SoHo stands for South of Houston (Street) and its neighbored by West Village, The Hudson River Greenway, Greenwich Village, Nolita, and Canal Street in Chinatown. A favorite destination for locals and tourists alike, the SoHo neighborhood is known for its cobblestone streets and cast iron buildings, and offers some of the best attractions. From the top boutiques in the city, to the hottest restaurants and bars, the activities you can do in SoHo are endless. With so much going on, we’re here to be your city guide and narrow down the top spots you can visit on during your stay in SoHo.
1.One word: Brunch
It’s a fact, New Yorker’s LOVE to brunch. Yet, with so many locals and tourists spending their weekend morning’s trying to get into Jack’s Wife Freda and the Egg Shop, you may lose hope in that 2 hour long wait. For a fantastic brunch with a shorter wait time, try out Ruby’s cafe, an Australian spot that has great breakfast sandwiches and bowls. For those who prefer to grab-and-go, try out Happy Bones cafe and enjoy a pastry and latte. Their interior is also very Instagrammable, which is another important brunch factor.
2. Shopping On Broadway & Lafayette
You can spend days shopping on SoHo’s busiest streets – Broadway and Lafayette. Hundreds of stores line the streets of SoHo. Some of the most popular are TopShop, Madewell, & Other Stories, and Zara. You can head to Nike and Adidas if you’re in search of workout wear and the Apple Store for electronics. For those who prefer department stores, Bloomingdales is your go-to, and be sure to head over to Greene Street for retail such as Louis Vuitton.
3. Flea Market Finds
For vintage lovers, Artists & Fleas is a spot you can easily get lost in for a few hours. They have over 40 merchants who showcase their clothing, jewelry, and art. You’re bound to walk out with at least one goody by the time you get through the entire space.
4. For Those With a More Refined Taste…
You can find some of the city’s best boutiques in SoHo. Stop by Acne to feel inspired by the fashion and pick up some cool kicks. Chanel is a crowd favorite, so make sure to stop in there as well. Go to Opening Ceremony and wander around their multi-floor shop. You can find most of these boutiques, as well as smaller ones, on Mercer, Greene, and Wooster streets, which are all next to each other, so take a walk and keep your eyes out for any that intrigue you.
5. Late Lunch
With all the walking around you’ll do from shopping, you’ll be in need for a sit down lunch (and a drink!). Westville is a fantastic choice for picky eaters, as they have a huge menu. Choose by CHLOE. for a healthier vegan option. For a quick take out, try Xi’an Famous Foods, which as some of the best Chinese biang biang noodles in the city. Or you can relax with an afternoon at the Crosby Street Hotel.
6. Sweet Treat
After lunch, stop to get dessert to cover your sweet tooth. Rice to Riches is a delicious rice pudding spot (I know what you’re thinking – really, rice pudding? Trust us.). For more variety, head to Laduree Soho for some of the best macarons and cakes. And if you feel like doing some shopping while you enjoy dessert, stop at KITH for some cereal flavored ice cream.
7. Take A Stroll Downtown
If shopping isn’t your thing, SoHo is an excellent starting point for a walk towards Brooklyn. Walk all the way down Broadway and you’ll see some iconic architectural landmarks in Tribeca and the Financial District. You can walk straight to the Brooklyn Bridge as well, or stop and enjoy the views from one of the Piers.
8. Pick Up Some Good Reads
Rejoice book lovers, SoHo has some of the best spots for you. You can spend all day at McNally Jackson Books, exploring both floors of the best reads, people-watching at the cafe, and relaxing in the quiet space. Get lost in the rows of books at Housing Works Bookstore, and grab a seat upstairs for some more people watching below. For those who love art books, stop by TASCHEN and get ready to be inspired.
9. Explore the Art Scene
The New Museum arguably one of the most unique museums of the city, with the exhibits rotating every few months. The New York Earth Room is also nearby, and we’ll leave that one for you to discover. The newly built Whitney Museum is a few blocks above SoHo, but for those who love Modern Art Galleries, it’s a must-see. If you don’t want to spend time in museums but want to enjoy the art, take an easy walk down West Broadway, where you will see multiple street vendors set up every day for you to take a look at.
10. Catch a Movie
Angelika Film Center and Sunshine Cinema are both iconic movie theaters in New York for indie films. Both conveniently located on Houston Street, they are a main staple for locals and tourists who love a good film forum.
11. Dinner Time
Around 7-8pm, the streets of SoHo get packed with people running to their dinner reservations. Be sure to make one as well, with the help of our lobby hosts at Arlo SoHo, or try a restaurant where you walk in and wait. Rubirosa has some of the best pizza in the city, however you do have to wait for a table. Head over to a nearby bar on Spring or Prince Street while you wait, as there are a lot of pubs to choose from. If you want to stay local, stop by Harolds Meat + Three at Arlo SoHo for some classic southern comfort food. For a fun atmosphere, try the iconic La Esquina – and make sure to try to get into the back room, where the larger restaurant is.
12. After Dinner Drinks
For happy hour drinks, make sure you stop by at least a few bars on your night out. Attaboy is an excellent choice for cocktails. For speakeasy lovers, Little Branch and Pegu Club are a short walk up from Arlo SoHo. For a spot you can dance and listen to music (and sit outside if it’s warm enough) head over to Sweet & Vicious, where you have to try the frozen margarita. And if you’re not too full, walk a bit east to McSorleys Old Ale House – open since 1854 and one of the oldest bars in NYC!
