My guide to ten things to do in Soho, London W1 gives you an overview of this famous area. Once known for its bohemian nightlife and infamous red-light reputation, Soho is still one of London’s interesting neighbourhoods. While it has never lost its distinctive character, today it is celebrated for its thriving food and drink scene, world-class theatres, independent boutiques, creative industries, and vibrant cultural mix. Combining historic charm with contemporary energy, Soho has become a destination synonymous with creativity, entertainment and some of the capital’s most sought-after experiences.
My Favourite Ten Things To Do In Soho London W1
1. View thought-provoking images at The Photographers’ Gallery
2. Buy luxurious goods at the historic Liberty London Department Store
3. Shop at the flagship stores along Carnaby Street
4. Eat East and Southeast Asian cuisines in Chinatown
5. Book a table at one of the many Soho Restaurants
6. Mooch around the interesting Soho Streets
7. Chill out in the tranquil Soho Square
8. Treat yourself to a spectacular show at the West End Theatres
9. Listen to world-class jazz at Ronnie Scott’s
10. Get your caffeine fix at the famous Bar Italia
Ten Best Things To Do In Soho London Details
- View thought-provoking images at The Photographers’ Gallery: Established in 1971 in Covent Garden, this was the first UK gallery to showcase photography as an art form. In 2012, they moved to a former textiles warehouse in Soho. You can view the work of critically acclaimed photographers and new talent at this gallery. The gallery includes exhibitions, learning facilities, a shop selling books and prints, plus a café. Make sure you visit at 16-18 Ramillies Street, London W1F 7LW.
2. Buy luxurious goods at the historic Liberty London Department Store. This iconic department store is steeped in history. The distinctive black-and-white mock-Tudor frontage is stunning. Step inside, and you will find a wonderful array of Liberty floral printed products, beauty must-haves, designer fashion, glorious gifts, and so much more. Their official address is Regent Street, London W1B 5AH, but you can find entrances on surrounding streets.
3. Shop at the flagship stores along Carnaby Street. This famous pedestrian street was certainly swinging in the sixties. Today, you will find flagship fashion, sports clothing and footwear stores. It is worth visiting to take pictures of the iconic signage. The immediate area is now called Carnaby, which comprises 14 Streets. Newburgh Quarter and Kingly Court have some cute independent shops, cafes, eateries, and pubs that you should explore.
4. Eat East and Southeast Asian cuisines in Chinatown: With a strong focus on authentic Chinese food, you can sample dishes, Sichuan Hot Pots, Dim Sum, Taiwanese Fried Chicken, Korean BBQ and Japanese Ramen in Chinatown. Restaurants range from affordable places like Wong Kei to high-end establishments. You will find plenty of ultra-cool dessert parlours springing up, serving Taiyaki (fish-shaped cake or waffle cone), Bubble Wrap Desserts, Filipino Ice Cream and Matcha Desserts. Gerrard Street is the main Chinatown drag, but you will find Asian restaurants, cafes and supermarkets dotted around. Look out for the ornate Chinatown Gate on Wardour Street, featuring Qing Dynasty motifs. Chinese New Year is a great time to explore this area.
5. Book a table at one of the many Soho Restaurants: Try one of the establishments such as L’ Escargot for French cuisine, Quo Vadis or Dean Street Townhouse for Modern British and Kettner’s for American and European-inspired classics. Or perhaps you’ll prefer one of the modern restaurants, or you can dine at one of the alfresco restaurants in Kingly Court near Carnaby Street. There are also plenty of specialist dessert options in the area.
6. Mooch around the interesting Soho Streets: Old Compton Street is famous for LGBTQ+ Community bars, clubs, restaurants and shops. Greek Street, Fifth Street, Dean Street and Wardour Street have beautiful buildings and heaps of cafes and eateries to hang out at. There are alleyways running through these streets, with cute shops and food options. Berwick Street hosts a food market. Check out Carnaby Street and nearby Kingly Court and Newburg Quarter areas for fashion shops. Ham Yard Village is a charming little enclave of shops and restaurants near Piccadilly Circus.
7. Chill out in the tranquil Soho Square: You won’t find much greenery in this area, but at least there is Soho Square. This little patch of grass is surrounded by media company offices. It gets very busy at lunchtime when the sun is shining. There is a small timber-framed tool shed in the middle, which is listed. Golden Square is another green spot for relaxation, just off Regent Street.
8. Treat yourself to a spectacular show at the West End Theatres. You can pick up the best West End shows in Soho and the surrounding area. Theatres include the London Palladium, Gielgud Theatre, Soho Theatre, Palace Theatre, Queen’s Theatre, Princes of Wells Theatre, and the Dominion Theatre.
9. Listen to world-class jazz at Ronnie Scott’s: Jazz and blues fans will want to visit this influential jazz club which opened in 1959. All the greats have played there, including Dizzy Gillespie and Sarah Vaughan. You can eat Sunday lunch at Ronnie Scott’s while you tap your toes to the sweet sounds. The address is 47 Frith Street, London W1D 4HT.
10. Get your caffeine fix at the famous Bar Italia: This Italian coffee bar was established in 1946 by Lou and Caterina Polledri. Historically, Soho was Italian, so Bar Italia became extremely popular. The Gaggia coffee machine and retro-style interiors make this place special, as does the vibe. Sit outside and sip your cappuccino so you can people-watch. They are open from 7 am until 5 am every day except Sunday, when they close at midnight. You’ll find Bar Italia at 22 Frith Street, London W1D 4RF
Helpful Information About Soho London
Soho is a vibrant district in the City of Westminster, at the heart of London’s West End. Bordered by Oxford Street to the north, Regent Street to the west, Charing Cross Road to the east, and Shaftesbury Avenue to the south, it is surrounded by some of London’s most iconic destinations, including Covent Garden, Mayfair, Fitzrovia, Chinatown, and Leicester Square. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, lively entertainment scene, independent restaurants, bars, theatres, and creative industries, Soho is exceptionally well connected. It is served by several London Underground stations, including Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Charing Cross, with numerous bus routes and nearby Elizabeth line services providing easy access from across London and beyond.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.