Things to do in Covent Garden

[Abby] Hi, I'm Abby

Acting Audience Growth Manager at Condé Nast Traveller.

[Olivia] And I'm Olivia Morelli,

Condé Nast Traveler's Social Media Editor.

and this is our guide to Covent Garden.

[bright upbeat music]

Covent Garden is one of London's

most visited tourist destinations,

but it's more than just apple markets and theaters.

Home to some of the city's coolest hotels

and chicest boutiques.

It's the perfect example of London's history

coming together in a mix of old meets new.

Here are some of the Covent Garden hotspots

you don't want to miss.

[indistinct chattering]

[Olivia] Choosing Keeping it as a hidden gem of a shop,

home to some of the most beautiful stationery

you've ever seen.

I get way too excited about stationery shopping,

so this spot is heaven for me.

[Abby] From pastel colored fountain pens,

to quirky candles and reams of eye-catching wrapping paper,

the store has everything you never knew you needed.

[Olivia] I'd be the worst interior designer,

I'd just be like, Let's get all of this.

[Abby and Olivia laugh]

[Abby] And if you're not in the market for a new notebook,

it's the ideal place to shop for gifts

and trinkets for others.

Also look, his tail goes as well.

[Olivia] Oh. [Abby and Olivia laugh]

[Abby] The brand favors goods from small,

mostly family-owned businesses,

and there's plenty to choose from.

[relaxing music]

They look so sharp.

Yeah, could do some damage.

[Abby and Olivia laugh]

[relaxing music]

[Abby] Covent Garden is traditionally home

to the square's fruit market.

But now there's all manner

of delicatessens and eateries.

For me, no visit is complete

without heading into Neal's Yard Dairy

for a slice of something creamy.

[bright music]

Offering a huge selection of British and Irish cheeses,

the store is a treasure trove of dairy goodness.

And if you don't know where to begin,

the helpful cheese mongers are only too happy

to point you in the right direction.

I've heard the

Gorwydd Caerphilly? [chuckles]

Is meant to be amazing.

[Cheese monger] Sorry. [Olivia laughs]

Oh, wow.

[Abby] Smell it's like a- That is so good.

[bright playful music]

[Abby] From creamy Lancashire to Stilton

and everything in between,

along with some delicious cheddars,

it's hard not to get carried away

by the sheer choice on offer.

Trust us, your dinner parties will never be the same.

[Cheese monger] Here.

Thank you so much. Thank you for your help.

Have a good day. Thank you.

Thanks. Bye.

[indistinct chattering]

Oh, yum!

So good. [Olivia laughs]

You won't go far in London

without happening upon a vintage shop.

But not all have quite as much variety as Pop Boutique.

For fun frivolous clothes that will truly bring joy,

it's perfection.

I like to spend a couple of hours browsing through the rails

and trying on my new finds before I commit.

Look at this great shirt.

[Olivia] So great.

[Abby] And it helps to have a staff

that will indulge your whims

and offer some sartorial advice.

Tropical shirt, anyone?

[Abby laughs]

[relaxing music]

[Olivia] Shall we get some food?

Yeah, let's get lunch. Worked up an appetite.

[upbeat music]

[Olivia] Ave Mario is a wacky Italian restaurant

just around the corner from Covent Garden Market.

Split over three floors,

it's a retro maximalist spot with monochrome walls,

red velvet booths and neon signage.

With classic Italian dishes from creamy burrata

and garlicky focaccia to pillowy homemade pastas,

you're gonna want to order it all.

What's inside this one?

[Abby] Carbonara pasta.

[Olivia] Oh my God.

[Abby] So egg yolk and...

[Olivia] Yeah?

It's so good.

[Olivia] The cocktails are pretty special too.

There are inventive twists on the best classic cocktails.

Our favorite was definitely the A cup mojito.

A mix of three different rums blended

with maple cinnamon syrup, apple and lime juice

served in a boob shaped mug.

Yeah, I feel like this is one of the ones

that I'll hit you after.

[Abby] Oh it's really strong.

[Olivia laughs]

You definitely only need one of those.

Thanks so much! Thank you for coming.

Bye. Bye.

Okay.

[classical music]

[Abby] The theater in the Royal Opera House

was built in 1858 and has been home

to some of the world's most beautiful performances.

From Bizet's Carmen and Puccini's Tosca,

to ballet such as Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet

and the Sleeping Beauty.

[classical music]

[Olivia] Today, there are around

150 performances a season,

plus the theater is often used as a rehearsal space

for famous artists and musicians.

[classical music]

This is my re-entering into society

post-Covid dress.

[Abby laughs]

See me in the club with that.

Quite a statement.

[classical music]

[Abby] So many great steps to walk down

in Covent Garden.

[Olivia laughs]

[classical music]

Just across the road from the Royal Opera House

is the NoMad.

Perfectly placed to fall into bed

at the end of a long day, shopping, eating,

and exploring the neighborhood.

This grand hotel is the ultimate spot to unwind.

The NoMad proudly stands up to its theatrical neighbor

with bold design and extravagant deco.

We were lucky enough to stay in the NoMad's grandest room,

the Royal Opera Suite.

Stretching across two floors, this suite comes

with views of the Opera House, a ginormous chandelier,

a standalone bathtub, and a walk-in wardrobe.

[relaxing jazz music]

This is definitely lovely.

I wish this could be my home inspo.

[relaxing jazz music]

Oh yeah.

This is a bit of me.

[Abby] Nice and like a deep bath as well,

you can really get in there.

Yeah, fits knees and boobs.

[Abby and Olivia laugh]

[Abby] Big day, bed?

I think it's time for bed.

Bath and bed.

[relaxing music]