicious!). Annie went for the fillet of salmon with warm lentil, spinach and walnut salad.
The staff are very friendly and attentive too, which is something we really appreciate.
Theatre
There are plenty of box offices in Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square so if you haven’t pre booked theatre tickets then pop along and choose the show you want to watch! There are so many AMAZING shows! Some we can recommend are: Lion King, Kinky Boots, play that goes wrong, Mamma Mia, Matilda & 42nd Street.
Dessert
In recent years so many dessert places have opened up in London (its incredible). Some people just go out for dessert instead of dinner!
Milk train– this place is loved by all instagrammers as it’s a dream place for a picture. Their signature is ice cream with candy floss around the edge. You pick a cone, a flavour of soft serve ice cream, toppings and then candy floss. It sure does make for a pretty epic picture, and tastes good too!
Bubble wrap– nestled in the heart of china town this place is very popular and quite often there are queues out the door. Despite not being in Covent Garden it is only a short walk away and gives you the opportunity to explore China Town too. The bubble wrap cone is pretty cool and you can watch the staff make them. You pick your flavour ice cream, your topping and your sauce and hey presto your first bubblewrap ice cream!
Yorica – closer to China Town/Soho Yorica serves dairy free frozen yoghurt and ice cream with all the toppings. For those with an allergy but a sweet tooth we highly recommend this place for dessert.
We had such a fab day out exploring Covent Garden and it’s surrounding neighbourhoods. Our spending money was kindly gifted by Hotels.com but all views are our own.
