Benjamin Franklin House, London
Step inside the only surviving home of Benjamin Franklin and experience 18th-century London through immersive tours and rich history.
Benjamin Franklin House at 36 Craven Street is the only surviving residence of Benjamin Franklin, one of the United States' Founding Fathers. Built around 1730, this Grade I listed Georgian townhouse offers immersive guided tours that bring to life Franklin’s 16 years in London (1757–1775). Visitors explore original architectural features and discover the house’s unique history as a diplomatic hub, scientific site, and intimate home in the heart of London’s West End.
A brief summary to Benjamin Franklin House
- 36 Craven St, London, WC2N 5NF, GB
- +442078392006
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as the house has narrow, steep stairs and uneven floors.
- Book guided tours in advance to secure your preferred time, as tours run on a schedule.
- Allow about one hour for the full tour experience, including live interpretation and Q&A.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Trafalgar Square and the Courtauld Gallery.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Northern or Bakerloo line to Charing Cross station, approximately a 5-10 minute walk from the station to 36 Craven Street. Services run frequently throughout the day. No additional cost beyond standard London travel fares.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Trafalgar Square, including routes 6, 9, 11, and 15. From the stop, it is a short 5-minute walk to the house. Buses operate regularly, with fares payable by contactless card or Oyster card.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
A taxi or ride-hailing service from central London locations typically takes 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares from £6 to £15. The area has limited parking, so taxi is recommended over driving.
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Walking
If staying in central London, walking to Benjamin Franklin House is convenient and scenic, especially from Trafalgar Square or the Strand. Expect a 10-15 minute walk on mostly flat, paved streets.
Benjamin Franklin House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Benjamin Franklin House
A Historic Home Preserved Through Time
Benjamin Franklin House is a rare architectural gem dating from circa 1730, located in central London near Trafalgar Square. This Georgian terraced house retains many original features including its floorboards, panelling, fireplaces, and the central staircase famously used by Franklin for exercise. The building is Grade I listed, reflecting its exceptional historic and architectural significance. Originally built as a lodging house, it served various roles over centuries before becoming a museum dedicated to Franklin’s legacy.Benjamin Franklin’s London Residence and Legacy
For nearly sixteen years between 1757 and 1775, Benjamin Franklin lived and worked here as a scientist, inventor, diplomat, and philosopher. His time in London was pivotal, involving political negotiations on the eve of the American Revolution and deep engagement with the scientific community. The house also functioned as the first de facto US Embassy, cementing its place in Anglo-American history. Franklin’s relationship with his landlady Margaret Stevenson and her family made the house a true home rather than just a rental.Immersive Historical Experience and Education
Since opening to the public on Franklin’s 300th birthday in 2006, the house offers guided tours featuring live interpretation, film, and actor-led performances that vividly animate Franklin’s life and times. The museum also hosts educational programs for children and adults, focusing on Franklin’s scientific discoveries and Georgian London. Visitors can explore the house’s architectural details and learn about its layered history, including the Hewson anatomy school once run in the building.Architectural and Cultural Significance
The house’s architecture reflects Georgian ideals of clean lines and classical design, with paint colors and lighting carefully restored to evoke the 18th century atmosphere. Despite its small size and some uneven floors and narrow stairs, the house’s intimate scale enhances its charm and authenticity. The preservation efforts in the late 1990s rescued the property from dereliction, transforming it into a vibrant cultural landmark that connects visitors to a formative period in British and American history.Stories Beyond Franklin
Recent exhibitions have expanded the narrative to include the lives of Peter and John King, two enslaved men who lived and worked in the Franklin household, exploring the complex legacies of slavery and Franklin’s evolving views. The house thus serves not only as a historic site but as a place for reflection on broader social histories.Visiting Today
Located in a lively part of London’s West End, the Benjamin Franklin House offers a unique, engaging experience for history enthusiasts, students, and curious travelers. Guided tours run regularly, lasting about an hour, with knowledgeable volunteers providing detailed insights. The house’s central location makes it an excellent complement to other nearby cultural attractions.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Eleanor Cross
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Royal Tank Regiment Memorial Statue
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St Martin-in-the-Fields Church Path
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Nelson's Column
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A towering tribute to Admiral Nelson’s naval triumph, standing proudly at the heart of London’s historic Trafalgar Square.
16-18 Whitehall
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Explore 16-18 Whitehall, the historic site of England’s grandest royal palace and home to the stunning Banqueting House, a masterpiece of classical architecture.
Obelisk Charles James Napier
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Admiralty Arch
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A majestic Edwardian gateway linking Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace, embodying Britain's royal heritage and naval history.
Old Admiralty Building
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Historic heart of Britain’s naval command, blending grand architecture with pivotal moments in London’s maritime legacy.
John Adam St & Adam St
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Explore John Adam Street & Adam Street, heart of the Adam brothers’ neoclassical Adelphi development, blending Georgian elegance with modern London vibrancy.
The Gurkha Soldier Statue
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A solemn tribute to the fearless Gurkha soldiers guarding Britain’s legacy on Horse Guards Avenue.
George Duke of Cambridge statue
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Major-General Lord Cheylesmore Monument
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A serene stone tribute in Victoria Embankment Gardens honoring Major-General Lord Cheylesmore’s military and civic legacy.
Cleopatra's Needle
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Captain James Cook
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Bronze tribute to the explorer who charted the Pacific and shaped the British Empire
Henry Fawcett Monument
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A serene Victorian fountain memorializing Henry Fawcett’s pioneering spirit in social reform and women’s suffrage, nestled in tranquil Embankment Gardens.
Unmissable attractions to see
Charing Cross
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Charing Cross and the Strand: a historic London gateway blending culture, theatre, and vibrant city life along a legendary riverside street.
The Ghost Bus Tours
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Dark comedy meets London history on a theatrical double-decker bus tour through the capital's most sinister stories.
Gordon's Wine Bar
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Experience the charm of London at Gordon's Wine Bar, the city's oldest wine bar, offering a delightful selection of wines and traditional British cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
Grand Building
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A grand Victorian landmark on the Strand, transformed from a luxury hotel into a vibrant cultural and community hub in the heart of London.
York Watergate
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Explore York Watergate, a serene historical landmark on the River Thames, rich in maritime heritage and stunning views perfect for tourists.
Embankment Pl
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A sleek postmodern complex blending riverside charm with central London’s vibrant urban pulse.
Victoria Embankment Gardens
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A historic and tranquil riverside garden in central London, blending Victorian heritage with peaceful green spaces and cultural memorials.
St Martin-in-the-Fields
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An iconic neoclassical church at Trafalgar Square blending rich history, architectural brilliance, and vibrant cultural life in central London.
Embankment station
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Historic and bustling central London Tube station connecting four major lines near the Thames and iconic landmarks.
London by Night Tours
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Discover London’s iconic landmarks aglow with night lights on an engaging open-top bus tour departing from historic Trafalgar Square.
Trafalgar Square
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Experience the vibrant culture and rich history at Trafalgar Square, London's iconic public square and cultural hub.
Bustronome London
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Savor gourmet dining aboard a panoramic double-decker bus while cruising past London’s iconic landmarks in unmatched style and comfort.
Edith Cavell Memorial
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A solemn tribute in central London honoring Edith Cavell’s courage, compassion, and sacrifice during World War I.
5 Trafalgar Sq
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London’s iconic Trafalgar Square: a historic public plaza celebrating naval triumphs and vibrant civic life in the city’s heart.
The Fourth Plinth
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A historic plinth transformed into a world-famous stage for cutting-edge contemporary art in the heart of London’s Trafalgar Square.
Essential places to dine
The Northall
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Refined British dining with seasonal flair in a grand, elegant setting at Corinthia London’s distinguished restaurant.
The Garden
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A Mediterranean-inspired garden oasis offering refined seafood and elegant dining in the heart of London’s Corinthia Hotel.
Ekstedt at The Yard
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Experience Nordic wood-fired cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Niklas Ekstedt in the historic Great Scotland Yard Hotel, blending ancient fire cooking with British seasonal ingredients.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.4 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Rules
0.4 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
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Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
0.4 km
Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
J Sheekey
0.4 km
Classic British seafood excellence in Covent Garden’s elegant, theatre-adjacent dining gem.
Clos Maggiore
0.5 km
Experience London’s most romantic French restaurant with enchanting blossom-filled conservatory and an award-winning wine cellar in Covent Garden.
Chez Antoinette
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Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Palm Court Brasserie
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Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Wild Honey St James
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Michelin-starred French-influenced cooking in a Grade II-listed banking hall, where refined technique meets understated elegance.
wagamama southbank
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Lively riverside pan-Asian dining with fresh, bold flavors and stunning Thames views at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Strada Southbank
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Authentic Southern Italian flavors served with vibrant riverside views in the heart of London’s Southbank.
Balthazar
0.6 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Gifts of London
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Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Gifts of London, your perfect shopping destination.
Crest of London Ltd
0.2 km
Discover authentic London souvenirs and local crafts at Crest of London Ltd, your premier gift shop in historic Whitehall.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
0.4 km
Step into a whimsical world of antiques, art, and literary treasures inspired by Alice in Wonderland in the heart of London’s Cecil Court.
Unique Britain
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Discover authentic British souvenirs and artistic keepsakes in the heart of London’s lively West End on historic Cranbourn Street.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
0.5 km
Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
The Moomin Shop London
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Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
London Transport Museum - Shop
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Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
St Martin's Courtyard
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Experience the vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and relaxation at St Martin's Courtyard in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
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Explore the world’s largest LEGO® Store in Leicester Square, London—two floors of interactive fun, iconic models, and endless creativity.
Cool Britania
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Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
Custom Gifts By Jupiter
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Unleash creativity with bespoke gifts and custom decor from this South Bank artisan haven near the Thames and iconic landmarks.
M&M'S London
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Experience the colorful world of M&M'S London, where candy dreams come true with personalized treats and vibrant merchandise.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
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Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
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House of Spells
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Old Shades
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The Harp, Covent Garden
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A historic Covent Garden pub famed for award-winning ales, traditional ciders, and a timeless, welcoming atmosphere.
The Spy Bar
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Step into London’s secret subterranean bar where espionage history meets masterful cocktails and exclusive, no-photos privacy.
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
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Step into a Victorian explorer’s world with inventive cocktails, immersive storytelling, and a mechanical mixologist in Covent Garden’s unique speakeasy.
Blind Spot London
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All Bar One Covent Garden
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Stylish Covent Garden wine bar serving shareable plates, extensive wines, and cocktails in a lively West End setting—ideal for pre-theatre drinks or group gatherings.
Blame Gloria - Cocktail Bar in Covent Garden
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Dive into Blame Gloria’s neon-lit retro cocktail haven in Covent Garden, where legendary rock vibes and wild themed brunches electrify your night.
Upstairs At Rules
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Discover Upstairs At Rules, a refined cocktail bar above London’s oldest restaurant, where Edwardian elegance meets expertly crafted drinks in Covent Garden.
Mrs Riot
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Covent Garden's technicolor riot: punk-pop cocktails, drag brunches, live DJs, and Kitty Clive's rebellious legacy in one explosive venue.
Mr Fogg's Tavern
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Step into a Victorian-inspired tavern in Covent Garden, where inventive cocktails meet hearty British fare in an eclectic and lively setting.
Eve Bar Covent Garden
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Subterranean Covent Garden cocktail bar tempting with zero-waste elixirs, decadent snacks, and Eden-inspired glamour beneath a Michelin-starred haven.
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
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Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
American Bar
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Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
Beaufort Bar
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Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
The Alchemist St Martin's Lane
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Experience theatrical cocktails and vibrant dining in the heart of Covent Garden’s iconic theatre district.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Heaven
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London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
TSQ Club
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Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
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Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
Proud Late
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Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
The Penthouse London
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A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Café de Paris
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Step into London’s iconic West End nightclub where history, glamour, and electrifying cabaret create unforgettable nights.
Tiger Tiger London
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Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
Luxe Club
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Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
The Ivy Club
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Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
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London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
0.8 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
The Roxy
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Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
Sophisticats Soho
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An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.8 km
Dive into Soho's beating heart at Versity Camp Nightclub, where thumping bass, inventive cocktails, and an electric crowd fuel unforgettable nights until dawn.
Club49Soho
0.8 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly