Soho and Chinatown

Dinner, dim sum, cocktails and the theatres, all within five minutes of each other.

Soho is where a London evening starts: the restaurants of Chinatown, the bars of Old Compton Street and the theatres of Shaftesbury Avenue around the corner. It is at its best from early evening onwards, and the late-night bakeries in Chinatown are a good end to a night. Wet weather barely registers; you are never far from a door.

When it works

Mostly under cover, so light rain is fine. Best evening, night.

Good for a date, groups and a first visit.

On these lists

• Things to do in London when it rains
• Things to do in London when the sun is out
• Things to do in London tonight
• Date ideas in London
• Things to do in London this weekend
• Plan an afternoon in London around it

Opening hours and prices change; the official site has the current ones. See everything in London ranked for right now.