For many travellers, SoHo defines Downtown Manhattan. It’s one of New York City’s trendiest neighbourhoods, known for its thriving art, shopping and dining scenes. But this stylish pocket wasn’t always a hub of all things hip. Once a primarily industrial area, SoHo began to shift in the 1960s when artists like Donald Judd moved in and transformed abandoned factories and derelict warehouses into live-work lofts. This artistic spirit endures today, reflected in renowned galleries, colourful street murals and the distinctive cast-iron architecture that still lines its streets.
Shopping is one of the main reasons people come to SoHo (often staying longer and spending more than planned). The mix of high-street shops and designer boutiques provides endless opportunities to add a few key pieces to your wardrobe. Beyond retail therapy, the neighbourhood also boasts heaps of happening restaurants and a clutch of cool bars that keep the excitement going well into the evening.
All this makes it a brilliant Big Apple base, whether you’re in the city for an extended layover, a business trip (because who wants to shack up in a corporate hotel in Midtown?), or a leisurely long weekend. Our insider’s guide to SoHo is packed with the coolest things to see and do — with zero tourist fluff.
Where to have breakfast
For breakfast or brunch with a side of people watching, reserve a table at Sadelle’s, a see-and-be-scene AM spot on West Broadway, from the team behind Carbone. The bagels are presented on dowels, accompanied by three-tiered trays bearing thinly sliced, cured salmon, tuna salad, cucumber, tomatoes, onions and capers. The custard French toast might be the only thing Boomers and Gen Z agree on.
Walking around the city, you’ll see plenty of Maman outposts (it’s so prolific, there’s even a kiosk in Moynihan Train Hall). The original flagship café that started it all is on Centre Street in SoHo and is still as charming as ever, with its floral entryway, exposed brick and French antiques. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but the smashed-avocado tartine and breakfast sandwich are sure-fire crowd-pleasers, or swing by on the weekend to try the cult-favourite eggs ratatouille. When you want to start the day with something sweet, head to Francesco SoHo for laminated Pain Suisse and flaky almond croissants.
Where to get coffee (or tea)
It’s not hard to find a great cup of Joe in the city but in SoHo, the vibe needs to be as much of a pick-me-up as the caffeine. Tastemaker types who wouldn’t be caught drinking drip pack into Felix Roasting Co. (on Greene Street, near some of the best shopping) to sip flat whites and spicy chai with house-made nut milk on emerald velvet banquettes. Denmark export La Cabra SoHo earns points for its sleek style and substance; purists will appreciate the single‑origin pour‑overs that pair perfectly with freshly baked cardamom buns. It’s also close to the Crosby Street Hotel.
For something with a little more creative flavour, try one of the speciality drinks — perhaps a coconut Americano or a honey-nut latte — from Drip Drop Café, a neighbourhood favourite five minutes from ModernHaus SoHo, with devoted daily customers. Prefer matcha? Stop by Sōrate Teahouse on Sullivan for the good (ceremonial-grade) stuff.
Where to see art and architecture
Soho Grand Hotel gallery
Gallery hopping calls to mind SoHo’s creative origins — the area has long been a beacon for artists (photographers, painters, sculptors…). Explore the art and design scene from every angle with visits to Ronald Feldman Gallery, Jeffrey Deitch and Eden Gallery, which showcase local and international talent — and sit close enough to hit all three in one art-filled afternoon. Spanning 1,345 square feet of open-plan space at street level, The Gallery at SoHo Grand Hotel hosts art exhibitions as well as brand activations, pop-ups and events.
SoHo also has the highest concentration of cast‑iron architecture in the world — take in the many ornate façades on a self-guided walking tour. Architecture buffs and snap-happy types will want to make it a point to check out the E. V. Haughwout Building, designed by John P. Gaynor and built in 1857 (Broadway, at the corner of Broome) and the French Renaissance-style 109 Prince Street with its striking exterior by Cheney & Hewlett, just five minutes away (and much to the delight of bookish types, a few doors down from McNally Jackson Books).
Where to shop
Downtown Manhattan’s answer to 5th Avenue, SoHo is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from luxury designers — Bottega Veneta, Celine, Dior and Prada — to high-street fashion houses such as New York-based Tibi. There’s also a wealth of international labels like Stockholm’s Acne Studios and — a few doors down — Barcelona-born Gimagaus, plus multi-label boutiques such as nearby Flying Solo. If you’ve never been to Bloomingdale’s, bob and weave around the tourists on Broadway on your way to the iconic Big Apple department store.
The reimagined MoMA Design Store stocks a wide range of furniture, decorative objects, lighting, games, accessories and tech. It’s a great spot to pick up a gift for a hard-to-shop-for pal or a unique souvenir. Darling independent bookstore McNally Jackson Books SoHo has many reading materials for the plane, train, or a delightful solo lunch. Down the block, Soho News International is wall-to-wall with magazines (proof that print will never fade out of fashion).
Where to eat
Thai Diner
Blurring the line between dining and design, La Mercerie, a restaurant in front of an upscale furniture store, is ideal for an atmospheric lunch or weekend brunch — the type that’s fuelled by one or two Mimosas. Sink into a blue-velvet sofa and admire the light, flower-filled interiors as you wait for the kitchen to fire up French favourites (think Niçoise salad and quiche). Save room for dessert — crème brûlée and profiteroles are on the menu.
Situated a one-minute walk from the Crosby Street Hotel, Balthazar — Keith McNally’s timelessly cool French brasserie and a roaring SoHo institution — cranks out seafood towers, escargot and roasted chicken in a booming, appropriately scene-y dining room, with perpetually packed tables (and bar seats) every night of the week.
Thai Diner on Mott Street has amassed a cult following for its laab and Thai omelette. While most people go for dinner, in-the-know diners also beeline it to the Mott Street eatery in the morning to start the day with Thai-tea French toast.
If you’ve had the pleasure of eating at the original Roscioli in Rome, you’ve probably been thinking about the burrata and cacio e pepe ever since. The stateside location, at the corner of MacDougal and King, transports diners to the Eternal City with its al dente pasta and cured meats. When you have a hankering that only seeing an A-lister dig into a caviar-topped lobster roll can satisfy, best of luck snagging a reservation at the trendy, celeb-favoured hangout The Corner Store.
Admittedly, SoHo has more than its fair share of French restaurants but Raoul’s has been churning out steak au poivre since 1975. In its heyday, the fashion crowd would dance on tables after a few bottles of Sancerre. These days, it’s a bit tamer. However, the martinis and cult-classic burgers (limited to just 12 a night and only served at the bar) still make it the destination du jour for that dinner-meets-night-out hybrid. Sweet tooth? After dining at Raoul’s, hightail it the three minutes to Rivareno Gelato for house-made gelato and fruity sorbetto.
Where to drink
If you love a hotel bar (who doesn’t?), it simply doesn’t get better than The Crosby Bar; a punchy, well-heeled destination for cocktails and fine wine. The atmosphere is polished but not stiff. You can perch at the long pewter bar, sit in one of the intimate corners, or — if the weather allows — nab a seat on the shaded back patio.
If you’re meeting friends before or after dinner (in the case of the Thai Diner, just down the street) and want somewhere with a buzzy ambience and great drinks, Mother’s Ruin hits the mark. This locals-approved boozer supplies stiff signature recipes like the Mr Bo Shingles (gin, rhubarb, cinnamon, lemon, soda and bitters). It’s lively but never too loud to have a chat.
A bookstore and café by day that turns into a wine bar at night (meaning it’s required that you slam that laptop shut at 5pm), Bibliotheque is a great library-esque (but not hushed) spot for a glass of vino and Pinot-fuelled literary trivia with friends. It’s also conveniently located a five-minute straight shot from The Mercer.
Nightlife
Sloane’s
Sloane’s is a dimly lit, jewel-box bar for well-dressed patrons (a mix of neighbourhood regulars, bi-coastal creatives and hotel guests) to sip a Negroni while debating the merits of street art and off-season travels to Ibiza. Yes, you can go for happy hour, but its swank sophistication and 2am closing time make it better suited for an evening affair.
Paul’s Casablanca is a nightclub where off-duty models and the occasional actor in town for a press junket go to blow off some steam. Pro tip: dress to impress — it’ s a fashionable haunt and you’ll want to look the part. It’s also located in the west part of SoHo, so if you’re rocking heels, consider a taxi or Uber.
On W Houston (technically in Greenwich Village, but right across the street from SoHo), Madame X advertises itself as the ‘sexiest bar in New York City.’ While it certainly has stiff competition for the crown, there’s no doubt this crimson-splashed, bordello-inspired lounge with lightly burlesque performances is one of the more fun Downtown-after-dark experiences.
Wellness
The excitement and energy of the neighbourhood will no doubt have you buzzing. But relief — in the form of sensory regulation and relaxation — is on its way. A-listers (not to name names but… Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, Anna Wintour and Hailey Bieber) and devotees rely on Joanna Czech’s SoHo studio (which, it’s worth mentioning, sits a matter of feet from 11 Howard hotel) for glow-boosting facials and manual lymphatic drainage. Once you’ve emerged from your cocoon of calm with a bright, dewy complexion, it’s time to take on the day (or night).
Sticking to a fitness regimen is easy in SoHo. You could hit your step goal just by shopping alone. Visitors keen to try a group-reformer class can book at popular Good Day Pilates SoHo or New York Pilates SoHo.
Where to stay
ModernHaus Soho
Located on a quiet cobbled street a few blocks from Broadway, the Crosby Street Hotel is a plush, perfectly positioned SoHo home away from home. The Kit Kemp-designed rooms are warm and vibrant, with signature colourful mixed patterns and bold art — including an Anselm Kiefer painting and a 3D installation by Jack Milroy. Extra cash to splash? Book one of the sprawling Crosby Suites for space to spread and sweeping Downtown views.
A base favoured by the bi-coastal crowd, 11 Howard trades hype for high-thread-count sheets. Industry insiders (stylists, editors, cover girls) frequent this 207-key hotel just above Canal Street for its Nordic minimalism, downtown cool factor, lounge-like library (a stylish spot for responding to emails) and buzzy bar.
A great option when you want a prime location (on Grand Street, near Sixth Avenue) at a price that won’t blow the budget, ModernHaus SoHo has sleek rooms with skyline views, gallery-worthy art and a rooftop pool — a rarity in New York City, let alone in Downtown Manhattan’s high-rent district.
See our full collection of hotels in SoHo
Lindsay Cohn is a writer and editor whose work has appeared in Vogue, W Magazine, Travel + Leisure, Wallpaper*, Condé Nast Traveler, National Geographic, The Zoe Report and Hotels Above Par. She’s a mum of two, a hotel obsessive and a Grade-A planner who’s always dreaming up (and mapping out) her next trip.