London › Covent Garden Hotels
By Santorini Dave
Covent Garden presents the quintessential London experience – historic architecture, world-class theatre, eclectic dining, and iconic street entertainment all woven into a walkable grid. Base yourself here, and you’ll see the best of the city’s cultural core within minutes. Enjoy mixing refined arts at the Royal Opera House with the daily spectacle of market buskers – this dynamic blend ensures every day feels both classic and fresh.
Covent Garden was established in the 17th century as a market for fruit and vegetables. Over time, it grew to become one of London’s most significant trading centers, attracting merchants and shoppers from around the globe. As the district became more prosperous, it evolved into a fashionable area with theaters, shops, and cafes during the 18th century but by the 20th century, the area had fallen into disrepair. In the 1970s it was revitalized and transformed into a shopping and entertainment destination. Today, Covent Garden is a popular neighborhood with a lively atmosphere and historic charm, and I think it’s the best area of London for first-time visitors.
- Best Hotels in Covent Garden
Covent Garden Hotel • Hotel phone: +44 20 7806 1000
ME London • Hotel phone: +44 20 3499 8651
NoMad London • Hotel phone: +44 20 390 61600
One Aldwych • Hotel phone: +44 20 7300 1000
The Resident Covent Garden • Hotel phone: +44 20 3146 1790
The Savoy • Hotel phone: +44 20 7836 4343 - Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels
The Fielding • Hotel phone: +44 20 7836 8305
hub Covent Garden • Hotel phone: +44 333 321 3104
Travelodge Covent Garden • Hotel phone: +44 87 1984 6245
Tips for Staying in Covent Garden
1. Embrace the Central Location
• Why It’s Great: Covent Garden sits in the heart of the West End, making it an unbeatable base for seeing top sights on foot. The Royal Opera House, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square – everything’s a short stroll away.
• Insider Tip: Start your day early to explore iconic spots before the midday tourist surge.
2. Covent Garden Market Buzz
• Why It’s Great: This historic covered market bustles with stalls selling crafts, jewelry, and artisanal goods. Street performers and live musicians add color all day long.
• Insider Tip: Sip a morning latte while watching the buskers near the Apple Market. It’s peak Covent Garden ambiance.
3. Pick the Perfect Hotel
• Why It’s Great: Covent Garden boasts a range of boutique and luxury stays, from NoMad London (set in a converted magistrates’ court) to the luxurious Savoy Hotel (my favorite hotel in London).
• Insider Tip: Book a spot with a rooftop or courtyard lounge – ideal for unwinding after a day in the city’s busiest district.
4. Royal Opera House Magic
• Why It’s Great: One of the world’s leading opera and ballet venues is on your doorstep. Snag tickets to a show or try a backstage tour if you’re an arts devotee.
• Insider Tip: If full-price tickets are steep, check for same-day “day seat” deals or partial-view seats – they’re more affordable and still let you experience the grandeur.
5. Theaterland at Your Fingertips
• Why It’s Great: Covent Garden is part of London’s famed theatre district, with musicals, dramas, and comedies a quick walk away on Shaftesbury Avenue or Drury Lane.
• Insider Tip: For popular shows, book in advance. If you’re flexible, last-minute deals at TKTS in Leicester Square can save you a bundle.
6. Dining: From Michelin to Street Eats
• Why It’s Great: You’ll never go hungry: pre-theatre specials, trendy fusion spots, and classic British fare abound. Don’t miss the hidden cafés tucked into Neal’s Yard.
• Insider Tip: Early dinner reservations (6 p.m.) let you beat crowds and still catch evening entertainment without rushing.
7. Shop the Surrounding Streets
• Why It’s Great: Covent Garden’s side streets are lined with top global brands, quirky boutiques, and designer pop-ups. Floral Street, Long Acre, and St Martin’s Lane are prime browsing territory.
• Insider Tip: Stroll on weekday mornings for calmer shops. Weekends can get jammed, especially in tourist high season.
8. Explore the Museums Nearby
• Why It’s Great: The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square are within a 10-minute walk. These are two of my favorite museums in London.
• Insider Tip: Both museums offer free entry to permanent collections – arrive early for thinner crowds or book a skip-the-line ticket online.
9. Make the Most of Transport Links
• Why It’s Great: Covent Garden Station (Piccadilly Line) is handy for Heathrow journeys. Leicester Square (Northern Line) and Charing Cross (Bakerloo and National Rail) are also minutes away.
• Insider Tip: Covent Garden Station’s lift-only access can mean queues. If it’s crowded, walk to Leicester Square station (just a few blocks) for a speedier trip.
10. Catch Street Performers
• Why It’s Great: Covent Garden’s street acts are a long-standing tradition – expect magicians, opera singers, and acrobats. It’s free entertainment that adds flair to a shopping break.
• Insider Tip: Late afternoon or early evening tends to draw the bigger crowds (and sometimes the best performers).
11. Utilize Pre-Theatre Menus
• Why It’s Great: Many Covent Garden restaurants offer set-price deals before showtime – an excellent way to dine upscale without blowing your budget.
• Insider Tip: Aim for a 5:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. slot to ensure a relaxed meal. Some spots provide a quick two-course special so you won’t miss curtain-up.
12. Covent Garden by Night
• Why It’s Great: After the shops close, Covent Garden transforms into a hub of cocktail bars, wine taverns, and live music haunts. Great for a post-theatre nightcap.
• Insider Tip: Look for lesser-known gastropubs on back streets – they often have quieter corners and real local flavor.
13. Seasonal Festivities
• Why It’s Great: Covent Garden goes big on holiday décor – Christmas lights, a giant tree, and seasonal pop-ups are dazzling. Summer sees open-air festivals in the piazza.
• Insider Tip: Arrive mid-morning for festive photos before the midday throng. Check local listings for any special events or street fairs.
14. Hidden Gems: Neal’s Yard & Seven Dials
• Why It’s Great: Just off Monmouth Street, Neal’s Yard’s colorful façades and organic eateries feel like a secret London oasis. Seven Dials has seven streets converging, each filled with indie shops and cozy cafés.
• Insider Tip: For top-notch coffee, hit Monmouth Coffee Company in Neal’s Yard. Early morning is best to avoid lines.
15. Pack Light (or Plan Porter Services)
• Why It’s Great: Covent Garden’s cobblestones and crowded pavements can be tricky with large suitcases.
• Insider Tip: Opt for a rolling carry-on or check if your hotel arranges luggage delivery from airports or train stations – some do, especially the upscale properties.
Covent Garden Transportation
There are several tube stations that are close to Covent Garden in London, including:
• Covent Garden Station – Located on the Piccadilly line, this station is located on the eastern edge of Covent Garden and is just a short walk from the main piazza.
• Leicester Square Station – Located on the Piccadilly and Northern lines, this station is just to the north of Covent Garden and is within walking distance of the district.
• Holborn Station – Located on the Central and Piccadilly lines, this station is situated just to the east of Covent Garden and is within easy walking distance.
• Charing Cross Station – Located on the Bakerloo and Northern lines, this station is just to the south of Covent Garden and is within walking distance.
• Tottenham Court Road Station – Located on the Central and Northern lines, this station is situated to the west of Covent Garden and is within walking distance.
About Santorini Dave