15+ Things to do In Soho (That You Haven’t Done Before)

Our guide to things to do in Soho that you might not have heard about anywhere else…

Looking for things to do in Soho? You’ve come to the right place! 

Once Henry VIII’s Royal Park, Soho has been reinvented over many centuries to suit contemporary Londoners’ tastes, whims and every occasion. And to be honest, history lovers we might be, but there’s truly no better time to visit Soho than right now.

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If you know where to go, Soho really does have it all: incredible history, shops, galleries, theatres and much, much more. Read on to find out our favourite things to do in Soho that only insiders will be able to tell you!

Just so you know, nobody pays us to be featured on this list. They’re just our recommendations to you so you can find the best things to do in London!

The Best Things to Do in Soho

Here’s a quick rundown of our favourite things to do in Soho - and why you should give them a try.

1 - Explore London’s West End on Race Across The World: The Experience Christmas Edition

Step into a festive adventure in the West End with the latest Race Across The World experience!

Like the original, the race takes place over three legs filled with puzzles, challenges, and budget-management decisions. 

In this festive edition, however, you’ll bundle up and dash through Covent Garden, Mayfair, Soho and beyond on a Christmas-themed quest to track down the guest book, and see some of the West End’s most glorious Christmas lights as you go.

Important Info: You must be 18+ to purchase tickets. The experience is designed to be accessible and inclusive. See FAQs for details.

2 - Take on “Secrets of The Squares” - An Outdoor Escape Room Game in Soho

Got an adventurous spirit? You’ll feel right at home in Soho. 

A bit like a gamified walking tour, this outdoor escape room game gives locals an excuse to play tourist and tourists the means to feel like a local! 

Secrets of The Squares challenges participants to solve puzzles, unravel riddles and complete challenges to uncover the mysteries of London's famous squares. With recommended pub and cafe stops built in, you can expect to stumble across plenty of hidden gems, salacious stories and marvel at pockets of history that have gone unnoticed for centuries…

3 - Visit Golden Square

Move aside, Soho Square - there’s a new contender in town, and it’s dripping in precious metal. At least, its name is.

Tucked in the southeastern corner of Soho lies Golden Square, a quiet oasis that looks deceptively…ordinary? But scratch a little beneath the surface and some truly incredible secrets will reveal themselves to you.

Once a plague pit that Christopher Wren redesigned, Golden Square was where American President Thomas Jefferson stayed on his one-and-only trip to London in 1786. 

If you ask me, it's the ideal place to do some exploring, people watching, read a book or simply soak in the atmosphere.

4 - Sing Your Heart Out at Lucky Voice Karaoke

Looking for things to do in Soho that make your heart sing? We’ll do you one better: get your groove on in style (and, thankfully, in private!) at Lucky Voice Karaoke! 

With private booths, an extensive song list covering all the classics and latest hits, and a lively atmosphere, it's the perfect place to let loose with friends. The venue also serves a range of cocktails to help warm up those vocal cords.

Psst: Just so you know, they have a sister venue in Brighton

5 - See a Show at The Sondheim Theatre

For things to do in Soho that appeals to theatre lovers, consider a trip to the Sondheim Theatre. 

Formerly known as the Queen’s Theatre, The Sondheim Theatre is one of London's most iconic West End theatres. It regularly hosts major productions and musicals, so you're bound to catch top-notch entertainment here.

It's worth pointing out that tickets to performances here aren't going to be the cheapest activity in the world, but it's 100% worth it if you're a proper theatre buff.

6 - Watch a Film at Picturehouse Central Cinema

Before you scroll away or roll your eyes - hang on a tick. This is a classic thing to do in Soho, for more than just one reason. 

If you already recognise the name Picturehouse, there’s a strong chance you have one of these chain cinemas in your hometown. But this one isn't like the others.

It actually used to house the renowned Trocadero restaurant, where London’s turn-of-the-century elite once dined in style. After falling into disrepair, Picturehouse rescued and restored the cinema to its former glory where they show a carefully curated selection of films, ranging from the latest blockbusters to independent and foreign movies. 

And if you're not in the mood to see a film, check out what's on to find out if filmmakers are hosting a Q&A session!

Fun Things to Do in Soho

7 - Visit The Devonshire Pub

One of Soho’s newest yet most talked-about pubs, The Devonshire on Denman Street has quickly become a London institution. Known for its perfectly poured Guinness, charcoal-grilled steaks and upstairs dining room (that has even earned a Michelin nod), it blends old-school pub charm with culinary excellence and yes, it’s just a comfortable, cosy place to hang out. 

Don’t be put off if it looks busy, this place is always teeming with city workers, foodies and curious tourists. Look at it as proof that it’s the place to raise a pint in Soho.

PSST: Want to uncover more London’s secrets? Check out our treasure and scavenger hunts, food experiences, escape room games or walking tours and prove to the leaderboard you’re worthy of a prize!

8 - Explore The French Protestant Church of London

If you know a thing or two about history, you’ll have heard about the Huguenots. And if you haven’t you’re about to find out.

Hidden in plain sight on Soho Square, this striking terracotta church dates back to 1893 and remains the last surviving Huguenot church in London. 

Pop inside to admire the stained glass and quiet architecture, or simply enjoy a few moments of peace in the square, one of central London’s rare green corners.

9 - Sit Down for a Pint at The Coach and Horses

Yep, another pub - but trust us when we say you won’t be disappointed you visited this one.

The Coach and Horses is one of Soho's most famous and beloved pubs (and one of our all-time favourites!).

If walls could talk, the Coach and Horses on Greek Street would have stories to tell. Once frequented by Private Eye journalists and notorious landlord Norman Balon (“London’s rudest landlord”), it’s one of Soho’s most storied pubs.

Today, it’s friendlier but still full of character, perfect for a laid-back pint or people-watching (we all do it!).

10 - Visit The Photographer’s Gallery

Got an aptitude for aperture? This one’s for you. 

As the first public gallery in London dedicated solely to photography, The Photographer’s Gallery is a pioneer in the ways we experience and share art in the modern day. 

You'll find it just steps from Oxford Circus, and it regularly hosts world-class exhibitions that range from iconic photojournalism to experimental visual art.

After soaking in the exhibits, grab a coffee in the café or browse the bookshop for quirky photo gifts.

11 - Dine in at Mildreds

Before eating “plant-based” was cool, Mildreds Soho was leading the charge. But that definitely doesn't mean it's stuck in the past.

Since opening in 1988, this colourful restaurant has become a London favourite for its globally inspired dishes, think Sri Lankan curry, mushroom shawarma and sweet potato fries.

It’s cosy, friendly, and always buzzing, the kind of place that makes you feel part of Soho’s creative pulse. Whether you’re vegan or not, pop in here to see what all the fuss is about; you won’t be disappointed.

12 - See a Film at The Prince Charles Theatre

As one of the last truly independent cinemas in the West End, The Prince Charles Theatre offers plenty of cinematic things to do in Soho that go above and beyond the expected.

If, like me, you’re the kind of person who gets bizarre cravings for films from ten, twenty, or even thirty years ago - this will really appeal to you.

Known for its diverse screening program that includes classics, indie films, and marathons, The Prince Charles Theatre is a cult cinema in the heart of Soho. It has a retro charm (although the venue itself is around 60 years old) and affordable ticket prices, a great selection of films and comfy seating. What more do you need? 

13 - Check out Graphic Novels at Gosh! Comics

Wouldn’t life be wonderful if it played out in comic strip form?

If you’re a comic book fan, Gosh! Comics is the place for you. Housing an extensive collection of graphic novels, comics, and manga, Gosh! is truly a place of art pilgrimage that offers fun, fantasy and quirky finds. 

From mainstream superheroes to indie comics and everything in between, while away some time browsing the shelves or asking the knowledgeable staff for a recommendation. 

14 - Get Jazzy at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club

If you’re too young to know, Soho has a rich jazz history that sprung up around the late ‘50s and into the ‘60s - and still exists to this day.

Since 1959, Ronnie Scott’s has been the beating heart of London’s jazz scene. Legends like Miles Davis and Ella Fitzgerald have graced its stage, and today it still draws the best in contemporary jazz from around the world.

So if you’re looking for things to do in Soho that are music to your ears, well…I’ll let the rest of the pun write itself!

15 - Pop Over to Chinatown

If you’re hanging out in Soho, you’re barely a stone’s throw away from London’s iconic Chinatown - and let’s be honest, it’d be rude not to. 

London Chinatown has just about everything you could ask for in the way of excellent eateries: dim sum, noodle and rice dishes, stir fries, soups, desserts, you name it. 

Personally, I recommend Gerrard’s Corner or Plum Valley - but you can honestly spend hours just walking up and down these vibrant streets. Find a new favourite or borrow one of mine, just make sure you arrive hungry! 

16 - Sample Aussie Coffee Culture at Flat White

Whether you’re a Londoner or not, you’ll have noticed that hot beverages pretty much keep the UK going.

One of the best things to do in Soho is to eat and sip your way around the world, and if there’s something I love about London then it’s the sheer range of goodies available to you (if you know where to go).

You may or may not be aware that flat whites are actually an Australian coffee invention – they’re, rightly, very proud of it Down Under - and if you want to sample the best of the best, head to Flat White. Credited with popularising the flat white coffee in London, Flat White is a favourite spot for coffee enthusiasts and Antipodeans alike (besides, this might just be one of the best coffees available in London imo). 

Find More Things to Do in London with CityDays

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So there you have it - 15+ things to do in Soho that aren’t just visiting Soho Square.

Interested in finding more fun things to do in London? 

Discover London’s secret sights and noteworthy nooks by playing one of our London treasure and scavenger hunts, urban adventures, escape room games or walking tours.

You’ll find curated trails and hunts all over London, including Central London, Mayfair, Shoreditch, Kensington and Southwark. 

We also provide team building activities in London that can be made bespoke to include your office, wherever in the capital you are. 

All you have to do is team up with your partner, friends, family or colleagues to solve riddles, complete challenges and answer trivia to lead you on an unforgettable journey around London’s most intriguing streets. 

The best part? We’ll recommend top-rated pubs, cafés and restaurants and give your team the chance to earn rewards by competing on our leaderboard.