Lifestyle

On our radar: 15 fun things to do in Soho, London (2025)

Christmas light
things to do in central london with friends

Looking for something more inspiring than another night at the bar? Plan a date, meet friends, or simply make your evening in the West End memorable. Soho and its neighboring streets brim with culture, creativity, and effortless charm. Here are 15 of the best things to do near Soho for adults seeking atmosphere, novelty, and style.

Solve a mind-bending puzzle with your friends at Sherlock: The Official Game

Step into the world of Sherlock Holmes with an immersive escape room experience crafted by the creators of the BBC series. You’ll decode clues, race against the clock, and put your detective instincts to the test. A perfect pick for anyone looking for things to do in Central London with friends that go beyond the usual drinks and dinner.

 

MORE ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH FRIENDS IN CENTRAL LONDON HERE

Drop a visit to Gerry's Wines & Spirits

This Soho staple is small, stacked to the ceiling, and legendary. Whether you’re after a smoky mezcal, an offbeat Bordeaux, or just something you can’t find in the supermarket, Gerry’s delivers. Pop in for a browse and don’t be shy about asking questions – staff here are famously passionate and well-informed.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Levs Surovecs (@leosurovec)

Reading session inside Maison Bertaux - a century-old patisserie

This charming, lived-in patisserie has been baking since 1871. Order a flaky croissant or a towering eclair, grab a table upstairs, and settle in with a book. It’s a quiet pocket of old Soho, perfect for slow mornings or a reflective break between adventures.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Maison Bertaux (@maison_bertaux)

Visit Piccadilly Circus

An iconic Central London landmark, Piccadilly Circus is great for people-watching, photo ops, and jumping-off to explore Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and the broader West End. Its famous digital screens and the statue of Eros are Insta-famous, but it still retains a buzzing, energetic charm. A classic pick among free Central London activities.

GETTING THERE

Join an exciting escape room at The Crystal Maze

This nostalgic, high-energy escape game brings the ’90s TV show to life, complete with Aztec zones, crystal collection, and an overexcited Maze Master guiding your team. Expect laughs, teamwork, and a few unexpected challenges. A solid pick for escape rooms near Soho.

 

Try to dine in the dark at Dans Le Noir

  • Address: 69-73 St John St, London EC1M 4AN
  • Opening hours:
  • Mondays: 5:30 – 10 PM
  • Tue – ThurL 5:30 – 11 PM
  • Fridays: 5 PM – 12 AM
  • Saturdays: 12 PM – 3 PM, 5:30 PM – 11:30 PM
  • Sundays 5:30 PM – 11 PM
  • Price per person: £100+
  • Best item to try: Seafood, Marinated beef capaccio

A sensory, slightly surreal dinner experience where guests eat in total darkness, guided and served by visually impaired staff. It’s more than a gimmick – it’s a chance to rethink how you experience food. One of the most unique best restaurants in Central London if you’re craving something out of the ordinary.

 

Watch a cult film in Prince Charles Cinema

Beloved for its rotating lineup of cult favourites, indie gems, and themed movie marathons, the Prince Charles is a Soho classic. Catch a late-night screening of The Room, or relive Kill Bill on the big screen with a crowd that gets it. Ideal for film nerds, date nights, and anyone seeking things to do in Soho, London at night.

 

Catch a live comedy or theatre show in Soho

If you’re looking for things to do in Soho, London at night that don’t revolve around drinking, Soho Theatre is an easy win. Known for sharp comedy, new writing, and experimental performances, shows here are intimate and often finished in time for a late dinner or cocktail nearby. It’s especially popular with locals who want culture without the formality of big West End productions, also ideal for spontaneous plans and grown-up evenings out.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Soho Theatre (@sohotheatre)

Go to a secret listening party

Keep tabs on Soho Radio and Spiritland (just north in King’s Cross) for word-of-mouth events that blend music, wine, and warm lighting. Expect vinyl-only sets, live podcast recordings, or low-key DJ sets. These hush-hush gatherings are made for music lovers who hate queues.

Go drinking at a speakeasy bar

Punch Room – 10 Berners St, London W1T 3NP

Cahoots Underground Bar – 13 Kingly Ct, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW

From prohibition-style hideaways to themed time-travel bars, Soho delivers on the speakeasies among all bars in Central London. Find the unmarked door, whisper the password, and sip something strong in a candlelit corner. A go-to for nightlife in Soho that’s a little more mysterious.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cahoots London (@cahootslondon)

Lose track of time inside Soho’s late-night music rooms

The 100 Club

Address: 100 Oxford Street, London W1D 1LL

Opening hours: Event-dependent (usually evenings)

Admission fee: Ticketed events (prices vary)

The 100 Club is one of Soho’s most legendary live music rooms. It’s the kind of place where you can stand close to the stage, hold your drink and feel properly part of the gig. From punk and rock to jazz and indie, it’s a great spot for a spontaneous live-music detour.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The 100 Club (@100clublondon)

Lucky Voice Karaoke

Address: 52 Poland Street, London W1F 7NQ

Opening hours: Daily 5pm–1am

Admission fee: Private room hire (prices vary)

Lucky Voice is where “just one drink” turns into a full-blown group memory. Book a private karaoke booth, pick from a surprisingly deep song list and enjoy the kind of joyful chaos that only happens when friends start duetting 90s pop classics. It’s playful, loud and ideal for birthdays, date nights or spontaneous group plans.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lucky Voice (@luckyvoicekaraoke)

Hidden Speakeasy Bars (Milroy’s of Soho/The Vault)

Address: 3 Greek Street, London W1D 4NX

Opening hours: Daily 5pm–late

Admission fee: Free entry (drinks extra)

Soho loves a secret, and Milroy’s delivers. Behind what looks like a small whisky shop hides a candle-lit basement bar with hundreds of bottles lining the walls. Finding your way in feels like being let in on a quiet local secret – half the fun before the first drink even arrives.

 

Kirsty MacColl Memorial Bench

Address: Soho Square, London W1D 3QP

Opening hours: Daily 24 hours

Admission fee: Free

Tucked away in Soho Square is a small bench dedicated to singer-songwriter Kirsty MacColl. It’s an unexpectedly calm spot for a quick sit-down between activities, and a gentle reminder of the creative community that has shaped Soho’s personality for decades.

Stay out late with Soho’s after-dark jazz & live music scene

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club – 47 Frith St, London W1D 4HT

Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues Bar – 20 Kingly St, London W1B 5PZ

When most galleries are closed and dinner is done, Soho’s music scene comes into its own. From world-class jazz at Ronnie Scott’s to stripped-back blues sessions just around the corner, these venues offer atmosphere without the club crowds. It’s one of the best ways to experience nightlife in Soho if you care more about sound, conversation, and staying out late than queueing for DJs.

 

Hunt for the Seven Noses of Soho

Admission fee: Free

Scattered across building facades and tucked into unexpected corners, the Seven Noses of Soho are one of the area’s quirkiest hidden gems. No tickets, no set route, just keep your eyes up as you wander streets like Dean Street and Bateman Street. It’s a playful, low-effort way to explore the neighbourhood and one of the most unusual free things to do near Soho, especially if you’ve already done the big landmarks.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Time Out London (@timeoutlondon)

Drop a visit to Chinatown Gate

Location: 17 Wardour St, London W1D 6PJ

You haven’t really done Soho until you’ve wandered through its lantern-filled Chinatown. From dim sum to bubble tea to late-night bao, it’s a buzzing, sensory-rich hub that’s always alive. It also doubles as one of the bestfree things to do near Soho.

MORE FREE THINGS TO DO IN CENTRAL LONDON

Visit House of MinaLima – a place for Potterheads

A visual feast for any Harry Potter fan, this design studio-turned-gallery showcases original artwork and props from the Wizarding World. It’s whimsical, niche, and full of charm – a perfect stop for fans, or anyone after unusual things to do near Soho London.

 

Explore SEA LIFE London Aquarium

  • Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
  • Opening hours:
  • Mon – Wed & Fri: 10 AM – 6 PM
  • Thursdays: 11 AM – 4 PM
  • Saturdays: 10 AM – 6 PM
  • Sundays: 10 AM – 5 PM
  • Admission fees: (cheaper when purchasing online)
  • Standard entry: Adult £39, Child (2-15 years) £35, Free for under-2-year-olds – Must arrive at the selected time slot when you make your purchase.
  • Anytime entry: Adult £44, Child (2-15 years) £40, Free for under-2-year-olds – Arrive at anytime on the day of your choice

From jellyfish to sharks to glowing coral tunnels, this isn’t just for kids. The SEA LIFE Aquarium is immersive, calming, and surprisingly romantic. It’s a strong pick for things to do near Soho London for couples looking for something soothing and visually rich.

 

Play Monopoly Lifesized

  • Address: 213-215 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 7PS, United Kingdom
  • Opening hours:
  • Tuesdays: 1:45–10 PM
  • Wed – Fri: 1:45–11 PM
  • Saturdays: 11:15 AM–11 PM
  • Sundays: 10:15 AM–10 PM
  • Admission: From £59 – £89 for every type of ticket types: Very Important Player, Standard, Access to Post-game cocktails. You can choose among Classic Boards, Luxury Board & City Board.

Buy property, dodge jail, and build hotels – but this time, you’re physically in the game. With themed rooms, challenges, and larger-than-life pieces, it’s an immersive experience that makes board games way more fun. Great for things to do near Soho for adults who still want to play.

 

MORE THINGS TO DO NEAR TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD

Dive into dark history at London Dungeon

  • Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB
  • Opening hours: 11 AM–4 PM (Saturdays: 10 AM–6 PM)
  • Admission (cheaper to buy online):
  • Standard entry: Adult £35, Child (5-15 years) £29 – Must arrive at your selected time slot.
  • Anytime entry: Adult £39, Child (2-15 years) £33.50 – Arrive at anytime, beating the queues.

Hilarious, creepy, and slightly ridiculous, the Dungeon mixes theatrical storytelling with real historical horror. Meet Jack the Ripper, escape the plague, and end with a ride that drops you into the unknown. Equal parts creepy and camp.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The London Dungeon (@londondungeon)

Get provoked at The Photographer’s Gallery

  • Address: 16-18 Ramillies St, London W1F 7LW
  • Opening hours:
  • Mon – Wed, Sat: 10 AM – 6 PM
  • Thur – Fri: 10 AM – 8 PM
  • Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
  • Admission:
  • Full Price – £8.50
  • Disabled – £6.00
  • Disabled, Senior (60), Student, Jobseeker – £6.00
  • National Art Pass – £4.25
  • Disabled Companion – £0.00
  • 18 or Under – £0.00
  • Member – £0.00
  • Friday Lates free from 4pm – £0.00

Forget selfies – this space explores politics, identity, and culture through the lens of photography. Thought-provoking, compact, and refreshingly unpretentious, it’s one of the best galleries in Central London for bold, conversation-starting art. If you’re looking for a chill things to do in London for a rainy day, stop by and spend your day immersing in arts.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Photoworks (@photoworks_uk)