The Soho District, London

Soho is located in the heart of the West End, the western area of the British capital, and is part of the City of Westminster. The curious history of its name comes from “So-ho!”, a hunting cry commonly used in the 16th century.

Originally a fashionable district for the aristocracy, it has been one of London’s main leisure and entertainment areas since the 19th century. We want you to discover this must-see part of London with us, so join us on this incredible journey through its history, iconic sites, curiosities, and much more.

Soho, One of London’s Most Famous Neighborhoods

The Leicester Arms, a famous pub in Soho. 44 Glasshouse St, London

 

The history of Soho as we know it today did not begin until after the Great Fire of London in 1666. Initially, it was a royal park used for hare hunting, built by order of King Henry VIII from the region’s farmland.

The fire in question destroyed two-thirds of the capital, leading to a great demand for new housing. Thus, construction began on Golden Square, Gerrard Street, and Old Compton Street, while Soho Square was designed in 1681.

One of the main developers of the Soho district was Richard Frith, in whose honor Frith Street was named. Similarly, the Earl of Leicester at the time, Robert Sidney, built his own mansion there, which is why Leicester Square exists.

As these grand and elegant houses appeared, the area became a popular choice for the English aristocracy. However, it soon provided a refuge for Greek, Italian, and Huguenot Christians fleeing religious persecution. This mix of cultures ultimately attracted London’s bohemian community, leaving an indelible mark on the social scene.

For much of the 20th century, Soho had a reputation as a base for the sex industry, earning it the nickname of London’s gay neighborhood, with the LGBT+ community concentrated around Old Compton Street. Additionally, it hosts the Pride Festival and its iconic parade every year.

 

The lively Shaftesbury Avenue, which leads to Piccadilly Circus

 

Today, Soho is predominantly a fashionable district with cafés and restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, media offices, theaters, shops, pubs, clubs, and some of the best places to see in London.

Its streets have also been home to many famous personalities over the years, including poet William Blake, communist ideologist Karl Marx, musician Brian Jones (founder of The Rolling Stones), the bands The Beatles and Sex Pistols, and even Mozart himself.

What to See in Soho, London

With so much to do in Soho, London, it can be a bit challenging to select the best activities. Keeping that in mind, we decided to filter through them for you to find the crème de la crème. Without further ado, sit back and pay attention.

London’s “Broadway”

 

London’s theater district is located within Soho, specifically on Shaftesbury Avenue, with iconic buildings such as the Palace Theatre, the Sondheim, and the Apollo.

We wholeheartedly recommend watching both parts of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” as well as the musicals Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia, and Back to the Future.

The Classic Pubs

The culture of pubs is an integral part of British life, serving as a place to socialize, relax, and enjoy a refreshing beer. The most traditional include ales, lagers, bitters, and stouts; usually served in pints, which are about 568 ml, or half-pints, 284 ml.

From The Three Greyhounds to Argyll Arms, and from The Spice of Life to De Hems, Soho boasts some of the best pubs in London. We also recommend visiting The French House, a great international pub with classic French touches.

A Shopping Oasis

Carnaby Street, one of Soho’s epicenters in London

 

With a wide variety of eclectic and unique shops, Soho is one of the best neighborhoods in London for a true shopping therapy experience.

A good place to start is the famous Carnaby Street (so famous that it even appeared in the episode “The Queen’s Monologues” from Season 15 of the animated series The Simpsons), known for housing over a hundred fashion stores and world-renowned brands, from Fred Perry to Puma.

If you’re looking for top-notch fashion and electronics stores in Soho and its surroundings, a stroll down Oxford Street and Regent Street is your best bet, where you’ll find iconic stores like Hamleys, the Apple Store, and Selfridges.

Lastly, another great option is to wander around Berwick Street, known for its luxury boutiques, vinyl shops, musical instrument stores, and the Berwick Street Market, one of the oldest markets in the city.

The Seven Noses of Soho

In 1997, an artist placed 35 plaster noses on the streets of London to protest against the city’s CCTV spying culture. Most of the noses were removed immediately, but seven remain to this day.

The quest for these seven noses is a fun treasure hunt that takes you through Soho. You can definitely add this mission to your other tourist plans in the area.

Harry Potter Tour

We know this might make more than one fan scream with excitement. If you’re traveling to the British capital, you can’t miss the Harry Potter Tour! Get ready to explore the places that inspired J.K. Rowling to write her novels, as well as some of the sites where the films of this famous wizard were shot. What are you waiting for?

 

The Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station, places in London you will see on the Harry Potter tour

Where to Eat in Soho

 

We wanted to extend our research to present you with some of the best restaurants in Soho, London. If you are a true food tourism lover, we have no doubt you will enjoy this section. Are you ready? Let’s continue!

El Palomar

This is a modern Israeli restaurant with additional influences from Southern Spain, Italy, and North Africa up to the Levant. Its menu ranges from classics like baba ganoush and handmade pita bread to more adventurous items like Metugan bream with Israeli kimchi and Persian lemon chicken with spicy chickpeas. And it tastes best when enjoyed at the counter!

Address: 34 Rupert St, London W1D 6DN.

Blanchette

With brick walls and antique furnishings, this classic French restaurant offers a delicate charm, where you can enjoy cheese fritters or frog legs and classics like slow-roasted stone bass with gnocchi or duck leg confit with caramelized escarole. It goes without saying that the finest French cold cuts and cheeses are always on the menu. Oh là là!

Address: 9 D’Arblay St, London W1F 8DR.

Polpó

Polpó pays homage to the food and culture of Venice. On its menu, you can find fried olives stuffed and artichoke crostini to start, followed by authentic delights like pork and fennel meatballs, arugula pizzetta, and, of course, ending with a perfect and delicate tiramisu. Viva l’italia!

Address: 41 Beak St, Carnaby, London W1F 9SB.

Bob Bob Ricard

Luxurious, ostentatious, and excessive, but a lot of fun. Bob Bob Ricard offers a unique experience with an international menu with a Russian twist, including caviar tasting, vareniki (potato dumplings), and Kiev-style chicken. Its appeal lies in the “Press for champagne” button, which you can press whenever you’re running low on bubbles. Cheers!

Address: 1 Upper James St, London W1F 9DF.

La Bodega Negra

Hidden behind (and below) its sex shop façade, La Bodega Negra is an underground restaurant with a unique décor specializing in Mexican cuisine. It serves tequila-based cocktails and a menu that includes crispy calamari tostadas, fish tacos, chicken tamales, and truffle and black mole quesadillas. Órale!

Address: 9 Old Compton St, London W1D 5JF.

What to See Near Soho

Piccadilly Circus

 

With so much to see and do in a neighborhood that seems to never sleep, we could spend a lifetime exploring it, but there is plenty to see near Soho. Not far away, Piccadilly Circus, one of London’s nightlife hotspots, borders the neighborhood.

London’s Chinatown, which you can explore under the charm of the night with the London Night Tour, is a must-visit that will leave you speechless with its cultural showcase, authentic restaurants, and shops filled with souvenirs.

And how could we forget the traditional Changing of the Guard in London? No trip to the British capital would be complete without visiting Buckingham Palace, the royal palace of London, but witnessing this traditional ceremony is something you will treasure in your mind forever.

 

The Iconic Changing of the Guard in London

 

Finally, connect with the last 900 years of the city’s history and visit the Tower of London, home to its iconic Yeoman Guards, the ravens that guard it, and what attracts tourists the most: the Crown Jewels. It is located next to Tower Bridge, the most iconic bridge in London. An essential experience.

 

London is a fantastic city, isn’t it? For all this and more, it has earned its reputation as one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. Learn more about our London tours and let yourself be swept away by the irresistible charm of London.