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.
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.
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…
Visit Golden Square
Move aside, Soho Square - there’s a new contender in town, and it’s dripping in precious metal.
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.
The ideal place to do some exploring, people watching, read a book or simply soak in the serene atmosphere of one of London's hidden gems, Golden Square is an underrated treasure trove in Soho.
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.
See a Show at The Sondheim Theatre
For theatrical things to do in Soho, 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, offering top-notch entertainment and a buzzing atmosphere.
For lovers of the page and the stage, seeing a show here is a must - just be prepared to book tickets in advance and yes, they’re fairly pricey. With that said, you can’t really put a price on
a memorable evening of drama, emotion and spectacular performances.
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. If you don’t, know that these aren’t typical mainstream cinemas. And that especially goes for Picturehouse Central.
The building itself 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.
Beyond the movies, the venue often hosts special events, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and film festivals, making it a cultural hub for movie lovers. The café and bar also provide a great spot to discuss films over drinks or coffee before or after the screening, enhancing the overall cinema-going experience.
Fun Things to Do in Soho
Our favourite fun things to do in Soho that'll keep you busy (and enjoying yourself)!
Visit The Devonshire Pub
As one of the most thirst-quenching things to do in Soho is visiting a pub, we could hardly leave this one off the list.
The Devonshire Pub is a traditional British pub with a modern twist, located in the heart of Soho. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, excellent selection of beers and ales, and delicious pub grub, The Devonshire has been operating since 1793 and the downstairs is always open to walk-ins.
Whether you're looking to enjoy a quiet pint or a hearty meal, The Devonshire offers a cosy retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.
PSST: Want to uncover more London’s secrets? Check out our treasure and scavenger hunts, urban adventures, escape room games or walking tours and prove to the leaderboard you’re worthy of a prize!
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.
Nestled in Soho Square, The French Protestant Church of London is a historic and architectural gem. Although this particular church was built in 1893, Protestant churches in London can trace their lineage back to the reign of Edward VI (Henry VIII’s son!).
The French Protestant Church of London is a grade-listed building where visitors can admire the beautiful architecture, learn about the history of the French Protestant community in London, and attend one of the church's services or concerts.
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!). Known for its traditional charm, lively atmosphere, and historical significance, it's the perfect place to experience the quintessential British pub culture.
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.
A must-visit for photography enthusiasts and anyone interested in visual arts, a visit to The Photographer’s Gallery is one of the best things to do in Soho that takes you out of the “London Bubble” and into another world altogether.
Expect to see a diverse range of contemporary and historical photography through exhibitions and events that take you beyond the camera lens and into distant lands and times of old…
Dine in at Mildreds
As we’re only including one restaurant recommendation in this list, you can bet it’s a good one.
If you’re looking for things to do in Soho that stop your tummy rumbling but still feel like an adventure of sorts, step into Mildreds.
Mildreds is a pioneering vegan restaurant in Soho that has been serving delicious plant-based dishes since the 1980s. With a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, Mildreds offers an innovative menu that proves vegan food can be exciting and flavoursome.
Whether you’re vegan or not, pop in here to see what all the fuss is about and explore the delights of modern vegan cuisine - you won’t be disappointed.
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?
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.
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.
Eponymously named after the founder of the UK’s first modern jazz club, Ronnie Scott once enjoyed centre stage as one of the country’s finest jazz musicians. He opened the club that still bears his name in Frith Street in 1965, and today it’s a go-to venue for jazz lovers.
Jazz musicians from all over the world take to the stage in this iconic venue, and 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!
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.
With its colourful streets, lanterns, and plethora of restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets, Chinatown is the go-to place for authentic Asian cuisine and cultural festivities, especially during Chinese New Year.
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!
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 the best coffee available in London imo).
Summary
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.
You’re also guaranteed your money back if you don’t have an amazing time - although our previous reviews speak for themselves: we’re rated 5/5 on TripAdvisor and 4.95/5 on Google Reviews!