Vibrant Soho in Central London is famous for its theatre shows, gay scene, pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants.
London's Soho has something for everyone – it's on the must-do list for most tourists and London locals flock here in droves as well.
In Soho you'll find hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants, pubs, cafés, music venues, and stores selling everything from guitars to g-strings.
Accommodation in Soho: Hotels and Soho YHA
Accommodation in Soho ranges from swanky hotels such as the Soho Hotel and the Courthouse Double Tree by Hilton to more affordable options such as the Oxford Street YHA.
Follow this link to search for accommodation and hotels in Soho and to get good deals on Soho hotels.
Soho Theatres and Live Music in Soho
There's a long tradition of live theatre and performance in Soho. From big-budget musicals and important plays to quirky cabaret and stand-up comedy, you'll find something on stage to suit any taste. Follow this link to buy theatre tickets to Soho shows.
Soho is at the heart of London's live music and clubbing scenes. Jazz came to the UK via Soho and clubs such as Ronnie Scott's still offer great jazz nights. And, if you're after punk, rock, disco, electronica, folk or other music, you'll get it in Soho.
Fancy a pre-show meal or late night snack? There's plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars serving food in Soho.
History of Soho
Soho was developed as an urban area from the late 16th century onwards. The name Soho is thought to come from a 17th-century hunting and battle cry.
From the 17th to early 20th century Soho was avoided and neglected by the rich aristocrats in neighbouring Bloomsbury and Mayfair. As such, Soho developed a reputation for prostitution, music halls, cheap food and shady dealings.
During the 20th century, Soho became the centre of bohemian London with intellectuals, writers, artists and poets eating and drinking in Soho's many pubs and restaurants. Beatnik culture began here and Soho's Carnaby Street was a centrepiece for swinging London in the 1960s.
Soho today has shed its seedy reputation, although there's still enough sex shops, burlesque shows and gay and lesbian bars to retain Soho's risqué vibe.
London's Soho has inspired other cities too! There's SoHo New York, Soho Hong Kong and Palermo Soho Buenos Aires. For more information about Soho's history and Soho today, visit I love Soho.
Exploring Soho and Getting To and From Soho, London
Soho is in the centre of London's West End, and is part of Westminster City Council. It's a fascinating place to explore, so why not download a Soundmap tour of Soho to get you started?
Soho only covers roughly 1 square mile (2.6 square kilometres), so it's easy to walk around the whole area. Soho is bordered by four central London roads:
- Oxford Street
- Regent Street
- Leicester Square
- Charing Cross Road
Getting to and from Soho is easy. There are numerous public transport options in Soho – grab your Oyster card and catch a London bus from one of the main streets listed above, or get the London Underground tube – London's excellent subway system. London tube stations near Soho include
Other interesting London areas near Soho include Chinatown, Covent Garden and Bloomsbury, Mayfair and Oxford Street.
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