Helping you get the most of our of time in Covent Garden. Got a question that isn't listed below? Message us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
Click here for a list of local hotels
Click here for a list of the theatres near Covent Garden Piazza
Covent Garden, the Piazza and the Market Building is always open, but the shops usually operate between 10am and 8pm Monday to Saturday and on Sunday from around 11am to 6pm. The Apple Market is open daily from 10am until 6pm and the East Colonnade Market is open from 10:30am until 7pm
Covent Garden, the Piazza and the Market Building is a public space and free for anyone to walk around day or night
For all leasing enquiries please contact cgleasing@shaftesburycapital.com
There is Pay & Display parking on the streets off the Piazza - Henrietta Street, Southampton Street and Tavistock Street. There is also an NCP car park on Drury Lane
Covent Garden's tube station is a very short walk from the Market Building at the end of James Street. Covent Garden is on the Piccadilly Line. Please note, the Covent Garden tube station stairs are not for the faint of heart as there are 193 steps to the top so unless you feel like a workout it is advised to wait for the lifts
During peak times we suggest getting off at Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern Line), which is a short walk to Covent Garden
Holborn (Central Line) is only a ten minute walk from Covent Garden. Here is the best walking route via Google Maps
Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth Line) is a fifteen minute walk from Covent Garden. Here is the best walking route via Google Maps
Embankment (Circle, District, Bakerloo and Northern Line) is a ten minute walk to Covent Garden. Here is the best walking route via Google Maps
There are several bike racks surrounding Covent Garden
Inside the Market Building there are the award winning 2theloo bathrooms that cost £1. Toilets are also located on either side of the portico by St Paul’s church, accessed via the West Piazza and cost 50p. There is also a disabled toilet in Tavistock Court, to the side of Jubilee Market
There are ATMs on King Street outside HSBC and on Long Acre outside FujiFilm .
The nearest Foreign Exchange Centre is Covent Garden FX
Covent Garden still retains its historical charm with Grade || listed featured and iconic cobbles. There are a number of wheelchair accessible routes around Covent Garden, with the smoothest way in to the Market Building being from Russell Street where there are a number of ramps and the bottom of James Street. Should you need any assistance in Covent Garden please visit the security office in Central Avenue (The Market Building).
Covent Garden, the Piazza and the Market Building welcomes dogs to walk through, however we ask that you are considerate and pick up after your dogs.
There are a number of dog friendly establishments in Covent Garden including Ave Mario, Shake Shack and Chestnut Bakery, discover them here.
If you are in Covent Garden with your four legged friend and snap a picture, ensure to share with our Instagram tag #DogsofCoventGarden
There are complimentary refill stations in Ellis Brigham on Southampton Street, Boots on Long Acre and in Seven Dials Market.
Check out our office portfolio here
The Apple Market is dedicated to British hand-made craft from Tuesday to Sunday. Click here to download an application form and here to find out more about the selection process. Once completed, send your application form to helpdesk@coventgardenmarket.co.uk
Every Monday The Apple Market is dedicated to antiques and collectables. Click here to download an application form. Once completed, send your form to helpdesk@coventgardenmarket.co.uk
Please send all enquiries for the East Colonnade Market to: helpdesk@coventgardenmarket.co.uk
There are a number of places in Covent Garden where you can plug in and work including 3 Henrietta Street and Chestnut Bakery. Read our guide on best places to work digitally here.
Covent Garden Market regularly holds auditions for talented vocalists, instrumentalists, dancers, and variety/circus acts to perform at our world-famous destination.
The landlords, Shaftesbury Capital, have established a clear process for auditioning as a street performer within the Market Building only. Other local performance sites, including the West Piazza, James Street, and outside the London Transport Museum, fall under the jurisdiction of Westminster City Council and are not covered in this document.
Within the Market Building, there are two distinct busking pitches: the North Hall and the South Hall (or Lower Courtyard).
North Hall
The North Hall primarily welcomes variety and circus performers, although we do have a limited number of spaces for musicians playing or accompanying themselves on acoustic instruments. Variety and circus performers must present a structured show demonstrating a high degree of skill and the ability to engage with the audience. Similarly, musicians need to showcase their talent in drawing and retaining a crowd. Singers typically use a microphone, keeping in mind the volume limit of 85Hz due to the building's listed status. Please note that we do not provide microphones or electricity; performers are responsible for bringing all battery-powered equipment.
South Hall
The South Hall (downstairs) is designated for opera singers and classically trained instrumentalists. Singers must demonstrate the ability to project their voice across a large space without a microphone, as amplification is not permitted on this pitch. For the audition, singers should provide their own backing track(s) and battery-powered speaker.
Due to the building's listed status, we do not allow wind or brass instruments, electric guitars, drums, accordions, bagpipes, or didgeridoos on either pitch.
Audition Details
Auditions are held at the North Hall (located at ground level, opposite Russell Street) four times a year, beginning at 10:30 am. Please arrive by 10:15 am to register.
2025 Audition Dates
We aim to contact all auditioned performers in writing within one week, providing the outcome. All decisions are final.
The auditions are managed and judged by a panel representing the Courtyard Musicians’ Association, Street Performers’ Association, and the Shaftesbury Capital Covent Garden Management Team.
We look forward to welcoming you!
To perform on James Street or the West / East / North Piazza, please contact Westminster City Council or speak to one of the performers.
Yes, please contact westend.residential@cbre.com, tel: 020 7420 3060
Yes, please contact westend.residential@cbre.com, tel: 020 7420 3050
Yes, but you need permission. Please email marketing@shaftesburycapital.com with the following details and paper work to seek approval:
The paper work we need is:
Please contact marketing@shaftesburycapital.com.
Please contact call the marketing team (marketing@shaftesburycapital.com) who will be able to send you our events pack
Please contact the Marketing Team (marketing@shaftesburycapital.com)
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