Soho

London’s most vibrant neighbourhood, where history, culture and nightlife collide in a compact, walkable square mile.

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Soho is London’s most vibrant and eclectic neighbourhood, a compact square mile pulsing with energy, culture and nightlife. Once a red-light district and now a celebrated LGBTQ+ hub, it’s a place of historic pubs, world-class theatres, jazz clubs, independent boutiques and a dazzling array of restaurants and bars. Wandering its narrow streets, you’ll pass neon-lit clubs, intimate cocktail dens, buzzing markets and leafy squares, all within easy reach of Oxford Street, Covent Garden and Chinatown. It’s the perfect place to explore on foot, day or night.

A brief summary to Soho

London, GB
Visit website
Duration: 2 to 6 hours
Mid ranged
Mixed
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Local tips

Visit Soho Square in the late afternoon for a peaceful break away from the crowds, then head to nearby bars as the evening begins.
Explore Berwick Street Market during the day for a more authentic, less crowded experience before the nightlife takes over.
Book theatre or jazz club tickets in advance, especially for popular venues like Ronnie Scott’s, to avoid disappointment.
Wander the side streets and courtyards – some of Soho’s best bars, restaurants and hidden gems are tucked away from the main thoroughfares.
Be mindful of noise and crowds at night, especially around Old Compton Street and Carnaby, and keep an eye on personal belongings in busy areas.

Getting There

Underground

Take the Central, Bakerloo or Victoria line to Oxford Circus station; Soho is a 5–7 minute walk south from the station, through busy shopping streets and into the heart of the district.
Underground

Use the Piccadilly line to Piccadilly Circus station; Soho is a 4–6 minute walk west from the station, passing Leicester Square and entering the area via Shaftesbury Avenue or Coventry Street.
Underground

From Leicester Square station on the Northern and Piccadilly lines, Soho is a 5–8 minute walk north, crossing Charing Cross Road and entering the southern edge of the neighbourhood near Chinatown.
Walking

Soho is easily reached on foot from nearby areas such as Covent Garden (10–15 minutes), Mayfair (10–12 minutes) or Trafalgar Square (10–15 minutes) via well-lit, pedestrian-friendly streets.

Soho location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Soho

The heart of London’s nightlife

Soho is where London’s after-dark scene truly comes alive. Its compact streets are packed with legendary jazz clubs like Ronnie Scott’s, intimate cocktail bars hidden behind unmarked doors, and some of the city’s most famous gay bars and clubs centred around Old Compton Street. The area has long been a haven for performers, artists and night owls, and that spirit endures in its buzzing pubs, late-night eateries and live music venues. Whether you’re after a sophisticated martini in a speakeasy, a raucous karaoke session, or a front-row seat to world-class jazz, Soho delivers with flair and energy.

A melting pot of cultures and cuisines

Soho’s food scene is as diverse as its history. The neighbourhood is a culinary crossroads, where you can find everything from Michelin-starred restaurants and Basque-inspired tasting menus to cheap and cheerful street food, dim sum in Chinatown and classic British pub fare. Carnaby Street and its surrounding lanes are lined with trendy cafes, wine bars and global eateries, making it a paradise for food lovers. The area also has a strong creative identity, with independent galleries, design shops and bookstores adding to its bohemian charm.

History, identity and transformation

Soho’s story is one of constant reinvention. Once a hunting ground for Henry VIII, it later became a fashionable enclave, then a notorious red-light district, and finally a celebrated LGBTQ+ village and cultural hotspot. Blue plaques on its buildings hint at a rich past, from writers and artists to musicians and radicals who once lived and worked here. Over recent decades, gentrification has brought big brands and luxury developments, but Soho has managed to retain much of its gritty, inclusive character, especially in its long-standing pubs, clubs and community spaces.

Exploring the streets and squares

Wandering Soho on foot is one of the best ways to experience its magic. Carnaby Street, with its colourful shops and lively atmosphere, remains a focal point, while Berwick Street Market offers a more traditional London market feel. Soho Square and nearby Golden Square provide welcome green oases amid the urban buzz, and the surrounding streets are full of surprises – from hidden courtyards and art galleries to historic pubs like The French House, where conversation still reigns over music and screens. The area is also a gateway to the West End’s theatres, Chinatown’s lantern-lit lanes and the shopping streets of Oxford and Regent Street.