Soho
London's pulsating heart of nightlife, cuisine, and cultural reinvention where bohemian heritage meets contemporary glamour.
Soho is London's vibrant West End neighborhood, a pulsating hub of world-class restaurants, legendary nightlife, independent boutiques, and cultural venues. Bordered by Oxford Street, Regent Street, Charing Cross Road, and Chinatown, this chaotic yet captivating district blends bohemian heritage with contemporary energy. From speakeasy cocktail bars and jazz clubs to Michelin-starred dining and quirky galleries, Soho delivers an intoxicating mix of cultures, histories, and experiences that defines modern London.
A brief summary to Soho
- London, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 8 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Explore the hidden speakeasies and basement bars—many have no signage. Look for unmarked doors on Greek Street, Dean Street, and Kingly Court; the best cocktails hide behind velvet ropes and secret entrances.
- Visit Soho Square in late afternoon for tea and people-watching. The green space offers a rare moment of calm and is perfect for observing the neighborhood's eclectic mix of characters.
- Time your visit to catch live music—Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club and Nightjar Carnaby feature nightly performances. Book ahead for popular venues, especially on weekends.
- Wander Carnaby Street and the surrounding boutiques in the morning or early afternoon before crowds peak. The street's energy is best appreciated without the evening crush.
- Don't miss the transition from day to night—arrive around 5 PM to experience Soho's shift from office workers grabbing early drinks to the full nightlife scene awakening.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Underground (Tube)
Multiple stations serve Soho within 6–9 minutes' walk. Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern, Elizabeth lines) is the closest at 6 minutes. Leicester Square (Northern, Piccadilly lines) and Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly, Bakerloo lines) are also 6–7 minutes away. Oxford Circus (Central, Victoria, Bakerloo lines) takes 9 minutes. All stations have step-free access to platforms. Single fares within London zones 1–2 cost £1.75 (off-peak) to £2.80 (peak). Consider a contactless payment card or Oyster card for convenience.
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Soho, including routes 14, 19, 38, and 73, which stop on Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Charing Cross Road. Journey times from central London vary from 15–30 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point. Buses operate 24 hours on many routes. A single bus fare costs £1.75 (off-peak) or £2.80 (peak) with contactless or Oyster. Night buses (prefixed with 'N') serve the area after midnight.
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Walking
Soho is highly walkable from surrounding areas. From Covent Garden, it's a 10–12 minute walk via Neal Street and Mercer Street. From Leicester Square, allow 8–10 minutes through the Chinatown lanes. From Oxford Circus, it's 8–10 minutes south. From Piccadilly Circus, allow 6–8 minutes north. The neighborhood's compact layout makes exploring on foot the most rewarding way to discover hidden bars, boutiques, and restaurants. Pavements are generally level and well-lit, though busy during peak hours.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Black cabs and rideshare services (Uber, Bolt) operate throughout Soho. Fares from central London locations typically range from £8–18 depending on distance and time of day. Evening and weekend surcharges apply. Rideshare services often have surge pricing during peak nightlife hours (10 PM–2 AM). Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked via apps. Note that Soho's narrow streets and pedestrian zones limit drop-off points; you may be deposited nearby rather than at your exact destination.
Soho location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Soho
A Neighborhood Steeped in Reinvention
Soho's story is one of constant transformation. Once Henry VIII's hunting ground, it evolved into a high-society enclave before becoming the epicenter of London's counterculture, music scene, and LGBTQ+ community. The neighborhood's past as a red-light district has largely faded, replaced by blue plaques marking the homes of literary giants and cultural icons. Today, Soho remains a riotous collision of identities—drag queens serenade pre-theatre crowds, journalists brush shoulders with clubbers, and Karl Marx once lived across from what is now a co-working space. This layered history infuses every corner with character and authenticity.Culinary Ambition and Gastronomic Diversity
Soho's food scene is unmatched in London's West End. The neighborhood hosts everything from Michelin-starred establishments to hole-in-the-wall gems serving Lebanese pastries, Spanish tapas, Indian masala chai, and American comfort food. Brasserie Zédel channels Parisian elegance with its art deco interiors and classic French cuisine, while Yauatcha's dim sum has become legendary among locals. The southern reaches blend seamlessly into Chinatown, where lantern-lit lanes overflow with authentic restaurants and the famous bao bun queues. Whether you're seeking bold pan-Asian plates at 100 Wardour Street, craft gelateria at Gelupo, or a proper pie and pint at a traditional pub, Soho satisfies every craving with style and substance.The Epicenter of London's Nightlife
When darkness falls, Soho transforms into the city's most electric playground. Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, an iconic institution, continues to host world-class musicians in an intimate basement setting. The neighborhood's speakeasy culture thrives in hidden gems like Soma, a lunar-like underground bar serving inventive cocktails infused with burnt cashew and thandai butter, and Cahoots, an Underground-themed venue complete with vintage tube carriages. From the rooftop views at Aqua Spirit to the velvet-rope exclusivity of Trisha's and the theatrical glamour of Nightjar Carnaby with its candy-floss-topped cocktails, Soho's bars cater to every mood. Old Compton Street pulses as the heart of the LGBTQ+ scene, lined with welcoming gay bars and clubs that celebrate the community's vibrant culture. Late-night comedy, post-theatre hotspots, and dancing until dawn define the Soho experience.Shopping, Art, and Cultural Treasures
Soho's retail landscape balances high street convenience with independent character. Carnaby Street, once the epicenter of 1960s fashion revolution, now hosts quirky boutiques and cool brands like Dr Martens. Wolf & Badger showcases ethical indie designers, while Gosh! Comics stacks double-height shelves with graphic novels and art books. The Photographers' Gallery presents historic retrospectives alongside form-bending contemporary work, and House of Minalima offers art deco film posters and whimsical illustrations. Foyles bookshop remains a literary institution where browsers can lose themselves for hours. Milroy's whisky shop leads to the Vault, a candlelit cocktail den perfect for intimate moments.Green Spaces and Hidden Corners
Despite its urban intensity, Soho offers pockets of tranquility. Soho Square and Golden Square provide welcome green spaces for blue plaque spotting and afternoon respite. The grotto-like Phoenix Garden offers refuge among fish ponds and community-led art installations. Farrier's Passage, one of London's best-kept secrets, leads to Smith's Court, a charming courtyard filled with boutiques and cafes. Ham Yard, anchored by the chic Ham Yard Hotel with its original 1950s bowling alley, adds playful sophistication to the neighborhood's character.Strategic Location and Accessibility
Soho's position in London's West End makes it the perfect base for exploring the city. Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Oxford Street, Chinatown, Covent Garden, and Mayfair are all within walking distance. Theatre-goers flock to Shaftesbury Avenue for West End shows, while shoppers venture to Regent Street and the iconic Liberty department store. The neighborhood's central location means you can experience world-class entertainment, dining, and culture without ever leaving the immediate area.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ziggy Stardust album cover
0.4 km
Step into the legendary London street where David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona was born on an iconic 1972 album cover.
Savile Row
0.4 km
Explore the elegance of Savile Row, London's renowned street for bespoke tailoring and luxury fashion, where craftsmanship meets tradition.
3 Savile Row
0.4 km
Historic Georgian townhouse in London, famed as The Beatles’ Apple Corps HQ and site of their legendary 1969 rooftop concert.
Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)
0.4 km
Iconic London landmark honoring Victorian philanthropy with the world’s first aluminium statue, set amidst Piccadilly Circus’s vibrant theatre district.
Chinatown Gate
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of London's Chinatown at the iconic Chinatown Gate, a cultural gem filled with culinary delights and rich heritage.
Piccadilly Circus
0.4 km
Piccadilly Circus pulses with iconic neon lights, historic monuments, and vibrant street life at the heart of London’s West End.
225 Piccadilly Circus
0.4 km
At the luminous heart of London’s West End, 225 Piccadilly Circus dazzles with history, iconic lights, and vibrant urban energy.
Piccadilly & Piccadilly Circus
0.4 km
London's dazzling heart: iconic neon lights, legendary Eros statue, and the pulsing epicentre of West End entertainment.
St George's Church, Hanover Square
0.5 km
Historic Georgian church in Mayfair, famed for Handel’s music, elegant worship, and a premier London wedding venue.
Café de Paris
0.5 km
Legendary West End cabaret where royalty danced, stars performed, and history was made—now closed after 96 years.
1 Soho Place
0.5 km
Explore 1 Soho Place: A vibrant business park in London's Soho, surrounded by eclectic eateries, shops, and cultural landmarks.
Shaftesbury Ave
0.5 km
Discover London’s vibrant Shaftesbury Avenue, the epicenter of the West End's theatre scene, offering a myriad of shows, dining, and nightlife options.
Swiss Glockenspiel
0.5 km
A 10-metre Swiss timepiece performing mechanical magic in London's West End, where Alpine tradition meets modern precision.
Plaque: Tin Pan Alley & La Giaconda cafe
0.5 km
Discover the legendary Tin Pan Alley and La Giaconda Cafe at 9 Denmark Street, the historic heart of London’s music scene and creative spirit.
Leicester Square
0.5 km
London's glittering entertainment epicentre where cinema, theatre, and street culture converge in the heart of the West End.
Unmissable attractions to see
Reckless Records
0.1 km
Explore Reckless Records in London, a cultural hub for music lovers offering an extensive collection of vinyl and CDs in a vibrant setting.
Berwick St
0.1 km
Historic Soho market blending fresh produce, global street food, and eclectic shopping in a lively pedestrianised London street.
Sounds of the Universe
0.1 km
A legendary Soho record store with a global beat, rare finds, and a legacy tied to The Rolling Stones.
Paul A Young Fine Chocolates
0.1 km
Renowned for innovative, award-winning chocolates and artisanal treats in London’s vibrant Soho district.
House of MinaLima
0.1 km
Discover the enchanting graphic art of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts in Soho’s magical House of MinaLima gallery and shop.
Spirit of Soho Mural
0.2 km
A vibrant mosaic celebrating Soho’s rich artistic heritage and community spirit at the corner of Carnaby and Broadwick Streets.
Carnaby St
0.2 km
Explore Carnaby Street, London’s legendary pedestrianized shopping and dining district blending iconic fashion, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Berwick Street Market
0.2 km
Historic Soho market blending fresh produce, global street food, and iconic vinyl culture in the heart of London.
Kingly Court
0.2 km
A vibrant three-level Soho courtyard serving global cuisines and stylish bars just off iconic Carnaby Street.
Starbucks Coffee
0.2 km
A vibrant Starbucks café in London’s iconic Carnaby district, blending global coffee culture with local urban energy.
Kingly Ct
0.2 km
Discover Kingly Court, a colourful three-storey courtyard in Soho offering world-class dining, unique shops, and a vibrant atmosphere in London’s West End.
Golden Square
0.2 km
Golden Square: A serene historic garden square blending aristocratic legacy with Soho’s creative pulse in central London.
Las Vegas Arcade Soho
0.2 km
A lively Soho basement arcade offering classic and rhythm games, pool, and air hockey in a vibrant, social setting.
The Photographers' Gallery
0.2 km
London's premier gallery dedicated exclusively to photography, showcasing diverse exhibitions and celebrating 100 years of photographic innovation.
Liberty
0.2 km
Discover Liberty London, a Tudor revival treasure in the heart of London, blending historic craftsmanship with iconic luxury fabrics and design.
Essential places to dine
Social Eating House
0.0 km
Modern European dining in Soho with creative British flair, relaxed elegance, and an intimate chef’s counter experience.
Andrew Edmunds Restaurant
0.1 km
A romantic Soho townhouse serving refined Franco-Mediterranean dishes with an acclaimed wine list in an intimate, candlelit setting.
Blanchette
0.1 km
Cozy Soho French bistro serving modern small plates, charcuterie, and exquisite cheese and honey pairings in a Parisian-inspired setting.
Bob Bob Ricard Soho
0.2 km
Experience glamorous British & French dining in Soho with iconic booths and a unique ‘Press for Champagne’ button at every table.
Inamo
0.2 km
Experience futuristic Asian fusion dining with interactive tables and vibrant sharing plates in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
Mele e Pere
0.2 km
Discover authentic Italian flavors and a rich vermouth selection in the cozy, candlelit basement of Soho’s Mele e Pere.
Blacklock Soho
0.2 km
A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
NOPI
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors in Soho at NOPI, Ottolenghi’s innovative restaurant known for shareable, seasonal dishes.
Bantof
0.3 km
Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Quo Vadis
0.3 km
An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Sussex Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
A vibrant Soho bistro blending Sussex countryside flavors with London’s energy, featuring seasonal British dishes and curated wines.
Kricket Soho
0.3 km
Discover bold, modern Indian small plates in a lively Soho setting with an open kitchen and vibrant basement dining.
Hoppers Soho
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and signature hoppers in a lively, intimate Soho setting bursting with authentic flavors and culture.
sketch
0.4 km
An iconic Mayfair venue blending avant-garde art, Michelin-starred dining, and whimsical design for an unforgettable London experience.
Gauthier Soho
0.4 km
Innovative vegan French fine dining in a stylish Soho townhouse, blending tradition with plant-based creativity.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Pop Up 38
0.1 km
A compact, curated boutique on Broadwick Street offering rotating seasonal pieces and design-led accessories in the heart of Soho.
Glassworks London - Soho
0.1 km
Discover limited-edition London fashion at Glassworks Soho: quality designs, weekly drops, and timeless style on vibrant Berwick Street.
Canvas Collection
0.2 km
Discover handmade ceramics, jewelry, and accessories in Carnaby's artistic gift haven—unique treasures from London's creative makers.
CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
0.2 km
Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
JW Anderson London Soho
0.2 km
Soho's avant-garde flagship: minimalist Shaker-inspired space brimming with gender-fluid luxury fashion, artisanal homewares, and exclusive collaborations.
Machine-A
0.2 km
Small but influential Soho boutique showcasing curated avant‑garde and emerging fashion with gallery‑like presentation.
House of secrets
0.3 km
Step into House of Secrets on Oxford Street and discover a magical world of Harry Potter collectibles and enchanting souvenirs in the heart of London.
Cool Britannia Oxford Street
0.3 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories in the heart of London at Cool Britannia Oxford Street.
La Boutik
0.3 km
Soho's chic haven for European designer imports on buzzing Dean Street—unique fashion finds in London's creative epicenter.
Souvenir Shop
0.3 km
Discover authentic British souvenirs in the heart of London’s iconic Oxford Street.
Beyond Retro Soho
0.4 km
Dive into Soho's ultimate vintage vault: two floors of era-spanning fashion, weekly drops, and pop-up vibes for the preloved obsessed.
Radha's Boutique
0.4 km
A small, curated Soho boutique offering tactile womenswear and accessories with friendly, personalised service in the heart of central London.
Oxford St
0.4 km
Europe’s busiest shopping street, Oxford Street offers iconic department stores, high-street fashion, and vibrant retail energy in central London.
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
0.4 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Glorious London Gift & Souvenir, a must-visit shopping destination.
Oxford Street Gift Shop
0.4 km
A lively and colorful gift shop on Oxford Street offering quintessential London souvenirs with a vibrant atmosphere and a hint of retail adventure.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Blind Pig at Social Eating House
0.0 km
Soho's hidden speakeasy gem: storybook cocktails and Michelin bites in Prohibition-style elegance.
Basement Sate
0.1 km
Discover Soho’s chic basement bar where decadent desserts meet expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate, stylish setting.
Cahoots London
0.2 km
Step into a 1940s London underground tube station and enjoy creative cocktails in a vibrant, theatrical vintage setting.
Disrepute - Soho
0.2 km
Descend into Soho's glamorous underworld at Disrepute, where 1960s scandal meets masterful cocktails in velvet-clad vaults—Soho's seductive late-night escape.
NQ64 Soho
0.2 km
Dive into a neon-lit world of retro arcade games and themed cocktails in the heart of Soho’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Duke of Argyll
0.2 km
Step into the Duke of Argyll for authentic Victorian pub charm, affordable ales, and a warm Soho atmosphere in central London.
The Thin White Duke
0.3 km
Discover Soho’s intimate cocktail bar inspired by David Bowie, blending bespoke drinks, award-winning dim sum, and creative recording studios.
Henson's Bar and Social
0.3 km
Soho's oak-panelled cocktail sanctuary: precise classics, inventive signatures, and fireside intimacy amid Frith Street's electric vibe.
Punch Room
0.4 km
An exclusive Fitzrovia cocktail bar where historic punch traditions meet innovative craft mixology in a cozy, club-like setting.
The Argyll Arms
0.4 km
Step into The Argyll Arms, a Victorian-era pub gem in Soho blending historic charm, real ales, and hearty British fare near Oxford Circus.
Simmons Bar | Soho
0.4 km
Soho's kitsch cocktail den with epic happy hours, retro karaoke vibes, and two floors of nostalgic nightlife fun.
The Black Book
0.4 km
Soho's clandestine basement wine bar, pouring rare vintages by the glass alongside Mediterranean bites in a former members' club hideout—perfect for late-night indulgence.
Thirst Bar Soho
0.4 km
Compact Soho cocktail bar by day, pulsing DJ‑led club by night—cheap cocktails, leather booths and a lively basement scene.
Bar Soho
0.4 km
A theatrical two‑floor cocktail bar on Old Compton Street — daytime drinks and late‑night DJs for dancing, private hire and people‑watching in the heart of Soho.
The Little Scarlet Door
0.4 km
Step through the scarlet door to a playful Soho loft bar alive with inventive cocktails, secret rooms, and a lively house party vibe.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Sunset night club
0.0 km
Dive into Soho's electric nightlife at Sunset Night Club, where thumping beats, craft cocktails, and dawn-chasing energy define unforgettable nights in London's vibrant core.
St Moritz Club
0.2 km
Soho's retro basement nightclub: 1960s vibes meet modern beats in an intimate, wood-paneled haven beneath a Swiss chalet restaurant.
The Box Soho
0.2 km
A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.
Versity Camp Nightclub
0.2 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.
Bordello London
0.2 km
Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.
101 Nightclub London
0.2 km
Soho's raw Saturday night pulse: intimate beats, crowded floors, and unfiltered London club energy on Wardour Street.
Sophisticats Soho
0.2 km
An intimate, late‑night Soho gentlemen’s club on Brewer Street offering staged performances, VIP seating and an upmarket, discreet atmosphere.
The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London
0.3 km
Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.
La Capannina Club
0.4 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
Club49Soho
0.4 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
The Cuckoo Club
0.4 km
Exclusive Mayfair nightclub and restaurant blending glamorous design, contemporary cuisine, and vibrant nightlife in London’s upscale scene.
Luxe Club
0.5 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
The Penthouse London
0.5 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Tiger Tiger London
0.5 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
The Ivy Club
0.6 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Quirky
- Unique
- Romantic
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
- Retro Vibes
- Modern Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Modern
- Art & Design
- Street Art
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
