Overview
SoHo, short for "South of Houston Street" and a reference to its supposed similarities to the London Soho, is a diverse and increasingly upscale neighborhood of Manhattan. SoHo used to be a bohemian quarter of artists who subsisted in lofts, which at first weren't recognized as legal housing, and teeming art galleries. By now, the neighborhood has become so expensive that the art galleries have been generally priced out and have moved to the far west of Chelsea, while the struggling artists have had to move further and further into the other boroughs to find affordable places to rent. Now it is a neighborhood of expensive boutiques, but its narrow cobblestone side streets retain their charm, and even if the crowding on Broadway between Canal and Houston Streets can be draining, it is still a good neighborhood to walk through.
6 sights · 3 things to do · 5 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about SoHo
The Wall
A 1973 piece of minimalist artwork — actually, ranging for 8 stories, quite large rather than minimal — by Forrest Myers graces the blind wall of the building at 599 Broadway. It has actually been removed and rebuilt in …
E. V. Haughwout Building
One of the finest examples of the cast-iron-facade buildings that SoHo is famous for. Built in 1857, it is considered as one of the first buildings where the cast-iron structure was left uncovered and rather shaped into …
Children's Museum of the Arts
Art and interactive exhibits geared towards children.
New York City Fire Museum
Closed until further notice. Housed in a restored 1904 firehouse, the NYC Fire Museum covers the history of fire fighting in the United States from the 18th century to the present. Displays include antique aparatus, unif…
New York Earth Room
Designed by Walter De Maria for the Dia Art Foundation, the Earth Room is a whole floor filled with 250 cubic yards of dirt.
Film Forum
A stylish theater that runs two programs—contemporary independent releases and classic repertory films. While the current releases are almost always interesting and worth seeing, it's the repertory programming schedule t…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 29°F. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Aug and Jul. (climate data from nearby New York City)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LGA LaGuardia Airport, New York — 8 mi away (major hub). Directions
- EWR Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark — 9 mi away (major hub). Directions
There are numerous subway lines that serve the neighborhood, and which one you use depends on which part of the neighborhood you wish to access. The 1 line runs under Varick Street in the quieter western part of the neighborhood, stopping at Houston and Canal Streets. The A, C, and E run under Sixth Avenue, also fairly far to the west, and stop at Canal Street, with the C and E also stopping at Spring Street. The N, Q, R, and W run under Broadway; the R and W stop at Prince and Canal Streets, while the N and Q express trains skips Prince and stops at Canal. The B, D, F, and M serve the Broadway-Lafayette station at Houston Street in the northern reaches of SoHo, with a free transfer available to and from the downtown 6 train at Bleecker St. The 6 runs under Lafayette Street, roughly the boundary between SoHo and the Lower East Side, stopping at Spring and Canal Streets, and the J (and during rush hours, the Z) stop at Canal Street under Lafayette.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $12 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning The Wall, New York Earth Room, Sonnabend Gallery
- Lunch Famous Ben's Pizza
- Afternoon The Performing Garage, E. V. Haughwout Building
- Dinner Balthazar
- Evening The Ear Inn
Day 2
- Morning Children's Museum of the Arts, New York City Fire Museum
- Lunch St Tropez
- Afternoon Here Arts Center, Film Forum
- Dinner Il Corallo Trattoria
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
There are numerous subway lines that serve the neighborhood, and which one you use depends on which part of the neighborhood you wish to access. The 1 line runs under Varick Street in the quieter western part of the neighborhood, stopping at Houston and Canal Streets. The A, C, and E run under Sixth Avenue, also fairly far to the west, and stop at Canal Street, with the C and E also stopping at Spring Street. The N, Q, R, and W run under Broadway; the R and W stop at Prince and Canal Streets, while the N and Q express trains skips Prince and stops at Canal. The B, D, F, and M serve the Broadway-Lafayette station at Houston Street in the northern reaches of SoHo, with a free transfer available to and from the downtown 6 train at Bleecker St. The 6 runs under Lafayette Street, roughly the boundary between SoHo and the Lower East Side, stopping at Spring and Canal Streets, and the J (and during rush hours, the Z) stop at Canal Street under Lafayette.
There are also several city bus lines that serve the neighborhood. Take the M1, M6, or M20 bus for uptown/downtown (north/south) service. The M21 runs crosstown, but traffic on Houston Street often makes for slow service.
If you are coming from a nearby neighborhood, walking is the best way to get into SoHo.
See
It's best just to walk around, look at the pretty old buildings on Broadway and the cobblestoned side streets, and if you like, shop at clothing stores and such on Broadway. West Broadway is another interesting and very upscale shopping avenue in the neighborhood.
See The Wall (Gateway to Soho)
A 1973 piece of minimalist artwork — actually, ranging for 8 stories, quite large rather than minimal — by Forrest Myers graces the blind wall of the building at 599 Broadway. It has actually been removed and rebuilt in the 2000s because of its impact on the wall it is placed on, placed higher to allow for street-level advertising below it. Because of its prominent location at the intersection of Broadway and Houston Street, it is often referred to as marking the Gateway to Soho.
See E. V. Haughwout Building
One of the finest examples of the cast-iron-facade buildings that SoHo is famous for. Built in 1857, it is considered as one of the first buildings where the cast-iron structure was left uncovered and rather shaped into the ornamental form replacing a traditional brick, stone or plaster facade. Mr Haughwout ran a tableware emporium sprawling over the building's five stories, famous far beyond the city to the extent that it was there where Mary Todd Lincoln purchased new china for the White House. The emporium also provided customers with a convenience that was a world first — a passenger elevator by Elisha Otis, soon to become a de rigueur amenity of all new buildings in New York.
See New York City Fire Museum
Closed until further notice. Housed in a restored 1904 firehouse, the NYC Fire Museum covers the history of fire fighting in the United States from the 18th century to the present. Displays include antique aparatus, uniforms and equipment, as well as an apartment fire simulator.
Do
Buy
SoHo is a prime shopping destination, especially on the weekends, when the sidewalks of West Broadway, Prince Street, and Broadway become almost impassible. Be warned though that the boutique stores have mostly been replaced by high-end chain stores.
Shop Kee's Chocolates
Kee is widely considered by chocolate-lovers to be one of the best artisanal chocolatiers in New York. Anyone who likes chocolate will find some of her creations interesting and enjoyable. Among her truffles are balsamic, fennel, smoked salt, and Thai chili, as well as less unusual flavors like almond and hazelnut praline.
Shop LF Stores
LF Stores is not very big or well known, but it carries some unique items, such that celebrities have shopped here. The prices are a little bit on the high side, depending on the item for example, shirts cost about $50-200. The service is wonderful, and the staff is very helpful. Aside from clothing, there are such accessories as jewelry, scarfs, hats, and shoes. The outside of the narrow building is tan, and there is a doorman.
Shop Topshop
Topshop is a women's clothing store that carries all types of clothing. It carries maternity clothing, designers, boutiques, and all sizes. The clothing is really fashion forward, and there have accessories. The main warehouse is in England. You can buy online or go to the store, which has two floors and an escalator. The prices vary, but they tend to run a little bit more on the high side. Items mostly vary from around $50-$90.
Eat
Eat Balthazar
Balthazar has the feel and quality of a good Parisian brasserie. Though informal and relaxed in feel, it is not inexpensive; however, many New Yorkers and visitors alike find it a worthwhile experience. Brunch is especially popular there, so unless you plan to show up for an early breakfast, make sure you make reservations; you don't want to be one of the people waiting on line for an hour or more, just to get in.
Eat Dos Caminos
One of four up-market Mexican restaurants in Manhattan by the same name and under the same ownership (the others are in Gramercy, Chelsea, Midtown East) Sticky, saucy ribs and guacamole.
Eat Famous Ben's Pizza
Famous Ben's Pizza is one of the oldest and best pizza places in SoHo. Some people get taken on a pizza tour here. It is a small place with few tables, but the environment fits New York perfectly. You can watch as they make the pizza, and lines are usually out the door. Their pizza doesn't cost a lot. If you are just looking for a quick and simple meal while you are out shopping, Famous Ben's is a great place to consider. They deliver, too.
Eat Il Corallo Trattoria
Il Corallo offers an extensive menu of pasta, pizza, antipasto, and salads. You will find unfamiliar yet tasty dishes. It's a small, unpretentious place with efficient, friendly service. Both locals and visitors dine here.
Eat St Tropez
French bistro and wine bar.
Drink
Drink The Ear Inn
Located on the ground floor of the James Brown House, the Ear Inn is one of the oldest bars in New York.
Sleep
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