Located in London’s famous West End, Soho is the city’s entertainment capital. Once home to Karl Marx, Mozart and the Sex Pistols, the district now features famous theatres, lively shopping centres and fantastic restaurants. It’s also at the centre of London’s LGBTQ+ scene, with buzzing bars and nightclubs wherever you go.
Are you planning a trip to the capital’s iconic West End? We’ve got you covered. Our guide has all the information you need for your visit, including hotels in London’s Soho area and the best things to get up to during your stay.
As one of the busiest areas in London, Soho offers various activities for couples, large groups, and solo travellers. From shopping on the famous Carnaby Street to enjoying an evening at the theatre, you’ll never run out of things to do in this fashionable district.
Looking for a unique and vibrant retail experience? Head to Carnaby Street! It’s a shopping haven, with its colourful storefronts and dynamic atmosphere known worldwide.
Carnaby has been at the centre of the fashion industry since the 1960s and is now home to over 100 shops. You’ll find everything from specialist jewellers and independent boutiques to grooming salons and cutting-edge designers. Additionally, there are many global brands, including adidas Originals, Barbour and Levi’s.
Once you've finished shopping, enjoy a spot of al fresco dining at one of the street's restaurants or cafés. There are 60+ independent restaurants with over 30 global cuisines, including Mexican, Indian, and Taiwanese.
Music lovers visiting Soho can’t miss the epic David Bowie Musical Walking Tour. The legendary singer/songwriter spent much of his time in London's West End district, making rock 'n' roll history. This 3-hour guided tour takes you to key locations from Bowie's life as you learn more about his rise to fame.
Walk the streets where Bowie and Marc Bolan grew up, see where he conducted his famous 1972 Melody Maker interview and visit the studio where he recorded iconic albums, including The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. You’ll even check in at the rockstar’s favourite pub, and you can enjoy a singalong as the tour host plays acoustic versions of various David Bowie classics.
No trip to Soho is complete without visiting one of its magnificent theatres. Soho is home to many of London’s finest playhouses where you can see top-class West End shows. Ten theatres in the area offer something for everyone, with a mixture of plays, musicals, and concerts.
The London Palladium is the most famous theatre in Soho. Between 1955 and 1969, the venue hosted ITV’s Sunday Night at the London Palladium, with many star guests, including The Beatles, performing there. The theatre always showcases fantastic productions, including pantomimes around Christmas.
Harry Potter fans can step into the Wizarding World by catching Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre. Meanwhile, you’ll find the classic West End show Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre.
Wondering where to stay when you visit Soho? Discover more about hotels near Soho in London and the area’s transport links.
Soho is a fantastic place to stay if you’re looking for somewhere with a vibrant nightlife. You’ll find plenty of trendy restaurants, bars, clubs, and theatres in the area, while you’re also close to many of London’s key attractions. The Dilly is an ideal base. Sitting on the edge of Soho, the hotel is within walking distance of the main attractions while offering comfortable rooms, a fully equipped gym with a swimming pool and free Wi-Fi.
Staying in Soho can be a little more expensive due to its fantastic location. However, London is very well connected, so if you’re on a budget, you can stay at a hotel slightly further afield. Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s is a cheaper option and a short walk from St Paul's underground station, where you can catch a tube that takes you to Soho.
The nearest London Underground station to Soho is Tottenham Court Road. This stop is within walking distance of Soho; it’s accessible via tubes running on the Central, Elizabeth and Northern lines. Oxford Circus is also nearby if you're travelling on the Victoria or Bakerloo lines, while Piccadilly Circus is the nearest tube station to Soho for those on the Piccadilly line.
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