Covent Garden 1-bed Apt Sleeps 4, 7 min to Station

I could spend ages wandering Covent Garden’s little corners, looking at the market crafts or sitting beside the fountains and watching everyone pass by. The piazza feels full of music and laughter, with street performers all around. There’s a lovely warmth to the cobbled lanes and their cafés and boutiques. The place has a way of bringing the past and present together, and I’m always caught up in its mix of elegance and spontaneity. It feels like a living canvas, with a story around every corner.

Covent Garden is one of my favourite London spots. You can browse reasonably priced market stalls with art, jewellery and clothes, then find high-end names like Rolex, Cartier and Tiffany’s. There are plenty of restaurants, cafés and gift shops too, and the cookie shop does the most delicious cookies. We listened to an opera singer while shopping, as other people watched mimes, magicians and more street acts. There are several good pubs with a great range of beers and spirits. Really, there’s something for everyone.

There’s so much packed into this area, and it gets very crowded, but there’s plenty to try if you don’t mind that. I came for a coffee shop reservation at Abuelo and noticed the area keeps changing, with something new turning up. The market stalls have scarves, candles and art; there are food trucks, treats and ice cream, plus The Ivy and Harry's. Elan has a deli here. Blondies’ thick cookie was one of the best I’ve had, and I usually go for Ben's cookies.

Weekends get pretty crowded, so I’d come during the week or early in the day for a quieter walk. There’s a nice mix of shops and street performers, and the area is kept in good shape. It’s stylish and full of character, with plenty to browse, places to eat, or just enjoy the atmosphere. Everything felt polished and well cared for when I visited.