SoHo

The Basics

In addition to nonstop shopping in SoHo (South of Houston), make sure to walk down Broadway and admire the neighborhood’s cast-iron buildings, as SoHo showcases the world’s largest collection of this type of architecture. Plus, you can check out the work of talented local and international artists in the galleries that pop up around the area. If you want to explore further, Greenwich Village, Little Italy, and Chinatown are all within walking distance.

Tours of downtown Manhattan and New York City, including hop-on hop-off bus tours, include stops throughout SoHo. Wine-tasting and other walking tours dive deeper into the neighborhood’s distinct offerings.

Things to Know Before You Go

• SoHo is a must for shopaholics and trend-seekers visiting New York City.

• Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk around the uneven cobblestone streets.

• Keep in mind that New York’s Houston is pronounced “house-ton,” not like the city in Texas.

• Some shops and streets in SoHo are accessible to wheelchair users, but steps and cobblestones can make access tricky.

How to Get There

SoHo—bordered by Canal Street to the south, Sixth Avenue to the west, Crosby Street to the east, and West Houston Street to the north—is easily accessible by subway. The A, C, and E trains stop at Spring and Canal Streets; the B, D, F, and M trains stop along Houston Street at Broadway-Lafayette; the 6 stops just north of SoHo at Bleecker and Canal streets; the R and W trains stop at Prince Street; and the J, N, Q, and R stop at Canal Street.

When to Get There

New York City is both amazing and crowded year-round. SoHo is the busiest with shopping tourists and locals during weekends and the holiday season; to avoid the throngs, visit the neighborhood in the early morning. There is typically a swell of visitors into SoHo during the Feast of San Gennaro, which takes place over 11 days in mid-September in nearby Little Italy.

Little Italy

In the late 1800s, Italian immigrants settled in this New York neighborhood, bringing with them their customs and, of course, cuisine. Although the area has shrunk over the years, mainly confined to several blocks of Mulberry Street now, Little Italy is still filled with restaurants serving Italian staples and desserts like cannoli and gelato. Its annual Feast of San Gennaro, which celebrates the patron saint of Naples, is one of the oldest street fairs in the city.

Ways to explore

Window shopping is one of the best ways to explore SoHo if you visit on your own, while guided tours give you the best understanding of the neighborhood’s artist-driven history. Join a walking tour to see the area’s most prominent landmarks—these experiences often tie in visits to nearby neighborhoods such as Greenwich Village, Little Italy, and Chinatown. If you want to pack in as many New York City sights as possible, see SoHo on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, or hire a private driver to give you a custom tour of Manhattan.

Accessibility

SoHo is generally accessible to people using wheelchairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, camera, sunglasses

What to wear

Weather-appropriate (chic) clothing, comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

If on a tour, but most don’t allow smoking, alcohol, or non-service animals.

Address

Located in Lower Manhattan, SoHo is bordered by Canal Street to the south, Sixth Avenue to the west, Crosby Street to the east, and West Houston Street to the north. You can reach it on foot from surrounding neighborhoods, such as Chinatown and Greenwich Village, and it’s also accessible via public transportation from anywhere in the city.

Driving

Rather than self-navigating around chaotic New York City, take a taxi or rideshare app to SoHo—it’s within a half-hour drive of most Manhattan attractions.

Public transportation

SoHo is easily accessible by subway. The A, C, E, 4, and 6 trains stop at Spring Street; the B, D, F, and M trains stop at Broadway-Lafayette; and the R, W, N, and Q trains stop at Prince Street.

Best times to visit

SoHo gets busy with shoppers and visitors around midday, so go first thing in the morning for a calmer experience.

Best days to visit

Explore the neighborhood between Monday and Thursday to avoid weekend crowds.

Best months to visit

Take advantage of SoHo’s walkable streets when New York City’s weather is at its best from March–May and September–November.

Special events

As one of New York City’s most fashionable neighborhoods, SoHo is a great place to people-watch during New York Fashion Week in February and September.