Fall in Love with SoHo: Your Essential Guide

SoHo is one of New York City’s most fashionable neighbourhoods, blending historic charm with modern luxury. Walking its cobblestone streets lined with cast-iron building facades feels like stepping into a stylish time capsule. This area is a magnet for designer shopping, home to major fashion labels, as well as galleries like Jeffrey Deitch and The Drawing Centre.

But beyond the glitz, classic bistros, American raw bars, and historic taverns like Fanelli’s Cafe and The Ear Inn give SoHo its soul—these are New York institutions that have stood the test of time.

Having lived next to SoHo in Nolita for years, I’ve made it my mission to uncover the best places to eat, drink, and explore here. For a glamorous dinner, nothing beats Balthazar or Raoul’s, while a power lunch on Mercer, Broome, or Greene Street lets you soak in the district’s energy.

Don’t miss admiring the wrought-iron facades—they’re what make SoHo so unique. Whether it’s shopping, visiting galleries, or sipping cocktails in a historic setting, this guide covers my favourite things to do in this iconic neighborhood.

SoHo, which stands for South of Houston

SoHo, which literally means South of Houston, is clearly defined by its borders: Houston St marks its northern boundary, Canal St to the south, Lafayette St to the east, and West Broadway to the west. Though compact, this small neighbourhood packs immense character, surrounded by the West Village, Nolita, Chinatown, and Tribeca.

Having lived nearby for years, I’ve come to love particular streets like Prince St for its perfect blend of shopping and cafes, Grand St for its hidden gems, and Spring St where the neighborhood’s energy feels most vibrant. The cobblestone streets and cast-iron architecture make navigation easy while creating that distinctive SoHo atmosphere.

Once upon a time, SoHo was anti-establishment

The transformation of SoHo from anti-establishment artist haven to luxury destination is quintessential New York. Where once starving artists occupied lofts, today you’ll find established luxury brands like Chanel and Chloe alongside Zadig & Voltaire.

The legendary Balthazar remains a constant, but for more cutting-edge dining and shopping, I recommend venturing to neighboring Nolita, the Lower East Side, and East Village where smaller, younger, and trendier boutiques, bars, and restaurants continue the neighborhood’s creative legacy. It’s fascinating to see how the area maintains its edge while accommodating high-end retail.

A brief history of SoHo, NYC

Few know that SoHo began as New York’s red light district before becoming an industrial wasteland of factories and sweatshops in the 1950’s, earning the ominous nickname Hell’s Hundred Acres (distinct from Hell’s Kitchen). The cycle of urban renewal began when cheap rent attracted starving artists and creative types in the 1960s-70s.

Their presence sparked urban revitalisation, which inevitably led to gentrification and soaring rents. Today, the same spaces that once housed struggling artists now showcase Gucci and Louis Vuitton. This evolution makes walking through SoHo like moving through layers of New York history, with each era visible in the architecture and street life.

The Best Things to Do in SoHo

Shop local at Artists & Fleas

Every Saturday, Artists & Fleas transforms into a vibrant market showcasing locally made and designed goods alongside curated second hand treasures. From homewares to art, clothes to spirits and jewellery, this is where Manhattan’s creative community shines. What I love most is how it makes supporting local designers effortless while finding truly unique pieces that make perfect stylish souvenirs from New York.

Pick up an original photography print

During one of my regular strolls through SoHo, I discovered photographer Rob Hann’s streetside stall displaying breathtaking portraits and landscapes capturing Middle America. The British photographer, having lived in the USA for years, has an extraordinary eye for rural scenes. His print at 113 Prince St remains one of my most cherished possessions – a slice of America seen through a foreigner’s perspective.

Visit the Glossier Holy Grail

The Glossier flagship in SoHo redefines retail as an experience. More showroom than traditional store, this space reflects the online beauty brand’s innovative approach. The wet room, complete with sinks and mirrors, lets you test face washes and other products properly. But the real showstopper is the pink conveyer belt that delivers your purchases – a perfect blend of function and whimsy that embodies Glossier’s brand.

Admire the architecture

As an architecture enthusiast, I never tire of SoHo’s protected historic district. The cast-iron facades on these buildings create that classic New York backdrop beloved by photographers. Particularly striking examples line Greene and Mercer Streets, where the intricate details showcase 19th century industrial design at its finest. These architectural treasures make every walk through the neighborhood visually rewarding.

Pilates, Yoga & Barre

True to its trendy reputation, SoHo offers exceptional fitness options. For high intensity pilates and barre, I swear by Physique57, while Yogaworks provides an incredible variety of yoga, pilates, and other fitness classes. These boutique fitness studios attract everyone from models to busy professionals, all seeking top-tier instruction in inspiring spaces.

Shopping in SoHo

SoHo is a shopper’s paradise where you’ll find everything from luxury labels to emerging younger brands. The streets are lined with flagship stores from Chanel to The Kooples, Paige Denim, and Frame Denim. Skincare addicts shouldn’t miss the Glossier flagship, while fashion lovers can browse the Bloomingdale’s outpost.

What makes shopping here special is the mix – you’ll find Zadig & Voltaire next to tiny boutiques showcasing local designers. The energy on weekends is electric, with stylish New Yorkers and visitors alike hunting for that perfect find.

Jeffrey Deitch Gallery

Art comes alive at the Jeffrey Deitch Gallery, one of SoHo’s premier private art galleries. What makes this space special is its accessibility – it’s a small space with free entry, perfect for dipping your toe into the art world.

The gallery, run by the former Director of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, consistently presents cutting-edge exhibits that challenge and inspire. I always check their current show when in the neighborhood – you never know what groundbreaking work you might discover in this New York institution.

The Drawing Center

Just a short walk from Jeffrey Deitch, The Drawing Center offers a unique perspective on contemporary art by focusing on the humble drawing. For just $5, visitors can explore exhibitions that showcase drawing in all its forms – from traditional sketches to experimental works pushing the boundaries of the medium. The intimate space encourages close looking and reflection, making it one of my favorite quiet escapes in bustling SoHo.

SoHo Street Art

Beyond the galleries, SoHo’s streets themselves form an ever-changing canvas. Keep your eyes open for the rotating Gucci Art Wall on Lafayette, D*Face’s iconic Pop Art Crying Girl at 421 Broome St, and Tristan Eaton’s stunning Gigi Hadid mural at 389 Broome St. If you wander up Mulberry St into Little Italy, don’t miss Eaton’s breathtaking Audrey Hepburn mural. This public art transforms the neighborhood into an open-air museum, with new surprises appearing regularly.

Best Brunch, Cafes & Bakeries in SoHo

SoHo’s stylish cafes and brunch spots are worth waking up early for. From the classic Balthazar Bakery to innovative Dominique Ansel, there’s something for every taste. My personal favorite is Jack’s Wife Freda, but the neighborhood offers endless options for coffee, pastries, and leisurely weekend brunches.

La Mercerie

Tucked inside the Roman and Williams Guild design shop, La Mercerie stands out as one of the most beautiful cafes in New York City. The French breakfast and brunch menu features impeccable pastries and egg dishes, while the elegant marble counter and plush banquettes make you feel like you’ve stepped into Paris. Don’t leave without browsing the exquisite design store it’s connected to – it’s a feast for the senses.

Jack’s Wife Freda

Jack’s Wife Freda has earned its reputation as one of the best brunch spots in New York. Their Croque Madame with house cured duck bacon is legendary, and the cantaloupe (or rockmelon) mimosas make any weekend brunch feel like a celebration. With locations in West Village and Chelsea too, but the SoHo original has the most charm.

Balthazar Bakery

Adjacent to the famous restaurant, the Balthazar Bakery may be tiny but it’s mighty. While it’s permanently packed, their chocolate doughnuts are absolutely worth the wait. The smell of fresh-baked bread wafting onto Spring Street is one of my favorite sensory experiences in the neighborhood.

Dominique Ansel

Pastry wizard Dominique Ansel put SoHo on the dessert map with his famous croissant-doughnut hybrid. His eponymous bakery continues to innovate with creative pastries and baked goods that draw food lovers from around the world. It’s become a must-visit destination, joining the ranks of Magnolia Bakery in West Village, Milk Bar in East Village and Nolita, and Morgenstern’s ice cream in the Lower East Side.

The Best Restaurants in SoHo

SoHo’s restaurant scene offers something for every mood and occasion. You’ll find classic French bistros like Balthazar and Raoul’s, moody Italian pasta bars including Osteria Morini, and outstanding all-American raw bars such as AquaGrill and The Dutch. The variety ensures you’ll never run out of excellent dining options.

Balthazar

No SoHo guide would be complete without mentioning Balthazar, one of New York’s most iconic restaurants. While some claim it’s more about the vibe than the food, I find both exceptional. The Paris-meets-New York bistro has been serving power lunches since the 1990s and remains equally popular with tourists and New Yorkers. Whether you go for dinner or brunch, the bustling atmosphere and reliable classics never disappoint.

Dessert at Balthazar

Even if you dine elsewhere, consider stopping by just for dessert at Balthazar. Their profiteroles and chocolate mousse are legendary, and the pastry team consistently delivers some of the best sweets in Manhattan. The dessert menu perfectly captures the restaurant’s French soul with American flair.

Osteria Morini

For authentic Italian in a warm setting, Osteria Morini hits all the right notes. Chef-Owner Michael White brings the flavors of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region to life with premium ingredients like balsamic vinegar, mortadella, prosciutto and parmigiano. The space, decorated with salvaged pieces from an 18th century Italian farmhouse, adds to the charm.

Little Prince

The Little Prince captures everything I love about SoHo dining – it’s cosy, charming, and always buzzing with energy. Their menu of French bistro classics and produce-driven lighter dishes (especially their salads) makes it perfect for lunch after a morning of shopping in SoHo. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, and the staff makes everyone feel like a regular.

Charlie Bird

Charlie Bird exemplifies the ideal downtown neighbourhood restaurant – casual but sophisticated, with excellent food, warm service, and an outstanding wine program led by Wine Director Grant Reynolds. Their wine list offers an unusually good selection by the glass and half bottle, served without pretension. While everyone raves about their pasta and chicken, I’m obsessed with their farro salad – so good I could eat it daily.

The Best Bars in SoHo

Beyond the restaurants, SoHo boasts an impressive array of drinking establishments. Alongside high end spots, don’t miss the neighborhood’s historic dives and taverns like Ear Inn, Toad Hall, Broome St Bar and Fanelli Cafe that have maintained their character through decades of change.

Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels

While technically just outside SoHo (by one block!), Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels deserves inclusion. This wine lover’s paradise offers an exciting wine list featuring interesting varietals from around the world. The knowledgeable staff can guide you to perfect selections, and the atmosphere is refreshingly not a scene. It’s a really cool spot that remains blissfully off the tourist trail.

Toad Hall

In a neighborhood that’s become increasingly polished, Toad Hall stands out as a refreshingly authentic English-style tavern. This local haunt has maintained its unpretentious, cheerful vibe despite SoHo’s upscale transformation. Always busy but never overcrowded, it’s the perfect place for a casual drink with friends in a setting that feels timeless.

Healthy Food in SoHo

Given SoHo’s trendy reputation and status as a model magnet, it’s no surprise the neighborhood offers plenty of options for green juices, matcha lattes and kale salads. These are my top picks for when you need a break from indulging.

Brodo

I’ll admit it – I’m obsessed with Brodo and their innovative broth shops. Their bone broth and vegetarian broth options, packed with natural ingredients, provide the perfect coffee alternative on chilly days. It’s become my go-to restorative drink when I need something warm and nourishing.

Matchaful

The Matchaful cafe along Canal St serves exceptional matcha tea in various preparations, but what really won me over is their snacks fridge. The vegan onigiri makes for a perfect healthy snack when you’re on the go – flavorful, satisfying, and genuinely good for you.

Juice Generation and Joe & The Juice

After days of indulging in American tourist food, both Juice Generation and Joe & The Juice offer refreshing, healthy options. Their fresh-pressed juices and smoothies provide much-needed nutrients and energy for more exploring. The juice bars have become essential stops during my SoHo wanderings.