During my last trip to London, I stayed in an apartment on Beak Street, right in the heart of Soho. This was a deliberate choice as I wanted to explore as much as possible without spending much time on the tube. And it turned out to be an excellent plan.
In Soho, you can stroll from a small coffee shop to a restaurant, pop into Liberty in between, and end the evening with a glass of wine or a show in the West End. The area is conveniently compact, nestled between Oxford Street, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue, and Charing Cross Road. Perfect for those who want to see a lot without the hassle of traveling all day.
Things to Do in Soho London
The best way to discover Soho is on foot, without a strict plan. There are many unique shops and small markets, as well as historic pubs and theaters: there are plenty of places to stop along the way. These are the spots you shouldn’t miss.
Shopping on Carnaby Street and Kingly Court
Shopping in Soho is a must. Carnaby Street is popular, but I find the side streets to be the most charming. There are small boutiques you just stumble upon. Kingly Court is a covered courtyard directly off Carnaby Street, with three floors of independent brands and restaurants (head to Dishoom). Great for a coffee break or lunch in between.
Around the corner on Great Marlborough Street stands Liberty London, the iconic department store with its dark timbered Tudor façade. Established in 1875, the store’s interior is worth a visit on its own: wooden galleries on multiple floors surrounding a central atrium. Known for its own fabrics and prints, even if you’re not planning on buying anything, just step inside.
Berwick Street Market
Berwick Street is one of the oldest markets in Soho, open daily with fresh produce, flowers, and street food. The market is small; the street barely wider than an alley, but it’s a welcome break after visiting too many shops. Alongside the market is a well-known second-hand record store: Sister Ray Records has been recognized for years as one of London’s best independent record shops.
Chinatown
Right next to Soho. Enter from Wardour Street. Gerrard Street and Newport Court are the heart of Chinatown: dim sum, Asian supermarkets, and delicious products you won’t find anywhere else in London. It’s bustling and completely different in atmosphere from the rest of Soho. Dim sum here is cheap and excellent.
Soho Square
A small park in the northern part of the district, featuring a remarkable faux-Tudor garden house in the middle of the lawn. The house is a decorative piece from the 19th century, built over an electricity substation. It’s been there long enough to feel like part of the original architecture. A nice spot to sit if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the area. On warm days, Londoners gather here for lunch breaks.
Theaters in West End
Soho has its own theater scene alongside the big West End productions. Soho Theatre on Dean Street is the place for comedy, new theatrical work, and emerging talents. The program is diverse and less predictable than the big musicals, and tickets are much more affordable.
For the big musicals, head to the theaters around Shaftesbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road. Popular shows like Les Misérables or Hamilton have been playing here for years. Book well in advance if you want to see a specific performance, especially on weekends. Check here to see all the shows available.
Historic Pubs in Soho
Soho has a concentration of old-school pubs you won’t find anywhere else in London. Buildings that have barely changed in over a hundred years, with dark wood paneling, fixed stool seating at the bar, and quality beer. A pub walk is a fun way to discover a different side of London. Or visit one of these historical pubs yourself in this neighborhood.
The Coach & Horses (29 Greek Street). This iconic and narrow venue from the 19th century is known for its rich history and was for years the regular hangout for journalists, writers, and artists.
The Dog & Duck (18 Bateman Street). A charming 1730 pub (?!) with beautifully preserved late-Victorian interiors (featuring tiles and etched glass) where historical figures like writer George Orwell were regulars.
The Argyll Arms (18 Argyll Street). This is a classic Grade II-listed building from the mid-18th century (renovated in the 19th century) with historic wooden paneling and traditional compartmentalized drinking rooms.
The Smallest Gallery
On Poland Street, you’ll find The Smallest Gallery, a tiny storefront scarcely a square meter in size, converted from a former electricity cabinet in the wall. It features rotating works by local artists. You might walk right past it if you’re unaware; watch for the street numbers. You can't go inside here.
Hotels in Soho and Surroundings
Staying in Soho itself means you can walk everywhere: five minutes to Oxford Street, ten minutes to Covent Garden, fifteen to Mayfair. The area is noisy at night, especially during the weekends. Opt for a room or apartment in a side street rather than on a main road.
Bright Apartment in Soho
I stayed at Bright Carnaby Soho, an apartment for two on Beak Street. The location is unbeatable: you literally step right into the neighborhood. It’s truly a great tip. Check here for prices and availability.
Mimi’s Hotel Soho
A Victorian building on Frith Street with opulent interiors: a boudoir-like atmosphere combining faux fur with marble. Rooms range from compact “Tiny Single” to more spacious suites. The ground-floor bar is also a good spot in the evenings. A popular choice, book in advance. Check here for prices and availability.
Page8
A few minutes outside Soho but within walking distance. Sleek, modern rooms that are more spacious than the average. A good option if you also want to explore the South Bank: a fifteen-minute walk over the Millennium Bridge takes you to the other side. Check here for prices and availability.
Henrietta Experimental
From the Experimental Cocktail Club, which also has a hotel in Paris. Henrietta Street in Covent Garden is strikingly quiet for such a central location. A stylish hotel with an interior that clearly reflects attention to detail. The upper floors have views of the London Eye. Check here for prices and availability.
Native Fitzrovia by Numa
In a former monastery just north of Soho. Apartments with a kitchenette, retro furniture, and preserved arched windows. Great for those staying longer or wanting more space than a standard hotel room. Just opened in October 2026. Check here for prices and availability.
Restaurants and Bars in Soho
There’s no shortage of restaurants in Soho. From small Asian eateries to wine bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a long dinner: the choices are endless. Here are the places I’ve tried myself or have on my list.
BAO Soho
The original branch of BAO is on Lexington Street, off Carnaby Street. The concept is simple: steamed buns filled with options like marinated pork, fried chicken or egg with truffle, complemented by small side dishes. You sit at small tables in a compact, bright interior. It’s fast, fresh, and informal. BAO Soho does not take reservations. It’s always walk-in. Go just before the lunch rush (before 12 pm) or after 2 pm, then the wait time is shortest.
The Palomar
This gem on Rupert Street serves small plates. A mix of Israeli, Jewish-Moroccan, Arab-Andalusian influences. The place is known for the counter along the open kitchen where chefs recommend and explain dishes. It’s lively and excellent, and you can easily spend two hours here. Reserve in advance if you want a table at the back; at the counter, you can also join last minute.
Bar Crispin
Located on Kingly Street, running perpendicular to Carnaby Street. A wine bar with around 150 bottles, focusing on small producers and a short menu with well-executed small dishes. The interior is modern, a bit retro. Good for a glass of wine after shopping, and pair it with a nice steak tartare.
Bar Lina
Enter the Italian deli of Lina Stores on Brewer Street, descend the stairs, and you find yourself in a dark, intimate space: Bar Lina. Negronis, spritzes, and homemade cocktails. The kind of place you seek when the day is nearly over, and you want one last good drink.
Bar Italia
Located on Frith Street, this Soho institution is a must-see up close at least once. Espresso at the counter, stand outside if you can, with the jukebox playing in the background. The Polledri family has run it for over seventy years, and the decor has hardly changed. A blue plaque on the façade: here, in 1926, John Logie Baird first demonstrated television to a public audience. Bar Italia is almost never closed; they operate well into the night.
Practical Tips for Soho London
The nearest tube stations are Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, and Piccadilly Circus. From all three, you walk into Soho. Oxford Circus is the busiest. Tottenham Court Road (recently renovated) is more pleasant, leading directly into the quieter side of Soho.
In my London Google Maps guide, you’ll find over 100 personally selected hotspots, including an e-book with tips per district. This way, you have my favorite spots at your fingertips without endless searching.
