Soho, London Travel Guide

Discover Soho, London: A dynamic neighborhood where history meets vibrant nightlife, diverse dining, and eclectic shopping, creating an unforgettable cultural experience.

Welcome to Soho, an eclectic neighborhood in the heart of London that pulses with vibrant energy day and night. Known for its rich history, lively atmosphere, and diverse offerings, Soho is a must-visit destination for tourists seeking an unforgettable experience. Soho is a melting pot of cultures, offering an incredible array of dining options from around the globe. Wander through its streets and discover hidden gems, from charming cafes to high-end restaurants, each offering a unique culinary adventure. The neighborhood is also famous for its buzzing nightlife. Whether you prefer a quiet drink in a cozy pub or dancing the night away in a trendy club, Soho has something for everyone. The area's historic theaters and music venues add to its allure, making it a cultural hotspot for entertainment. During the day, Soho transforms into a shopper's paradise. Explore quirky boutiques, vintage shops, and major retail stores. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous galleries and street art that add a creative flair to the area. Soho's central location makes it easy to explore nearby attractions, including Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and the West End. With its unique blend of history, culture, and modernity, Soho offers an experience like no other.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Soho.

Visit early in the day to avoid the evening crowds and explore Soho's quieter side.
Book a table in advance for popular restaurants, especially during weekends.
Check out the street art in the area, particularly around Carnaby Street.
Wear comfortable shoes as Soho is best explored on foot.
Keep an eye out for pop-up events and markets that frequently take place in Soho.

Explore Soho: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Soho

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Churchill War Rooms

Step into the secret underground bunker where Winston Churchill directed WWII and explore the preserved Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum in London.

4.6

The London Dungeon

Step into London’s darkest tales with live actors, thrilling rides, and immersive storytelling on the South Bank’s most chilling attraction.

4.3

Chinatown Gate

A stunning Qing dynasty-style gateway marking the vibrant heart of London’s Chinatown in Soho, rich with culture, history, and culinary delights.

4.5

Golden Square

Golden Square: A serene historic garden square blending aristocratic legacy with Soho’s creative pulse in central London.

4.3

Best restaurants in Soho

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Thai Tho Soho

Savor authentic Thai flavors amid Soho's electric vibe at Thai Tho, where fresh imports, bold curries, and private karaoke create unforgettable pre-theatre feasts and lively nights.

4.1

Bob Bob Ricard Soho

Experience glamorous Soho dining with decadent Anglo-Russian cuisine and the iconic ‘Press for Champagne’ button at Bob Bob Ricard.

4.5

Blacklock Soho

A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.

4.7

Blanchette

Cozy Soho French bistro serving modern small plates, charcuterie, and exquisite cheese and honey pairings in a Parisian-inspired setting.

4.4

Best bars in Soho

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Disrepute - Soho

Descend into Soho's glamorous underworld at Disrepute, where 1960s scandal meets masterful cocktails in velvet-clad vaults—Soho's seductive late-night escape.

4.4

Swift Soho

Soho's split-level cocktail gem: aperitivo elegance upstairs, whisky-laced intimacy below, with live jazz and legendary mixes drawing night owls to Old Compton Street.

4.7

Cahoots London

Relive 1940s Blitz spirit in a hidden tube station speakeasy: vintage cocktails, live swing, and wartime whimsy in vibrant Carnaby.

4.6

The Black Book

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.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Soho

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The Windmill Soho | Restaurant, Cabaret & Nightclub in Soho, London

Soho's legendary cabaret den revived: burlesque bites, theatrical feasts, and all-night beats in a historic hotspot of hedonism.

3.9

The Box Soho

A clandestine Soho cabaret where decadent staging, provocative shows and high‑end cocktails collide in an intense late‑night theatre.

3.4

Bordello London

Dive into Soho's seductive basement beats at Bordello London, where Wardour Street's nightlife legacy ignites late-night frenzy on weekends.

5.0

Club49Soho

Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.

2.9

Best shops in Soho

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Best Shops

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Beyond Retro Soho

Dive into Soho's ultimate vintage vault: two floors of era-spanning fashion, weekly drops, and pop-up vibes for the preloved obsessed.

4.3

Goldsmith Vintage

Iconic Soho vintage shop since 1990: two floors of handpicked retro dresses, blazers, bags & accessories from decades past, with sales from £10.95.

4.2

JW Anderson London Soho

Soho's avant-garde flagship: minimalist Shaker-inspired space brimming with gender-fluid luxury fashion, artisanal homewares, and exclusive collaborations.

4.6

Machine-A

Small but influential Soho boutique showcasing curated avant‑garde and emerging fashion with gallery‑like presentation.

4.3

Explore Soho on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Soho, mapped for you.

Soho Essentials

Soho is centrally located in London and can be easily accessed from various neighbourhoods. The nearest Underground stations are Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo lines) and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines). Buses also serve Soho well, with routes 14, 19, 38, and 55 running through the area. If you're coming from Heathrow Airport, the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station followed by a quick Tube ride to Oxford Circus is a convenient option.
Soho is compact and best explored on foot to fully appreciate its vibrant atmosphere. For longer distances, London's public transport is reliable. The London Underground is efficient, and buses provide extensive coverage. You can also use the Santander Cycles for bike rentals, with docking stations available throughout the neighbourhood. Taxis and rideshare options are readily accessible for those who prefer not to walk or take public transport.
Soho is generally a safe neighbourhood for tourists, but standard caution is advised. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, especially around the edges of Soho. Areas near the northern edges, particularly around Oxford Street, can be busier and may attract pickpockets. It’s best to stay vigilant in crowded places and keep your belongings secure.
In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. If you require medical attention, there are several hospitals nearby, including the Soho Centre for Health and Care. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many staff members in shops and restaurants can assist in emergencies.
Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes as Soho has many cobbled streets. Don’t wear overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting more upscale venues. Religion: Do respect local customs, and be quiet and respectful in places of worship. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don’t use your phone loudly on public transport. Greetings: Do greet shopkeepers and restaurant staff with a polite 'hello.' Don’t be overly familiar unless invited. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies at street food markets. Don’t waste food or be rude to staff.
To experience Soho like a local, visit the many independent cafés and restaurants tucked away in side streets. Explore the vibrant markets, such as Berwick Street Market, for fresh produce and unique finds. Attend local events and festivals which often showcase the neighbourhood's diverse culture. Engage with locals at pubs and bars, especially during happy hour for good deals. Don't miss the hidden gems like the historic Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club for live music.

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Soho

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Soho. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloAlright
  [al-right]
- GoodbyeTa-ra
  [ta-ra]
- YesAye
  [aye]
- NoNah
  [nah]
- Please/You're welcomeCheers
  [cheers]
- Thank youCheers, mate
  [cheers, mate]
- Excuse me/SorrySorry, love
  [sorry, love]
- How are you?You alright?
  [you al-right?]
- Fine. And you?Not bad. You?
  [not bad. you?]
- Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [you speak English?]
- I don't understandI ain't got a scooby
  [I ain't got a scooby]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseLet's have a butcher's at the menu, mate
  [let's have a butcher's at the menu, mate]
- I don't eat meatI'm veggie, mate
  [I'm veggie, mate]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseStick it on the bill, mate
  [stick it on the bill, mate]
- Help!Help!
  [help!]
- Go away!Clear off!
  [clear off!]
- Call the Police!Get the Bill on the blower!
  [get the Bill on the blower!]
- Call a doctor!Get a quack round here!
  [get a quack round here!]
- I'm lostI'm all over the shop
  [I'm all over the shop]
- I'm illI'm feeling rough
  [I'm feeling rough]
- I'd like to buy...I'm after...
  [I'm after...]
- I'm just lookingJust browsing, mate
  [just browsing, mate]
- How much is it?How much is that?
  [how much is that?]
- That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep, mate
  [that's a bit steep, mate]
- Can you lower the price?Can you do it cheaper?
  [can you do it cheaper?]
- What time is it?What's the time?
  [what's the time?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [it's one o'clock]
- Half past (10)Half ten
  [half ten]
- MorningMorning
  [morning]
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [afternoon]
- EveningEvening
  [evening]
- YesterdayYesterday
  [yesterday]
- TodayToday
  [today]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [tomorrow]
- 1One
  [one]
- 2Two
  [two]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [four]
- 5Five
  [five]
- 6Six
  [six]
- 7Seven
  [seven]
- 8Eight
  [eight]
- 9Nine
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [where's the...?]
- What's the address?What's the gaff?
  [what's the gaff?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you point it out?
  [can you point it out?]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?
  [when's the next bus?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket to ...
  [a ticket to ...]

History of Soho

Soho's history dates back to the 16th century when it was originally a hunting ground. The name 'Soho' is derived from an old hunting call, and by the late 1500s, it began to develop as a residential area. The construction of St. Anne's Church in 1686 marked the beginning of a more structured community.
In the 18th century, Soho transformed into a vibrant entertainment district. It became a hub for theatre, music, and nightlife, attracting a diverse crowd. The establishment of venues such as the Soho Theatre and various music halls contributed to its reputation as a center for cultural activities.
The 19th century saw Soho becoming a focal point for artists and writers. Notable figures such as Karl Marx lived in the area, and the cultural landscape flourished with the presence of literary salons and art studios. The area became synonymous with bohemian culture, influencing movements such as the Bloomsbury Group.
Post-World War II, Soho emerged as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a vibrant culture that has persisted to this day. Pubs like The Admiral Duncan and venues such as G-A-Y became pillars of this community, contributing to Soho's identity as a center for LGBTQ+ rights and celebrations.
Today, Soho is celebrated for its eclectic mix of cultures, cuisines, and creative industries. It is home to a myriad of restaurants, bars, and shops, reflecting its history as a melting pot. The ongoing cultural evolution continues to make Soho a dynamic and integral part of London, attracting visitors from around the world.