Events Tips for London

The pitched areas in Covent Garden piazza are licensed performer spots — They audition for these. Shows run throughout the day from midday to evening depending on crowds. Weekend afternoons have best variety.

The classical opera guy has been there for years and is genuinely talented. Avoid the mime artists — Just annoying tourists for photos and tips. For jazz, Embankment station underpass weekend evenings. Much better musicians, not surrounded by selfie crowds.

The main piazza has good performers, though if you want better acoustics, the covered market area is where sound really carries.

Every Sunday, Columbia Road transforms into London's best flower market. Wholesale prices — £3-5 for bouquets costing £20 in shops. But it's Sundays 8am-3pm only, best flowers go early.

Surrounding shops open specially for market day — Vintage clothes, independent cafés, antique dealers. Much more authentic than Portobello Road. Get there by 9:30am to avoid worst crowds. Bethnal Green tube closest. Bring cash — Most vendors don't take cards.

Skip the main piazza crowds. The covered market area has incredible natural acoustics that make singers and musicians sound almost professional. Performance times vary throughout the day based on crowds and performer schedules.

Look for the classical string quartets and opera singers who deliberately use those stone arches for the reverb effect. Jazz performances happen occasionally in the area but times fluctuate.

Ok so this is random but the outdoor theatre in regents park is genuinely one of londons best kept secrets. Shakespeare and musicals may to september, even if it rains they keep going.

Tickets way cheaper than west end but atmosphere is incredible. Literally watching hamlet while ducks waddle past. Bring picnic, wine allowed, dress WARM because it gets freezing even in july once sun goes down.

Book early though because locals obsess over this and it sells out fast.

The Victorian iron roof in Covent Garden's covered market creates incredible acoustics. Opera singers sound like they're performing at the Royal Opera House.

Performers operate throughout the day with quality varying by time and performer. Auditioned spots ensure better quality than random street buskers.