A Walking Tour of Soho, London

Shakespeares Head Pub, Carnaby Street
Shakespeare's Head Pub, Carnaby Street | © stefano baldini / Alamy Stock Photo
Cajsa Carlson

Architecture & Design Editor

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

Shop

Entrance to Carnaby Street, West End, Soho, City of Westminster, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
© Greg Balfour Evans / Alamy Stock Photo

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

Dr John Snow Pump
© Nathaniel Noir / Alamy Stock Photo

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

Shop

People taking refreshments seated at pavement tables outside the My Place all day brasserie in Berwick Street, Soho, London, England, UK
© David Richards / Alamy Stock Photo
Music nerds might recognise Berwick Street: it’s on the cover of Oasis’s 1995 album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? and also has London’s largest concentration of independent record shops. Berwick Street is known for its market, which has been going since the late 18th century and was where both tomatoes and grapefruits were first sold in London. It wasn’t all food, though: writer Virginia Woolf used to buy silk stockings here. These days, the street is lined with food stalls selling dishes from all over the world, and there are still some independent shops to discover.

Admiral Duncan

Bar, Gay Bar, Pub Grub

Admiral duncan pub, london, uk
© Paul Lawrenson / Alamy Stock Photo
Soho has a long, proud LGBTQ heritage, and many of the capital’s most famous gay bars can be found here. From Brewer Street it’s just a short walk to Old Compton Street, which has been at the heart of London’s LGBTQ scene for decades. Make sure to visit the Admiral Duncan, which is, sadly, perhaps best known for being the target of the 1999 nail bombing that killed three people and injured around 70, both inside the pub and on the street. But there’s much more to the Admiral Duncan – the popular pub is one of the oldest gay bars in Soho. It’s known for its friendly staff, and hosts cabaret and karaoke nights seven days a week.

Ronnie Scott’s

Bar, Nightclub, British

Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club on Firth Street,Soho,London,England
© Ianni Dimitrov Pictures / Alamy Stock Photo

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

Kettnerstownhouse.com
© Kettnerstownhouse.com

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

Bar Italia Soho London UK Europe. Image shot 2006. Exact date unknown.
© Roger Cracknell 05/London / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

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.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

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 price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

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!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

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

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

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.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article