A Walking Tour of Soho, London

Gentrification and rising rents mean that the former red-light district of Soho isn’t as sleazy as it used to be. Today, the neighbourhood is best known for its LGBTQ scene, innovative bars and first-class restaurants. There are plenty of fun things to see in the area, including a 1920s Art Deco bar and an old-school street market.
Carnaby Street
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Is there a more written-about London street than Carnaby? Known for its pivotal role at the centre of the Swinging ’60s, it’s a must-visit destination for tourists, and has managed to keep some of its independent spirit. Start at beautiful department store Liberty London and then swing by Kingly Court when you get hungry – the three-storey building has 21 restaurants and bars around a central courtyard. Don’t miss the pub The Shakespeare’s Head, either, which was originally owned by distant relatives of the Bard and has been here since 1735.
John Snow’s pump
Historical Landmark

Turn left from Carnaby Street into Broadwick Street to see a landmark marking a pivotal point in medical history. After studying a cholera outbreak in Soho in 1854, physician John Snow tested his theory that the disease enters the body through the mouth and found a water pump in Broadwick Street (then called Broad Street) that was spreading the illness. Today, there’s a commemorative pump outside the pub named after John Snow, next to where the original stood.
Berwick Street
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Admiral Duncan
Bar, Gay Bar, Pub Grub

Ronnie Scott’s
Bar, Nightclub, British

Saxophonist Ronnie Scott founded the eponymous jazz club in 1959 as a small West End basement club for musicians. Sarah Vaughan and Miles Davis are among the big names who played here early on. Today, it’s one of the most famous jazz clubs in the world and offers a packed schedule – there’s something happening every night at Ronnie Scott’s, which also has an upstairs bar in the style of a 1950s speakeasy. The club draws a mixed crowd, attracting everyone from older jazz fans to hipsters looking for a classic Soho night out.
Kettner’s Townhouse
Bar, Boutique Hotel Restaurant, Wine

Those who are after a truly elegant, old-fashioned Soho experience need look no further than Kettner’s, which serves fairly well-priced traditional French food in its beautiful dining room. Kettner’s is a restaurant and hotel and was recently refurbished by its new owners, Soho House. For those who are just after a drink, head straight to the Art Deco champagne bar, which features an original mosaic floor with an eye-catching pattern of geometric circles.
Bar Italia
Bar, Cafe, Pizzeria, Coffee Shop, Restaurant, Italian

Frith Street is home to many of Soho’s best eateries, including the cosy Bar Italia. The café, which opened in 1949, is a throwback to the days when Soho was a big Italian area, and still has its original coffee machine from back then. Bar Italia is a great, casual spot for people watching – especially as it’s open until 5am almost every day of the week, serving Soho’s night owls.
Our debut short film, The Soul of Soho, explores neighborhoods separated by oceans, history and culture but united by craft community and change. Neighborhoods bound by one name: Soho. Intimate portraits of city living in the Sohos of London, New York and Hong Kong reveal rich stories of the people who bring life to these iconic neighborhoods. Explore Soho here.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
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An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
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meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.