Soho
Westminster, London, Greater London, W1
The epicenter of fun in London, Soho has so much to offer, day or night, including restaurants, live music, theaters, shops, and art galleries. As part of the West End and the heart of London’s LGBTQ+ community, the neighborhood draws a diverse mix of people, including actors, artists, musicians, and fashion lovers. Whether you come for cocktails, a fancy brunch, or shopping—there’s never a dull moment in this lively area.
The basics
Covering just one square mile (2.6 square kilometers), Soho is best explored on foot. Taste your way around the neighborhood’s diverse food scene on chocolate tours, English tea and dessert tours, modern London food tours, or excursions featuring international cuisine.
Walk in the footsteps of The Beatles on Abbey Road and learn about the city’s other rock ‘n’ roll legends, or visit the area’s best-loved music halls, pubs, and brewhouses on a music and historic pub tour. If history is your thing, walking tours offer an education on London’s hidden gems and historic artifacts.
Things to know before you go
Bring your rain gear, as London is known for its surprise downpours.
As you walk around Soho, look out for noses on the buildings and walls (known as “the seven noses of Soho”). According to local legend, good luck comes your way if you spot them all.
Be prepared for crowds. Soho can get busy, especially around lunchtime.
Kingly Court near Carnaby Street offers free Wi-Fi, a station to refill your water bottles, and a seating area for dining alfresco.
How to get there
Set in Central London in the middle of the West End, the area is easy to visit via guided tour or public transportation. Travel by bus or tube (subway) to any of these stations that are close by: Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, or Tottenham Court Road. If you plan to stay in London for several days, it’s a good idea to pick up a visitor Oyster card. Avoid driving, as the area is very busy and parking is often limited.
When to get there
Soho is thriving day and night. To avoid crowds, visit mid-morning on a weekday to miss commuters on the tube and beat the lunchtime rush at restaurants. The place comes alive at night, so be sure to check out some bars, comedy clubs, and live music venues like Ronnie Scott’s.
Shopping in Soho
Soho is a bustling shopping district—the Liberty department store is a London institution, and if you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit the famous toy shop Hamleys. For boutiques, go to Berwick Street, Carnaby Street, and Kingly Court; and for flagship stores, go to Oxford Street and Regent Street. If you love chocolate, don’t miss the Paul A. Young store on Wardour Street.
Ways to explore
Soho covers just 1 square mile (2.6 square kilometers) and is best explored on foot. Taking a food tour is a fun way to sample its diverse culinary scene, with themed options such as a cheese crawl or an ice cream tour. Music fans can walk in the footsteps of The Beatles on Abbey Road or visit famous venues on a music and historic pub tour. For more flexibility, choose a self-guided walking route or a private taxi tour tailored to your interests.
Accessibility
Many of Soho’s streets are wide and flat with dropped curbs, though some can be narrow and with cobblestones.
Age limits
Some Soho bars and attractions have age restrictions.
What to pack
Refillable water bottle, portable charger, rain protection
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, casual layered clothing
Not allowed
Littering, drinking on the street, barbecues in parks
Amenities
Cafés, restaurants, theaters, restrooms
Address
Soho is conveniently located in London’s West End, just north of Leicester Square. Most travelers come here by tube, but it’s also possible to take a taxi or to see the neighborhood on a walking tour.
Driving
Driving in Soho isn’t recommended, as it’s very busy and it also happens to be within London’s Congestion Zone, so charges apply. On top of this, parking is limited.
Public transportation
Soho is easy to reach using public transit. Get the tube to Leicester Square (Northern, Piccadilly lines), Oxford Circus (Central, Victoria lines), Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo, Piccadilly lines), or Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern, Elizabeth lines).
Best times to visit
Soho is buzzing day and night, so the best time to visit depends on your interests. If you like bars, comedy clubs, and live music, come in the evening.
Best days to visit
The vibe of Soho on the weekends is electric. Come on a Saturday for great energy, or a weekday for a quieter experience.
Best months to visit
Warmer months are great for alfresco dining, but London weather is hard to predict. Visiting anytime from June through September gives you a good chance of sun.
Special events
Chinatown is buzzing during Chinese New Year (February to March), and don’t miss Pride in June, or the festive season in December.
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