Where to Stay in Soho
Soho’s central location means it is within easy reach of many of London’s major attractions. It is also a reasonably small area, meaning visitors are advised to choose their location based on their interests and plans for their visit. For example, those wishing to take in a show or two in London’s West End will want to base themselves close to Shaftesbury Avenue, whilst those preferring to explore London shopping and historic landmarks may prefer the Oxford Street side of Soho. Fortunately, private apartments are available across the neighbourhood, so many visitors will find that their choice in accommodation will largely dictate whereabouts they stay in Soho.
Facts About Soho
Soho is just one square mile in the centre of London, yet for its reputation, one may be forgiven for thinking that it is an entire city within itself. The area has been home to numerous famous residents and continues to be a centre for London fashion and culture, as well as boasting some of the best restaurants in town. Below are a few fascinating facts about Soho:
- Between 1764-5, 20 Frith Street became the home of child genius Mozart.
- The first disco to open in London was La Poubelle and open its doors in 1959 in Poland Street.
- Philosopher Karl Marx once lived on Dean Street in Soho above what is now the Quo Vadis restaurant.
- During the Blitz, every theatre in London closed down except the Windmill in Soho. The Windmill stayed open throughout the war and hosted a variety of comedy acts mixed in a semi-nude Soho fashion.
- John Logie Baird, one of Scotland’s finest inventors and engineers, gave the world’s first demonstration of a working television at 22 Frith Street in Soho in January 1926.
Things to Do in Soho
Soho is famously one of London’s most exciting neighbourhoods, boasting excellent shopping, exciting nightlife and a host of cultural attractions, such as museums, theatres, and galleries. As such, anyone staying in the area will find they are spoilt for choice when it comes to finding things to do during their stay.
What are the most popular things to do in Soho?
Soho is arguably the best place to enjoy London culture and simply imbibe the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The areas many fashionable cafes and traditional London pubs are great places to do a little people-watching, whilst Soho itself is effectively surrounded by some of London’s most iconic locations - such as Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Oxford Street.
What are some free things to do in Soho?
London is one of the best cities in the world for finding things to do on a budget and many free attractions are within walking distance of Soho. If the weather is good, London’s sprawling Hyde Park and St James’s Park are nearby, offering beautiful views and walking routes. Alternatively, many of London’s world-famous museums are also free to enter and several are just a short walk or tube ride from Soho.
What are the most family-friendly things to do in Soho?
Whilst Soho may have a reputation for nightlife and high culture, many visitors to the area are surprised to find it also offers an abundance of family-friendly events and attractions. These include cafes themed with children’s characters, treasure hunts and even a world-famous toy shop. Of course, many of London’s museums also cater to children, with interactive exhibits and learning experiences.
What are the more unusual things to do in Soho?
Soho is known for its quirkiness, so visitors looking for more unusual attractions will not be found wanting. One way of enjoying the more unusual side of the neighbourhood is to visit some of its subculture hotspots - such as galleries showcasing the latest in punk or heavy metal artwork, or book shops with impromptu poetry recitals.
Places to Visit in Soho
For more than a century, Soho has been known as the place to be in London, thanks to its vibrant nightlife and social scene. However, the neighbourhood is also the perfect location from which to explore the many attractions and landmarks of central London - many of which are just a short walk away. Below is just a selection of the most popular places to visit in Soho and the surrounding area.
- The National Gallery - Soho’s most visited attraction housing some of the world’s finest modern artworks.
- Carnaby Street - famous for its incredible collection of ancient artifacts - including the notorious Rosetta Stone.
- Covent Garden - the heart of London’s theatre and entertainment area, with a host of bars and eateries.
- Buckingham Palace- the London residence of Queen Elizabeth and a stunning example of 18th-century architecture.
- Leicester Square - famous for its movie premiers, Leicester Square is one of Soho’s most iconic locations and a popular place for tourists.
- The British Museum - the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew showcase stunning flora from around the world in a sprawling 326-acre landscape.
- China Town - vibrant area famous for its Chinese restaurants and shops, as well as its exciting nightlife.
- Soho Square Gardens - charming gardens with flower beds and sculptures. Also home to Soho’s famously unwanted Charles II sculpture.
Places to Eat in Soho
Soho is one of the top places to eat in London, with many of the city’s most prestigious restaurants based locally. There is also a great selection of gastropubs and casual eateries as well as plenty of international offerings. Naturally, Soho’s proximity to China town means there are plenty of excellent Chinese restaurants.
Anyone looking for fine dining in Soho will find they have plenty of options. Some of the most popular venues include:
- Barrafina.
- Social Eating House.
- Gauthier Soho.
- Blanchette.
For the more casual diner, there are also plenty of in-between places, offering creative menus in a relaxed and sociable environment. Some highlights are:
- Temper.
- Princi.
- BAO Soho.
- Dishroom Carnaby.
There are also plenty of international restaurants in the area - especially those serving Chinese and far-eastern cuisine. Some highlights include:
- Duck & Rice.
- Casita Andina.
- Chotto Matte London.
- Yalla Yalla.
Street Food in Soho
Soho is also a fantastic place to enjoy London’s thriving street food scene. The myriad restaurants in Chinatown often offer takeaway kiosks, which serve diverse cuisine from various regions of the country. Visitors will also find plenty of small vendors and pop-up establishments - including snack vans - which offer an array of things to try. However, as a starting point, some popular places for street food in Soho are:
- Street Food Union.
- Pepe Italian Street Food.
- Soho Food Market.
- Vietnamese Street Food.
Shopping in Soho
Soho is something of a shoppers paradise, thanks to its location to several of London’s major shopping streets. To the north, it is bordered by the world-famous Oxford Street, which offers hundreds of international brands and flagship designer stores. There is also Carnaby Street, which is famous for its quirky boutiques, and bordering the south side is Shaftesbury Avenue. Soho also has plenty of independent retailers, dotted along just about every street. Alternatively, there are several shopping centres close by. These include:
- The Phoenix Centre.
- London Trocadero.
- Piccadilly Arcade.
- West One.
- The Brunswick Centre.
Transportation in Soho
Soho is in the centre of London and so it is covered by the capital’s extensive public transport links, meaning that getting around the area is a relatively simple affair. The London Underground usually provides the most hassle-free way of getting around the city centre, with Oxford Circus is the nearest tube station. Soho is predominantly served by the Bakerloo, Victoria, and Central lines, which together connect it to all the major landmarks as well as Greater London. Soho also has numerous bus routes, with some services running as frequently as every ten minutes. Buses run around the local districts of Fitzrovia, Mayfair and Paddington, as well as across to South Bank and the wider city area. There are also several night buses operating locally, which can be identified by the N prefix on their route number.
Whilst Oxford Circus is the main tube station serving Soho, there are also several others to be aware of:
- Tottenham Court Road.
- Leicester Square.
- Piccadilly Circus.
- Bond Street.
- Covent Garden.
Weather in Soho
London weather changes according to the season. Whilst it can be difficult to predict, the UK rarely experiences extreme weather conditions which means that Soho is a great place to visit all year round. The summer months - particularly July and August - are usually warm and dry, whilst September remains warm but can experience showers towards the end of the month. Winters often see the temperature dropping close to freezing with snow possible in January and February. Summer is usually the most popular time to visit, as the city has plenty of outdoor attractions and does not get too hot. However, British summers are notoriously unpredictable, so wet-weather clothing is essential packing at any time of year.
