London’s Covent Garden is one of the busiest and most vibrant parts of the capital, and is packed with plenty to see and do. The area is also full of history, spanning back over four centuries, and this wealth of heritage gives Covent Garden some wonderful culture for visitors to discover.
If you’re planning a stay soon at the Montcalm luxury hotel London, then a trip to Covent Garden is a must. Read on to find out some of the inspiring cultural attractions you can experience while visiting the area, and start putting together the perfect visit to London.
Eat your way through culture
Covent Garden is the home of one of London’s most historic covered markets, dating back to the 17th century, when fruit, vegetables and other produce were sold to the local community in the area. Over the centuries, the market space has evolved considerably, and is a far cry from the simple wooden stalls and shed that would have once made it up. However, you’ll still find plenty of delicious food, and with some great eateries around the area with dishes inspired by global cuisine, a visit to Covent Garden is a great way to experience a taste of another culture.
Within the busy Seven Dials Market, you can sample some delicious treats from around the world, including Mexican, Japanese and Caribbean-inspired cuisine, as well as artisanal cheeses, vegan food and much more. You’ll also find excellent spots for brunch, with an international flavour – it’s the perfect excuse for booking London hotel packages and treating yourself to a little extra time in the city.
Discover the history of transport
Covent Garden has a number of fascinating museums in the area, and one of the most interesting to visit, especially if you’re with children, is the exceptional London Transport Museum.
The museum provides a fascinating insight into the role of urban transport throughout the ages, and shows the history of London, and how the capital has evolved over the past few centuries. As well as getting to see nearly half a million examples of London’s complex transportation history from over the years, you’ll also get to learn more about the importance transport has on society over time, highlighting how vital a role it has played, and continues to, to the present day.
Explore the wonderful collection of replicas and examples of various forms of transport, and learn more about the stories of the people behind them, as well as fascinating signs, posters and other materials that help bring the past back to life for visitors.
If you’re planning to stay in London with children, keep an eye out for great deals on London hotel packages for the best value accommodation during your visit.
Enjoy a night out at the Royal Opera House
Whether you’re a passionate fan of the opera or experiencing it for the first time, a visit to the Royal Opera House can be one of the most memorable things you can do when you visit the Montcalm luxury hotel London and head to Covent Garden.
Located within the busy area, the Royal Opera House has a distinctive and striking building that stands out spectacularly amongst the rest of Covent Garden, with beautiful glass windows and impressive architecture. The Opera House stands on the site of the Theatre Royal, one of the oldest major theatres in the city, and today, you’ll find a fantastic selection of performances from world-class artists on its stage.
With shows running both during the day and night, there are plenty of opportunities to catch what’s on. Discover beautiful ballet and contemporary dance performances, as well as evocative classic operas and live music performances from across a spectrum of genres.
If you’re planning a night out at the Royal Opera House, there are plenty of places to dine nearby, as well as range of great restaurants near Finsbury Square. It’s best to book tickets for shows in advance, as many are sold out closer to the date of performance.
Head to the theatre
As well as the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden is also a stone’s throw away from the legendary West End, home of some of London’s best theatres. If you’re hoping to immerse yourself in culture while in London, this is one of the best places to do it.
You’ll find an incredible variety of theatrical productions to choose from, from hit musicals that bring well loved tales and songs to life with all-singing and dancing shows, to classic theatre from the world’s best playwrights, contemporary shows and more. London’s theatres often feature some of the best acting talent in the world, with a global cast of stars from the world of film and theatre regularly making an appearance in popular shows.
If you’re hoping to spend a night out at the theatre, it’s always a good idea to plan your visit ahead of time. While it’s sometimes possible to buy tickets for a show on the day, in many cases, West End shows tend to sell out well in advance.
Explore the Film Museum
For those who seriously love film and movie history, the London Film Museum can provide a wonderful way to explore the rich history of the British film industry. Featuring a variety of original props, costumes and film sets, the museum is a great place to see how films are made, and step behind the scenes of this special world. You’ll find some unique treasures that date back throughout the history of the film industry in the UK, as well as films overseas.
The Film Museum also has a dedicated exhibition to the variety of Bond movies made over the years, with the largest collection of James Bond vehicles. Take a closer look at some of the impressive wheels that have been driven by the infamous secret agent, as well as some of the many intriguing props from some of the films in the franchise.
