Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a shopping and entertainment center located between High Holborn, StrandandCharing Cross Roadin EastWestminster. In addition to the entrance to the Royal Opera House, there are outdoor cafes, restaurants, stylish shops and, most importantly, a market complex that has been in operation since the 17th century.
The large open space of Covent Garden was designed by Renaissance architect Inigo Jones and first served as a fruit and vegetable market. Today it is possible to buy unique items that are not available elsewhere. In the Apple Convent Garden, handmade jewelry, soaps, watercolors, prints and other collectibles are sold. Since the 18th century, it has been allowed to perform street performances and has still been a meeting place for artists who come down to Covent Garden from all over the world. Various cultural events are held here on a regular basis. More info at the official website.
Useful information for visitors
Public transport connections
The nearest public transport stop at Covent Garden is:
- underground station Covent Garden (the nearest underground station)
- underground station Holborn (10 minutes by walk)
- underground station Embankment (10 minutes by walk)
- train station Charing Cross
Opening hours and admission
Up-to-date information on opening hours to Covent Garden is available on the official website. Admission is free.
Interesting facts about Covent Garden
The original Covent Garden – the marketplace – was moved to an area called New Covent Garden Market in Nine Elms in 1973. The place was no longer suitable mainly due to the increasing traffic of trucks supplying the marketplace. In 1980, the main building was reopened as a shopping center and tourist attraction. Currently, Covent Garden is visited annually by up to 30 million tourists. In the area of Long Acre, there are mainly clothing stores and boutiques while shoe stores are situated along Neal Street. London Transport Museum is located at Piazza square. In 2005, there was an equivalent of the Hollywood Walk of Fame installed in Covent Garden – the Street of Stars, leading from the St Paul’s Church. Many scenes of famous films were filmed in Covent Garden, amongst others My Fair Lady.