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Soho
Where is Soho in London?
Soho is in London's heart, in the City of Westminster, making it easy to get there no matter where you're based. The area is surrounded by four tube stations: Oxford Circus, Tottenham Court Road, Leicester Square and Picadilly Circus. You can take the Bakerloo, Central, Victoria, Northern, Picadilly or Elizabeth lines to get there.
The best things to do in Soho
Shopping
Soho is one of London's best shopping areas. Its maze-like streets are packed with favourite brands, independent stores, vintage shops and designers you won't find anywhere else in the UK. Shopping is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Soho, so set aside a couple of hours for treasure hunting.
The best vintage shops in Soho, which the area is known for, include Absolute Vintage, Beyond Retro, Reign Vintage and Rokit. Fans of designer fashions should beeline for Liberty London, one of the city's iconic department stores occupying a Tudor revival building in the heart of Soho.
Liberty London
The famous department store is a must-visit in Soho. This 1875 landmark is a destination of choice for savvy shoppers, while the building's historic and lofty interiors make it as much a spot for sightseeing as it is for browsing and buying.
Liberty is also home to Margaret Dabbs London, a luxury spa for your hands, feet and legs. Why not pop in for a treatment before you continue exploring Soho? Or visit Arthur's Café on the second floor for brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, early dinner or all-day cocktails.
Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is Soho's famous pedestrianised shopping and dining area. It's home to various luxury and fashion shops, independents and places to eat and drink, not to mention beautiful changing art installations and one of London's best-loved Pride celebrations.
Want to shop on Carnaby Street? You'll find Adidas, Barbour, Birkenstock, Dickies, Ganni, Levi's, The Kooples, Sweaty Betty and more studded along the colourful street.
Where to eat and drink in Soho
Soho is home to many of the best restaurants in London. With hundreds of spots to choose from, picking somewhere to eat can feel overwhelming. We've narrowed the selection down to a few of the best restaurants, food markets, pubs and bars in Soho.
Restaurants
Quo Vadis is an enduring modern British restaurant spread over two spacious dining rooms; once the haunt of Karl Marx, the restaurant today serves beautiful traditional plates with contemporary twists. Bubala Soho is a Middle Eastern small plates restaurant ideal for vegans and vegetarians.
Lina Stores is the first restaurant from Soho's iconic deli, serving mouth-watering fresh pasta dishes over a street-level counter and in the intimate space downstairs. Bar Italia is another Soho staple, open 22 hours daily. Head to this famous Italian café for coffee, spirits and traditional Italian bites.
Pubs and bars
Wun's Tea Room and Bar is an atmospheric, neon-lit bar and restaurant where fluffy steamed buns pair with innovative cocktails; Wun's signature rice negroni is a favourite. Simmons Bar, The Vault and Basement Sate are more immersive cocktail bars. Bar Termini is a contender for the best bar in London, serving espresso and cocktails with outstanding hospitality.
If a traditional pub is more your scene, there are plenty to choose from in Soho. The Dog and Duck is a pub serving locals since 1897, with famous regulars including George Orwell and John Constable. The Coach & Horses is another storied Soho pub. The Lyric is a Victorian spot with bags of charm, while The French House is a compact space perfect for wine drinkers.
Entertainment and Nightlife in Soho
Soho's LGBTQ+ connections
As a central part of the City of London, Soho boasts a rich and varied past. Part of this is its queer history, which boomed in the 1800s when the area developed as an entertainment district. The Cave of the Golden Calf opened in 1912, an avant-garde performance club often noted as London's first gay bar.
Soho remains the centre of LGBTQ+ nightlife and entertainment today, home to many must-visit bars and drag clubs that guarantee a fun night out. G-A-Y is one of the most popular, while fuss-free pubs like Admiral Duncan are among the best gay venues in London. Friendly Society, Yard, Ku Bar & Club, She Soho and Halfway to Heaven are more great spots.