Covent Garden is a covered structure made up of numerous shops, restaurants and stalls, full of people and life at all hours of the day. However, the shops close in the evening around 7/8pm, so visiting earlier is recommended. It does not present any particular wonders from a structural point of view, but certainly, given the characteristic surroundings of the building, it is worth a visit. If I had to recommend a time, I would say that stopping for lunch is definitely one of the best times to fully enjoy the place.

Located just a few minutes walk away from Somerset House via the Kings College and world famous theatres of the West End and of course the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden is one of the liveliest areas of London boasting with restaurants, bars, pubs and shops. Its name dates back to the 12th century when it was then part of Westminster Abbey and named as the "Garden of the Abbey & Convent" or "Covent Garden" by the Abbot. After the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII, young King Edward VI commissioned some fine houses to attract wealthy tenants as an Italian style arcade square. But the area soon fell in disrepute when taverns, theatres, coffee houses and brothels opened up so much so so that by the 18th century it was known as the red light district of London. And in 1830 an act from the Parliament to control the area and create a market with a neo classical building by Charles Fowler hosting the Floral Market, the Charter Market and in 1904 the Jubilee Market. It remained London's main market until 1974 until the market itself was moved 3 miles away to Nine Elms because the traffic congestion at the time and Covent Garden became the tourist attraction that we know today with the famous Apple Market with its Arts & Crafts and the colourful Jubilee Market with its many food stalls and Artisan stands. The area is served by its own Covent Garden Tube station since 1907. The spectacular Christmas tree located in the West Piazza measures up to 60 feet tall or 18 meters high and is traditionally sourced at Woods Farm in the West Midlands. I will never forget the giant golden bells with red bows hanging from the ceiling.

When we arrived, it was packed! We managed to get the last table outside. Great place to people watch. One waitress was grumpy and snappy with us, but Dana went out of her way to help and made sure out drinks and food was delivered. I had the fish and chips, which was delicious. My husband had a pork belly thing, which he wolfed down, as he was quite hungry. The pork was a bit too fatty for me, but he didn't complain. All in all, the food is reasonably priced for central London and I would recommend the F&C. But the best part was Dana. Lovely lady, great laugh and excellent front of house staff member. I have worked in, and run a busy high street restaurant and she is perfect - I would employ her in a heart beat! She went the extra mile and even though she was clearly rushed off her feet, made us feel like we were her only concern. Professional, hard-working and a great sense of humour! Thank you DANA!

The street performers had us in stitches, and we couldn't resist popping into the quirky boutiques. Splurged on afternoon tea at a cute café and people-watched for hours. Perfect blend of shopping, entertainment, and ambiance for couples seeking London's vibrant pulse!

Covent Garden is one of London’s most iconic and vibrant neighborhoods, known for its rich history, unique atmosphere and exciting blend of culture, shopping and food experiences. Whether you’re looking for entertainment, fine meals, or just want to enjoy the lively atmosphere, Covent Garden is a place that has something for everyone. When you arrive at Covent Garden, you will be greeted by the impressive Piazzaen, a beautiful open space surrounded by historic buildings, street musicians and cafes. This square is known for its myriad of people and its cosmopolitan atmosphere, where both locals and tourists gather to experience the many street artists who perform here daily. The varied performances, from magicians to musicians, make Covent Garden a place full of life and energy. The Covent Garden Market itself is also a highlight. The historic building, once home to a fruit and vegetable market, is now home to a large selection of shops, stalls and dining venues. Here you can find everything from handmade jewelry and crafts to luxurious brands, making the shopping experience unique and diverse. It is also a great place to find special gifts or souvenirs that stand out from the usual. For food lovers, Covent Garden is a dream. The neighborhood offers a wide range of restaurants, from charming cafes to Michelin-starred dining. Here you will find everything from authentic Italian cuisine and modern British dishes to international street food. The restaurants and cafes along the piazza offer great terraces, perfect for enjoying a meal while watching the crowd around you. Covent Garden is also a cultural hub. Located here, the world-famous Royal Opera House attracts opera and ballet enthusiasts from all over the world. In addition, the area is crowded with theaters offering everything from classic plays to modern musical, making it an ideal venue for an evening of entertainment. The narrow streets surrounding Covent Garden also offer a wealth of exciting small shops, galleries and hidden treasures. This is where you will find the unique and unexpected experiences that give Covent Garden its special charm. No matter where you go, there is something new and interesting to discover. Despite its lively environment, Covent Garden manages to preserve a sense of intimacy and charm. It is a place that combines the best of London’s history with a modern and international feeling. Whether you're visiting London for the first time or a regular guest, Covent Garden is a must-miss destination. It’s a place that invites to exploration, enjoyment and a deeper experience of London’s many facets – all in one place.

On the way to a nearby restaurant we stopped off in Covent Garden on a cold, wet and windy January afternoon. The undercover areas of the market and the shops were as always buzzing with lots of tourists. The street performers were less in evidence due to the cold wet weather. We stayed for a while then moved on, worth a visit but so crowded.

This is one of the iconic place in London to visit. There is so much history; noise and activity - and is amazing especially when one considers how long ago it was established. Depending on time of day you go there could well be crowds - but it is absolutely worth the visit and you would regret not visiting. A ‘must do’ for visitors to London.

Former covered market has been beautifully restored and contains attractive restaurants and shops. In the Christmas period beautifully decorated. Cozy atmosphere. We found a nice performance by a street artist late at night, who attracted a lot of audience and excited. Highly recommended.

Covent Garden is always crowded with Londoners and tourists "engaged" in Shopping and pubs! In this area of London there are many shops, restaurants....theatres and entertainment venues. Always very characteristic decorations. You can get there by tube (Piccadilly Line) but also on foot from Piccadilly Circus.

Covent Garden Market is a must-visit in London! The atmosphere is always lively, with street performers, boutique shops, and a great mix of restaurants and cafes. Whether you're looking for unique gifts, designer brands, or delicious food, there's something for everyone. The historic architecture adds to the charm, and the market buzzes with energy day and night. Don’t forget to grab a coffee and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.