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Covent Garden Piazza
The market hall, street performers and the Royal Opera House, all in one lively square.
A mini guide to
Soho & Covent Garden
Theatreland, markets, street performers and London's liveliest dining
Photos
1 / 10Welcome to the neighborhood
The most walkable, lively square mile in London
Soho and Covent Garden sit side by side in the heart of the West End. Covent Garden brings the historic market piazza, street performers, the Royal Opera House and some of the world's best-known theaters. Soho, a few minutes west across Charing Cross Road, is the city's dining, nightlife and creative quarter, with Chinatown on its southern edge.
You can see a great deal on foot: from the piazza to Leicester Square takes about five minutes, and Soho Square is roughly a quarter of an hour away. That makes this one of the easiest places to base yourself for a first visit, especially if the theater is on your list.
It is busy and bright almost all day and well into the night, so it suits people who like to be in the middle of things. If you prefer quiet evenings, consider a hotel on a side street or a short Tube ride away.
Highlights
Six reasons to come
If you only have a few hours, these are the places that capture the spirit of the area.
After dark
Theatreland
Dozens of theaters within a short walk, from The Lion King to new plays.
Hidden gems
Neal's Yard & Seven Dials
Colorful courtyards, independent shops and a food hall a few minutes from the piazza.
Food
Chinatown
Lanterns, dim sum and bakeries on Gerrard Street, right beside Leicester Square.
Nightlife
Soho
Cafés, jazz, nightlife and a creative spirit along Old Compton Street and beyond.
Shopping
Carnaby Street
Independent boutiques and fashion history on Soho's western edge.
Find your way
On the map
Everything in this guide is within about fifteen minutes' walk of Covent Garden Piazza. The map shows the area at a glance: Covent Garden in the east, Soho in the west and Chinatown and Leicester Square in between.
- Covent Garden Piazza to Leicester Square: about 5–7 minutes on foot
- Leicester Square to Piccadilly Circus: about 4 minutes
- Covent Garden to Soho Square: about 12–15 minutes
- Covent Garden to the British Museum: about 15 minutes
Explore this guide
Everything for Soho & Covent Garden
Things to doFourteen places worth your time, with how long to allow.Eat & drinkMarkets, pubs, pre-theater dining and late-night options.TheaterEvery theater in the area and the shows playing now.Where to stayHotel styles, example addresses and booking tips.Getting thereStations, airport routes and walking times.Tips & FAQsLocal tips and answers to common questions.
Keep exploring London