'A Century of Becoming'
Look up in Central Avenue for Pauline Loctin’s suspended paper artwork inspired by a century of ballet.
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Explore Covent Garden
Happening now
What’s on in Covent Garden
Current installations and exhibitions worth adding to your visit, checked for August 2026.
Ballet in Bloom
A floral ballerina rises from layers of summer planting beside the VyTA entrance.
Event detailsMarilyn Monroe: A Portrait
Photography, art, clothes and scripts explore Monroe’s image, influence and creative agency.
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Welcome
Four centuries of London in one square
Covent Garden began as a convent garden, became the city's fruit and vegetable market, and is now one of London's most-visited quarters. The 19th-century Market Building still anchors the Piazza, and the streets around it — Floral Street, Long Acre, Neal's Yard, Seven Dials — each have their own character.
Designer fashion, artisan crafts, pre-theatre dining, or simply somewhere to stand and watch a street show for half an hour: it works for all of it, and costs nothing to walk into.
- 300+Shops & boutiques
- 17Streets to explore
- 100+Restaurants & bars
- 400+Years of history
Theatreland on the doorstep
West End shows from Covent Garden
Choose a long-running favourite, a family spectacular or a musical night out—all within easy reach of the Piazza.
Visitor information
Getting here and getting around
Location, directions, market opening times and what you'll find on each street.
Covent Garden location
Covent Garden sits in the heart of London's West End, bordered by the Strand to the south, Leicester Square to the west and Holborn to the north.
- Address: Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E
- 10 min walk from Piccadilly Circus
- 20 min walk from Buckingham Palace
- 5 min walk from Leicester Square
Covent Garden directions
Getting here is easy by Tube, train or bus. The area is in Zone 1 and well served by public transport.
- Covent Garden — Piccadilly line (lift access only)
- Leicester Square — Piccadilly & Northern lines (5 min walk)
- Holborn — Central & Piccadilly lines (10 min walk)
- Charing Cross — National Rail (5 min walk)
Tip: Covent Garden station has lifts only — at busy times, walk from Leicester Square instead.
Visitor opening guide
Closed · opens 10am today
The Piazza and Market Building are public spaces, free to explore day or night. Shops and market stalls keep their own trading hours.
- Mon–Sat: 10am – 8pm (some until 9pm)
- Sunday shops: around 11am – 6pm
- Apple Market: daily, usually 10am – 6pm
- Jubilee Market: hours and stall types vary by day
Times may vary on bank holidays and during the festive period.
Covent Garden shops
Over 300 shops, from global luxury names to independent boutiques, across 17 streets and the historic Piazza.
- Apple, Mulberry, Tiffany & Co., Tom Ford
- Charlotte Tilbury, Jo Malone, Aesop
- Paul Smith, Reformation, Cos, Reiss
- Stanfords, Benjamin Pollock's Toyshop
Things to do
From world-class theatre to colourful street performances, there is always something happening.
- Royal Opera House — ballet & opera
- London Transport Museum
- Neal's Yard — colourful hidden courtyard
- Seven Dials — historic sundial monument
- Street performers — daily in the Piazza
Explore the area
Covent Garden extends well beyond the Piazza into several distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own feel.
- The Piazza — historic market building & shops
- Seven Dials — indie boutiques & cafés
- Neal's Yard — health & wellness
- Floral Street — designer fashion
- Long Acre — high street & flagship stores
Find Covent Garden on the map
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Google Maps is held back until you ask for it, which keeps this page fast on mobile data.
Worth knowing
Insider tips
Three things that make the difference between a good visit and a crowded one.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings before midday are quietest for shopping and photos. Street performers hit their stride from lunchtime, and evenings fill with pre-theatre diners. Weekends are liveliest — arrive early to beat the crowds.
Raining? No problem
The Market Building, Apple Market and Jubilee Market are all under cover, so you can shop, eat and watch performers whatever the weather. The London Transport Museum is right on the Piazza too.
Free to enjoy
There's no entry fee for Covent Garden. The Piazza, market halls, street entertainment, Neal's Yard and Seven Dials are all free to explore — a genuinely cheap day out in Zone 1.
Quick answers
Covent Garden FAQs
The questions visitors ask us most. There are more on our full FAQ page.
Which tube station is best for Covent Garden?
Covent Garden station on the Piccadilly line is right on the doorstep, but it is lift-only and gets very busy. Leicester Square is a 5-minute walk and is often quicker at peak times. Holborn and Charing Cross are both within a 10-minute walk.
What are Covent Garden Market opening times?
The Piazza and Market Building are public spaces and can be explored day or night. Shops usually trade from 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and around 11am to 6pm on Sunday. Apple Market usually runs daily from 10am to 6pm; Jubilee Market hours and stall types vary by day. Check individual venues before travelling.
When do the street performers appear in Covent Garden?
Licensed street performers entertain in the Piazza daily, typically from around 10am until early evening, weather permitting. The West Piazza is the main pitch for the famous circle shows, while classical musicians often perform in the lower courtyard of the Market Building.
Is Covent Garden free to visit?
Yes. There is no entry fee for Covent Garden. The Piazza, the market halls, the street entertainment, Neal's Yard and Seven Dials are all free to explore, which makes it one of the better budget days out in central London.
Is Covent Garden good for families with children?
Yes. Street performers, the London Transport Museum, toy shops such as Benjamin Pollock's Toyshop and plenty of casual dining make it a strong family destination. The Piazza is pedestrianised, so children can explore away from traffic. See more things to do.
How long should I plan for a visit to Covent Garden?
Allow 2 to 3 hours to wander the market, catch a street show and browse the shops. Make it a half or full day if you are adding lunch, the London Transport Museum, Seven Dials and Neal's Yard, or an evening performance at the Royal Opera House or a West End theatre.
What is the best time of day to visit Covent Garden?
Weekday mornings before midday are the quietest for shopping and photographs. Street performers are in full swing from midday onwards, and evenings are busy with pre-theatre diners. Weekends are the liveliest, so arrive early to beat the crowds.
What is there to do in Covent Garden when it rains?
The historic Market Building, the Apple Market and Jubilee Market are all under cover, so you can shop, eat and watch performers whatever the weather. The London Transport Museum is on the Piazza itself, and the Royal Opera House is a short walk away.