In this story:
- Wander first, plan later
- Start your morning with great coffee (and even better people-watching)
- Browse galleries that inspire creativity
- Learn something creative while you're in Soho
- Slow down with wine and tapas
- Experience Soho after dark
- Celebrate one of London's most iconic LGBTQ+ neighbourhoods
- Plan your perfect Soho day
- Ready to discover Soho?
On the search for fun activities in London? From borough to borough, the capital promises endless opportunities to eat, drink and discover something new – and Soho is no exception. In the heart of the West End, this iconic neighbourhood has long been home to artists, musicians, writers and free spirits – full to the brim of character and creativity!
If you’re exploring London, forget rushing between landmarks and tourist attractions. The best things to do in Soho are the ones you stumble on while you’re wandering – a sweet independent bakery, a hidden art gallery, a jazz bar with a speakeasy or a creative workshop.
Whether you're visiting for an afternoon or planning a full day out, here's our independent guide to experiencing Soho at its most creative.
Wander first, plan later
For a spot like Soho, you don’t need to set off prepared with a strict itinerary (and as someone who loves a plan, this can be a hard habit to kick – but so worth it!)
Start off your day by wandering the neighbourhood’s colourful streets before deciding where the day takes you. Explore the iconic Old Compton Street, browse vinyls in Sister Ray or Reckless Records on Berwick Street or get lost in the boutiques on Carnaby.
Take the time to discover the charming streets on foot, take some pictures and note down any places you might like to visit.
Start your morning with great coffee (and even better people-watching)
Every great Soho day begins with coffee. Skip the chains and try out one of the neighbourhood's independent cafés instead.
- Mediterranean Café has been a local favourite for years, serving generous breakfasts and proper coffee in an unpretentious setting that's perfect for watching Soho wake up.
- Try Sacred Grounds for a flat white and a flaky croissant to fuel your day.
- Grab a coffee and a New York style bagel to go from It's Bagels – definitely worth queuing for!
Take your coffee outside, watch the city come to life and enjoy one of London's best people-watching neighbourhoods.
Browse galleries that inspire creativity
Soho has always attracted creative minds, so it's no surprise that it’s home to some of the loveliest art galleries in the city. A perfect choice for things to do in Soho for artsy people.
- Delve into contemporary photography at The Photographers’ Gallery and explore thought-provoking exhibitions and emerging local talent.
- Just beyond Soho, the gorgeous Wallace Collection offers a quieter change of pace – discover paintings, sculptures and furniture that feel worlds away from the bustle outside, completely free!
Together, they make the perfect cultural pairing before diving back into Soho's lively streets.
Learn something creative while you're in Soho
Soho has always been a neighbourhood where creativity thrives, so why not leave with a new skill as well as a few great memories?
Capture Soho's colourful streets on a smartphone photography walk
From Chinatown's vibrant lanterns to Soho's famous neon signs and bustling side streets, there's no shortage of interesting subjects to photograph.
Try it here:
Learn salsa before a night out
Ever fancied channeling your inner Strictly? Or maybe you’re just looking for a way to make your visit to the capital extra special – try your hand at salsa dancing! Perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion or friends who love a boogie, you’ll learn a thing or two while dancing the night away.
Try it here:
Slow down with wine and tapas
After a busy afternoon exploring, settle in for an experience centred around fantastic food, carefully chosen wines and relaxed conversation.
It's the perfect way to round off a Soho adventure before heading into the neighbourhood's legendary nightlife!
Try it here:
Experience Soho after dark
As evening falls, Soho transforms. You’ll start to hear music drifting from underground venues as the neighbourhood takes on the lively atmosphere it’s famous for!
- Any whisky lovers out there? You can’t miss Milroy’s of Soho – an intimate bar offering an amazing selection of whiskies and wines.
- If live music is more your style, Jazz After Dark has been entertaining audiences for decades with intimate performances from talented musicians in a characterful setting.
- If you want less drinks and more food, try 64 Old Compton Street, a family-run Italian with delicious eats and cosy interiors.
Rather than hopping between bars, pick one or two places and settle in. Soho rewards those who slow down.
A night at the theatre
If your scene is more show tunes than shots, you might feel more at home settling in for a night on the West End at one of Soho’s vibrant theatres.
From the historic London Palladium to the Lyric Theatre, you’re bound to find a musical or play that’ll make you want to sing along. Look for inspiration and tickets at London Theatre online.
Celebrate one of London's most iconic LGBTQ+ neighbourhoods
No guide to Soho would be complete without recognising its place in London's LGBTQ+ history.
Centred around Old Compton Street, Soho has long been one of the capital's most welcoming and vibrant queer neighbourhoods. Independent bars, cafés, bookshops and community spaces have helped shape the area's identity for generations, creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere that still thrives today.
- Leave time to grab a drink in Comptons, a historic pub that served as the epicentre of the local gay scene and one of London’s most celebrated LGBTQ+ venues.
Plan your perfect Soho day
| Your Soho vibe | Morning start | Afternoon discovery | Evening wind-down |
| Cultural and arty | Grab a flat white at Sacred Grounds before browsing retro vinyls at Sister Ray. | Explore contemporary photography at The Photographers' Gallery or fine art at The Wallace Collection. | Settle in for a show at an iconic West End theatre like the London Palladium. |
| Creative and active | Fuel up with a New York-style bagel from the queue-worthy It's Bagels. | Capture Chinatown's lanterns and Soho's neon signs on a smartphone photography class. | Learn to dance with a salsa dancing class before heading out on the town. |
| Foodie and social | Enjoy a generous breakfast and people-watching at Mediterranean Café. | Wander independent Carnaby boutiques and pop into local spots on Old Compton Street. | Indulge in a wine and tapas tasting experience followed by cosy Italian dining at 64 Old Compton Street. |
| Atmospheric and night owl | Sleep in late and start with a casual coffee while exploring Berwick Street. | Discover historic community spots and grab a drink at legendary venue Comptons. | Catch live jazz at Jazz After Dark or sip rare drams at historic whisky bar Milroy's of Soho. |
Ready to discover Soho?
You don’t need a tourist guide to have a memorable time. The best things to do in Soho are often ones you stumble upon – little hidden galleries, independent shops and creative experiences that’ll leave you with a new skill or two.
Leave a little room in your plans, wander without too much of an agenda and let Soho surprise you. Chances are you'll discover your own favourite corner – and find yourself planning your next visit before you've even left!
Runs regularly
Nine Elms
1 to 65 guests
£34 - £40
6 years in business
