Things to do and see in SoHo New York

SoHo in New York is known for its cast-iron buildings, fashion and shopping streets. Did you know that this cool name is nothing but an abbreviation for ‘South of Houston’? And that ‘Houston’ is pronounced as ‘house-ton’ as opposed to ‘hyoo-stuhn’? Houston is a street that runs East to West. And indeed, SoHo is located South of this street. In addition, it is a popular location for films, so don’t be surprised if a street is blocked for a shoot. Read all about the things to do and see in SoHo.

Things to do and see in SoHo New York

With all the fashionable people in the streets of SoHo, you’ll immediately feel like expanding your wardrobe! SoHo happens to be the perfect neighbourhood to go shopping, for example, at one of the sneaker stores located here.

There are numerous places where you can take a break. For instance, you can visit the nicest bookstore in New York, called McNally Jackson. This place serves the best cappuccino and scones in New York. McNally Jackson is located on Prince Street, a great street to continue your shopping spree.

A walking tour through SoHo

If you want to get to know the neighbourhood better, why not take a tour through SoHo? With my carefully curated walking route, you’ll also get to know the neighbouring areas of Greenwich Village, Little Italy and Chinatown. Simply open the Eric’s New York App, select ‘walking routes’ and find the route ‘Greenwich, SoHo, Chinatown & Little Italy‘.

During the tour, you’ll explore both famous attractions and lesser-known spots in these neighbourhoods. Stroll through the beautiful streets of SoHo, passing by numerous stores.

Where to eat and drink in SoHo NYC?

I very much appreciate the cocktails at the Mercer Hotel. You can enjoy a drink in their restaurant after shopping. Or head to a rooftop bar like JIMMY at ModernHaus for a drink with a view.

Another fun place is Café Select at Lafayette Street: a nice café with a Swiss touch. It’s a great place to relax and order a sandwich for lunch or a meal for supper. For a nice slice of pizza, you can go to Lucia Pizza of SoHo or stop by Prince Street Pizza.

Going out in SoHo in New York

Planning on spending the evening in SoHo? Unlike the Meatpacking District, which is famous for its great nightclubs, SoHo is a little lower-key with lots of fancy bars. They are not easy to find; you might have to wander about for a while, but that’s part of the fun.

Start the evening with drinks and people-watching at SoHo Grand. Then head over to Grand Street and take a left turn. Here you’ll find various spots to enjoy a beer. At 54 Mercer Street, you’ll find Bibliotheque. During the day, you can drop by for coffee and browse books, but come evening, it transforms into a wine bar. This cosy space, lined with books and comfortable sofas, makes the perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

You should also know that there’s an unwritten rule in New York that says women should wear heels when going out. There is one exception to this rule though: the East Village.

Hotels in SoHo

If you want to immerse yourself in this characteristic neighbourhood and be surrounded by boutiques and nice bars, you should consider booking a hotel in SoHo. Good hotel options in SoHo are Soho Grand Hotel and NoMo SoHo. If you want to book a super fancy stay, then go for The Mercer, which has the added advantage of being located around the corner from the Museum of Ice Cream.

How to get to SoHo?

SoHo is very walkable from nearby neighbourhoods like Little Italy, Nolita and TriBeCa. If you’re coming from other parts of Manhattan, you can take one of the many subways that come here.  For example, the 6 train stops at Spring Street station, while the NQRW trains serve both Canal Street and Prince Street stations.

History of SoHo in New York

At the end of the 19th century, a large textile industry developed in this area. This is reflected in the sturdy industrial buildings. SoHo hasn’t always been a good neighbourhood, but from the 1960s onwards, it became the place it is today: an artistic, creative area that is known for its boutiques, galleries and restaurants. SoHo is one of New York’s safest neighbourhoods, a great place to visit when travelling alone.