Covent Garden was London’s main wholesale fruit and vegetable market from the 17th century until 1974, when the market moved south to Battersea. The Victorian market building was saved from demolition, the piazza was pedestrianised, and the area reinvented itself as one of London’s most popular destinations.
The Piazza and Market
The central market building now houses independent shops, restaurants, and the Apple Market, which sells crafts, antiques and gifts. The Piazza outside is one of London’s great public spaces, always busy with street performers. The London Transport Museum occupies the old Flower Market building at the eastern end.
The Theatre District
The streets around Covent Garden — Long Acre, St Martin’s Lane, the Strand — form London’s theatre district, home to the Royal Opera House, the English National Ballet, and dozens of commercial theatres. The Royal Opera House is the largest performing arts venue in the UK and one of the greatest opera houses in the world. Day tickets are released at 10am on the day of performance.
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