Looking for the most charming streets in Covent Garden? Look no further! Here’s my personalized guide to walking the area and all the top streets to see. Enjoy!
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There’s nothing I love more than wandering London’s streets. From catching the latest street art in Shoreditch to pursuing around Central, London is always best seen by foot.
Which is why when I decided to roam around Covent Garden, I had to share it with you! Without further ado here’s a charming walk in Covent Garden covering all the streets to see, and of course, pictures to take. But first, a history lesson.
History of Covent Garden
An old vegetable garden for the monks of Westminster Abbey Covent Garden’s humble beginning was cut short when King Henry VIII seized the land in 1552. The King commissioned Royal Architect Inigo Jones to transform the area in 1656 from a family estate to a town square, and the rest was history.
The bustling fruit and vegetable market then resembled something of an old English movie. That is until its growing commercial area started to draw in a nightlife scene, two theaters…and a swarm of London residents to follow.
Fast-forward to present day and Covent Garden has inevidetably become a hub for tourists, shoppers and Londoners alike.
Why Visit Covent Garden
Covent Garden is the kind of place that reminds you of why you came to London. From tucking into the colorful hidden shops of Neal’s Yard to taking in the street artists on the cobbled square there’s a certain magic to the area you just can’t find anywhere else.
Top Streets to See in Covent Garden
Here are all the top streets to see for your time in Covent Garden. Of course, the whole area is stunning, so feel free to use this map as a guide or simply let your feet lead you.
Floral Street & Floral Court
Once you exit the station a slight right will lead you to a mini floral haven, otherwise known as Floral street and Floral Court. Once you’re here you can walk along the cobbled roads, peruse the storefronts, and take a stroll through the infamous light installation tunnel.
A dip into Floral Court will also lead you to Petersham Nursery — a lifestyle shop, plant haven, and a charming restaurant all in one.
James Street
Outside of the Main Piazza, you’ll find lots of the main action on James Street. I’ll admit, the boutiques and high-end shops may make your wallet cry a little, but you can quickly soothe it with the sound of sweet musicians.
You’d be hard-pressed to not find a street performer singing their heart out somewhere on James street. And there’s nothing more Londoner than gathering around on cobbled streets for an impromptu show — at least in Covent Garden.
Main Piazza
The Main Piazza is the center of it all, and quite hard to miss. A short stroll around will lead you from the hand-crafted goods of Jubilee Market to charming Christmas shops, seasonal displays, delicious food — and more street performers of course. Making it all too easy to waste the day on these streets alone.
Kings Street
Before I moved to London, I thought all of London looked like King’s street. I quickly learned that wasn’t the case, but it’s still a great way to pretend.
Where high-fashion meets lifestyle this Covent Garden street is dotted with shops, upscale restaurants, and cafes that scream treat yourself (and I did).
St.Paul’s Church
A wander left on King’s street will lead you straight to St. Paul’s Church. A small courtyard nestled in Covent Garden, it’s not the kind of place you’d find unless you looked for it — but follow the intrigue.
St.Paul’s is an active church so you can pop inside or like me, appreciate the scenery along the benches (open to the public).
Henrietta Street
The crème de la crème of Covent Garden Henrietta street is home to many a artist and publishing companies to match. A working street filled with leisure you’ll mostly catch locals on their lunch break chatting away at Cora Pearl or the Henrietta Hotel.
Maiden Lane & Bull Inn Court
A jaunt off the Main Piazza and one of the most charming streets in Covent Garden. Between the French-inspired cafes, London’s first sake bar, and oldest restaurants this street is a must-see. If the Covent Garden charm hasn’t hit you yet, you can duck into Bull Inn’s Court and take in a secret pint at Nell Gwynne.
Neal’s Yard at Seven Dials
Saving the best street for last with Neal’s Yard. Part of Seven Dials (a round junction breaking into nearly 90 shops) it’s a Covent Garden favorite. You can take in a day of lazy window shopping, up your skincare routine at Neal’s Home Remedies, or grab a bite at Wild Food Cafe.
Bonus
Although the streets themselves don’t have too much to see, the Royal Opera House on Bow St. and the dancing ballerina on Broad Ct. are both very worthy pitstops.
Happy Wandering,
