A local’s guide to the best things to do and hidden gems in Covent Garden, Central London – from museums to unique shops, restaurants and cafes!
What with its location close to Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, and its plethora of shops, museums and restaurants, Covent Garden is an area you just can’t miss when visiting London.
Lately, I’ve been finding myself ever more attracted to London’s hidden gems.
From Mayfair to Brick Lane and now Covent Garden, my goal is to share with you all the secret places you wouldn’t necessarily think of visiting.
At least, not when visiting London for the first time.
Covent Garden is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in London, a shopping hub and a perfect place to meet friends in London to grab a bite.
But from statues to secret gardens and underrated, unusual shops, you’ll find much more than meets the eye there.
So if you’re looking for secret things to do in Covent Garden, keep reading and you’ll find them all!
London’s Covent Garden: The Best Things to Do & Hidden Gems
What Is Covent Garden Famous For?
I worked at MAC Cosmetics in Covent Garden for a couple of months when I first moved to London, and while working in London is not the easiest on the mind, it’s a very formative way to learn about the culture.
Covent Garden, with its historically famous market dating back to the 17th century, played a crucial role in supplying fresh fruits and vegetables to Londoners.
Passing centuries saw the central area evolving into a cultural hub, namely with theaters such as the Royal Opera House (beautiful architecture there) and the Royal Drury Lane Theatre.
Covent Garden is also filled with restaurants and bakeries of all kinds – Muslim patrons, if you’re ever looking for halal restaurants in Covent Garden, just know you’ll be set there.
What Are The Best Things to Do in Covent Garden?
The Covent Garden Piazza is one of the must-see landmarks of London, and adjoining streets such as King Street and Henrietta Street provide a bit of that village feel we usually look for in areas such as Hampstead and Chiswick.
The Apple Market and Seven Dials Market nearby are still very much visited both by tourists and locals, and when you’re visiting London, you really can’t miss out on either – they’re some of the most famous markets in London.
You can also find lots of museums near Covent Garden, such as Somerset House, the London Transport Museum, and a bit farther near Tottenham Court Road, a favorite of mine: the British Museum.
If you’re only spending 24 hours in London, you can easily spend them all in Covent Garden.
For locals, if you’re ever looking for study cafes in Covent Garden and The Strand nearby, you’ll also find all you need with places like Soho Coffee Company, Grind, and chain cafes such as Starbucks and Caffè Nero.
Let’s not forget all the shops and, again, the cute bakeries scattered all around Covent Garden and Long Acre, all the way to Leicester Square.
There’s so much to do in the West End district – and with this guide, I’ll share with you all the hidden gems in Covent Garden I’ve gotten to know over the years!
Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden: St Martin’s Courtyard
Let’s start with a favorite of mine, St Martin’s Courtyard, right off Covent Garden. Located between Mercer Street and St Martin’s Lane, the courtyard offers the perfect photo opp.
You’ll find some of the best coffee shops in Covent Garden right in the heart of St Martin’s Courtyard as well as some unique shops like Stanfords and the Pineapple Studios shop.
Restaurants in St Martin’s Courtyard oscillate between uppity and affordable, perfect for a laidback romantic date – Miscusi, namely, is a great place to get Italian food in Covent Garden.
You can enter the courtyard from several places, but the illuminated pathway pictured above makes for one of the best places to take pictures in London.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in West London
Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden: Dancer Statue
The bronze statue of the ballet dancer located right across the Royal Opera House is another one of my favorite hidden gems in Covent Garden, and right behind it, you’ll find a row of multicolor phone booths.
Crafted by Enzo Plazzotta, an Italian-born sculptor who went on to work in London, the dancer statue has been decorating Broad Court since 1988.
There is some space to sit close to the bronze statue and lots of opportunities to take pictures nearby.
Perfect if you’d like to have a quick picnic before heading off to Covent Garden, The Strand, or make your away to another secret garden, Inner Temple Gardens closer to St Paul’s.
Read here my guide to the historic Temple area and its hidden gems, from Fountain Court to the secret poetic sundial in Elm Court, photogenic columns facing Temple Church and more.
Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden: Colorful Phone Booths
On Broad Street, near the Royal Opera House and right behind the dancer statue, you’ll find a full row of multicolor phone booths.
Where many tourists love finding the best red phone boxes in London to take pictures, I have strangely never been attracted to them as a photo spot.
However, when you find such a row of multicolor phone booths with LGBT+ flags, you only need a half-second to take out your camera and snap a shot.
The whole of Broad Street, actually, is another one of my favorite hidden gems in Covent Garden: it feels peaceful, clean, and boasts beautiful architecture.
Read: Leicester Square Sculpture Trail & Fun Statues
Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden: London Transport Museum
I told you at the beginning of this post that there are a few museums near Covent Garden, and one of them is located right on Covent Garden Piazza: the London Transport Museum.
The museum showcases the history and importance of London’s public transportation systems, from the London Underground to buses, trains and trams.
If you’re looking for things to do in London with kids, it’s one of the most kid-friendly places to visit because you won’t only find there explanations about the transportation systems, but also interactive collections.
Vintage vehicles, including old double-deckers are one of my favorite things to see in the London Transport Museum, and if you want to rest for a bit before heading to another museum or area of London, there’s also a cafe on-site.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in North London
Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden: Neal Street & Neal’s Yard
One of the most colorful places in London, Neal’s Yard is not that much of a hidden gem anymore – at least not to those who live in London or have visited the city a couple of times.
However, Neal Street is still very much one of Covent Garden’s secret spots.
Lined with shops boasting colorful storefronts, Neal Street offers a peaceful retreat while you’re shopping for jewelry and clothes – you’ll find there some really unique shops.
In any case, anyone looking to go shopping in London shouldn’t overlook Covent Garden; whether you’re in it for famous brands such as Chanel and Ladurée or properly English shops, that’s the place to go.
Neal’s Yard faces Seven Dials Market and can be accessed from Monmouth Street, a very pretty street which gives you a village feel as soon as you start treading it – and obviously, its colorful buildings make for the perfect photo spot!
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in South London
Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden: Jubilee Hall Market
While many people looking for markets in London would head to the Apple Market first, hidden right behind it is the Jubilee Hall Market.
You can find antiques and jewelry inside the Apple Market, but even more in the Jubilee Hall Market, lined with its street vendors and souvenir shops.
Fresh produce and specialty products are to be found there, but if you make it a destination of yours, make sure you pop by the artisanal and homemade goods.
If you ask me for the best things to buy in London, I have lots of ideas – but there’s, in my opinion, nothing but a handmade souvenir to bring back home and remind you of beautiful days in town.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Mayfair
Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden: St Paul’s Church (The Actor’s Church)
Now, now, for true hidden gems in Covent Garden, you’ve got St Paul’s Church, tucked away on a side of Covent Garden Piazza.
Dating back to the 17th century, the church was completed in 1633 and is also called Actor’s Church because of its Actors’ Memorial.
Let’s not forget that, after all, Covent Garden is located in the heart of the West End, traditionally a theater spot, and it just makes sense that we would find memorials and graveyards of once-famous actors.
The church is still a place of worship, and since you know I’m all about secret gardens and parks, make sure you take some time to rest in the beautifully-curated church garden as well.
Read: The Must Have Apps to Survive in London
Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden: Visit Stanfords Travel Bookshop
Later in this guide, I’ll tell you about some of my favorite shops in Covent Garden, real pieces of history and craft, but let’s still talk about Stanfords here.
Located on Mercer Walk, really close to St Martin’s Courtyard, Stanfords was established in 1853 and is one of the most famous travel and map shops in the world.
This is also one of the most beautiful bookshops in London, what with the hanging ballons and extensive collection of maps, globes and atlases decorating the shop.
Travelers, digital nomads, Stanfords is the shop to visit if you’re looking for any and all kinds of travel guides and and travel literature – but even if you’re not planning to go shopping, it is still a wonderful place to have on your bucket list.
Read: The Best Shopping Centers in London
Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden: Goodwin’s Court
Architecture lovers, I’m bringing you one of the most secret passageways in London with Goodwin’s Court – not to be mistaken for Cecil Court.
Located right in the heart of Covent Garden, Goodwin’s Court is a narrow alley filled with history, and known for its immaculate Georgian architecture.
Wrought-iron balconies and bow windows give the tiny street a charming look, and while most tourists will never get to experience Goodwin’s Court, it’s still one of the unmissable hidden gems in Covent Garden.
Read: The Best Cheap Clothing Shops in London
Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden: Hunterian Museum
In Lincoln’s Inn Fields, not too far from Covent Garden, you will find one of the most unusual museums of London, the Hunterian Museum.
Associated with the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the museum is named after John Hunter, an 18th-century surgeon and anatomist.
And there, folks, is where you’ll find an impressive collection of anatomical and pathological preparations, medical instruments and other specimens.
If you’re at least remotely interested in medicine and anatomy, this is another one of the best hidden gems in Covent Garden, and the fact that this is a completely free museum makes it even more exciting.
Read: The Prettiest Mews in London
Hidden Gem Shops in Covent Garden
Best Shops in Covent Garden: Penhaligon’s Perfume Shop
One of my favorite shops in Covent Garden will forever be Penhaligon’s – over the years, I’ve collected quite a few of the English perfume brand’s creations.
Covent Garden is very famous for its myriad of shops which range from Charlotte Tilbury to Deciem and MAC Cosmetics, but if you’re looking for proper British shops, Penhaligon’s is the way to go.
Ranging from elite floral perfumes to heavy oud-based fragrances, the brand is, in a word, incredible when it comes to making you feel like anything is possible.
Two of my favorite perfumes there are the Babylon perfume which I wear every chance I get, and Jasmine, which is part of the Portraits collection, and which, at the time of writing, I am still to treat myself to.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane
Best Shops in Covent Garden: Alice Through the Looking Glass Shop, Cecil Court
There are very few Alice in Wonderland places in London, but one you have to visit at least once is Alice Through The Looking Glass, a tiny bookshop located in Cecil Court.
Cecil Court is one of London’s secret passageways, not very frequented despite its closeness to Leicester Square and Charing Cross Road.
This small street is a perfect photo spot, but also a safe haven for bookworms – indeed, you’ll find many antique and rare bookshops on Cecil Court.
Alice Through The Looking Glass is one of these and provides insight on the Lewis Carroll-created universe, and there’s even a small part of the shop acting like a museum.
A magical place just a few minutes away from Covent Garden Piazza!
Best Shops in Covent Garden: TK Maxx, Long Acre
While we’re talking about hidden gems in Covent Garden today, I still thought I’d include a shop that is not a hidden gem at all, and that is TK Maxx on Long Acre.
Long Acre is lined with many different shops, from jewelry shops to makeup and independent clothing brands, and that’s a place I feel really good in because it’s clean and wide.
The TK Maxx candles are one of my favorite things to buy there, namely the:
- Sand and Fog candles
- Cheap Yankee Candles
- and DW Home candles
According to the season, you will find many different brands and fragrances there always at a very affordable price – and since TK Maxx is one of the only candle shops in London with huge candles, I say why not?
Discounted designer brands, bags, jewelry, skincare, makeup and different stationery brands make TK Maxx a must-visit shop when you’re in Covent Garden – trust me.
Read: Self-Walking Tour of Brick Lane’s Street Art
Best Shops in Covent Garden: Whittard of Chelsea Tea Shop
One of my favorite shops in Covent Garden was, is, and will forever be Whittard of Chelsea.
When I wrote about the best shops on Oxford Street, I already included Whittard of Chelsea in my guide, and really, if you’re looking for pure Britishness to bring back home, pop by the shop inside the Apple Market.
Funnily, while Whittard of Chelsea is one of the most famous tea shops in London, I go there for two things: the chocolate-covered coffee beans, and the hot chocolate preparations.
Yes, I know, there are many places to get a beautiful cup of hot chocolate in London.
Yet, the recipes formulated by Whittard of Chelsea, with fruit, white chocolate and other spices are absolutely incredible and make for the perfect Christmas gift as well.
Read: The Cutest Floral Cafes in London
Hidden Gem Food Spots in Covent Garden
Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden: Pizza Pilgrims
Many, many times, I shared my favorites places to get Neapolitan pizza in Central London; my favorite of all has got to be Pizza Pilgrims.
Pizza Pilgrims Covent Garden was actually the first restaurant I ever dined at when I first moved to London in 2019, five years after my first trip to the UK.
Is it really one of Covent Garden’s hidden gems? Well, given that it’s tucked away between King Street and Leicester Square, such is my feeling.
At Pizza Pilgrims, one thing you have to order is the truffle dip, perfect to finish the pizza crust you would probably not eat otherwise.
This place is also one of the only halal pizza spots in London, with halal pepperoni that I have tried and can vouch for.
If you’re looking for cheap eats in Central London, there are some places which can be a bit cheaper when it comes to pizza, but regarding the quality, you can never fault Pizza Pilgrims.
And just in case you ever want to try another delicious pizza spot, try Rossopomodoro, also in Covent Garden, and with many other branches around town.
Read: The Best Breakfast in Notting Hill
Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden: Rules, Maiden Lane
Established in 1798 by Thomas Rule, Rules Restaurant on Maiden Lane is one of the oldest restaurants in London.
A visit to Maiden Lane itself is one of my favorite things to do in Covent Garden, and what’s best to feel a proper British vibe than to enjoy traditional British food?
Notably, if you would like to taste a fine Sunday Roast, Rules is a place you have to visit.
Furthermore, and because you know I love maximalist restaurants, whoever loves dining at somewhat instagrammable places would do well to visit.
Surrounded by dozens of paintings and portraits, you will have the chance to eat at a very aesthetic restaurant where traditional pies, oysters and roast beefs will give you all the Britishness while in Covent Garden.
Read: The Best Free Rooftops in London
Best Places to Eat in Covent Garden: Buns from Home, Long Acre
Located on Long Acre, Buns from Home is another one of the best hidden gems in Covent Garden in that it’s still very much an underrated desserts shop.
Cinnamon buns lie at the core of the Buns from Home offer, which also has a branch in the historic Camden Passage in Islington, and the fluffiness of their rolls is enhanced by the crisp flavors of cinnamon and pure cream.
You’ve been able to find on this blog lots of cool bakeries, from French patisseries to gluten-free bakeries, and if you’re on a budget, Buns from Home is the way to go for just a simple snack.
Read: The Best Croissants in London
Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden: Mariage Frères for Afternoon Tea
Whoever is looking for the perfect place to have afternoon tea in Covent Garden should head over to Mariage Frères.
French-born Mariages Frères is not only a restaurant, but also one of London’s finest tea shops, and every bit of this place is likely to trigger your need to snap a few shots.
Mariage Frères is located on King Street, one of Covent Garden’s prettiest streets, a place where you’ll find many a cosmetics shop.
For instance, Glossier is located at the start of King Street, paving the way for high-end makeup stores such as Nars, with their incredible matte lipsticks and eyeshadow palettes.
If you’re looking for places to have a romantic date in London, though, start with a sophisticated afternoon tea at Mariage Frères, and you’ll understand the hype.
Read: The Best Macarons in London
Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden: Bageriet, Rose Street
There are few Scandinavian bakeries in London, but if I had to recommend only one, it would be Bageriet on Rose St.
You’ve actually been able to read a few bits and bobs about Bageriet here on The Working Line before, because it’s namely one of the cutest bakeries in London.
Rose Street, in which Bageriet is established, could be considered one of London’s villages, by the way, with cobbled streets and shimmering lights when the day comes to a close.
The shop is really tiny but loaded with incredible cinnamon buns, breads and pastries all more delicious than the previous one.
Bageriet is not only a hidden gem in Covent Garden, but also the whole of London, and my favorite thing to order there is a slice of the famous Princess Cake, a true-blue Swedish specialty.
Read: The Best Colorful Lattes in London
Best Hidden Gems in Covent Garden: The White Lion Pub
Let’s finish with one of the most beautiful pubs in London, The White Lion, which might not be that much of a hidden gem, since it’s hidden in plain sight.
Located on James Street, The White Lion has a history dating back to the early 18th century, around the time Covent Garden came to be the popular area it still is today.
You’ll be able to eat there traditional English pub grub, including, of course, delicious Sunday Roasts.
Wooden beams and bar stools, leather chairs, and a fireplace make The White Lion an even more inviting place when the weather is sadder in London.
And since Covent Garden is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in London, chances are you might want to stop by at some point during your trip.
Read: The Prettiest Christmas Shop Windows in London
London’s Covent Garden: The Best Things to Do & Hidden Gems
There you have them, all the best hidden gems in Covent Garden, Neal’s Yard and Long Acre, from shops to museums and restaurants!
Hopefully, if you’re looking for things to do in Covent Garden in just one day, you’ll have found here many ideas to fill in your bucket list.
If you’re staying in London for longer, though, check out all of Leicester Square’s hidden gems as well.
Or make your way to Embankment and London Bridge to discover even more of London’s quirkiness!