New York Comic Con 2025 is set to take over the Javits Center from October 9–12, bringing together thousands of fans, creators, and pop culture enthusiasts for the ultimate geek celebration. While the convention center buzzes with activity, savvy attendees know that the real magic extends beyond the show floor—especially in the west-side neighborhood of SoHo.
Just a short subway ride from the Javits Center, SoHo offers the perfect blend of comic culture, vintage treasures, and culinary delights that will enhance your NYCC experience. Whether you’re hunting for rare comics, assembling the perfect cosplay, or looking for a stylish place to rest between convention days, SoHo has everything a comic con enthusiast could want.
Your Comic Con Home Base
For the ultimate NYC Comic Con experience, make Arlo SoHo your headquarters. The boutique hotel perfectly captures the creative spirit that makes both SoHo and comic culture so irresistible. Located in the heart of the neighborhood, Arlo SoHo puts you within walking distance or a short subway ride away from the best comic shops, vintage stores, and restaurants NYC has to offer.
The hotel’s modern, streamlined but design-forward aesthetic appeals to the same creative sensibilities that draw people to comic conventions. With its efficient use of space and thoughtful amenities, Arlo SoHo maximizes comfort without sacrificing style—perfect for convention-goers who want to recharge in sophisticated surroundings after a day of cosplay and panel-hopping.
The location is unbeatable: you’re close enough to easily explore SoHo’s treasures on foot, yet still have convenient access to the subway for daily trips to the Javits Center. Plus, having a stylish hotel room provides the perfect backdrop for those post-convention costume photos you’ll want to share on social media.
Comic Book Stores & Pop Culture Picks
Forbidden Planet
No comic con experience is complete without a visit to this legendary destination. Forbidden Planet has been a cornerstone of NYC’s comics scene since 1981, offering an incredible selection of comics, graphic novels, toys, and collectibles. Drop in to spend time browsing and be rewarded with hard-to-locate back issues, exclusive variants, and unique collectibles that didn’t make it to the convention floor.
832 Broadway at 12th St
Midtown Comics Downtown
One of NYC’s most iconic comic destinations, Midtown Comics Downtown offers an extensive collection that rivals any convention dealer’s booth. The shop’s selection of graphic novels, manga, and indie comics makes it a must-visit for serious collectors and casual readers alike.
64 Fulton St at Gold St
BookOff New York
This Japanese chain bookstore is a magnet for manga enthusiasts and collectors looking for rare finds. Their rotating inventory often includes out-of-print titles and vintage Japanese imports that you won’t find anywhere else.
49 W 45th St
Vintage Shops for Cosplay Components
What Comes Around Goes Around
This upscale vintage boutique is perfect for finding some OTT authentic pieces to elevate your cosplay game. From genuine leather jackets for your post-apocalyptic warrior to retro blazers for that perfect Professor X look, the curated selection here offers high-quality pieces that will make your costume stand out, and last you a lifetime.
113 Wooster St
Procell
A New York institution for vintage clothing, Procell specializes in pieces from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s—perfect decades for superhero and sci-fi inspired costumes. Their collection of vintage band tees, leather jackets, and retro accessories provides endless possibilities for creative cosplayers.
5 Delancey St at Bowery
Dining Destinations for Comic Con Crowds
Prince Street Pizza
A SoHo institution serving up some of NYC’s best slices, Prince Street Pizza is perfect for a quick, delicious meal between shopping expeditions, or a much-needed post-convention floor refuel. Their pepperoni slices have achieved legendary status.
27 Prince St
Jack’s Wife Freda
This always-bustling café offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a New York twist. Stop by in your Comic Con costumes to entertain the sidewalk diners and people waiting for a table. Who knows, maybe your creative look will help you move up in the line!
226 Lafayette St
Eileen’s Special Cheesecake
No SoHo adventure is complete without stopping by this tiny shop that’s been serving New York’s best cheesecake since 1975. With dozens of flavors available, it’s the perfect sweet treat to fuel your comic con adventures.
17 Cleveland Pl
Market 57
A new food hall located along the Hudson River, Market 57 is home to more than a dozen kiosks, making it an easy win for your comic con group meals. With vendors serving Italian, Japanese, Indian, Mexican, Island, Korean, Middle Eastern, Cajun, Chinese and Thai cuisine—plus gourmet hot dogs, coffee and bubble tea—there really is something for everyone. Located at Pier 57, on 15th Street, in Hudson River Park, Market 57 is close to Chelsea Piers, and a great halfway point between your digs in SoHo and the Javits Center further north on the west side.
Pier 57
More Attractions for Comic Fans
The Drawing Center
This contemporary art museum focuses on drawing as a primary medium, making it especially relevant for comic art enthusiasts. Check their exhibition schedule during Comic Con week—they might just feature shows that complement the convention’s themes.
35 Wooster St
Apple Store SoHo
Tech enthusiasts will appreciate this Apple location’s cutting-edge displays and accessories. Plus, it’s a great place to charge devices and upload all those convention photos.
103 Prince St
Nike SoHo
With exclusive releases and limited editions, this huge Nike store often carries items that appeal to sneakerheads and fans of superhero-inspired athletic wear.
529 Broadway
Supreme
The streetwear brand’s SoHo location regularly features collaborations with comic artists and pop culture properties, making it worth checking for exclusive items during Comic Con week.
190 Bowery
Make the Most of SoHo
The beauty of using SoHo as your Comic Con base lies in the neighborhood’s position on the west side of Manhattan, its ease of transport, walkability and density of attractions. Start your mornings at Arlo SoHo, you can grab coffee and pastries nearby, spend time browsing the comic shops and vintage stores, then head to the convention refreshed and inspired.
After intense convention days, return to SoHo for dinner at one of the neighborhood’s excellent restaurants, then enjoy an evening stroll and admire the cast-iron architecture. The contrast between the high-energy convention environment and SoHo’s sophisticated style provides the perfect balance for an unforgettable NYC Comic Con experience.
