Top 5 Things to Do in London’s Covent Garden
London’s a big place, so when I say something is at the top of my list, that’s saying a lot. And the hip, trendy, bustling square called Covent Garden (map) is one of my personal favorites. Typical of many things in London, it is very busy, but I just love the unique vibe here – the square is one of a kind and you will not find anything like it elsewhere.
Here are a few highlights of what you’ll experience when you visit.
A busker performing in the square. That’s the main market hall behind the standing crowds.
Soak up the History
Despite all the tourist trappings, Covent Garden is actually a historic site in London – records of this place as a marketplace for commerce date back almost 2000 years! The Romans used the site as a market, and then in the 1200s the area was made into a huge public garden (hence the current name).
In the 1500s, the Bedford family built a massive estate nearby, and other aristocrats collaborated with the family to build out a gentrified area to provide London’s upper class with a common area. This plan went well, until the 18th century when the movers and shakes went on to find greener pastures, and Covent Garden became a thriving red light district.
In 1830 the main market hall was built in the location you see today; this was really the first permanent trading center in the area. Only in the last 50 years has the focus been more on tourism and retail, but you can still see traders here.
Eat and Be Merry
Oh, the food! It is just plain dangerous to come to Covent Garden hungry, because there’s so much good food you will easily overindulge. But do save some room to eat or at least snack; here are a couple of recommmmendations:
- Wagamama (map): Just off the main square, this is a Asian-fusion noodle house; it’s a chain you’ll find throughout Europe. Tables are huge long benches, and the menu is simple and super quick. It is kind of like Asian-inspired fast food, but it is all tasty and far more healthy.
- West Cornwall Pasty Company (map): If you’ve not had a pasty, now is the time to start. A pasty is essentially a small meat pie with various types of fillings, such as potatoes or veggies. They’re yummy and super hot, so perfect for a wet or chilly day.
- Chez Gerard (map): This is a large French restaurant overlooking the square. It is a beautiful venue, but I have to say the food at times is lacking. I would suggest coming here for a glass of wine and a snack.
Go Shopping
Covent Garden is a great place to go shopping as well. One of the larger Marks and Spencer (map), a classic British department stores, is here if you wanted to get your fix of UK fashion – though this is not my favorite M&S outlet. I far prefer the boutiques and other smaller venues that are on the side streets around the square, as well as the stalls and retailers in the main market hall itself. There are book stores, t-shirt shops, candy stores, and everything in between; some of them who have the smaller stalls in the center square rotate so you never know what you’ll find; also, be mindful of this if you are unsure about buying something, because you might not be able to go back the next day and pick it up.
Enjoy the Free Entertainment
One of the best parts of Covent Garden is free: the buskers! There are always a couple of folks working up their act, and they range from comedians and tomfoolery like the gentleman in chains pictured above, but there’s often singers, guitar players, and other musicians sharing their talent. If you hear something you like, see if they have a CD – and now some are selling cards which give you a URL and code to download the MP3s. Otherwise, do support the buskers with some change if you enjoy their act – it is encouragement for them to show up next time for the visitors who arrive after you.
Have a Beer
If you are needing a drink while you’re here, you’ll have no shortage of options. You may find yourself with a shortage of patience, though, as many pubs are filled to the brim with locals and tourists alike. Lowlander (map) might be one choice, a Belgian beer bar. Freemason’s Arms (map), Lamb and Flag (map) are also good options. In general, the further away from the main square you are, the less busy it will be.
If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, why not check out the brand spanking new Adventure Bar (map) that just opened up on Bedford Street. It’s getting rave reviews so far.
Getting There
Covent Garden is pretty easy to get to – it has its own tube stop on the Piccadilly line. This is quite a busy stop, and during popular events even the transit authority suggests you get off at Leicester Square and walk over – which I actually suggest as well especially if you are having to go to Leicester to switch to the Piccadilly. The walk is nice as you get to see all the theaters and some shops which run all the way from Leicester Square to Covent Garden.
Photo Credit: apdk
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