Since its gentrification in the 1970s, when its old vegetable market was moved south of the river, Covent Garden has attracted a largely youthful crowd with its numerous bars and many designer boutiques selling the latest street styles. With the refurbishment and expansion of the Royal Opera House, however, an older, more culturally inclined group demanding higher standards of food and drink has had an impact. The Palladian-style piazza, designed by Inigo Jones in 1635, is the quarter's centrepiece and tourist magnet, but the small streets and alleyways that surround it have much to offer the intrepid explorer.

Russell Square Tube Station is close by, as too are Euston railway station and Kings Cross St Pancras, for fast access to Europe on the Eurostar. Heathrow can be reached on the Piccadilly Line while you can catch the Gatwick Express at Kings Cross and the Stansted Express at Euston.

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