
Covent Garden Market
A bustling London market with artisan crafts, diverse food, street performers, and colorful hidden gems like Neal's Yard.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing

Covent Garden Market
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling London market with artisan crafts, diverse food, street performers, and colorful hidden gems like Neal's Yard.
"A vibrant hub with artisan crafts, diverse food, and captivating street performers."

🎯 Explore Beyond the Main Market
Don't miss Neal's Yard for photos or unique shops like Choosing Keeping .
💰 Watch Out for Performers
Enjoy street performers, but be aware some may charge for photos .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Apple Market Treasures
Covent Garden Market Building
Discover unique antiques and handcrafted goods from local artisans. A true gem for unique finds!

Neal's Yard's Colorful Escape
Neal's Yard
A vibrant, hidden courtyard bursting with color. Perfect for Instagram-worthy photos and a delightful escape.

Street Performer Spectacle
Covent Garden Piazza
Be captivated by talented musicians, dancers, and magicians. A lively and entertaining part of the Covent Garden experience.

Artisan Food Stalls
Covent Garden Market
Indulge in diverse culinary delights, from fresh bakes to international flavors. A foodie's paradise!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Covent Garden's Charm
Market Delights & Hidden Gems
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore Beyond the Main Market
Don't miss Neal's Yard for photos or unique shops like Choosing Keeping.
💰 Watch Out for Performers
Enjoy street performers, but be aware some may charge for photos.
🛍️ Support Local Artisans
Browse the Apple Market for unique crafts and antiques.
🍰 Sweet Treats Galore
Try the 'Maritozzo' at Dolce VyTA or bakes from El&N Deli.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore Beyond the Main Market
Don't miss Neal's Yard for photos or unique shops like Choosing Keeping.
💰 Watch Out for Performers
Enjoy street performers, but be aware some may charge for photos.
🛍️ Support Local Artisans
Browse the Apple Market for unique crafts and antiques.
🍰 Sweet Treats Galore
Try the 'Maritozzo' at Dolce VyTA or bakes from El&N Deli.
🕰️ Step Back to the 90s
Experience Bunga 90 for a retro 90s WWF-themed bar.
🎨 Get Creative with DIY
Make your own bag charm or phone case at DRM-LND.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Covent Garden Market is a lively hub with a diverse range of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Visitors praise the vibrant atmosphere, talented street performers, and the variety of unique artisan crafts and international food stalls. However, some find the market can feel less like a traditional farmers' market due to generic food vendors, and the strong smells from certain food stalls can be off-putting for some.
"Marketplace with shopping and eating.
During weekday you get 1 hour free parking and on weekend it is 2 hours. Just make sure you validate the parking ticket.
There is Thai food, South American food, American pub food, Korean food, Ukrainian perogies, Brazilian food, Chinese food, Bakery and Ice creams.
You can enjoy a cup of tea upstairs at the tea house.
Plenty of crafts and unique items to browse while you dine, shop and buy.
Food was great, ice cream was wonderful and smooth was excellent."
LACH
"This market was originally designed to support local farmers, but over time many stalls have been taken over by generic fast-food vendors, leaving little of the “farmers’ market” spirit behind. Still, it serves as a pleasant community space during our visit, several groups performed traditional Arabic dances in the outdoor courtyard, which created a lively atmosphere.
Inside, however, it was relatively empty. Parking can be confusing: despite mentions of a two hour free voucher, we were unable to find a way to use it. Fortunately, street parking is free on Sundays!"
Meysam Emily
"We visited the CONVENT GARDEN MARKET today before heading to lunch. There's some construction going on in front of the market, but the market remains open for local tourists. The market was enticing to the eyes with a variety of products, we visited the Plant store and bought a Bamboo Shoot which is right opposite the entrance of the Market. We also found a lot of scrumptious desserts in the Market. There was also a person hand crochetting characters like stuffed toys to the end of the market adjoining an uncle selling handmade clay ornaments made by his daughter. We bought toys and earrings from both the stores to support local businesses. I would definitely recommend the two stores if you're looking for something unique and a gifting experience. The bakery to the end next to NEW DELHI had a lot of interesting desserts. You should actually visit the place, it's amazingggg 🤩🤩🤩"
Francy Varghese
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Covent Garden is easily accessible via the London Underground. The nearest station is Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line). Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Lines) and Charing Cross (Northern, Bakerloo, and Southeastern) are also within walking distance. Many bus routes also serve the area.
Parking can be challenging and expensive in central London. While some reviews mention free parking vouchers for up to 2 hours on weekends, this can be confusing to use. Street parking is free on Sundays. It's generally recommended to use public transport.
Walking is the best way to experience Covent Garden. The main market building, piazza, and surrounding streets are best explored on foot. Consider a guided walking tour to discover hidden gems.
Absolutely! Neal's Yard is famous for its colorful buildings. The Covent Garden Piazza itself, with its performers and market stalls, offers great photo opportunities. Look out for temporary art installations too.
Yes, Covent Garden is an excellent destination for a day trip in London. You can easily spend several hours exploring the market, shops, street performers, and nearby attractions like the London Transport Museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Covent Garden Market and the surrounding piazza is free. You only pay for any purchases you make or if you choose to visit specific ticketed attractions within the area, such as the London Transport Museum.
The market stalls and shops generally open around 10 AM and close between 6 PM and 8 PM, with some restaurants and bars staying open later. The Apple Market stalls trade all year round. It's always a good idea to check specific vendor hours if you have a particular shop in mind.
Covent Garden hosts various events throughout the year, including seasonal markets like Christmas markets and a bi-weekly farmers' market. Keep an eye on their official website for event schedules.
While street performances are free to watch, you can book tickets for shows at the Royal Opera House, which is adjacent to Covent Garden. Some smaller theatre spaces might also be in the vicinity.
Neal's Yard is a public courtyard and has no entrance fee. You can freely wander through and take photos of its colorful facades.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Activities
Covent Garden offers a diverse range of shops, from high-street brands to independent boutiques. You'll find unique stationery at Choosing Keeping, vintage clothing, artisanal crafts in the Apple Market, and specialty stores like Whittard and Mariage Frères.
Enjoy the vibrant street performers, explore the colorful Neal's Yard, visit the London Transport Museum, try a DIY activity like making a bag charm, or step into the 90s at Bunga 90.
Yes! You can create your own bag charm or phone case, immerse yourself in a 90s theme at Bunga 90, or discover charming stationery at Choosing Keeping.
The Apple Market in the main Covent Garden Market Building is a prime spot for handcrafted treasures, including antiques and artisanal goods. You can also find crocheted flowers at Forever Florist.
Covent Garden has a growing vintage scene. Look out for shops like Check It Vintage, Vintage Threads LDN, Pop Boutique, Cow London, and Rokit Vintage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The market offers a wide array of food stalls with international cuisine, including Thai, South American, Korean, Ukrainian perogies, and Brazilian food. You can also find bakeries and ice cream shops. Hot Oven is recommended for burek, and New Delhi deli for soups.
Try the 'Maritozzo' at Dolce VyTA or explore the delicious desserts at the bakery near NEW DELHI. El&N Deli & Bakery is also a popular spot for fresh bakes.
Yes, the area surrounding the market has numerous restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining. NoMad Restaurant and Le Beaujolais are mentioned as dining options.
With the diverse range of international food stalls, you're likely to find vegetarian and vegan options. It's best to inquire at individual stalls about their specific offerings.
The atmosphere can be lively, especially with street performers in the piazza. Some indoor dining areas might be quieter, while others can be bustling. The smell of Indian food can be strong in some areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Neal's Yard is a must for its vibrant, colorful buildings. The Covent Garden Piazza with its performers and market stalls is also very picturesque. Look out for temporary art installations like the giant smiling clouds.
You can generally take photos of street performers, but be aware that some may expect a tip or payment for posing or for photos. It's polite to ask or observe others.
There are no general restrictions on photography in public areas of Covent Garden. However, always be respectful of private businesses and individuals.
Early mornings on weekdays offer softer light and fewer crowds. Evenings can be magical with the lights and performers, but can be more challenging for photography due to lower light conditions.
Explore the smaller courtyards like Neal's Yard, browse the unique items in the Apple Market, or look for quirky shops and street art scattered throughout the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for unique souvenir shops where kids might find fun trinkets. While the market can get busy, weekdays offer a more relaxed experience. Consider a visit to DRM-LND for a fun DIY activity where kids can create their own bag charms or phone cases.
💰 Budget Travelers
For affordable eats, explore the diverse food stalls in the market, where you can find meals and snacks at various price points. Opting for public transport over taxis will also save money. Consider visiting during off-peak hours on weekdays to avoid the highest prices for any potential purchases.
couples
Enjoy a delightful meal at one of the many restaurants or sample treats from the food stalls. For a unique evening, consider the 90s-themed Bunga 90 for a fun and retro experience. The colorful charm of Neal's Yard also provides a picturesque backdrop for memorable photos together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Neal's Yard
While it's a relatively small area, Neal's Yard is packed with independent shops and cafes, adding to its unique charm. It's a testament to how creative urban spaces can be, offering a burst of color and positivity. Many visitors find it to be one of the most memorable and picturesque spots in Covent Garden.
Covent Garden's Artisan and Vintage Scene
Beyond the Apple Market, the area boasts a growing vintage clothing scene. Shops like Check It Vintage, Rokit Vintage, and Cow London offer a curated selection of pre-loved fashion. For those who appreciate the finer details, Choosing Keeping is a must-visit stationery store filled with beautifully crafted notebooks and paper goods. These spots highlight Covent Garden's commitment to independent businesses and unique retail experiences.
Culinary Adventures in Covent Garden
Popular recommendations include the burek from Hot Oven and the soups from New Delhi deli. For those with a sweet tooth, the 'Maritozzo' at Dolce VyTA is a must-try, and El&N Deli & Bakery is renowned for its fresh bakes. While the market offers a vibrant food scene, some visitors note that the smell of certain cuisines, like Indian food, can be quite strong and may overpower other aromas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit