Generally, Covent Garden is an area that us Londoners tend to avoid – mostly due to the ungodly crowds it attracts. But it should really be recognised for it’s brilliantness! Believe it or not, there are some hidden (or not-so-hidden) gems in this neck of the woods, from restaurants and breweries to stand-up comedy and bottomless brunches. Here’s our rundown of 52 of the best things to do in Covent Garden:
Table Of Contents
Things to do in Covent Garden
1. Explore the beautiful Neal’s Yard
Tucked away down a tiny side street in Seven Dials is the colourful Neal’s Yard, one of London’s prettiest streets. It’s easy to miss, but it would be unfortunate if you did. Inside this little enclave, you can get everything from pizza to pedicures… and every business is committed to sustainable and ethical commercial practices.
2. Covent Garden Market
Explore the historic Covent Garden Market, now filled with shops, restaurants, and daily markets.
3. Piazza
Watch free street performances in the Piazza, featuring mime artists and contortionists.
4. London Transport Museum
Visit the London Transport Museum to marvel at historic vehicles and iconic posters.
5. Royal Opera House
Enjoy world-class opera and ballet performances at the Royal Opera House.
6. Infinity Chamber
Take a selfie in the Infinity Chamber, an installation made up of hundreds of LED lights.
7. St Martin-in-the-Fields Church
Attend a service or concert at St Martin-in-the-Fields Church.
8. Somerset House
Visit Somerset House for exhibitions and cultural events.
9. Trafalgar Square
Take a selfie with the lions at Trafalgar Square.
10. The National Gallery.
Admire all the art masterpieces at The National Gallery.
The best restaurants in Covent Garden
11. Giovanni’s of Covent Garden
A cozy Italian restaurant offering a simple yet classic menu of Italian favourites in a snug dining room down a Georgian alley.
12. Cicchetti by San Carlo
A chic Italian small-plate restaurant featuring a seasonal menu served in a sleek modern dining space with marble tables.
13. ROSSODISERA
A rustic Italian restaurant and delicatessen that highlights ingredients from Le Marche, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
14. Dishoom
A bustling Bombay-style café known for its delicious Indian street food and vintage decor.
15. Christopher’s
An upscale American steakhouse and martini bar known for its classic dishes and stylish high-ceilinged interiors.
16. Da Mario
An intimate, family-run Italian restaurant serving traditional dishes in a charming setting adorned with framed art and exposed bricks.
17. Hawksmoor Seven Dials
A renowned steakhouse offering carefully sourced cuts of beef and seafood in an elegant atmosphere.
18. Din Tai Fung
Famous for its exceptional xiao long bao (soup dumplings), this Taiwanese restaurant has gained a cult following for its delicious dumplings.
19. SUSHISAMBA
A lively rooftop restaurant that fuses Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines, providing a unique dining experience in the heart of Covent Garden.
20. Cora Pearl
A modern British small plates restaurant offering expertly crafted dishes with Parisian accents in an elegant setting.
21. Henri
A glamorous Parisian-inspired bistro offering bold dishes alongside an extensive French wine list and inventive cocktails.
22. Flat Iron
Known for its affordable yet high-quality steaks, this casual eatery focuses on simplicity and great flavour.
23. The Ivy Market Grill
A stylish brasserie serving classic British dishes with a contemporary twist in an elegant setting.
24. The Coal Shed
Specialising in grilled meats and seafood, this restaurant offers a warm atmosphere and hearty portions.
25. Barrafina Drury Lane
Renowned for its authentic Spanish tapas served at the counter, providing a lively dining experience.
26. The Oystermen Seafood Bar & Kitchen
A seafood lover’s paradise specialising in fresh oysters and sustainable fish dishes.
27. The Delaunay
An elegant European café offering all-day dining with classic dishes inspired by the grand cafés of Europe.
The best Covent Garden bars
28. Gordon’s Wine Bar
London’s oldest wine bar, established in 1890, offering a vast selection of wines in a atmospheric, historic setting.
29. Opium
A hidden 1920s Shanghai-inspired cocktail and dim sum parlour spread across three themed bars.
30. The American Bar at The Savoy
One of the world’s most prestigious cocktail bars, known for its innovative and classic drinks.
31. Mr Fogg’s Tavern
An eccentric, Victorian-themed bar perfect for adventurous spirits and unique cocktails.
32. Blame Gloria
A vibrant underground cocktail bar featuring happy hours and a popular Saturday brunch.
33. Eve Bar
A chic, intimate cocktail lounge serving imaginative drinks in a stylishly decorated hideaway.
34. The Porterhouse
A large Irish pub with gleaming copper pipes, imported draught beers, and a late-night basement music club.
35. CellarDoor
A unique underground bar offering craft beers and burlesque performances in a former public toilet.
36. Blind Spot
A hidden speakeasy-style bar perfect for those seeking a more secretive drinking experience
The best Covent Garden coffee shops
37. Grind
A trendy spot known for its signature Beetroot Latte and house-roasted coffee blend.
38. Abuelo
An Australian-meets-South-American coffee house serving ethically sourced, single-origin specialty coffees.
39. WatchHouse
A spacious cafe offering “modern coffee” with different beans for various drink types, expert latte art, and a solid food menu.
40. Monmouth Coffee Company
A cult favourite known for high-quality brews and beans, serving excellent coffee in their original Covent Garden location.
41. Drury 188-189
A funky hangout for craft coffee drinks, pastries, and creative cafe lunches.
42. Kiss the Hippo Coffee
A cozy coffee shop with great tea selection and reasonable prices.
43. The Black Penny
A cafe offering excellent coffee, reliable WiFi, and a stellar all-day breakfast menu.
44. Caravan Coffee Roasters at The Savoy
A wheelchair-accessible coffee shop with a casual atmosphere and great tea selection.
45. Blank Street Coffee
Part of a chain, good for takeaway and fabulous matcha options.
West End Musicals And Covent Garden Theatre Shows
46. Mamma Mia!, Novello Theatre
Since premiering in London’s West End over 23 years ago, this feel-good show has thrilled over 65 million people around the world. Get a hold of your tickets here.
📍You’ll find the Novello Theatre at Aldwych, London, WC2B 4LD.
47. The Choir of Man, Arts Theatre London
The Olivier-nominated, worldwide smash hit is returning to the West End! Welcome to The Choir of Man—the best night in your local you’ve ever had. It’s a party, it’s a concert, it’s a lock-in like no other. Get your tickets now for The Choir of Man in London here.
48. Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Aldwych Theatre
From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into the global Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner didn’t just break the rules, she rewrote them. Grab your tickets here.
49. The Lion King, Lyceum Theatre
There’s a reason this musical has been on the stage in London for eighteen years. Let’s be honest, you know most of the songs already, don’t you? Get your tickets with Fever and you’ll have Hakuna Matata!
50. Matilda the Musical, Cambridge Theatre
Inspired by the beloved book by the incomparable Roald Dahl, Matilda The Musical is the multi-award-winning musical brought to the stage by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Cop your tickets here.
51. Back to the Future: The Musical, Adelphi Theatre
You’ll follow the story of Marty McFly, who finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, who accidentally changes the course of history. Get your tickets here.
52. Les Misérables, Sondheim Theatre
Featuring all the iconic songs from the original score, including: ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, ‘On My Own’, ‘Bring Him Home’, ‘One Day More’, ‘Master Of The House’ and many, many more. Seen by over 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries and in 22 languages, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals. Grab your tickets here.
So there you have it – a rundown of the best things to do in Covent Garden. From fab restaurants to some of the best theatre shows in the world, there’s something for everyone here. We’ll see you there!
This article is co-written by Georgie Mortimer and Vaishnavi Pandey.