Covent Garden is one of those places I hold special. Sure, I’ve been to London a million times but Covent Garden was always the place I’d head to as a kid on my birthday. We’d usually have a day out mooching the shops, I’d hastily spend all of my birthday cash and then catch a show in the evening. It’s a tourist hotspot but not to be cast aside because of that. Packed with pubs, restaurants, boutiques and entertainment, you’re always guaranteed to have a great time in this part of London.
There are also tonnes of amazing hotels near Covent Garden, including the gorgeous 5 Star St Martins Lane. I stayed here back in January, check out that post here if you fancy reading more. I’d highly recommend it for your stay in Covent Garden, it’s so central and not to mention a pretty fabulous hotel. Think minimalist rooms, bright open spaces, oh and a Speakeasy bar you’ll want to pay a visit to.
I’ve rounded up my favourite spots and things to do in collaboration with Hotels.com!
Get Lost In This Travel Bookshop
I love books and I love travel, could this shop BE anymore perfect? I usually lose an hour inside Stanfords, gazing at all the beautiful books, gifts and globes! Jam-Packed with travel guides, if you’re heading off on your travels anytime soon I’d recommend paying them a little visit. I know everything can be accessed online these days but I still love buying a physical copy of a guidebook. Charlie and I have quite the collection which we’ll be displaying in our home once our house renovation is complete.
Stop For A Pint
Covent Garden is bursting with pubs, you won’t have to look too far for a pint. The White Lion is super close to the station, but if you walk a little further then you can stop by my favourite, The Porterhouse. You might struggle to get a seat right away but it’s a great pub split over 12 (yes, 12!) different levels. Try not to get too tipsy, you might forget where you were sitting…
Shop til You Drop
Covent Garden is super for shopping! Whether you’re after well known names, high street favourites, boutiques or designer brands. My favourite COS store is located on Long Acre, which is also home to other shops including Jigsaw, Levi’s and Stanfords. As well as the favourites you’ll also find an array of boutiques in the Covent Garden market building as well as tonnes of interesting stalls selling art, jewellery, records and more. Whenever I head to Covent Garden I always pay a visit to Kikki.K, The Ordinary and Diptyque!
Fun fact: I used to drag my mum and brother to Neals Yard every birthday so I could buy myself something from the Paul Frank store. It was my favourite.
Stop For Burgers At By Chloe
Because let’s face it, shopping is thirsty work! New York favourite By Chloe finally made its way over the pond and into Covent Garden, hoorah. The menu is 100% vegan and includes hearty favourites such as mac & cheese, nachos, burgers, fries and cakes. If you’re trying to be a little healthier than that then I’m sure their extensive salad options will do the trick. I went for the classic burger and it was A-MAZING.
Grab An Insta Shot
I feel like Covent Garden was made for Instagram in mind! There are tonnes of Insta-Friendly locations including the swinging benches which are usually adorned with season appropriate flowers.
Catch A Theatre Show
You’re in theatre land after all! My favourite West End show of all time has to be The Lion King! It’s such a fun show and truly breathtaking. If musicals aren’t your thing, then I’d recommend The Woman In Black. It’s anything but glitz and glam, it’s eerie, spooky and a must-watch for horror fans. You can get some great deals around Covent Garden for tickets, so don’t worry if you haven’t booked in advance.
What are your favourite things to do in Covent Garden? Have you spent much time in Covent Garden?
