The 14 Best Things to do in SoHo

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SoHo stands for south of Houston and is a world-famous shopping paradise and artist district in Manhattan, NYC. Bordered by Houston Street, Lafayette Street, and the western part of Broadway, you’ll find a lovely, bright part of the city that has become world-renowned, in part due to the fact that it has been a backdrop for so many films and commercials.

By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides!

My TOP 5 Things to Do in SoHo

SoHo is famous for so many reasons. There are a bunch of attractions, stores, and restaurants that it can be overwhelming especially if it’s your first time visiting. It’s a popular neighborhood and is very busy throughout the whole year. Here’s a list of what we highly recommend:

TOP 5 Things to Do Soho NYC

  • Have breakfast at 12 Chairs – This restaurant serves Israeli breakfast and is popular among the locals. 12 Chairs is one of our go-to SoHo breakfast spots and have always been exceptional. (56 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012)
  • Check out the amazing cast-iron architecture – SoHo is known for its amazing cast-iron architecture. It’s everywhere in the neighborhood, especially along Broadway. (Broadway and Prince St.)
  • Go shopping on Broadway – This street is filled with many stores and boutiques. You’ll find our favorite vintage store, Vintage Twin along this street. (Broadway and E. Houston)
  • Have lunch at Mercer KitchenMercer Kitchen is located right next to The Mercer Hotel and is a great place to go for lunch. (99 Prince St, New York, NY 10012)
  • Visit the NYC Fire Museum – Learn the history of the New York Fire Department. The NYC Fire Museum is great for families with children and worth the visit. (278 Spring St, New York, NY 10013)

Where is SoHo located?

As you can see on the map below SoHo is located right in the center if Downtown Manhattan. From here, the Meatpacking District as well as the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan are within walking distance.

SoHo NYC Map

How to Get To Soho in New York

  • Metro: There are multiple trains that you take to the neighborhood. You can take the R W to Prince Street. The B F M and to Broadway/Lafayette, or the 6 to Spring Street Station.
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus: Stop 8 of the downtown loop of BIG BUS or stop 9 of the downtown loop of Gray Line Sightseeing. Here you find more about Hop on Hop off in NYC.

    My tip: the tickets for the buses are included in many of the New York City passes – which one is the best for you, you can see in my Pass Comparison for New York!

The 14 Best Things To Do in SoHo NYC

SoHo NYC is filled with a bunch of activities and events. There’s always something going on here. Our TOP 5 above are things we highly recommend but to be honest that list doesn’t stop there. There’s something for everyone in this wonderful neighborhood. Depending on the time of the year, SoHo can be filled with seasonal pop-up shops or activities on the street. If you’re into photography, this is a great place to photograph as well.

Wondering what to do in Soho NYC? Here’s my list of things I personally recommend you do!

These are the attractions worth checking out in Soho

  1. 01

    Go shopping on Broadway

    Other Shopping in SoHo

    Shopping_in_soho_190118140134005

    Broadway is probably one of the most well-known streets in NYC, and also runs right through the center of SoHo. Many big-name shops have their flagship stores right here on this street. Broadway is not only the longest street, but it is also the heart of shopping in SoHo.

    You can find your mainstream stores such as Uniqlo and H&M. You can also try your hand with boutique shopping in SoHo. These stores curate their selection so it matches their brand identity and it makes for a better shopping experience.

  2. 02

    Soho, Little Italy & Chinatown Walking Tour

    Walking Tour in Hudson Square

    Our Highlight

    walking_soho_190118140134005

    Now known for their many excellent restaurants, shops and tourism, Manhattan‘s SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown neighborhoods offer the most varied stories of New York City. Take a 2-hour tour with a local guide and discover hidden gems and 19th century buildings.

  3. 03

    Museum of Ice Cream

    Museum in SoHo

    museum_of.ice_cream_nyc_191217082436003_1920x960

    Located at 558 Broadway in SoHo, the Museum of Ice Cream features 13 all-new interactive art installations across 25,000 square feet over 3 floors. Besides multi-sensory installations, it boasts the biggest sprinkle pool to date. With exhibits like these, the Museum of Ice Cream NYC is not your traditional museum. If you’re a family with children, it’s really worth visiting the Museum of Ice Cream in SoHo.

    Recommended: The Best Museums in NYC

  4. 04

    Explore SoHo with a camera

    Other Attraction in SoHo

    cast_iron_district_170315165740108

    If you’re big into photography, then make sure to bring your camera to this neighborhood. SoHo fashion is some of the best fashion in the country and the art scene is top-notch as well. If photographing people isn’t your thing, then you also have the option of shooting the cast-iron buildings.

    During the industrial revolution, cast-iron architecture was very popular as everyone was convinced that iron was much more substantial and fireproofed than steel. At the time, cast-iron fronts were built more often than normal wooden houses. These typical cast-iron buildings are the reason why so many producers decided to shoot their films or commercials on the streets of SoHo.

    The fire escape staircases along with the architecture give the neighborhood its unique look. These beautiful buildings belong to SoHo similar to how yellow cabs belong to NYC.

  5. 05

    Have breakfast at 12 Chairs

    Café in SoHo

    12_Chairs_soho_restaurant_170221140024004

    The name of the 12 Chair comes from the beginnings of the once small café, which only had 12 seats. Here you will find delicacies from Israel with a successful mix to the Russian cuisine. Sounds confusing, but it is super delicious. It is very popular both for brunch and dinner among the locals and is one of our go-to SoHo breakfast spots!

  6. 06

    Keep an eye for pop-up events

    Other Shopping in SoHo

    210823120923002_Popup_Store_NYC

    As we mentioned above, depending on the time of the year, SoHo hosts numerous pop-up events. The latest one we went to was the popular Friend’s Pop-Up and Sarah Jessica Parker’s Shoe Pop-Up.

  7. 07

    Dominique Ansel Bakery: Try the famous Cronut!

    Café in SoHo

    Cafe

    You’ve probably heard of the infamous cronut. That originally started at Dominique Ansel Bakery. When they first came out, it was almost impossible to get one because it would sell out right away.

    Today the hustle and bustle has calmed down a bit, but we can still recommend a visit. Be sure to try the strawberry lychee tartlet or the croissants with coconut and chocolate!!!

  8. 08

    Restaurant Boqueria: Eat the best tapas in town!

    Spanish Restaurant in SoHo

    Our Highlight

    Boqueria_Tapas_SoHo_1600x800

    One of our highlights is the Boqueria in SoHo. We have walked past it 100 times and have not noticed it at all. Then it was recommended to us during a conversation and what can we say: it is really really good! We had to wait almost 30 minutes until we had two of the coveted seats. Both Tino and I would describe ourselves as Spain connoisseurs, so we were all the more surprised at HOW good the tapas were here. Took us right back to our summer vacations!

  9. 09

    View independent movies

    Other Art & Culture in Greenwich Village

    The Film Forum in SoHo/Greenwich Village is a non-profit theater that’s known for showing independent flicks. If you’re a big movie person, this place is for you. The theater opened in 1970 and is an iconic spot.

  10. 10

    New York City Fire Museum

    Museum in Hudson Square

    Fire_Museum_NYC_170728134126005

    The former firehouse was reconstructed into a museum filled with three floors of New York City Fire Department history. Built-in 1904, the NYC Fire Museum cares for over 10,000 objects as well as archives, ephemera, and photographs that celebrate the history of the New York City Fire Department. You will also find a permanent memorial to the 343 members of the FDNY-EMS who lost their lives in the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001. This museum is great for kids as younger friends of the FDNY are invited to try on an original firemen suit and can learn all about how firemen extinguish a fire.

    Recommended: The Best Museums in NYC

  11. 11

    Ride your bike around SoHo

    Bike Tour in Financial District

    Bike_Tours_170423115755018

    If your time is limited and you want to check out as much of SoHo as you can, then we recommend just taking a bike. You’ll be able to see the many cobblestone streets, the art, and many fashionable people. It’s a lot to take in but definitely worth it.

    You can rent a bike at the nearby Brooklyn Bridge Bike Rental or take one of the many bikes from the city bike program Citi Bike.

  12. 12

    Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art: the world’s only LGBTQ+ Art Museum

    Museum in SoHo

    Leslie_Lohman_Museum_of_Art_front_wall_image

    The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art is one of the newest museums in New York and is the only one fully dedicated to LGBTQ+ art. It was recognized as a museum in 2016, but its roots trace back to 1969. 

    The founders Charles Leslie and Fritz Lohman exhibited the first artworks in their Soho loft back then, and today they have over 25,000 objects in their collection. 

  13. 13

    Learn the art of drawing

    Gallery in SoHo

    Best_Art_Gallery_NYC_211216102143003

    The Drawing Center is a museum and an art gallery in Soho that focuses on historical and contemporary drawing and is one of the best things to do in SoHo since its opening in 1977.

  14. 14

    Enjoy a cocktail and amazing views at Jimmy at the James Hotel

    Rooftop Bar in SoHo

    190305174802001_jimmy_James_Hotel_Soho

    From 5 pm onwards Jimmy at the James provides one of the best views you can get of downtown NYC. This rooftop bar in SoHo has some great drinks and nice seating areas. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, make sure to visit the Jimmy at the James Hotel. If you get here by sunset, the views will be even better.

    We consider Jimmy at the James one of the best bars in NYC.

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Attractions in SoHo

Many of New York’s major New York attractions are located in this part of Manhattan so make sure to add them to you travel itinerary:

  1. Georges Berges Gallery NYC

    01 Eden Gallery SoHo

    The Eden Gallery is an international contemporary art gallery with locations in NYC, Miami, Mykonos, London, and, soon, in Dubai. It was founded by Cathia Kimovsky in 1997 and has since grown into a worldwide network of high-end galleries that represent a multitude of international artists, each of whom has its own unique and modern approach to art. The artists from Eden Gallery collectively promote and represent contemporary optimism and colorful views of life. 

    In each of Eden’s gallery spaces worldwide, it’s evident that they operate at the forefront of vibrant, modern culture with a spirit of commitment to the community among their curators, supporters, and artists. At this gallery, you’ll find pieces of art that are held to the highest standards and events, experiences, and exhibitions that are not only unforgettable but will leave you transformed and inspired. 

  2. Best_Art_Gallery_Soho_NYC_211216102143004-1

    02 Alexander and Bonin

    Alexander and Bonin Gallery was formed in 1995 by Ted Bonin and Carolyn Alexander. The primary focus of the collaboration was to support and represent the work of mid-career, established, and emerging contemporary international visionaries. Since its opening, the Alexander and Bonin Gallery has established a reputation for maintaining a diverse and rigorous program. 

    The gallery was located in Chelsea on 10th Avenue from 1997 until 2016, when it moved to Walker Street in Tribeca, but is currently located in Soho on Wooster Street. Though the final move was not a significant move geographically, it allowed the partners to accurately represent 22 artists specializing in many types of contemporary art. You’ll find everything from contemporary sculptures and paintings to videos in this gallery. 

  3. Arcadia Contemporary Soho Best Art Galleries NYC

    03 Arcadia Contemporary

    Arcadia Contemporary Gallery was founded in 2001 and had its first location in Soho New York. It has had its current name since 2014, originally it was called Arcadia Fine Arts. After moving to Pasadena/California from 2016 to 2021, it has been back in Soho since 2021. This time in the Soho Art District on West Broadway. 

  4. 210215170348001

    04 Broadway

    Broadway is probably the most famous street in New York City and SoHo’s main shopping street. It is not only the longest shopping street, but also a commercial heart of the city.

  5. Best_Art_Gallery_Soho_NYC_211216102143006

    05 Brooke Alexander Gallery

    The Brooke Alexander Gallery was founded in Soho in 1968 by Carolyn and Brooke Alexander in an East 68th Street storefront. Though it’s now located on Wooster Street, it still proudly serves as a member of The Art Dealers Association of America today.

    This art gallery began publishing prints and multiples for artists in 1968 and since then has published over 1,500 works. The Alexanders relocated the gallery a couple of times throughout the years, having moved from 68th Street to 57th Street in 1975, and then from 57th to Wooster Street in 1985. 

    At some point in the early ‘90s, Brooke Alexander and his wife split up, and he became the sole director/owner of the gallery. His wife, Carolyn Alexander, went on to join the gallery’s former director, Ted Bonin, to create the Alexander and Bonin Gallery in 1995. Yet still, the Brooke Alexander Gallery has become known for its influence on New York’s late-20th century art scene. In fact, these efforts were recognized in 1995 as the gallery was honored at the Smithsonian Institution. 

  6. cast_iron_district_170315165740108

    06 Cast iron architecture

    If you’re big into photography, then make sure to bring your camera to this neighborhood. SoHo fashion is some of the best fashion in the country and the art scene is top-notch as well. If photographing people isn’t your thing, then you also have the option of shooting the cast-iron buildings.

    During the industrial revolution, cast-iron architecture was very popular as everyone was convinced that iron was much more substantial and fireproofed than steel. At the time, cast-iron fronts were built more often than normal wooden houses. These typical cast-iron buildings are the reason why so many producers decided to shoot their films or commercials on the streets of SoHo.

    The fire escape staircases along with the architecture give the neighborhood its unique look. These beautiful buildings belong to SoHo similar to how yellow cabs belong to NYC.

  7. Galerie_170423115755027

    07 Fridman Gallery

    The FRIDMAN GALLERY was officially opened in November 2013. The first exhibitions consisted of a series of collaborations with prominent curators and performances. Various lectures and events will also take place here.

  8. Eden Gallery in SoHo NYC

    08 Georges Berges Gallery

    The Georges Berges Gallery can be found in the heart of Soho, where you’ll find a splendid mixture of consequential living artists from around the globe. The man, Georges Berges, has always had a way of looking at art with a worldly yet human view, and he used this to create his namesake gallery on Broadway. His vision was to use the gallery to bridge the gap between emerging international collectors and artists, which has been pushed forward recently after a second gallery was opened in Berlin. 

    Yet, while he believes in representing emerging markets and the artists within them, he also knows how important it is to maintain a significant relationship with the artist and the art. At the Georges Berges Gallery, collectors can acquire original works from upcoming and established artists that have been shown and vetted by prestigious institutions, museums, and private collections around the world. 

  9. Deitch_Gallery_Soho_NYC_211221162851008

    09 Jeffrey Deitch

    Anyone who’s a fan of New York City’s contemporary art scene knows the name, Jeffrey Deitch. He’s an esteemed curator and art dealer who’s best known for his gallery that operated from 1996 until 2010 called Deitch Projects, where he curated projects such as Post Human and Lives. After shuttering his art gallery, Deitch moved to Los Angeles, where he served as the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) director until 2013. 

  10. Best_Art_Gallery_Soho_NYC_211216102143003-1

    10 June Kelly Gallery

    The June Kelly Gallery is a contemporary art gallery founded in 1987 within NYC’s historic Soho district. This gallery specializes in contemporary sculptures, paintings, photography, and drawings while representing works from a diverse group of established, mid-career, and emerging artists, many of whom have already achieved international acclaim and recognition. 

    In the past, exhibitions displayed by the June Kelly Gallery have received numerous art world publication reviews from companies such as The New York Times, Art in America, and Sculpture Magazine. Such publications have not only profiled represented artists but have also featured the gallery on the cover. 

  11. Leslie_Lohman_Museum_of_Art_front_wall_image

    11 Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art

    The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art is one of the newest museums in New York and is the only one fully dedicated to LGBTQ+ art. It was recognized as a museum in 2016, but its roots trace back to 1969. 

    The founders Charles Leslie and Fritz Lohman exhibited the first artworks in their Soho loft back then, and today they have over 25,000 objects in their collection. 

  12. Best_Art_Gallery_Soho_NYC_211216102143001

    12 LIK Fine Art Soho

    LIK Fine Art in Soho is an award-winning fine art photography studio that began in 2008 and is owned by master photographer Peter Lik. This gallery stands out because it’s a true survivor of NYC’s fierce art scene. In fact, it’s one of few notable galleries that remain in New York’s trendy and hip downtown Soho neighborhood. Since its inception, Peter Lik’s art gallery has become a fixture situated among the area’s top restaurants, premier shopping venues, and popular bars. 

    Upon entering LIK Fine Art in Soho, you’ll be met with a clean interior that features gray and white walls, which are perfect for helping viewers engage with all of the magical landscape images that grace them. You’ll find that the studio proudly emphasizes themes that surround famous NYC icons, including the genuinely awe-inspiring ‘Empire.’ 

Save big on New York attractions and tours

Budget Tip

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Many of the attractions and tours in SoHo and the surrounding neighborhoods are included in one of the New York City passes. So you can easily and quickly save up to 70% – how does it work?

You can see that in my ultimate 👉  New York Pass comparison, here you can see my personal 👉  New York Pass Reviews after more than 20 visits to New York and our free New York Pass Advisor answers the question: “Which New York Pass is the best?

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Best Guided Tours in SoHo NYC

New york city by night tour

NYC is filled with many tours and a lot of them pass through SoHo. Whether it’s a movie-walk or just a general sightseeing tour, this part of NYC will most likely be involved. The neighborhood is known for its stores, people, fashion and is part of pop culture. Below are some of our favorite SoHo tours.

  1. Best_NYC_Food_Walking_Tour_Chinatown_and_Little_Italy_Food_Fest

    01 Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest

    Explore the flavors and traditions of  New York’s Chinatown and Little Italy during this exciting food tour. You’ll leave with a full stomach and lots of interesting information about the history and culture of these two neighborhoods.

  2. walking_soho_190118140134005

    02 Soho, Little Italy & Chinatown Walking Tour

    Now known for their many excellent restaurants, shops and tourism, Manhattan‘s SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown neighborhoods offer the most varied stories of New York City. Take a 2-hour tour with a local guide and discover hidden gems and 19th century buildings.

  3. Best_Walking_Tour_NYC_New_York_Catacombs_by_Candlelight

    03 New York Catacombs by Candlelight

    You will be surprised how beautiful Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in Nolita is from the inside – and that it hides some secrets. The best way to find out what they are is to take a tour that takes you to different parts of the church, including the catacombs. It is one of the absolute insider tours in New York.

  4. Best_Street_Art_Walking_Tour_NYC_Sidewalks_and_Skyscrapers__Street_Art_Is_This_Way

    04 Sidewalks and Skyscrapers: Street Art Is This Way

    This walking tour shows that there is also street art and graffiti worth seeing in Manhattan. You start your exploration in Soho, and then in two hours learn the stories behind the large and small works of art. Some of the graffiti is an impressive 20 meters high, so always have your cameras ready!

If guided tours interest you, be sure to check out the Best Walking Tours NYC!

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Best Restaurants in Soho NYC

SoHo is filled with many restaurants, cafes, and bars and the majority of them are very popular. You’ll have an array of dining options here such as Balthazar in SoHo, Jack Wife’s Freda, and the famous Dominique Ansel Bakery on Spring Street. There’s literally a place to eat in every corner of the neighborhood. Below are the places we have tried and recommend.

Trendy and hip restaurants in SoHo NYC can be found scattered throughout the neighborhood. Fine dining and more up-scale restaurants in SoHo are perfect for a date or an anniversary.

  1. Balthazar_NYC_180213124837003

    01 Balthazar

    The stylish restaurant serves traditional French cuisine. Outside the menu you can also choose from the seafood bar and the delicacies from the Balthazar Bakery. The breakfast is legendary and the home-baked bread is especially convincing. By the way, you can get a lot more of it in the adjacent bakery.

  2. Boqueria_Tapas_SoHo_1600x800

    02 Boqueria

    One of our highlights is the Boqueria in SoHo. We have walked past it 100 times and have not noticed it at all. Then it was recommended to us during a conversation and what can we say: it is really really good! We had to wait almost 30 minutes until we had two of the coveted seats. Both Tino and I would describe ourselves as Spain connoisseurs, so we were all the more surprised at HOW good the tapas were here. Took us right back to our summer vacations!

  3. Antique_Garage_New_York_22

    03 Antique Garage

    As the name suggests, the location used to be an old screwdriver garage, which was brought to life in 2003. The furnishing with antique paintings and lamps creates a relaxed, cosy atmosphere.  And then the food: the starters alone are already a blast. Try “Mezze” – these are Mediterranean little treats.

  4. black_tap_nyc_milkshakes_180717125846001

    04 Black Tap NYC

    Black Tap NYC is known for its delicious milkshakes & burgers and really worth a visit!

  5. BoCaphe_nyc_6_171003104408007

    05 BoCaphe

    The BoCaphe is one of our favourite spots if we want to enjoy “Vietnamese French Cuisine” in a relaxed atmosphere.

Looking for more recommendations? We’ve got you covered! Here you find the Best Restaurants in Soho NYC.

Best Bars in Soho NYC

At the end of the day, if you’re looking to relax and unwind, SoHo is also filled with amazing bars and pubs. Make sure to visit Jimmy at the James, which is a popular SoHo rooftop bar where you’ll get an awesome view of the skyline and exceptional atmosphere.

  1. Bar

    01 142 Sullivan Bar

    142 Sullivan Bar is a very popular little bar, especially with New Yorkers, in the Soho neighborhood, just two blocks from Bleecker Street and one block from W Houston Street.

    We love this place because of the welcoming atmosphere, and: the cocktails and the wines are really good. 

  2. 190305174802001_jimmy_James_Hotel_Soho

    02 Jimmy at the James Hotel

    Here you have a 360° view of the skyline of Manhattan. At the pool you can enjoy classically inspired cocktails with herbs from the in-house roof garden.

  3. joe_and_the_juice_170731140712019-1

    03 Joe & The Juice

    If you want to charge your batteries with fresh juices for a short time, we recommend “Joe & The Juice”. There are different areas to sit and the juices are really awesome!

  4. joe_and_the_juice_170731140712019

    04 Joe & The Juice

    If you want to charge your batteries with fresh juices for a short time, we recommend “Joe & The Juice”. There are different areas to sit and the juices are really awesome!

  5. Bar_170423115755006-4

    05 Pegu Club

    A recommendable bar in the heart of SoHo. The entrance is a bit hidden – you will find it at the level of the bus stop.

Looking for more recommendations? We’ve got you covered! Here you find the Best Bars in Soho NYC.

Best Cafés in Soho NYC

If you don’t want to necessarily dine-in, you can always check out some SoHo cafes. There are artisanal tea and coffee shops and bakeries throughout the neighborhood and are great places to visit for a quick break.

  1. Cafe

    01 Dominique Ansel Bakery

    You’ve probably heard of the infamous cronut. That originally started at Dominique Ansel Bakery. When they first came out, it was almost impossible to get one because it would sell out right away.

    Today the hustle and bustle has calmed down a bit, but we can still recommend a visit. Be sure to try the strawberry lychee tartlet or the croissants with coconut and chocolate!!!

  2. eileens-cheesecake-nyc

    02 Eileen’s Special Cheesecake

    Eileen’s Special Cheesecake offers one of the creamiest cheesecakes in New York City.

  3. joe_and_the_juice_170731140712019

    03 Joe & The Juice

    If you want to charge your batteries with fresh juices for a short time, we recommend “Joe & The Juice”. There are different areas to sit and the juices are really awesome!

SoHo Stores: Shopping in SoHo

Because of the high number of designer stores in SoHo, this district quickly became one of the most famous places to live and arguably the number one destination for shopping in New York City. If you’re looking for the latest trends, creative and stylish fashion, then make no mistake about it, this is the neighborhood to go to. You can also find well-known stores such as:

  • Zara (580 Broadway)
  • Adidas Originals (115 Spring Street)
  • H&M (558 Broadway)
  • Nike (529 Broadway)
  • Louis Vuitton (116 Greene Street)
  • Prada (100 Prince Street)
  • Moncler (Prince Street)
  • All Saints (512 Broadway)

We also recommend checking out the Converse Speciality Store as well. They have good deals for our favorite casual Converse shoe and they have a “design your own Converse” corner where you can be creative and are able to decide how your shoes should look like.

SoHo also has a famous brand called Woolrich (125 Wooster Street). You can buy your warmest winter jacket here for 20% less compared to its European stores. A little further down Spring Street, Mercer Street and Prince Street, you will find the Apple Store (103 Prince Street) and the Michael Kors Store (101 Prince Street) with more stores to satisfy your needs.

Recommended: Shopping in Soho

The Best Boutiques in SoHo

Boutique Shopping

In addition to mainstream stores, boutiques in SoHo are cleverly curated shops that cater specifically to their customers. Boutique shopping in NYC is a great way to find unique pieces that you won’t necessarily find in bigger department stores. SoHo invites you to discover little creative shops, ran by young New Yorkers who sell their handcrafted products.

SoHo, New York is a lot more than just the big names of fashion magazines. Narrow alleyways, side streets, and sales carts on the sidewalks have a variety of special gifts and memories that you can purchase for a great deal.

Your SoHo shopping experience will be a memory that you’ll never forget, that’s for sure. Our personal tip – check out the MoMa Design Store on Spring Street. New York City has a lot of MoMa stores, but we think the one in SoHo is the best one.  Another tip – visit SoHo during the week because the weekend can be really busy.

Best Galleries in SoHo

For the longest time, SoHo has been a key element of the New York art scene. Because of extremely high rent prices in the area, most of the galleries have now moved to areas like Chelsea. However, SoHo still offers great art galleries that you can visit if you’re interested in it.

One of the best galleries in SoHo is the Drawing Center on Wooster Street. They recently extended the space by another 50% making it even more worth visiting. Some other interesting galleries are 287 Spring (287 Spring St) or Team Gallery (47 Wooster St). During your walk around SoHo, you’ll see many other spaces that could tickle your fancy.

  1. Georges Berges Gallery NYC

    01 Eden Gallery SoHo

    The Eden Gallery is an international contemporary art gallery with locations in NYC, Miami, Mykonos, London, and, soon, in Dubai. It was founded by Cathia Kimovsky in 1997 and has since grown into a worldwide network of high-end galleries that represent a multitude of international artists, each of whom has its own unique and modern approach to art. The artists from Eden Gallery collectively promote and represent contemporary optimism and colorful views of life. 

    In each of Eden’s gallery spaces worldwide, it’s evident that they operate at the forefront of vibrant, modern culture with a spirit of commitment to the community among their curators, supporters, and artists. At this gallery, you’ll find pieces of art that are held to the highest standards and events, experiences, and exhibitions that are not only unforgettable but will leave you transformed and inspired. 

  2. Best_Art_Gallery_Soho_NYC_211216102143004-1

    02 Alexander and Bonin

    Alexander and Bonin Gallery was formed in 1995 by Ted Bonin and Carolyn Alexander. The primary focus of the collaboration was to support and represent the work of mid-career, established, and emerging contemporary international visionaries. Since its opening, the Alexander and Bonin Gallery has established a reputation for maintaining a diverse and rigorous program. 

    The gallery was located in Chelsea on 10th Avenue from 1997 until 2016, when it moved to Walker Street in Tribeca, but is currently located in Soho on Wooster Street. Though the final move was not a significant move geographically, it allowed the partners to accurately represent 22 artists specializing in many types of contemporary art. You’ll find everything from contemporary sculptures and paintings to videos in this gallery. 

  3. Arcadia Contemporary Soho Best Art Galleries NYC

    03 Arcadia Contemporary

    Arcadia Contemporary Gallery was founded in 2001 and had its first location in Soho New York. It has had its current name since 2014, originally it was called Arcadia Fine Arts. After moving to Pasadena/California from 2016 to 2021, it has been back in Soho since 2021. This time in the Soho Art District on West Broadway. 

  4. Best_Art_Gallery_Soho_NYC_211216102143006

    04 Brooke Alexander Gallery

    The Brooke Alexander Gallery was founded in Soho in 1968 by Carolyn and Brooke Alexander in an East 68th Street storefront. Though it’s now located on Wooster Street, it still proudly serves as a member of The Art Dealers Association of America today.

    This art gallery began publishing prints and multiples for artists in 1968 and since then has published over 1,500 works. The Alexanders relocated the gallery a couple of times throughout the years, having moved from 68th Street to 57th Street in 1975, and then from 57th to Wooster Street in 1985. 

    At some point in the early ‘90s, Brooke Alexander and his wife split up, and he became the sole director/owner of the gallery. His wife, Carolyn Alexander, went on to join the gallery’s former director, Ted Bonin, to create the Alexander and Bonin Gallery in 1995. Yet still, the Brooke Alexander Gallery has become known for its influence on New York’s late-20th century art scene. In fact, these efforts were recognized in 1995 as the gallery was honored at the Smithsonian Institution. 

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    05 Fridman Gallery

    The FRIDMAN GALLERY was officially opened in November 2013. The first exhibitions consisted of a series of collaborations with prominent curators and performances. Various lectures and events will also take place here.

Best Hotels in Soho NYC

Staying in SoHo has many advantages. You’ll always be surrounded by some of the best atmosphere, bars, restaurants, cafes, and shops in NYC. If you decide to stay in the neighborhood please check out these amazing hotels.

  1. Arlo_SoHo_Hotel_Soho_New_York_Booking

    01 Arlo Soho

    4 Stars | The Arlo is a really cool hotel in right on the border of Soho, Hudson Square and Tribeca: it’s in a great area, the interior is stylish and the bar is amazing. What’s not to like? 

  2. Crosby_Street_Hotel_Soho_New_York_Booking

    02 Crosby Street Hotel

    5 stars | In my opinion, the design hotel “Crosby Street Hotel” is one of the most beautiful hotels in all of New York. Like “The Mercer”, it is located in trendy and exclusive SoHo in the direct vicinity of the Museum of Modern Art Design (MOMA). The area is perfect for going out, shopping and eating!

    The 86 rooms and suites are super-stylish. The rooms are large, high, open and bright. The interior – for which Kit Kemp is responsible – offers a wonderful contrast to the loft-like windows, which are huge and reach down to the floor. Everything looks modern, but not without warmth. An absolute design highlight! The Crosby Bar & Terrace offers high standard food at any time of day – the cocktails in particular have a very good reputation.

  3. Hotel_Hugo_Soho_New_York_Booking

    03 Hotel Hugo

    4 Stars | The Hotel Hugo in SoHo was designed by architect Marcello Pozzi and is a successful blend of industrial design and art. The perfect location in the trendy SoHo district is just as brilliant as the excellent service and the wonderful rooms.

    The rooftop lounge on the top floor is a real highlight! The rooms are loft-style and if you’re hungry, the Italian restaurant at Hotel Hugo should be your first choice!

  4. ModernHaus_SoHo

    04 ModernHaus SoHo

    The ModernHaus (formerly known as the James Hotel) is located in SoHo and only a few blocks from another popular hotel, The Dominick. Being located in SoHo, you’ll have access to some of the best stores in the world.

  5. SIXTY_SoHo_Boutique_Hotel_Soho_NYC_Booking

    05 SIXTY SoHo

    5 Stars | The SIXTY SoHo is not just one of the many 5-star hotels on this list – it’s a real gem. The SIXTY also has to be among the most stylish hotels in the city, for sure. There is a real feel-good atmosphere all around. It almost feels like a stylish, luxurious loft at times and from many of the rooms you have a great view of the city. A luxury hotel with a twist! 

Recommended article: The Best Hotels in SoHo NYC and the Best Hotels in New York.

Is SoHo worth visiting?

This NYC neighborhood is, without hesitation, absolutely worth visiting. It’s filled with a variety of shopping stores, art galleries, restaurants, and the cast-iron architecture which SoHo is known for is always great to look at. Aside from the many shopping opportunities, it’s also the neighborhood for many celebrities and figures.

A lot of them stay in this area when they visit New York City. For example, Rihanna was spotted staying at the Mercer Hotel. On any given day, you’re most likely to spot a celebrity or a model if you look hard enough. Actually, you might even walk by one and not even notice. Because of its popularity and demand, Soho is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city.

Nearby Neighborhoods

SoHo is an amazing place to visit and is one of the best places to visit in Manhattan. It’s definitely an area that tourists should check out. Once you’re finished with SoHo make sure to swing by the nearby neighborhoods below.

Similar Neighborhoods to SoHo NYC

If you enjoyed SoHo, below are similar neighborhoods that we think you’ll enjoy. Also, if you’d like to check out the areas with a  guided tour, make sure to look into our favorite walking tour of Little Italy, Chinatown and SoHo.

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