Alexander Meddings
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3 hrs
Flexible TravelNestled between the buzz of Piccadilly Circus and the literary haunts of Bloomsbury, Soho has been at the beating heart of London’s counterculture since the 1950s.
Soho offers something for everyone, packing Georgian townhouses, Michelin restaurants, and the wild and wonderful nightlife of London’s West End into a 1.5-mile labyrinth of streets where the likes of Mozart, Karl Marx, and the Sex Pistols used to roam (though not, unfortunately, at the same time).
Whether you’re here for avant-garde art, fine dining, or to laugh the night away at a comedy show, this guide for things to do in Soho will help you enjoy London's West End like a local.
Open daily from 7:30 am, The Breakfast Club (33 D’Arblay St) is a brunch-lovers paradise. Nothing is more calorifically British than the Full Monty, which somehow manages to squeeze bacon, sausage, crispy homestyle potatoes, mushrooms, hash browns, black pudding, baked beans, roasted cherry tomatoes, eggs, and sourdough toast onto the same plate.
Short-stack pancakes offer a sweeter but equally filling option. Just make sure to arrive early to avoid queues since the cafe fills up with Instagrammers snapping their pancake stacks. Here’s the menu to whet your appetite. Book a table online to avoid disappointment.
For a Nordic twist on traditional brunch, head to Söderberg (36 Berwick St). Grab a cardamom-infused kanelbullar (cinnamon bun) and artisan coffee to go or sit down and browse their extensive brunch menu, which ranges from traditional classics like the Swedish Meatball Brunch to sweet sticky waffles and savoury breakfast spreads.
You can even get a Swedish bun box to take away so you can treat yourself throughout the day.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Soho on one of London’s rare sunny days, skip the cafés and grab a gourmet street food picnic to go from Berwick Street Market (Monday to Saturday). You’ll find plenty of delicious international dishes, from Jamaican jerk chicken and falafel wraps from Wowshee to the mouthwatering Malaysian and Chinese lunch trays from Pitstop Noodles.
Spread your feast beneath the mock Tudor gardener’s hut in Soho Square, or opt for the generally quieter Phoenix Garden.
The half-timbered gardener's hut in Soho Square. Photo Credit: Panhard
Step back in time to when Soho was at the centre of Britain’s punk scene on this 2.5-hour walking tour. Learn all about punk artists like the Jam, the Sex Pistols, and the Damned and see the sites where they made history (and trouble).
Kickstart your night out by meeting other fun international travellers on the London Tipsy Tour! We’ll take you to four specially selected local bars where you’ll savour authentic British beverages, immerse yourself in fun history and hear plenty of saucy stories.
Situated on the corner of Ramillies Street, close to Oxford Circus station, the Photographer’s Gallery is Europe’s largest photography space. The gallery boasts three exhibition spaces, a print sales gallery, and an education and learning studio, as well as a bookshop and café in which to relax.
The Photographer’s Gallery is open every day from 10 am until 6 pm (until 8 pm on Thursdays and Fridays). General admission tickets cost £10, but several concessions are available including free entry for under-25s. Tactile tours are available for visually impaired visitors.
Frontage of the Photographer’s Gallery in London, one of the best things to do in Soho for art-lovers. Photo Credit: The Photographer’s Gallery
Contemporary art abounds at the Frith Street Gallery (17–18 Golden Square), where you’ll find innovative exhibitions across a range of mediums, from sculptures and installations to contemporary photography. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Friday (11 am - 6 pm) and Saturdays (11 am - 5 pm). It’s closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Run by the graphic design duo who designed the Harry Potter films, the House of MinaLima gallery and shop (157 Wardour Street) is perfect for kids and adult kids alike. Interactive exhibits let you ‘send’ a Hogwarts letter to properly freak out your friends and family back home.
Home to around a dozen guitar and musical instrument shops, Denmark Street is a guitarist’s paradise. Its reputation as a hub of music publishers earned Denmark Street the nickname London’s Tin Pan Alley, but many of these houses have since been replaced with musical instrument shops. The most famous are Hanks Guitar Shop, the hilariously named Stairway to Kevin, and Regent Sounds, where The Rolling Stones recorded their debut album.
London’s fashion epicentre during the swinging sixties, chameleon-like Carnaby Street is constantly evolving to keep up with contemporary trends. It’s home to plenty of boutique shops as well as many of the big fashion houses like Abercrombie & Fitch, Barbour, and Diesel.
Pop into Kingly Court for quick lunch spots and fine dining options.
Immortalised on the album cover of Oasis’s (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? album cover, Berwick Street is still a haven of record shops. Make time to visit Reckless Records and Sister Ray, which specialises in rare punk and jazz LPs.
Soho's Berwick St on the cover image of Oasis' album What's the Story? (Morning Glory)
For luxury design and floral print fabrics, make sure to visit Liberty London. Set within a historic Tudor revival-style building on Great Marlborough Street, the department store is well worth visiting, even if only for window shopping. 👀
Leave behind London for a genuine taste of Paris at this popular Soho brasserie. Zédel’s art deco interior can accommodate 280 guests, but you’ll still want to book to avoid disappointment.
Come for Coq au Vin or Boeuf Bourguignon; stay for the nightly live jazz performances. 👌
Small Japanese udon chain (50 Frith St) specialising in no-nonsense noodles and small Japanese dishes. Try the vegetable tempura and pork belly for something extra special. Koya does not take reservations.
Homely Italian restaurant (8-10 Lower James St) that boasts a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner in its silk handkerchief pasta with walnut butter. Its basement cocktail bar offers £12 Negronis.
Book your table here.
Bancone’s famous handkerchief pasta with walnut butter
Interior of Bancone restaurant, Soho. Image credit: The Nudge
Informal eatery inspired by Sri Lankan village toddy shops and streetside shacks. Don’t miss the phenomenal dosas and jackfruit kari. Book your table here.
Soho’s nightlife offers something for everyone, from comedy and live music performances to bars, speakeasies, and nightclubs. Here are our top picks.
You’ll find stand-up shows every night of the week at this intimate but immersive comedy club. Check their website to see what’s on and book tickets.
Cutting-edge comedy, cabaret, and theatre performances are the order of the day at Soho Theatre (21 Deans St.) Then treat yourself to post-show cocktails at Swift next door.
Set in a disused tube station (13 Kingly Court), this 1940s-themed cocktail bar recreates a far more romanticised version of Blitz-era London than the reality of huddling in a cold, dark corner and waiting for the bombing to stop.
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Interior of Cahoots Underground bar in Soho. Photo from Cahoots London’s Facebook page
To get there, look out for the underground sign on the ground floor of Kingly Court by the Beak Street entrance. Old-fashioned wooden escalators will lead you downstairs to an entry kiosk, where you’ll be issued a ‘day ticket’ to the platform/tube carriage destination bar.
Book your table here
Soho’s main LGBTQ+ strip since the 1970s, Old Compton Street really comes alive at night with its buzzing gay bars, gay-friendly restaurants and cafés. Ku Bar & Club is great fun for cocktails, cabaret, karaoke and late-night DJ sets. Queer women and non-binary folk, make sure to check out She Soho (open daily, except Monday from 5 pm).
Butcher your favourite songs in the privacy of your own booth at Lucky Voice karaoke bar. The venue boasts a cool 1980s décor and a “Disco Diva” package (prosecco + glitter makeup). Prices range from £8 to £15 per person. Check the website for the latest opening times.
Get more London Nightlife Recommendations
London’s West End has plenty of accommodation, with hotel rooms starting from around £100 per night. We like the Z Hotel Soho (budget option), Mimi’s Hotel Soho (mid-range option) and the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hampshire Hotel (premium option).
Deep dive into Soho accommodation options in our Where to Stay in London Guide.
Ready to delve into Whitechapel's dark history? Join our immersive Jack the Ripper Tour.
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Embark on a delicious and immersive journey through the heart of the British capital with our London Food Tour through Soho and Chinatown. This guided walking tour offers a unique blend of international tastings and rich history as you explore one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Soho, renowned for its iconic music scene, lively nightlife, and immigrant heritage, serves as the perfect backdrop for discovering the diversity of London’s culinary scene. From traditional British snacks to bold Asian flavours, you’ll sample a variety of delectable treats that reflect the area’s global gastronomic landscape. Bite into a hearty English pie, enjoy a spicy Indian curry, and sample the zest and tang of the Mediterranean with fellow foodies.
Along the way, your expert guide will share fascinating stories about how Soho evolved into a cultural hub for rock and roll, the arts, and global cuisine, introducing you to the landmarks and legends that defined its vibrant character and its food.
Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking to explore London’s multicultural cuisine, this food tour of London offers an unforgettable experience where every bite tells a story.
Spaces are limited so secure your spot now!
5(802)
Explore the dark underbelly of Whitechapel on this purpose-built, immersive experience. With an expert Ripperologist guide and small-group of inquisitive travellers, you’ll retrace the Ripper’s footsteps, visiting real-life crime scenes to discover the bone-chilling stories of his victims and how their circumstances sealed their fate.
This is not your typical tour.
Our Jack the Ripper Walking Tour immerses you in Britain’s oldest and most infamous unsolved mystery. Discover who the Ripper’s victims were, the lives they led, and the impact their tragic deaths had on their community. Along the way, your guide will share theories about the Ripper’s identity and the suspects that have captivated the world for over a century.
With your detective pack filled with case insights and historical details, you’ll follow in the footsteps of Britain’s most notorious serial killer – not to gawk or glorify his crimes, but to better understand the historical context and the horror of his deeds. This offers a unique opportunity to engage with true crime history, exploring the enduring legacy of these tragic events.
Feeling intrigued? Join us for this immersive historical experience in the heart of London, and discover the humans behind the headlines.
Book your spot today.
5(2405)
Happy hour meets history on this unforgettable social adventure through Soho—one of London’s trendiest neighbourhoods. This isn’t your average walking tour—it’s where scandalous stories and delicious drinks come together for a night to remember.
You and a group of fellow travellers will meet with a local guide who will lead you through Soho after dark to discover its red light roots, rebellious spirit, and rock ‘n’ roll legacy. You’ll hear wild tales of icons like Amy Winehouse and The Rolling Stones, stroll past Mozart’s childhood home, and stand in the same spot where Jimi Hendrix played his final gig.
Between tidbits of tales and hidden corners, you’ll dive into British pub culture at four of Soho’s trendiest bars—sipping on a bold Camden beer, a crisp gin & tonic, a cheeky shot, and a surprise cocktail. Not drinking? No worries—we’ve got tasty non-alcoholic options too!
The London Tipsy Tour is where narrative and nightlife collide. Whether you’re flying solo or rolling with friends, this is your ticket to the ultimate night out in the British capital. Book now, and let’s get to feelin’ groovy in Soho!
4.95(2170)
