The market halls, the Piazza, the street performers and 300 shops across 17 streets — all of it free to walk into, five minutes from Leicester Square.
Market Open now · until 8pm
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Welcome
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.
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Covent Garden sits in the middle of the West End, with dozens of theatres inside a ten-minute walk. Whether you want an iconic musical or a serious play, browse the latest ticket offers from just £12.80.
Secure your seatsVisitor information
Location, directions, market opening times and what you'll find on each street.
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.
Getting here is easy by Tube, train or bus. The area is in Zone 1 and well served by public transport.
Tip: Covent Garden station has lifts only — at busy times, walk from Leicester Square instead.
Open now · until 8pm
The historic Market Building and Piazza shops open daily, with street performers and markets running throughout the week.
Times may vary on bank holidays and during the festive period.
Over 300 shops, from global luxury names to independent boutiques, across 17 streets and the historic Piazza.
From world-class theatre to colourful street performances, there is always something happening.
Covent Garden extends well beyond the Piazza into several distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own feel.
Google Maps is held back until you ask for it, which keeps this page fast on mobile data.
Worth knowing
Three things that make the difference between a good visit and a crowded one.
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.
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.
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
The questions visitors ask us most. There are more on our full FAQ page.
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.
The Market Building and Piazza shops open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm, with some shops trading until 9pm, and Sunday from 12pm to 6pm. The Apple Market runs daily with antiques on Mondays, and Jubilee Market opens daily from 10:30am. Times can vary on bank holidays and over the festive period.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.