Looking for cobblestone streets, designer boutiques, and creative flair? Head to SoHo! Short for “South of Houston Street,” SoHo is one of NYC’s most stylish and iconic neighborhoods. From art galleries and loft apartments to trendy cafés and fashion-forward shopping, SoHo is where historic charm meets modern luxury.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit SoHo is from April to October. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for walking, window-shopping, and enjoying outdoor seating at cafés. The holiday season (November–December) also brings festive storefronts and seasonal pop-ups.
How to Get There
- By Subway: Take the A, C, or E to Canal Street; the R or W to Prince Street; or the 6 to Spring Street.
- By Car: Driving is possible but not recommended—parking is limited and traffic is heavy.
- By Foot/Bike: SoHo is very walkable and bike-friendly, with CitiBike stations and plenty of crosswalks.
Where to Stay
- The Dominick – Luxury high-rise hotel with skyline views, spa services, and a rooftop pool.
- SoHo Grand Hotel – Trendy, upscale boutique hotel with vintage vibes and stylish décor.
- The Broome – Intimate boutique hotel in a historic 1825 building with a serene courtyard and French-inspired charm.
Top Attractions
1.New York City Fire Museum
Explore vintage fire gear and honor heroes on an exciting family visit.
The New York City Fire Museum provides visitors with an opportunity to experience one of the country’s most prominent collections of apparatus, gear, artifacts, and art related to fire, dating back to the late eighteenth century up to present day.
The various displays showcase the evolution of firefighting in New York City, starting with the bucket brigades of New Amsterdam up through the history of volunteer firefighters up to present day firefighting equipment and techniques. The New York City Fire Museum is also home to a memorial for the FDNY members who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11.
278 Spring St, New York, NY, 10013, Phone: 212-691-1303, Map
2.Children's Museum of the Arts
Let kids create, play, and explore hands-on exhibits on a fun outing.
The Children's Museum of the Arts in the SoHo neighborhood is a non-profit arts facility aiming to show the transformative power of the arts to every child and their family.
The professional artist staff guides and mentors young artists between the ages of ten months and fifteen year through an array of fun and advanced projects in the arts within professionally equipped studios using a variety of different mediums and techniques, such as sculpting, painting, drawing, printing, photography, sewing, weaving, film-making, and animation. Visitors can also explore a collection of more than 2,000 pieces of artwork created by children.
103 Charlton St, New York, NY 10014, Phone: 212-274-0986, Map
3.Museum of Chinese in America
Discover rich heritage and admire artifacts on an affordable cultural trip.
The Museum of Chinese in America was established in 1980 and is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the diverse experiences, culture, heritage, and history of those living in America of Chinese descent.
The museum, also known as MOCA, is a national home for precious narratives of the diverse Chinese American communities throughout the country, striving to be model for interactive museums.
The Museum of Chinese in America brings more than 160 years of Chinese American history to life through cultural programs, educational programs, and innovative exhibits, promoting dialogue and understanding among those of all cultural backgrounds.
215 Centre St, New York, NY 10013, Map
4.Broadway
Watch dazzling shows and feel the energy on a romantic night out.
The Broadway theater district of New York City has attracted theater enthusiasts from throughout the world to the city for generations, providing a wide variety of classic modern dramas and captivating hit musicals to visitors. The dazzling lights of Broadway today still continues to draw in millions of people every year who come from all over to experience a Broadway show during their visit to New York City.
Buzzworthy blockbuster shows play side-by-side with smaller downtown transfers, technologically advanced, cutting-edge productions run next to 1930’s revivals, and veteran celebrities and stars take the stage alongside aspiring, young actors.
Broadway, New York, NY
5.Leslie-Lohman Museum
View bold queer art and explore identity through unusual exhibits.
The Leslie-Lohman Museum is an art museum dedicated to the exhibition and preservation of works of art that speak about the LGBTQ experience.
The roots of the museum date back to the year 1969 when Fritz Lohman and Charles Leslie hosted an art exhibition of gay artists in their loft in the SoHo neighborhood. There is no admission fee to visit the Leslie-Lohman Museum, however, a small donation is suggested.
26 Wooster St, New York, NY 10013, Map
Romantic Ideas:
6.Maria Bonita Salon and Spa
Relax with a facial and refresh your look on a self-care weekend.
Maria Bonita Salon and Spa is Manhattan's only downtown full-service salon and spa, located within the borough's hip SoHo district. The spa and salon, which was founded in 2003 by influential Brazilian entrepreneur Fernanda Lacerda, has been recognized by Vogue Brasil for its outstanding beauty treatments and cutting-edge technology. An impressive array of services are offered at the facility, including clever hairstyling, coloring, and hair treatment options to make customers look and feel their absolute best. Spa treatments include waxing treatments, manicures and pedicures, and anti-aging skin treatments such as microdermabrasion and oxygenating facials. Massage services range from traditional therapeutic massage treatments to ultrasound and Velashaping massages for weight loss.
Maria Bonita Salon and Spa, 199 Mott St, New York, NY 10012, Phone: 212- 431-1520
7.Dos Caminos
Savor bold Mexican flavors and enjoy cocktails on an exciting couples evening.
Dos Caminos is a Mexican restaurant in the SoHo neighborhood offering more than one hundred kinds of tequila, as well as fresh guacamole, delicious margaritas, asada tacos, and authentic quesadillas made in the style of Mexico City. At Dos Caminos, Mexican staples are made with a modern twist and high style. Seasonal drinks include a frozen prickly-pear-cactus margarita during the summer months, great to sip on while people watching from one of the restaurant’s outdoor tables. Dos Caminos is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, along with a Happy Hour available Monday through Friday in the lounge and bar.
Dos Caminos, 475 W Broadway, NYC, NY 10012, Phone: 212-277-4300
8.Harney & Sons Fine Teas, SoHo, NYC
Sip rare blends and browse elegant teaware on a relaxing retirement stop.
Harney & Sons Fine Teas is a family-owned and operated tea company with three generations working to preserve a tradition of fine tea, as well as traveling worldwide to find the best ingredients. Harney and Sons Fine Teas sources, blends, and then packages their fine teas from beginning to end, growing the family business from its original six teas to offering over three hundred different kinds of tea today. The SoHo Shop features a lounge and tasting bar offering 250 different tea varieties for visitors to sample. Guests can try exotic blends and browse many specialty tea products.
Harney & Sons Fine Teas, 433 Broome St, New York, NY 10013, Phone: 212-933-4853
9.Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
Read with coffee in hand and support a cause on an easy outing.
The Housing Works Bookstore Cafe is an established downtown institution of New York City for over a decade, as well as a tourist destination in SoHo. Whenever the bookstore is open, the cafe will be serving fresh food, such as soups, salads, sandwiches, donuts, and both savory and sweet pastries, along with drinks, such as wine, beer, cocktails, coffee, and tea. All of this is served by friendly volunteers.
Housing Works Bookstore Cafe, 126 Crosby St, New York, NY, Phone: 212-334-3324
10.IF
Browse avant-garde fashion and discover bold pieces on a unique shopping trip.
IF was started by three siblings (Soha Farah, Johnny Farah, and Jeannette Bird) in 1978 and is most likely one of the oldest clothing stores still in operation in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood. IF is known for being the first shop in New York city to sell collections by many designers, including Ivan Grundahl, Comme Des Garcons, Dries Van Noten, Martin Margiela, and Yohji Yamamoto, all of which are still sold at IF today.
IF , 94 Grand St, New York, NY 10013, Phone: 212-334-4964
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Cast Iron Architecture – Stroll the streets and admire beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings unique to SoHo.
- Contemporary Art Galleries – Explore rotating exhibits from emerging and established artists on streets like West Broadway and Greene.
- Museum of Ice Cream – Immersive, Instagram-friendly museum offering sweet treats and interactive installations.
- Dominique Ansel Bakery – Home of the original cronut and other creative pastries in a cozy setting.
- Broadway Shopping – Hit flagship stores like Nike, Uniqlo, Bloomingdale’s, and Zara along bustling Broadway.
Where to Eat
- Sadelle’s – Chic spot for bagels, smoked fish, and brunch classics in an elegant deli-meets-bistro atmosphere.
- Shuka – Colorful Mediterranean flavors and mezze plates in a vibrant, modern setting.
- Raoul’s – Timeless French bistro known for steak au poivre, strong cocktails, and late-night charm.
If you are interested in local events:
- SoHo Art Walks (Year-Round) – Explore curated gallery routes during special nights and monthly meetups.
- Fashion Week Pop-Ups (February & September) – Discover limited-time showrooms and retail experiences from emerging designers.
- NYC Pride Festivities (June) – Celebrate equality with parades, events, and art installations throughout Lower Manhattan.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of SoHo, NYC:
- Chinatown (5–10 min walk) – Explore dim sum spots, bubble tea cafés, and cultural markets just south of Canal Street.
- Little Italy (5–10 min walk) – Grab cannoli, espresso, or pasta along Mulberry Street’s old-world eateries.
- West Village (10–15 min) – Tree-lined streets, indie bookshops, and classic NYC charm just to the west.
- Hudson River Park (15 min walk) – Take in river views, piers, and bike trails along Manhattan’s west side waterfront.
- Lower East Side (15–20 min) – Visit historic delis, vibrant bars, and indie boutiques east of SoHo.
FAQ:
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What can visitors do in SoHo, New York City?
- Visitors to New York City can stroll down the cobblestone streets of SoHo to uncover some of the city's great bars and restaurants.
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Is there more to do in SoHo besides dining?
- There are also many other things to do in this vibrant downtown neighborhood.
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Why is SoHo known as a shopping destination?
- SoHo is well known as a shopping destination buzzing with pop-up stores and high-end boutique shops.
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What adds to the lively atmosphere of SoHo?
- The area is also home to numerous street vendors, adding to its lively atmosphere.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures perfect for strolling, shopping, and outdoor cafés.
The Mercer Hotel – Chic luxury hotel located centrally in SoHo.
Explore designer boutiques and art galleries – Enjoy unique shopping experiences and local culture.
Summer (June-August) – Warm weather ideal for lively street scenes, events, and dining.
Crosby Street Hotel – Stylish accommodations with excellent amenities and central location.
Dine al fresco at local cafés – Experience the vibrant summer atmosphere and trendy eateries.
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant weather perfect for sightseeing, fashion, and art events.
Soho Grand Hotel – Iconic boutique hotel offering comfort and style.
Attend local art shows and pop-up events – Experience SoHo's artistic and cultural community.
Winter (December-February) – Festive and charming, ideal for holiday shopping and cozy cafés.
The Mercer Hotel – Luxurious accommodations with exceptional service.
Visit festive cafés and shops – Experience SoHo’s holiday atmosphere and seasonal décor.
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. New York City Fire Museum
- 2. Children's Museum of the Arts
- 3. Museum of Chinese in America
- 4. Broadway
- 5. Leslie-Lohman Museum
- 6. Maria Bonita Salon and Spa
- 7. Dos Caminos
- 8. Harney & Sons Fine Teas, SoHo, NYC
- 9. Housing Works Bookstore Cafe
- 10. IF