Things To Do In Soho NYC: A Comprehensive Guide

SoHo, or South of Houston, is the trendiest neighborhood in NYC. Located in Lower Manhattan, it’s filled with cobblestone streets and iconic buildings that ooze old-world charm. From luxury boutiques to fine-dining restaurants to chic bars, there’s something for everyone in SoHo. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this guide will help you discover the best things to do in SoHo NYC.

History of SoHo

SoHo is one of the oldest neighborhoods in New York City. It was originally settled by Dutch and English immigrants in the 1600s and was called “the city within a city.” In the 1700s and 1800s, SoHo was a manufacturing district, as it was home to scores of factories and workshops. As the industrial revolution swept through New York City, SoHo saw a massive transformation. Many of the factories and workshops were abandoned and replaced with warehouses and luxury lofts, which attracted artists and affluent professionals.

Today, SoHo is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city. It is known for its luxury boutiques, art galleries, and world-class restaurants. It is also home to some of the most iconic buildings in New York City, such as the Puck Building and the SoHo Grand Hotel.

Things to Do in SoHo NYC

Explore the Neighborhood’s Iconic Architecture

One of the best things to do in SoHo NYC is to explore its iconic architecture. The neighborhood is known for its cast-iron buildings, which were popular in the 19th century. These buildings are characterized by their ornate facades and large windows that offer plenty of natural light. The cast-iron buildings in SoHo are some of the most photographed in the city and make for great backdrops for Instagram photos.

The Puck Building is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the neighborhood. Built in 1876, it was once the headquarters of the satirical magazine Puck. Today, it’s home to several businesses, including a restaurant. The building is also a popular spot for tourists and locals alike; it’s often swarming with photographers eager to get a shot of this iconic building.

Another notable building in SoHo is the SoHo Grand Hotel. Built in 1896, it was originally a warehouse that housed textiles before being converted into a luxury hotel. The hotel has an impressive neo-Gothic architecture, complete with ornate facades and intricate details that draw attention to its grandeur.

Shop at Luxury Boutiques

SoHo is renowned for its luxury boutiques and designer shops. From high-end fashion stores to independent boutiques, there’s something for everyone in this fashionable neighborhood.

The most luxurious shopping destination is undoubtedly Henri Bendel. Established in 1895, this iconic boutique offers an array of designer clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories from some of the world’s most renowned designers. You’ll find everything from Chanel bags to Louis Vuitton shoes here.

If you’re looking for something more affordable, check out Opening Ceremony. Founded in 2002, this boutique offers trendy clothes from cutting-edge designers such as Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler at wallet-friendly prices.

For unique finds, head to Exile Vintage Clothing. This store offers an array of vintage pieces from decades past. Whether you’re looking for a pair of vintage boots or a statement jacket, you’ll find it here.

Experience Fine Dining and Nightlife

SoHo is also known for its world-class restaurants and vibrant nightlife scene. There are plenty of fine dining establishments in the neighborhood that offer exquisite cuisine from all around the world.

If you’re looking for a luxurious dining experience, check out Balthazar. This French bistro serves up classic French dishes such as steak frites and escargot along with an extensive wine list.

For something more casual, head to Jack’s Wife Freda. This cozy eatery serves up delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as falafel and shakshuka. Be sure to try their famous avocado toast!

After dinner, head to one of SoHo’s chic bars and lounges for some drinks and dancing. Fire & Ice is a popular spot that offers an eclectic mix of music ranging from EDM to hip-hop. If you’re looking for something more low-key, check out Barcade, which combines craft beer and classic arcade games for a fun night out.

Experience New York City’s Cultural Scene

SoHo is also home to some of New York City’s best cultural attractions, such as art galleries and museums. One of the most popular attractions is the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Established in 1929, this museum houses an impressive collection of modern art from some of the world’s most renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.

For something more offbeat, check out The Museum of Sex. This museum offers an interactive exploration of human sexuality through exhibits that explore everything from our evolutionary history to modern sexuality.

If you’re looking for a more interactive experience, head to SoHo’s many escape rooms. These immersive experiences will challenge your logic skills as you solve puzzles and clues in order to “escape” from a room within a set amount of time. It’s a great way to bond with friends or family as you work together to solve the mysteries!

Popular Tours

NYC Street Art Tour

Experience New York City’s burgeoning street art scene with a guided tour of SoHo’s best murals and graffiti artworks. Led by an experienced street artist, this tour will take you through the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods as you learn about the stories behind each artwork and discover hidden gems that only locals know about. You’ll explore works from emerging artists as well as established legends such as Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. At the end of the tour, you will have gained an appreciation for street art culture and a newfound understanding of New York City’s urban landscape. Book a NYC Street Art Tour here.

Lower Manhattan Architecture Tour

Explore Lower Manhattan’s iconic landmarks with a guided tour of its architectural wonders. Led by an experienced guide, this tour will take you through some of New York City’s oldest neighborhoods as you learn about the stories behind each building and uncover hidden gems that only locals know about. You’ll visit iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, and the Statue of Liberty as well as lesser-known gems such as City Hall Park and Washington Square Park. At the end of the tour, you will have gained an appreciation for New York City’s rich history and a newfound understanding of its architectural landscape. Book a Lower Manhattan Architecture Tour here.

NYC Food Tour

Experience New York City’s vibrant food scene with a guided tour of SoHo’s best restaurants and food vendors. Led by an experienced guide, this tour will take you through some of New York City’s most vibrant neighborhoods as you sample delicious dishes from around the world. You’ll explore eateries ranging from small bodegas to upscale restaurants as well as street vendors serving up everything from tacos to dumplings. At the end of the tour, you will have gained an appreciation for ethnic cuisines as well as a newfound understanding of New York City’s diverse culinary landscape. Book a NYC Food Tour here.

Conclusion

SoHo is one of New York City’s trendiest neighborhoods and offers something for everyone – from luxury boutiques to fine-dining restaurants to vibrant nightlife spots – there’s no shortage of fun things to do in SoHo NYC! Whether you’re exploring its iconic architecture or experiencing its cultural attractions, there’s something for everyone in this fashionable neighborhood. So why not plan your next trip to SoHo? You won’t be disappointed!