Neighborhood
Soho
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Soho is one of London's most characterful and energetic neighbourhoods, a compact, buzzing quarter in the heart of the West End long synonymous with nightlife, creativity, food, and a famously bohemian, anything-goes spirit. Its tight grid of streets packs in an extraordinary density of restaurants, bars, pubs, cafés, theatres, music venues, and media companies, alongside historic markets and squares. It's the beating heart of London's theatreland and a longtime centre of the city's LGBTQ+ life (especially around Old Compton Street). Soho's character runs from grand to gritty, vintage record shops to cutting-edge restaurants.
Within or beside it you'll find Chinatown (with its gates, lanterns, and restaurants), the green of Soho Square, bustling Berwick Street Market, and the shopping of Carnaby Street. It's a place to wander, eat, drink, and soak up the atmosphere rather than tick off sights, best experienced on foot, especially in the evening. Free to wander, lively day and night.
Don't miss
- London's theatreland and nightlife heart
- An incredible density of restaurants and bars
- Neighbouring Chinatown with its gates and lanterns
- A historic centre of LGBTQ+ life
- Berwick Street Market, Soho Square, and Carnaby Street
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Soho
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Soho with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inLondon: London Food Tour of Soho & Covent Garden4.9★ · 125 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$19 per personSee dates →
Most bookedLondon Small Group Tour of Historical Pubs5★ · 11,287 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$40 per personSee dates →
Top ratedThe Original Soho Punk Tour5★ · 349 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$37 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- It's best explored on foot, wander, eat, and soak up the atmosphere.
- Neighbouring Chinatown is great for food and photos.
- It's the heart of London's theatreland, combine with a West End show.
- Liveliest in the evenings, day or night it's free to wander.
A bit of history
Once royal hunting grounds (the name may come from an old hunting cry), Soho developed from the 17th century and became known for immigrant communities, entertainment, and a bohemian, often risqué reputation. It remains a creative and nightlife hub, home to theatreland, the film and media industry, and a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene.
Common questions
What is Soho?
A compact, energetic West End neighbourhood at the heart of London's nightlife, dining, theatreland, and creative industries, with a famously bohemian, anything-goes character.
What's there to do?
Eat and drink at its countless restaurants and bars, catch a West End show, explore neighbouring Chinatown, browse Berwick Street Market, and wander its lively streets.
Is it free?
Yes, it's free to wander; restaurants, shows, and venues charge separately.
When's the best time to visit?
Evenings for the buzz and nightlife; daytime for markets and a more relaxed stroll.
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