Covent Garden

The first thing to point out about Covent Garden is that it isn’t a garden, but a bustling, fashionable, must-see area near London’s West End. And it boasts two of London’s most popular attractions, the ""London:[http://www.tripomatic.com/…gdom/London/] Transport Museum and the Royal Opera House.

The heart, and history, of Covent Garden is the market. Now filled with quirky craft stalls and interesting boutiques, the area was once the kitchen garden for Westminster Abbey, then called Convent Garden. In the 1630s, the area was transformed into a grand piazza with fashionable houses, and, quickly, a fruit and vegetable market sprung up. This did so well, that the gentry in the fashionable houses moved somewhere quieter! Entertainment and drinking establishments set up over the next 150 years which started to attract the rich and famous. But its reputation was somewhat seedy. It wasn’t until the fruit and vegetable market was moved away (in the 1900s) and extensive redevelopment took place, that the area became the hotspot it is today.

The recently refurbished ""London:[http://www.tripomatic.com/…gdom/London/] Transport Museum is popular with Londoners and explores the history and people of London's public transport. The shop sells reproductions of vintage transport posters and lots of iconic transport paraphernalia.

Sympathetic renovation in the protected area means that it retains its historic charm. The plethora of cafés and restaurants supports the thriving café culture and the streets are lined with outlandish street performers every day. It is a favorite spot for artists and musicians.

There is so much shopping to be done in Covent Garden and the surrounding streets, and the market area is sure to provide you with a fantastic and original souvenir. With interesting fashion, quality health and beauty, beautiful jewelry, and unusual toy gifts, you’ll find whatever you’re looking for. It is also home to Apple’s larges­t store!

A visit to the Royal Opera House can’t be missed and its public areas are open from about 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Home to the Royal Opera, Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera House Orchestra, it is one of the world’s leading opera companies and is known for its amazing performances of traditional as well as new works by leading composers. They have their own exhibitions and offer backstage tours! It has actually been built three times as it was twice damaged by fire.

Covent Garden is a popular tourist spot, but don’t get caught up in the tube mayhem. It is just a short walk from Leicester Square and not far from Charing Cross, Embankment and Holborn stations, so get off the tube early and be well ahead of the crowds in enjoying your visit. (This also allows you to avoid the ghost of actor William Terriss who apparently haunts the Covent Garden station!)

Travel by car is not advised, as parking spaces are very limited. The bus RV1 will take you right into Covent Garden and number 24 will get you to Leicester Square. Other lines such as 9, 13, 15, 23, 139 and 153 stop nearby.

• Covent Garden at Wikipedia