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 do this, 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 would like to get to know SoHo better why not take a walking tour? You will also get to know the neighbouring districts of Little Italy and Chinatown. The tour with a local guide will wander past the shopping and restaurants and teach you about the area’s rich history.

You can book the SoHo Walking Tour here

Restaurants and Cafés 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 at 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. If the weather is good, I’d suggest going to Twenty Three Grand which has an amazing garden on the second floor. Don’t let the fact that there’s a bouncer standing at the door scare you, but do make sure to put on the new clothes you purchased during your shopping spree. It will be very much appreciated.

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 surround yourself with boutiques and nice bars, you can choose to book 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 also has another advantage: it’s located around the corner from the Museum of Ice Cream.

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.