London area of Soho guide

What to do and where to stay in London's Soho neighbourhood

The sleazy heart of London’s Theatreland has thankfully stood firm against the worst ravages of gentrification and managed to retain some of its unique character. Tourists and immigrants created Soho, and while the flashing neon of the sex shops hints at a darker side, the area also abounds with excellent old shops and restaurants run for generations by the same French, Italian, Russian or Jewish families. Dozens of theatres mean that the pubs and bars are full of actors and celebrities – who often flock to the shabbiest looking spots in an attempt to avoid prying eyes – and the area has a genuine 24-hour nightlife. You can find some lovely hotels nearby to lay your head at the end of a long night. South of Soho, Chinatown is a chaos of exotic sights, sounds and smells, where English is a second language for a majority of residents. Leicester Square's cinemas still play host to two or three star-studded movie premieres a month.

See our recommended nearby Soho Hotels, Entertainment, Sights and Attractions, Shopping, Restaurants, Pubs, Nightlife, Leisure, Education, and Meeting Venues.