Covent Garden

A bit of history

In the 1630s the Earl of Bedford had Inigo Jones lay out what is often called London's first square, with St Paul's Church, built in 1630 and now known as the Actors' Church, on its west side. Fruit and vegetable stalls appeared from 1654, and Charles Fowler's neo-classical Market Building followed in 1828. The wholesale market moved to Nine Elms in 1974, and the halls reopened as shops and restaurants in 1980.

What to do

The Apple Market inside the Market Building sells British handmade crafts from Tuesday to Sunday and antiques and collectables on Mondays, and the East Colonnade Market has more stalls. Performers audition for their pitches: variety and circus acts in the North Hall, opera and classical musicians in the South Hall, with more on the West Piazza. The Royal Opera House sits on the north-east corner, and the London Transport Museum is next to the market.

Practical tips

The cobbles are historic and uneven; the smoothest step-free route into the Market Building is from Russell Street or the bottom of James Street. Covent Garden station is very close but has lifts rather than easy stairs, so at busy times Leicester Square is a better choice. Dogs are welcome in the Piazza.

Highlights

• Inigo Jones's 1630s piazza
• Charles Fowler's 1828 Market Building
• Apple Market crafts and Monday antiques
• Street performers and opera singers
• St Paul's, the Actors' Church

Good to know

• The Piazza and Market Building are public and free to enter at any time.
• Covent Garden station has 193 steps; use the lifts or Leicester Square at peak times.
• Toilets in the Market Building cost £1.50; those beside St Paul's Church are cheaper.
• Dogs may walk through the Piazza, but individual shops set their own rules.

Frequently asked questions