Soho is the beating heart of London’s tourist scene. Home to the West End, iconic bars and clubs, and some of London’s best shopping spots – there’s lots going on. Come with us as we take a stroll through the neighbourhood, introduce you to its history, and tell you the best places you cannot miss on your visit to Soho.
- How to Get to Soho
- Best Things to Do in Soho
- Where to Eat & Drink in Soho
- When to Visit
- Where to Stay
- Safety Tips
Where is Soho & How to Get Here
Soho is located in the City of Westminster, bordered by Oxford Street to the north, Regent Street to the west, Shaftesbury Avenue to the south, and Charing Cross Road to the east.
Here’s the best ways to get here on London’s public transport:
- Tube: Oxford Circus (Central, Bakerloo, and Victoria lines), Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines), Tottenham Court Road (Central and Northern lines)
- Bus: Numerous routes serve the area, including 3, 6, 12, 13, 23, 88, and 94
The Best Things to Do in Soho
Looking for activities and the top London landmarks hidden away in Soho? Look on further than our ultimate list of things to do in this part of the city.
Explore Culture & Entertainment
Soho has long been seen as the entertainment district of London. Which means there are plenty of things to do in the evenings. Including:
- Live Music – from the historic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club which boasts world-class jazz performances, to small pubs boasting open mics and regular performances.
- Theatre – Part of London’s West End, Soho has many great theatres with fantastic plays and musicals. From Soho Theatre that showcases some of the city’s best comedy and cabaret, to the intimate setting of The Underbelly theatre – there’s so much to choose from!
- Prince Charles Cinema: Quirky cinema known for sing-along screenings and marathons.
Treat Yourself Shopping
Soho is the go-to area for shopping in London and it’s no surprise why! Here’s some of our favourite places to window shop and treat ourselves:
- Carnaby Street: This is one of London’s funnest shopping streets with some great stores including Nobody’s Child, Choose Love and lots of pop ups throughout the year! Make sure to visit to see their Christmas lights throughout the later part of the year!
- Berwick Street: Home to independent record shops and the famous Berwick Street Market
- Liberty London: This is one of London’s Iconic department shops known for its Tudor-revival building and luxury goods. The interiors are all made from wood which makes the shopping experience super cosy!
The Best Nightlife Spots in Soho
Soho is known for its nightlife, whether that be pubs, bars or clubs. Here’s a few of the popular spots:
- G-A-Y: Is a popular and well-loved LGBTQ+ nightclub.
- The French House: Historic pub known for its literary connections and French wine
- The Little Scarlet Door: Is a cocktail bar decorated to look like you’re in a house – with a fake kitchen and bathroom to complete the look! As it gets later in the night there is a DJ and dancing here too.
Where to Eat in Soho
After all your sightseeing and shopping in Soho you’re probably going to want a bite to eat!
- Pastaio: Soho is home to some of London’s best pasta restaurants and Pastaio is one of them. Located just off Carnaby street – perfect for fueling up before heading home!
- Bancone: This lovely pasta spot is located just behind Piccadilly and has such an inviting atmosphere! We had the pasta with walnut butter and confit egg yolk – delicious!
- Barrafina: A michelin-starred Spanish tapas bar.
- Dishoom: One of our favourite indian restaurants in London – we always think the wait is well worth it! Perfect spot for either breakfast or dinner!
- Bao Soho: Taiwanese street food, famous for its steamed buns
When is the Best Time to Visit Soho?
Soho is lively and fun all year-round, but each season offers something slightly different. Depending on your preference will affect when you want to come!
- Summer: If you love eating lunch in a green square surrounded by stunning London buildings then summer is the Soho season for you!
- Autumn: Ideal for cosy pub visits and enjoying the changing colours in Soho Square.
- Winter: Soho goes all out at Christmas – visit during the festive season to take in the lights and decorations. Be warned though – the closer it gets to Christmas the busier the streets and shops get!
- Spring: Great for outdoor markets and people-watching from cafe terraces.
Where to Stay in Soho
As one of London’s most central areas, Soho has lots of hotels* on offer! Here are just a few ideas:
- The Soho Hotel: Luxury boutique hotel with individually designed rooms
- Z Hotel Soho: Affordable compact rooms in a central location
- Ham Yard Hotel: Stylish hotel with a bowling alley and rooftop garden
*This is an affiliate link that we will earn a small commission off if you make a purchase. This doesn’t impact the price you pay.
Soho Safety Tips
Soho is one of the busiest areas in Central London which makes it a hot spot for petty crime, so here are a few tips for keeping safe:
- Keep your phone away – phone snatchers are prevalent, particularly around shopping areas like Oxford Street.
- Use a cross body bag – make sure it has a zip top and you keep it in front of you at all times.
- Avoid using the ‘TukTuks’ – these are quite often a tourist con that could end up hosting you hundreds of pounds for a short ride.
