Soho is one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, sitting at the heart of the West End between Oxford Street, Regent Street, Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue. Once known for its bohemian nightlife, jazz clubs and infamous red-light district, Soho still has a lot going on. Today, it’s perhaps more famous for its thriving restaurant scene, world-class theatres, independent shopping, creative businesses and LGBTQIA+ community. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or spending the whole day exploring, Soho offers a wonderful mix of culture, shopping and dining, with something interesting around almost every corner.
Best Things To Do In Soho
The Photographers’ Gallery, 16–18 Ramillies Street, is one of Soho’s cultural highlights. As the UK’s leading public gallery devoted entirely to photography, it showcases changing exhibitions by internationally acclaimed photographers alongside exciting emerging talent, with a bookshop and café.
Music lovers shouldn’t miss Ronnie Scott’s at 47 Frith Street. It’s one of the world’s most famous jazz clubs. Since opening in 1959, it has welcomed legendary performers from around the globe and continues to host world-class musicians.
Soho is also perfectly placed for London’s West End theatres. Within a few minutes’ walk you’ll find the London Palladium, Gielgud Theatre, Palace Theatre, Prince of Wales Theatre, Apollo Theatre and Soho Theatre.
If you fancy a break from the crowds, Soho Square offers a welcome patch of greenery with mature trees and lawns. Golden Square is a quieter oasis surrounded by elegant Georgian buildings. To cool down on a sunny day, head to Marshall Street Leisure Centre and Spa.
One of the best ways to experience Soho is simply to wander its characterful streets, hidden courtyards and pedestrian lanes. Explore Carnaby Street, Newburgh Street and Foubert’s Place for shopping, then head to Old Compton Street (LGBTQIA+ businesses), Berwick Street, Frith Street, Dean Street, Wardour Street, Broadwick Street and Greek Street for historic pubs, independent cafés, restaurants, music venues and period architecture. Ham Yard offers a quieter enclave of boutiques and dining, while St James Court is home to restaurants in a pedestrianised setting.
Best Places To Shop In Soho
Shopping is one of the best reasons to visit Soho, with everything from luxury department stores and flagship fashion brands to independent boutiques, record shops and specialist retailers. Have a wander around the streets, and you’ll discover some retail gems. For instance, on Berwick Street you’ll find vinyl stores along with lifestyle shop Wolf and Badger and Gosh! Comics. A Japanese knife specialist is a must-visit on Greek Street, and Harry Potter fans will want to seek out MinaLima on Wardour Street.
Carnaby Street remains Soho’s best-known shopping destination. Once at the centre of London’s Swinging Sixties, it’s now home to a carefully curated mix of fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands. While you’re here, take time to explore the surrounding Carnaby streets, including Newburgh Street, Foubert’s Place and Kingly Street, where you’ll discover independent boutiques, designer labels and unique lifestyle stores.
Liberty London is one of the capital’s most iconic department stores, famous for luxury fashion, beauty, homeware and its signature floral prints. Even if you’re not planning to shop, the beautiful Tudor Revival building is worth visiting. You’ll find Liberty London on Regent Street, London W1B 5AH. Just beyond Soho, Regent Street and Oxford Street offer flagship stores, international brands and some of London’s best-known department stores, making the neighbourhood an ideal base for a day of shopping.
Best Places To Eat In Soho
Few London neighbourhoods can rival Soho when it comes to eating out. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, relaxed lunch, Michelin-starred tasting menu or late-night dessert, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
My recommendations include Hideaway Coffee for your caffeine fix; you’ll find them in a hidden courtyard called Farrier’s Passage just off Brewer Street. For nostalgia, I would also check out Bar Italia on Frith Street, which has some outside seating so it’s a great place to people-watch.
For food, I can recommend Milk Beach, St James’ Court, for Australian-inspired brunch dishes. It’s Bagels on D’Arblay Street is perfect if you’re after a classic New York-style bagel, while Honest Greens is one of my favourite places for colourful Mediterranean-inspired salads.
Those wanting budget eats should check out Berwick Street food market for lunch. Chinatown is another good option for lunch or dinner. If you’re dining with friends, you’ll enjoy a visit to Kingly Court, tucked behind Carnaby Street, bringing together independent restaurants, cafés and bars across three lively floors.
Whether you want a classic Soho dining experience at L’Escargot, Quo Vadis, Dean Street Townhouse or Kettner’s, a Soho institution like Andrew Edmunds, or a memorable Michelin-star experience at Aulis or Humble Chicken, Soho caters for every whim.
You’ll also be spoilt with an impeccable array of specialist dessert shops in Soho, with plenty concentrated in and around Chinatown. Some of my favourites include fluffy pancakes at Fuwa Fuwa on Dean Street, Kova for Japenese/French cakes at St Anne’s Court and Newport Court, cupcakes at Crumbs and Doilies at Kingly Court and La Maritxu for Basque cheesecake at Kingly Street.
If you’re after a drink, there are so many traditional pubs and more upmarket bars in the vicinity. And if you know someone with a membership to one of the many private clubs like Groucho’s, you should take advantage!
Helpful Information About Soho London W1
Soho is located in the City of Westminster and is bordered by Oxford Street, Regent Street, Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue. Covent Garden, Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Chinatown, Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus are all within easy walking distance, making Soho an excellent base for exploring central London. The nearest Underground stations are Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. Tottenham Court Road is also served by the Elizabeth line, providing fast connections across London and to Heathrow Airport.
If you want to explore the area more, these posts may be of interest:
Ten Best Things To Do In Soho London W1
Healthy Lunch At Honest Greens Soho W1
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.