Soho & Chinatown

What to expect

Soho is a small, dense district in the West End that has been London's entertainment quarter since the 19th century. It was laid out in the late 1600s, and Soho Square dates from the 1680s. In 1854 Dr John Snow traced a cholera outbreak to a pump on Broad Street here, an early example of epidemiology. Today the area mixes theatres, music venues, restaurants and bars with offices.

It is best explored on foot, because the main streets are only minutes apart. Old Compton Street is the heart of London's gay village, Gerrard Street is the centre of Chinatown with its Chinese restaurants and festival decorations, and Carnaby Street was the fashion centre of 1960s Swinging London. Ronnie Scott's jazz club has stood on Frith Street since 1965, and Berwick Street has had a street market since the early 18th century.

Don't miss

• Gerrard Street in Chinatown
• Old Compton Street
• Carnaby Street
• Ronnie Scott's on Frith Street
• Berwick Street market

Tips for your visit

• Soho changes with the hours: quiet and local by day, busy and loud after dark.
• Eat in Chinatown at lunchtime, when it is easy to get a table.
• Time your visit for Chinese New Year if you want the street festivals.
• Combine it with Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden, both a short walk away.