Soho

With its rows of bars, historic music venues and large Chinatown zone, Soho is a trendy and jazzy neighborhood in the heart of London. This dynamic district has park-filled plazas, raucous alleys and electrifying entertainment complexes. Spend an evening in this busy and eclectic region to glimpse London’s risqué nightlife.

Relax in the grassy park at the heart of Leicester Square, which serves as a large base for the surrounding entertainment. See one of the city’s red carpet movie premieres, visit the Hippodrome Casino and stay at a luxury hotel on the square. Highlights for families include Ripley’s Believe it or Not! London and M&M’s® World London.

Walk north from Leicester Square for one block to reach the Chinatown part of Soho. Gaze up at the red lanterns, Chinese symbols and dragon sculptures among the pagodas and Chinese restaurants. Chinese New Year celebrations and other festivities take place here year-round.

Stroll along the lively alleys filled with gay bars and sex shops for a glimpse into the city’s risqué side. Burlesque shows, casinos and strip bars are common here. For a change of pace, go shopping in the famed commercial area of Oxford Circus and relax in the spacious Trafalgar Square near Charing Cross.

Make your way east to the northern bank of the River Thames, where you’ll find the Inner Temple and the Middle Temple. These impressive buildings in courtyards are professional bodies for lawyers and judges. Walk north for a few minutes to see the St. Dunstan-in-the-West church and the Temple Church.

Soho is a little northwest of the bend in the River Thames in northwestern London. Ride the London Underground to Leicester Square, Oxford Circus or Charing Cross and get around by bus or on foot. Visit nearby areas, such as Mayfair, Marylebone and Fitzrovia.

Come to this entertainment hub to see the city’s racy and trendy residents and visitors gather and have fun.