JULIAN MACIAS
SoHo — short for South of Houston Street — is one of Manhattan’s most photogenic neighborhoods: cobblestone streets, 19th-century cast-iron facades, and some of the most famous flagship stores in the world. This guide covers how to get there, what to see, where to eat and drink, and what to watch out for on a first visit.
How to Get to SoHo by Subway
SoHo is well connected. The closest stations are:
- Prince St (R, W trains) — right in the heart of the neighborhood, the most convenient option if you’re going shopping.
- Spring St (6 train) — a good option if you’re coming from the Upper East Side or the Bronx.
- Spring St (C, E trains) — drops you at the western edge, near Hudson Square.
- Broadway-Lafayette St (B, D, F, M, 6 trains) — the best-connected station, ideal if you’re coming from Brooklyn or Queens.
- Canal St (J, N, Q, R, W, Z, 6 trains) — marks the southern edge of the neighborhood, a short walk from Chinatown and Little Italy.
All of these stations are a 5–10 minute walk from the heart of SoHo (Prince St and Broadway).
What to See: Architecture and History
SoHo has the largest collection of cast-iron facade architecture in the United States, protected as a historic district since 1973. Walk along Greene Street and Broome Street to see the best-preserved buildings — former 19th-century warehouses and textile factories that now house luxury stores and lofts.
The neighborhood has also been a frequent filming location — from The Godfather to numerous current TV shows — so don’t be surprised if you come across a street blocked off for a film shoot.
Where to Shop
SoHo is synonymous with fashion. Beyond the international flagship stores along Broadway, it’s worth checking out:
- Prince Street, with boutiques and weekend artisan vendor stalls.
- Flagship stores from major sportswear and streetwear brands, which have a strong presence in the area.
- Independent art galleries, a nod to SoHo’s history as New York’s artist neighborhood in the 1970s and ’80s.
Where to Eat and Drink
- McNally Jackson Bookstore (Prince Street) — an independent bookstore with a café, a great stop for coffee and some reading time.
- Prince Street Pizza — one of Manhattan’s most famous pizza slices; expect a line on weekends.
- Café Select (Lafayette Street) — a Swiss-style café, a good spot for breakfast.
- Cocktails at The Mercer Hotel, or rooftop views nearby in Hudson Square.
What to Do After Dark
As the sun sets, many visitors head down to the Meatpacking District, a short walk away, for drinks. If you’d rather stay in the area, Grand Street has several bars and restaurants with fewer tourists than Broadway.
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: weekday mornings, if you want to avoid crowds — Saturdays get packed.
- How much time to budget: 2–3 hours is enough to walk around and shop; set aside half a day if you want a relaxed meal too.
- Nearby neighborhoods to combine: Little Italy, Nolita, and Greenwich Village are all within a 15-minute walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called SoHo? It’s short for “South of Houston Street,” the road that marks the neighborhood’s northern boundary.
Is SoHo expensive? The stores on the main streets (Broadway, Prince St) are high-end, but you can still visit the neighborhood, walk around, and grab something affordable to eat (pizza, coffee) without spending much.
Is SoHo good to visit with kids? It’s doable, though it’s not really a family-oriented neighborhood — there aren’t major kid attractions, it’s more of a shopping and strolling area.
