Soho is one of London’s most vibrant neighbourhoods and almost every visitor goes there at least once, since it’s located right in the heart of the city!
We run two tours in Soho that are always popular with guests: our Rock n’ Roll Tour and our Soho, Piccadilly Circus and Chinatown Tour.
I also see it pop up a lot on our London Travel Tips Facebook page as a lot of people want to know, “What are the best things to do in Soho?”
So, for those of you looking for a way to spend your time in this exciting area, I’ve put together a post to help you plan your time here.
A good friend who was in London for a week and I spent an entire day there and I’m going to share our itinerary with you!
I’ll also include things we didn’t get the time to do (yes, really, there is that much on offer), as well as some extra restaurants, bars and pubs that I tend to frequent.
My favourite thing about Soho is that there is always something going on!
Whether it's a pop up shop, a new show to see, or a market to explore, I'm never bored when I'm here.
I also really enjoy the buildings and walking through the little cobbled streets and alleyways.
There’s an eclectic mix of architecture here with original 18th-century buildings adjacent to modern offices and Edwardian Theatres producing the hottest and most current shows.
Soho is still the heart of London’s nightlife scene with pubs, restaurants, and bars staying open well into the wee hours, making it a popular destination for visitors who want to dance the night away!
Truthfully, Londoner's do spend time here (I get asked that a lot).
None of us would step food in a club or restaurant in Leicester Square, but Soho is the real deal.
And in the video below, Sinead, a guide with Free Tours by Foot, takes you on a virtual walking tour of Soho.
- Tours of Soho
- Nearby Attractions
- Places to Eat and Drink
- Offers and Deals
- Facebook Group
- Things to Do in London
- Where to Stay in London
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Transport Links
Soho is easily accessed by public transport as it sits right in the heart of town.
If I'm going during the day, I usually walk there after finishing my Westminster Tour.
In the evenings, I'll take the bus as there's a stop right out of my building that takes me straight there!
Nearest Underground Stations:
- Leicester Square
- Covent Garden
- Piccadilly Circus
- Oxford Circus
- Tottenham Court Road
TIP: Read my post on navigating the Underground for tips on getting around London.
Nearest Rail Station: Charing Cross
Bus Routes: 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 19, 23, 24, 29, 38, 88, 94, 98, 139, 159, 390, 453, C2
There are so many bus routes because any route that takes you to Oxford Street, Regent Street or Tottenham Court Road will get you to Soho.
Tour Buses: Nearby Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square are both stops on London hop-on hop-off bus routes like The Original Tour and Golden Tours.
Hotels: There are a number of hotels near and in Soho. Check out TripAdvisor’s list of the closest ones here.
My personal favourites are The Resident and Z Hotel.
MY DAY IN SOHO TRAVEL DIARY
What follows is a blog that details the day I spent in Soho with my friend Vanessa.
She was visiting London for the first time and had an idea to spend an entire day in this neighbourhood.
We both studied history at University but she specialised in the 60's and 70's so the idea of "swinging Soho" had been in her mind for years.
I was determined to show her the best the area has to offer and I'm sharing our experience with you!
Breakfast at The Breakfast Club
We started our day in Soho at the incomparable Breakfast Club.
(You might notice that it pops up on a few of my blog posts - what can I say? I'm a fan!)
There are a couple of these outposts in London and they are always popular so I make sure to get there early to avoid queuing for too long.
The branch we went to (D’Arblay Street) opens at 7:30am but because it was a weekday we went around 8:00am.
If it were Saturday or Sunday, I would’ve arrived far earlier!
We only had to wait 5 minutes before we were seated which was great.
My friend, Vanessa, went for one of the pancake plates and I had the avocado, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich.
I usually get their full English but because I knew we were going to do a lot of eating today I wanted something smaller.
We each had the Pink Maple Lemonade which is always delicious and we were out of the door within 45 minutes.
A great start to our day!
Exploring the Photographer's Gallery
After breakfast we took a short walk over to the Photographer's Gallery.
I've been here a few times, as the imagery on display is constantly changing so it's always worth a little look inside.
Founded in 1971, the Photographer’s Gallery was the first London public gallery entirely dedicated to the art of photography.
They describe their mission as, "attempting to stimulate public understanding and deeper engagement with photography and its value to society."
With rotating exhibitions and works by photographers like Juergen Teller and Taryn Simon, this is a wonderful gallery.
On the day we visited, there was an exhibition featuring works by Brian Griffin, all set in the time period of 1972 - 78 that Vanessa really wanted to see.
We both enjoyed it. I only went because she was interested but I unexpectedly taken with the works we saw.
You can see the calendar, hours, and other information on the Photographer’s Gallery website.
Visiting the House of MinaLima
A walk back past the Breakfast Club took us to MinaLima.
As you'll know from my other blog posts, I am a huge Harry Potter fan and so is Vanessa.
This meant there was no question that we'd pay a visit to MinaLima!
This special little shop is absolutely packed with artwork and artefacts from the Harry Potter film series.
In fact, the owners (in the video I added below) literally made props for the Fantastic Beasts series and for Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando.
I'm slowly building up a collection of the art work.
So, I picked up a design print of Eeylop's Owl Emporium while Vanessa nabbed a cushion cover detailing the Black family tree and a few postcards.
If you love Harry Potter like we do, you may find my guide to Harry Potter sights in London useful.
Also, we offer an incredible Harry Potter walking tour. Your ticket also includes a bottle of butterbeer!
Strolling Down Historic Dean and Old Compton Streets
Each building and boutique, every cafe and pub, holds a story of the city's vibrant past and present!
Purchases in hand, I took Vanessa on a walk up one side and down the other along Dean Street and onto Old Compton Street.
I always tell my tour guests that as I wander down these roads, I always feel the pulse of Soho.
I think of Old Compton Street in particular as the "heart" of Soho.
It's a street that celebrates diversity, brimming with character and charm, which I think is the overall feel of this ecclecctic neighbourhood.
On Dean Street, we stopped to see the Karl Marx blue plaque and stopped off at the Soho Theatre to see what was playing (and bought tickets for a comedy show on the weekend).
On Old Compton Street, I took Vanessa into Gerry's Wine & Spirits (I do Christmas shopping here every year and love the variety of miniatures they have on offer which are perfect for stockings...or sipping as I walk the streets nearby), to the Algerian Coffee Shop.
Founded in 1887 it's the oldest coffee shop in London.
I like going inside even if I'm not a huge coffee drinker...trust me, it's worth it!.
We had a quick drink at the Admiral Duncan, site of a Nazi attack in 1999 and now a site of Queer Heritage.
Finding the Seven Noses of Soho
I'm not a very artistic person (aside from my collection of Harry Potter related pieces, obviously), but I do love an unusual or unexpected piece of art.
The Seven Noses of Soho is one such "exhibition" and I was excited to share it with Vanessa.
In 1997 artist Rick Buckley created an art project based around a curious piece of human anatomy: the nose!
Rick says he was inspired by the increasingly invasive introduction of CCTV cameras throughout London and the idea that Londoners are constantly being watched.
He created 35 noses and placed them up all over London including places such as Tate Britain and the National Gallery.
Today, only 10 noses survive and 7 of them can be found in Soho.
Made of plaster of Paris, the noses poke out of the sides of buildings throughout the area and are not always easy to find. I showed Vanessa two: one on Dean Street and one on Bateman Street.
I won't tell you exactly where because I think the searching is part of the fun!
Unearthing Treasures in Foyle's
Alright, unlike art I am very much into books and, thankfully, so is Vanessa!
So I knew I had to take her to one of my favourite book shops in London: Foyle's on Charing Cross Road.
Foyle's in Soho is honestly like stepping into a dreamland of books.
Rows upon rows of shelves are lined with books ranging from contemporary bestsellers to classic literature and rare finds.
Each turn might lead you to a new author to adore or an undiscovered genre to delve into!
I can easily spend hours inside a bookshop but because we had so much to do, Vanessa and I limited ourselves to one hour only.
In that time, we each managed to pick up three books each.
Although, I ended up putting one of mine back (a huge one on the American War of Independence written from the British perspective) because I didn't fancy carrying it around with me all day.
Although you'll be relieved to hear I went back and bought it the following week!
Relaxing in Soho Square
We'd been on our feet for a while and the weather was good so we next went to Soho Square.
I like it there because it's a little quiet oasis and there's a statute of King Charles II I wanted to show Vanessa.
I wrote my thesis on women at his court so always like to see his name or image pop up!
His statue is there because he was the one who founded this square in 1661, which I think is a cool thing to imagine while we were having a little rest there.
There are a number of traditional park benches to choose from, a charming mock-Tudor pagoda, and I always notice different flowers and plants throughout the year so I like that it's well-maintained.
It’s a small, quiet place to escape the fast-paced activity of the rest of the neighbourhood.
We spent about 15 minutes there to relax before continuing on our way.
London is filled with public green spaces - in fact this is one of the greenest cities in the world.
If you are looking for more places like Soho Square, read my post on London's best parks. (St. James's Park is my favourite!)
Grabbing Lunch at Berwick Street Market
We had well and truly burnt off our breakfast by now so I decided to take us to a classic London market for some street food.
Located on a cobbled pedestrian street, Berwick Street Market doesn't just offer hot street food ready-to-go but also fresh flowers, fruit, and vegetables.
I usually avoid going between 12:00 and 14:00 as that's when I find most people in the offices nearby come down on their lunch break.
But, for the itinerary I had laid out for this day we ended up there around 13:00.
It wasn't too bad! We wanted different food and each of us queued about 10 minutes each.
Vanessa went for falafel and I had an amazing pad thai. We also both got some fresh juice that I love!
No dessert, though, because I was waiting for something that was yet to come.
The Market is open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 until 18:00. Check out their list of vendors here.
Digging for Vinyl at Sister Ray
Soho used to play home to a host of record shops, but one of the last ones standing is Sister Ray.
Sister Ray is the world’s most visited record store and has been trading in London for over three decades.
My nephew has a record player and we like to buy him albums every now and again, so I took Vanessa in for some browsing.
They have almost everything! I saw a tonne of new and second-hand records in almost every genre except for classical and pop.
I was after some David Bowie and got lucky with an old copy of Hunky Dory.
Vanessa didn't get anything as she was worried it would break in her suitcase on her flight back home. Fair enough!
For more info on Sister Ray, check out their website here.
Discovering William Blake's Birthplace
Okay, so, again, I'm not that into art but Vanessa is and she was very excited to see the birthplace of one of England's most revered poets and painters: William Blake.
Blake lived on what is now Broadwick Street until he was 25.
Although at that time (the 18th century) Soho wasn't within the heart of London, but a bit on the outskirts!
I always find that hard to believe when I'm surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the area.
Unfortunately, the home he grew up in is no longer standing and has been replaced by a truly hideous block of flats.
But, there is a plaque that commemorates his birth here so Vanessa made sure to snap a photo.
Seeing the Spirit of Soho
Next was another opportunity to enjoy some art!
Actually, this is one of my favourite things to see in Soho.
I took Vanessa just to the edge of Broadwick Street to get a good look at the incredible Spirit of Soho mural that honours notable men and women of Soho.
My favourite part about visiting the mural is trying to locate some of the famous faces that are depicted on the wall.
There are iconic figures here like Karl Marx, Ronnie Scott, Dylan Thomas, and even Casanova!
And I made sure to bring Vanessa here shortly before the clock struck 15:00 so we could take in one of the most unusual shows in London...
As the clock strikes the hour, Karl Marx animatronically sips from a can of Coke, and Casanova blows a kiss to his mistress Terese Cornelis.
I do want to point out that the clock mechanism does tend to break down quite a bit so I usually tell people not to get their hopes up, just in case.
TIP: If you are a fan of murals and street art, you may want to consider our Instagrammable London Street Art tour!
Shopping on Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street was at the top of Vanessa's list of things she wanted to see.
I told you she was into the "swinging 60's" and Carnaby Street is widely considered to be the home of that movement.
The street was the centre of London's fashion and music scene well up until the 1980's.
It's where The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Who shopped for their unique clothing.
I enjoy Carnaby Street because it's a pedestrianised street and is a place where I can still find independent shops.
One of the things I've noticed in my twenty years in London is the steady increase of chain stores in different neighbourhoods.
Of course I am a patron of some! But there's nothing quite like a one-of-a-kind boutique and I like that Soho still boasts a few.
Oh, and during the holiday season in December, Carnaby Street has some of the best Christmas Lights in all of London.
Indulging in Some Sweet Stuff
I mentioned above that I avoided getting anything sweet from the Berwick Street Market and that's because I knew I was going to take Vanessa to one of my favourite confectionaries in the city: Donutelier.
Relatively new to the Soho scene, Donutelier is an absolute wonderland of donuts and pastries!
These aren't your run of the mill donuts, either.
I honestly believe these are some of the best desserts you can find in the city and that's saying a lot because I have a huge sweet tooth!
The donuts are well sized but I still managed to gobble up two (don't judge), while Vanessa only had one.
I had my favourite, the Vanilla Pecan and I also tried the Pink Royale (topped with tiny meringue) and Vanessa went for the St. Honore.
They also do incredible croissants and "swirls" which are like tiny cakes and a spiced apple crumble that is making me hungry just by typing this out!
Window Shopping at Liberty London
I really think that Liberty is a London institution and a visit to Soho wouldn't be complete without a stop here, even if it's just to step across the street and take in the gorgeous Tudor-revival archetecture.
Vanessa wanted to go inside, though, and I certainly didn't complain!
It's always a wonder to walk around. It offers curated fashion, decor, and more within its historic walls.
But Liberty is more than just a shopping destination—it's a marvel of architecture and design, which is partially why Vanessa wanted to go.
Once you walk through the doors and into the centre space, you will be able to see why for yourself.
However, the price tags here are usually outside of my budget so neither of us bought anything.
But, I really enjoyed making a mental list of the things I'd get if I ever won the lottery!
Actual Shopping on Regent Street at Hamleys
Leaving Liberty empty handed, we then took the short stroll over to Regent Street and got ready to get our wallets out again!
This iconic street is a paradise for shopaholics, featuring a collection of high-end boutiques, globally renowned brands, and standard high street staples like H&M.
I enjoy walking along Regent Street even if I'm not going to go shopping because I like to look at the ever-changing window displays!
It's also one of the most beautiful places to go during Christmas.
However, for Vanessa and I, the real destination was Hamleys.
Hamleys Toy Store is the largest toy store in London and is considered one of the greatest toy stores in the world.
Its popularity goes beyond just the kids - Vanessa and I had a blast exploring every floor.
They usually have a decent amount of Harry Potter merchandise so of course I went to check that out, but it was fun just to have a wander.
Vanessa was travelling without her son but promised to bring some treats home for him so she picked up some London-based LEGO sets and I had my eye on a board game for a while (Villainous) so I finally took the plunge and got it.
Honestly, even if you don't want to go inside, make an effort to walk past!
Their window displays are some of the ones I always like looking out for and occasionally I've spotted Captain Jack sparrow and even Barbie herself greeting shoppers outside. It's honestly a magical place!
For more activities that your kids can enjoy, see my post on things to do in London with kids.
Walking in the Footsteps of the Beatles
Since Vanessa is such a student of rock n' roll history, I wanted to take her to see one of the most iconic locations in London for Beatles fans: No. 3 Saville Row.
Now, there is a lot for fans of the Fab Four to explore in Soho!
There's the Trident Recording Studios, the bar where Paul met Linda, the art gallery where John met Yoko and some of the band owned homes here at one time or another.
But it was the site of their final live performance that I wanted to show to Vanessa so we walked right around the corner from Regent's Street to the upmarket Saville Row.
She took some photos of the rooftop and I pulled up some clips on YouTube for us to watch while standing opposite the building which was fun.
I just love the history that lurks around every corner (or on top of every roof, as the case may be) in London!
If you are into the Beatles yourself, there are a few things of note for you here:
I wrote a self-guided Beatles Tour to show you 10 prime locations in Soho relating to the band.
Also, we visit several Beatles’ locales during our Rock 'n' Roll London Tour.
I also have an entire post dedicated to the Beatles in London.
And you can find out how to get to the Abbey Road crossing here.
Taking in the Lights of Piccadilly Circus
Perhaps the most famous traffic junction in the world, Piccadilly Circus marks the Southwestern end of Soho and is a short walk from Saville Row - so that's where Vanessa and I headed next.
When I tell people that Piccadilly Circus is a traffic junction, I can tell sometimes they are a bit confused as to why people would bother going there!
But I've found the big draw are the video displays and giant screens with various advertisements.
No matter how many times it happens, there's something I love about coming up from underground at Piccadilly Circus Station into the bright lights shining from these screens.
Vanessa and I went as the sun was setting so the signs were lit beautifully.
We actually stopped to watch the lights for a bit as the displays on the (new) giant LED screen are constantly changing.
The big thing these days are the ones that look 3-D, or like something is stepping out of the screen. They always blow my mind!
I wanted to take Vanessa to get a glass of champagne at the Criterion Restaurant but it sadly closed a few yearsback so I decided to take her somewhere even more unique for a glass of bubbly...
For those wondering about the strange name of this traffic junction, check out my post on Piccadilly Circus to find out more.
Pressing for Champagne at Bob Bob Ricard
Okay, I was partially selfish in bringing Vanessa here as I enjoy working a glass of champagne into any day I'm having out!
But I wanted to take her somewhere unique and this definitely fits the bill.
Bob Bob Ricard is an upscale restaurant in Soho, highlighting a blend of English and Russian food.
The restaurant is beautifully decorated in rich colours and I always love coming back there.
Once Vanessa and I sat down, she noticed the little button next to our table that simply said, "Press for Champagne." I told her to press it and see what would happen!
Mere seconds after you pressed that button, a member of staff appeared with a huge trolley loaded with champagnes on ice for us to choose from.
(I know it's cheesy but I still love it).
We each had two glasses of champagne before heading out into the night!
Soho was truly starting to come alive by this point and the streets were getting steadily busier.
Strolling the West End Theatre District
Soho is on the northern edge of London’s West End, which means Vanessa and I were coming across many theatres as you walked through the streets.
Each theatre has its own unique story, style, and flavour so I always try to pay attention as I walk around!
(Also, take note of more modern offerings like the Soho Theatre which is particularly well known for comedy performances - and where Vanessa and I picked up tickets earlier in the day.)
London’s West End brings in shows from all around the world, and some of entertainment’s biggest names.
I've seen most of the most popular shows here throughout the years like Les Mis, Mama Mia, Phantom of the Opera, Book of Mormon...etc etc.
However, Vanessa and I weren't going to the theatre tonight because I had booked us tickets for something a little more unusual, just around the corner.
So, on our way there we just enjoyed seeing the signage for the different shows and discussing trying to get some last-minute tickets for the next night
(spoiler: we got tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong and LOVED it).
For information on getting cheaper tickets to a show, see my post on nabbing the best tickets for the West End. Or See what’s playing while you're here (affiliate disclosure).
Taking a Moment at Notre Dame de France
You already know Vanessa is an art lover and I wanted to surprise her with a stop somewhere truly unique.
Amidst Soho's hustle and bustle, Notre Dame de France offers a peaceful retreat.
This Catholic church isn't just a place of worship; it's a sanctuary of modern religious art.
Once we stepped inside, we were welcomed by an atmosphere of tranquility, a stark contrast to the lively streets outside.
I've been in there a few times as it's a rare quiet corner where I can find a moment of respite and appreciation for artistic beauty.
Vanessa was blown away by the stunning circular architecture and also appreciated the art pieces on offer.
Once we stepped out onto the bustling streets of Soho, however, we went from the sublime to the ridiculous!
Experiencing The Prince Charles Cinema
Nestled above Leicester Square, the Prince Charles Cinema is a cherished gem in Soho's crown.
This quirky venue screens an eclectic mix of mainstream, independent, and classic films, often holding sing-alongs and retro movie marathons.
The theatre's intimate atmosphere and unique program make it a must-visit for movie buffs!
In my years in London I've been to numerous Sing-alongs (I once saw somebody dressed as "brown paper packages tied up with strings" and a Sound of Music one), screenings of films from decades past (Interview With the Vampire and Psycho), movie marathons (the Home Alone movies, Lord of the Rings), foreign films (Amelie) and Q&As.
Honestly, I never know what to expect when I log onto their website to check what's on.
I'd bought Vanessa and I tickets to see The Shawshank Redemption as we are both Stephen King fans and were too young to see it in cinemas when it first came out.
We loved it!
Dining at Little Italy
After enjoying the movie, we were both ready for a late night dinner.
A lot of Europeans on my walking tours complain that everything closes so early in London. This is true...to a point. But in Soho, there are plenty of establishments whose doors never close!
One of those is Little Italy (partnered with the iconic Bar Italia next door) and that's where I took Vanessa for some delicious pizza.
I got the Margherita and Vanessa went for the fried pizza - yes, you read that right.
Even I couldn't do any more sweets after my earlier donuts (even though their cannoli are amazing).
So, after dinner we walked across the street to one of London's most well-known and well-loved late-night music venues.
Enjoying Jazz and Ronnie Scott's
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club is the most legendary jazz club in the world and has been for about the past 50 years.
Huge stars have performed here for decades after musicians Ronnie Scott and Pete King opened this venue in 1965.
I wanted to take Vanessa here for two reasons: firstly, just for the history.
These walls have heard the voices of some of the most iconic performers in the 20th century: Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Amy Winehouse, The Who, Tubby Hayes, Chet Baker, Prince, and Jimi Hendrix - just to name a few.
In fact, it was at Ronnie Scotts that Hendrix played the final performance of his life.
And secondly, because this is the most iconic way to finish any time spent in Soho!
We managed to grab a couple seats and we listened to live jazz music for an hour or so before we finally called it a night (or...an early morning).
Truly, there was no better way to finish our day in this fascinating and incredible neighbourhood.
Read more about Ronnie Scott's in a post I wrote specifically on the topic.
Tours of Soho
Seeing as I am a tour guide, I opted to take my friend around myself.
However, for any visitors, I’d definitely recommend getting acquainted with this busy area by starting off with one of our fantastic tours!
Soho History Tour
Our Westminster Tour also starts and ends within walking distance from Soho (in fact you may catch me here after my Westminster Tour has finished!).
Rock and Roll Tour
Our Rock & Roll Tour takes you back in time from the swinging 60s all the way to the naughty 90s.
See where acts were formed, recorded, and disbanded while you walk in the footsteps of some of London’s most famous rock and roll legends.
This is a must-do tour for any fan of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, or really just music in general!
This is one of my favourite tours to recommend to visitors - it's honestly the best Rock n' Roll Tour in the city.
You can also take this tour any time you wish with our GPS-led audio tour app. Here's a sample, featuring narration by yours truly!
Twilight Soho Food Tour
Or, for those of you who are foodies, the Twilight Soho Food Tour by Eating London is a delicious and indulgent way to explore Soho.
I really enjoy our East London Food Tour, but for the western side of town this is the way to go.
There are also cocktails involved which is a guaranteed way to catch my interest.
It’s 3.5 hours but I find that the time absolutely flies by AND they have vegetarian options at every stop which I appreciate.
If these tours don’t work with your schedule, consider taking one of our GPS-Enabled Walking Tours instead!
You can also use our self-guided food tour of Chinatown, Piccadilly Circus, and Soho.
This section lists attractions and places of interest that are easily accessible from Soho.
Leicester Square
There is a lot to do in Leicester Square. It’s where the world premieres of films take place.
It's filled with street performers and is a great place to people-watch.
Honestly, I only ever pass through if I am heading somewhere else...most Londoners don't come to Leicester Square.
(The caveat to that is Christmas - their Market and cabaret shows are top class.)
However, you may want to tick this off your sight seeing list so check out my post with suggestions of what to see in Leicester Square.
It is also where London's TKTS Booth is located.
TKTS is one of the best ways to get your hands on concessionary tickets for London’s famous West End shows. This is how Vanessa and I ended up getting tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong!
Read more about TKTS from my post on how to get cheap tickets for Teatre tickets in London.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is on the southern border of Soho and is built around a beautiful piazza, designed by architect Charles Fowler in the 1830s.
Within this piazza are numerous shops, restaurants, and a pitch for musicians and performers.
Personally, I think the street performers at Covent Garden are the best in the city.
I have seen some amazing magic shows there when I just happened to be walking past.
Around the piazza, there are cobbled streets lined with markets, theatres, shops, bars, and restaurants.
Read more about things to see and do in Covent Garden.
Trafalgar Square
Just to the west of Covent Garden sits Trafalgar Square, a hub of art and culture in London.
Built in the 19th century, Trafalgar Square has been London’s ‘common room’ ever since.
It is a popular spot for protests, public celebrations, concerts, parties, and events throughout the year.
My favourite is West End Live (where free performances by West End theatre casts take place).
It's sometimes a stop on our Westminster Tour (depending on what is happening at the time).
It’s also where people take selfies with the famous lion statues! Learn more about visiting Trafalgar Square in my blog post.
National Gallery
The fourth most visited art museum in the world, the National Gallery, flanks the north side of Trafalgar Square and is free to visit!
Inside are works by masters such as Van Gogh, Monet, Holbein, and Turner. The gallery runs numerous talks for guests, as well as tours for groups of 4 people or fewer.
If you’re part of a group, contact me as I can help you arrange a private tour with one of our knowledgeable guides!
Find more information on the National Gallery.
The video below was made by my colleague Jessica, AKA The Museum Guide:
National Portrait Gallery
This is my favourite gallery in London!
I've mentioned by now that I'm not an "artsy" person but you'll find me here quite frequently.
The National Portrait Gallery contains beautiful works depicting great British figures from across the centuries as well as some universally recognised names and faces.
I specialise in the history of the Monarchy so I like coming here to see the portraits of British Kings and Queens.
For those traveling with kids, take note that the Gallery has special activities for children.
Both the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery are free to enter! See which other London museums are free in another blog post I wrote.
Chinatown
London’s first Chinatown was actually in the East End - but it's been in Soho since the 1970s.
Although small in area, Chinatown is packed with Chinese restaurants, bakeries (Chinatown Bakery will change your life! I get cake there at least once a week.), supermarkets, and souvenir shops.
It’s a foodie haven with authentic dishes, cheap dim sum (Bun House is my favourite), and traditional sweets in abundance and many of the restaurants here stay open far later than those in other London districts.
For those visiting during Chinese New Year, there are celebrations here with riots of colour, music, and activity.
Read more about what to do in London’s Chinatown in another post I wrote.
Oxford Street
Oxford Street sits at the northern boundary of Soho and is London’s main shopping district. The street itself is so long it has four Underground stations on it!
I get asked a lot if Londoners really shop here and the answer is yes. Although we all do our best to avoid it on the weekends, if possible!
There's something here for every budget. From cheap shops like Primark (one of my favourites and also my recommendation for affordable souviners), the high street staples like Mango and TopShop, it’s all here.
And if you want to splurge out, the luxury shops and boutiques of Bond Street are just nearby.
PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK
Getting food in Soho is easy as there are SO many places to choose from. Here are some of my favourites:
Quick Bites to Take Away/Picnic
- Joe and the Juice
- Berwick Street Market
- Veggie Pret - Pret is a huge sandwich chain in the UK and their food is made fresh every day. It's really popular with office workers wanting a quick lunch and I like this branch because it's vegetarian only and has a surprisingly diverse menu.
Casual Sit Downs
- Blacklock Soho - My recommendation for Sunday Roast in Soho.
- La Bodega Negra
- Balans - Balans is a Soho institution! I like to come here for brunch but it's literally open 24 hours a day.
Pubs
- Waxy O'Connors - I can't even describe this place to you...just go.
- The Dog and Duck
- Coach and Horses
Cocktails
- Bar Americain
- Cahoots - My favourite cocktail bar in London hands down! It's like going back in time and the drinks are incredible.
- Simmons - In my (and their) opinion, they offer the best Happy Hour deals in Soho.
AREA OFFERS AND DEALS
If you love a bargain as much as I do, take note that there are numerous offers to be had near Soho.
For cheap theatre tickets check out the TKTS booth just opposite Covent Garden in Leicester Square (like Vanessa and I did).
If you plan on seeing a lot of sites, you might want to think about getting a London tourist attraction concession pass, which can save you up to 55% off of retail ticket prices.
Passes include fast-track entry to many popular attractions, and price cuts on shopping, dining, and theatre shows.
These Soho attractions are included in some London tourist offer passes:
- London Transport Museum
- London Brass Rubbing Centre
- Curzon Cinema Soho
- Banqueting House
- Benjamin Franklin House
Here are some other attractions also included in some London tourist offer passes:
- The Tower of London
- Westminster Abbey
- Windsor Castle
- Kensington Palace
- The London Zoo
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
- The Royal Albert Hall
Check out my post on London Passes to see if a pass is right for you.