Covent Garden, situated in the West End, is the absolute definition of must-see London. Centred around its historic, car-free/pedestrianised Italian (or neoclassical) -style Piazza, the area is bursting with high-end retailers, an incredible range of places to eat, and a wide selection of hotels all just a stone’s throw away from some of London’s most popular attractions.
With all the beautiful buildings and scenic flower-strewn benches perfect for your next profile photo, you’ll be spoilt for choice for holiday snaps. And once you’ve explored all the nooks and crannies, there’s far more to see in nearby streets around Seven Dials, New Row and Long Acre/Floral Street. When planning your trip, it’s worth checking on adjusted opening times due to COVID-19. Here’s a round-up of Hotels.com’s most loved places in the area.
- 1
Covent Garden Piazza
Visit open-air cafes, pubs, and shops
- Families
- Food
- Photo
- Shoppers
The Covent Garden Piazza may date back hundreds of years, but it still reigns supreme among London’s tourist hotspots, and for one reason only- it truly has everything. Whether you want to indulge your sweet tooth at high-end macaroon maestros Laduree, get lost in the wonderful world of Finnish illustrator Tove Jansson at the Moomin shop, or admire some of the beautiful creations at the many fashion boutiques, this place has it covered. When you’ve finished taking it all in all, sit back and enjoy a meal or a coffee at one of the square’s many cafes and restaurants.
Map - 2
The Apple Market
Shop handmade goods, antiques, and clothing
- Couples
- Families
- Shoppers
This market’s charming name comes from its history: it was once a world-famous fruit and vegetable market. Today, it continues to support local traders, offering a special selection of hand-made goods. You can buy everything from handmade jewellery, to watercolour paintings, to one-off antiques. It’s the perfect spot to take the family with a guarantee that there will be a stall that interests everyone.
As recommended by Natalie at Discoveries of Self. If you’d like to read more about her trip, read her EXPLORE WITH ME: Covent Garden post.
Location: 21 The Market Building, London WC2E 8RD, United Kingdom
Map - 3
Coffee Stop at Black Penny
Stand-out independent coffee shop
- Couples
- Food
- Single
In a sea of chain cafes in the Covent Garden area, one independent coffee shop stands far above the rest. Black Penny, named for the 17th century English coffee houses known as Penny Universities, not only serves up one mean coffee, tea, juice, wine or beer, but it also boasts some of the best breakfast and lunch options in town. Despite its ever-growing popularity, its cafe/bar and dining room still remain walk-in only with bookings only allowed for its private dining area.
Location: 34 Great Queen St, Holborn, London WC2B 5AA
Phone: +44 (0)20 7242 2580
Map - 4
Masala Zone
- Couples
- Families
- Food
Masala Zone has restaurants across London, and holds a reputation for serving some of the best Indian food in the city. The Covent Garden location is stylishly designed, with sleek chandeliers and intricate gold detailing that decks the bars and tables. Masala Zone ships all its top-quality spices from India, and they keep their unique recipes tightly guarded. In terms of food, there’s something for everyone, with menus ranging from light snacks to dinner.
As recommended by: Annie at Musings of a Makeup Junkie. For a first-hand account on her visit read her Covent Garden During Christmas post.
Location: 48 Floral St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DA
Phone: +44 020 7379 0101
Map - 5
The Tintin Shop
- Couples
- Families
- Shoppers
- Single
Hidden away on a Covent Garden side street, the Tintin Shop is a must-visit destination for fans of Belgium’s most famous bequiffed fictional reporter and his adorable canine sidekick. Despite its small size, this little outpost packs a mighty punch with a remarkable amount of books, posters, and all manner of gifts crammed onto its shelves.
Location: 34 Floral St, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DJ
Phone: +44 (0)20 7836 1131
Map - 6
Cecil Court
- Couples
- Families
- History
- Photo
- Shoppers
- Single
Named after Robert Cecil and dating back to the 17th century, this quaint, historic street was actually the inspiration for a certain Diagon Alley in a famous series of books and films concerning a school-boy wizard, but that’s missing the point. The real charm of this hidden spot is the vast archive of antique maps, first edition books and rare coins found across its independent stores.
Location: Cecil Ct, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4EZ
Map - 7
The Alchemist
- Couples
- Luxury
- Nightlife
- Photo
This famous London bar describes itself as ‘home to masters in the dark arts of molecular mixology,’ and the cocktails don’t disappoint. Creatively designed and served, The Alchemist’s menu captures the spirit of the Covent Garden theatres whose reopenings have sadly not been announced yet. If you want to catch some drama, this is the bar to visit.
As recommended by Natasha Colyer at Seen in the City. For details of her visit, read her 5 Reasons Covent Garden is one of our favourite spots in the city post.
Location: 63-66 St Martin's Ln, Covent Garden, London WC2N 4JS
Phone: +44 020 7240 2002
Map - 8
Freemasons’ Hall
- Budget
- Couples
- Families
- History
- Photo
Dating back to the 1930s, this stunning Art Deco-style stone structure is the historical Masonic headquarters and meeting place. Not just focused on the past, the building has been known to host several major fashion events, including London Fashion Week. It’s also a prominent filming location for TV shows and films. Although the opening of the museum and library are not yet confirmed, merely looking at this beautiful building will be enough to satisfy your sight-seeing appetite!
Location: 60 Great Queen St, Holborn, London WC2B 5AZ
Map - Couples
- Food
- Luxury
- Nightlife
Read moreOffering a rest after a day of exploring, the LSQ Rooftop bar at 4-star Hotel Indigo treats guests to incredible views of London. The venue draws inspiration from nearby Chinatown, and is decorated with luxurious details. If it’s a drink you’re after, an extensive menu of cocktails and wines awaits your choosing. If you’re hungry after a busy day of exploring, LSQ serves delectable food - there’s an A la Carte menu and bar snack options. Ending your day watching the sunset from up here is guaranteed to take your breath away!
As recommended by: Sally at Life Loving. For a first-hand account on her visit, read her Top Things to Do in Covent Garden post.
Location: 1 Leicester Square, West End, London WC2H 7NA
Phone: +44 020 3953 4222
Map
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