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The area of Soho has long been regarded by Londoners and visitors to the capital alike as one of the most vibrant parts of the city. It seems its history of showing everyone around it some jolly time has given it quite the reputation for raucous nightlife, old-school pubs and so much more. Soho is a delightful mix of busy, sexy and grubby streets, where the sophisticated meet the unconventional. A lot of famous names have made it their home throughout various periods of history – Karl Marx, legendary musician Mozart and the famous band Sex Pistols. And while ‘sleazy’ is the word everyone thinks about when they consider Soho, the area has done a great deal to move beyond that. 

Today, it is like a tourist magnet, heading towards the West End shops. Young professionals dot the landscape, as they head to work, while patrons sample the finest foods and drinks in the restaurants around. When you take a stroll around, you will be able to soak in most of the wonders of the area. Here is where you can head while you are here: 

• Go for a stroll – when the weather is fine and you feel like it, you can check out the Golden Square and Soho Square, both of which are open. These are essentially sun traps, which usually attract many people. Be mindful of going there on the weekend, as free spots are premium. If you would much rather swerve the shade, check out the rooftops of Aqua Spirit, which is just off Regent Street. 

• Sway off the beaten track – if you wish to try out the unusual locations, then head down to Soho’s longest-running place for tattoos – Diamond Jacks. There is also a nice 1940s themed bar at Cahoots. 

• When it is raining – on what many would consider a regular day in London, you can go explore the ties that Soho has to the film industry. Shaftesbury Avenue is home to legendary Curzon. You can also check out Picturehouse on Piccadilly Circus. You can catch up to the latest blockbuster movies, or stop by an A-class play, both modern favourites and cult classics. There is enough to satisfy any taste. 

• Culture trip – The Photographer’s Gallery boasts an ever-changing programme of exhibitions, a bookshop and a delightful café. Being here means you won’t feel bored for a single second. There is also the option of Soho Theatre on Dean Street. It is highly-regarded by many theatre enthusiasts. You can check out some of the best up-and-coming comedians. A curious fact is that Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag debuted here. 

• Visit the bars – a great number of the bars in Soho stay up open till late. If you are a jazz enthusiast, then Ronnie Scott’s the place to be. If you are more into sweaty dance floors, then perhaps the atmosphere of G-A-Y will be more up your alley. El Camion is a fine bar for sipping tequilas till 3 am, so it is a nice place to visit if you are looking to stay late. 

As an area of London, Soho has managed to keep showing a unique face around. At the same time, it has soaked what the capital has to offer in terms of the environment. The result is an area that will hardly seem like any other, once you visit and stay for a while here. Soho is and will remain, an all-time tourist favourite hotspot. 

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