There’s something magnetic about Soho, cradled in the pure centre of London, giving visitors and residents a blend of art, nightlife, theatre, fashion, and rebellion. It’s alive in a way that you just can’t find anywhere else.
But that energy doesn’t stop at London’s border; it’s been captured in cities elsewhere. They each have a heartbeat that has a link to Soho, obvious in some, subtle yet undeniable in others.
Ponsonby & Britomart (Auckland, New Zealand)
Auckland is a modern-day version of Soho, architecturally totally distinct, and it does not feel at all like London, but in terms of buzz, it’s certainly comparable. It’s a Kiwi haven for foodies, the culture of the country comes together here, and there’s plenty of nightlife, too.
First, there’s Ponsonby. You need your most creative threads here, with the area being the city’s style capital. Think art gallery chic during the day, and trendy rooftop bars when the sun goes down.
Britomart is the second half of New Zealand’s Soho, with cocktail lounges and non-chain restaurants, where historic warehouses and colonial buildings have been revamped and turned into art installations and designer boutiques.
The heart of Auckland’s nightlife is welcoming, just like Soho, where the only standard is individuality. There is the speakeasy, for those looking for a 1920s experience, and locations like SkyCity, a modern hub of casino entertainment that captures the city’s dynamism. And even if you find yourself wandering away from Auckland’s hustle and bustle, you can still experience SkyCity’s online slots on the go throughout New Zealand.
Bairro Alto & LX Factory (Lisbon, Portugal)
Bohemian charm, a phrase that’s now a little loaded, far overused by interns managing a holiday company’s social media, for example, but for Lisbon, there’s nothing more apt.
Bairro Alto has graffiti-covered facades and tiny cocktail houses that are very reminiscent of the Soho vibe, perhaps even a version that is now long gone, a little quieter, not as busy. This neighbourhood, however, just comes alive at night, with music in every bar, and plenty of unique fado houses for visitors to enjoy.
During the day, LX Factory is an industrial-style hotbed for creatives; it also oozes history and is full of pop-up shops, street art, and both big-name and small art studios looking to make their name.
Lisbon offers that perfect balance of old London, with beautiful centuries-old architecture, a Soho in its traditional style, yet infused with the energy of the modern-day, with the vibrancy we’re used to in the country’s capital city.
Palermo Soho & San Telmo (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
The clue is in the name, with Palermo Soho named after London’s own. It is a Latin interpretation of the UK version, a fusion of tango, design, food culture, and a hip edge that mirrors its inspiration. It’s no surprise it has developed into an enclave for the fashion-conscious and the creative rebels of Argentina.
The area is very much a celebration of independence, whether it’s in design, fashion, music, or is now also the home for many digital nomads. The café terraces are not just for the gentrified, far from it, and are still popular with local writers and musicians, discussing and creating their work.
San Telmo offers a bit of a contrast, the colonial architecture a little more traditional, very much recognisable, inspired by old London. It’s picturesque, and together with Palermo Soho offers a distinct creative buzz, reflecting the diversity we celebrate.
Itaewon & Hongdae (Seoul, South Korea)
In Itaewon and Hongdae, you need to take a step back to enjoy just how busy it gets. Packed with people, with an almost restless energy, but driven by a youthful elan that combines global culture with something uniquely Korean.
Itaewon is perhaps the country’s international heart and is packed with plenty of things to do in the area. You will find global eateries, whether it’s a name you’d instantly recognise from London, or an independent establishment usually only frequented by locals.
In Hongdae, just nearby, you can truly channel your artistic rebellious phase, enjoying the street performers, the many indie music venues, art vendors, and plenty of small Korean hole-in-the-wall places that foodies love.
In these two areas, you will find a blend of high-street K-culture together with niche creative flows, mirroring exactly what you find in Soho today. And the wider Seoul nightlife is also 100% worth exploring!
There’s Only 1 Soho
Soho can’t be replicated, not exactly, but the area’s intoxicating energy spreads, whether you’re admiring Auckland’s unmistakable skyline, Berlin’s palpable rebel soul, or Lisbon’s bohemian charm; the neighbourhood’s creative essence finds a home all over.
Each city is its own, of course, unique, adding its own rhythm, but together, it’s about the people, the sense of community that flows from each individual, showing that Soho’s spirit isn’t just a postcode, it’s a vibe, an energy you need to experience at least once.
