Covent Garden
Situated on the eastern edge of theatreland in Londons 'west end', Covent Garden was a very popular fruit and veg market for almost 400 years until congestion issues saw it move 3 miles south-west in the 1970's. The original site is now a lovely shopping and tourist destination with boutique stores, cafes, pubs and a craft market as well as a traditional market all within the main square both inside and outside the old covered buildings.
In surrounding streets at the north end of the complex you'll find independent shops and traders, the south end is where the central square plays host to performers, street entertainers, musicians, the Transport Museum and perhaps best known 'The Theatre Royal' on Drury Lane. The balcony at the 'Punch and Judy' pub is the place to be to watch a show by the street entertainers but getting a spot there is very difficult. If you can't get a spot on the balcony at the pub then the steps below make a good (if a bit firm) seat for the shows.
You'll find Covent Garden tube station on the piccadilly line where it is londons shortest tube journey from Leicester square, just 274 metres.
In surrounding streets at the north end of the complex you'll find independent shops and traders, the south end is where the central square plays host to performers, street entertainers, musicians, the Transport Museum and perhaps best known 'The Theatre Royal' on Drury Lane. The balcony at the 'Punch and Judy' pub is the place to be to watch a show by the street entertainers but getting a spot there is very difficult. If you can't get a spot on the balcony at the pub then the steps below make a good (if a bit firm) seat for the shows.
You'll find Covent Garden tube station on the piccadilly line where it is londons shortest tube journey from Leicester square, just 274 metres.