SoHo’s picturesque cobblestone streets, cast-iron buildings, and designer boutiques draw quite a crowd. However, the narrow streets become so packed that many city dwellers (and even SoHo residents themselves) tend to avoid the area, particularly on weekends and around the holidays. Nevertheless, don’t dismiss the SoHo neighborhood outright — visitors who explore the Manhattan district’s many quality stores, restaurants, and sidewalk vendors during off-peak hours are rarely disappointed.

SoHo Boundaries

SoHo stretches from Canal Street to Houston Street and lies between the Hudson River and Lafayette Street.

SoHo Transportation

• Subway: A/C/E to Canal St. or C/E to Spring St.; 1/2/3 to Houston and Canal sts.; R to Prince St.; N/R/Q to Canal St.; 6 to Canal and Spring sts.; J/Z to Canal Street.

SoHo Apartments & Real Estate

While many of central SoHo’s expansive loft spaces have become a haven for millionaires who can afford to live high above the shopping crowds, the pre-war brick walk-ups in western SoHo have undergone renovations and attracted an influx of upper-middle-class residents. Furthermore, if you head further west towards the Hudson, you will discover new condos and luxury apartment buildings with hefty price tags.

SoHo Average Rents (*Source: MNS)

• Studio/1-Bedroom: $2,630–$6,249
• 2-Bedroom: $4,828–$8,837

SoHo Nightlife

Embrace the upscale atmosphere at Grand Bar & Lounge located in the SoHo Grand Hotel. For a more relaxed vibe, Kenn’s Broome Street Bar is a neighborhood favorite, alongside SoHo Park, an outdoor restaurant/garden ideal for enjoying beers with old friends. If dancing is your preference, gather your friends and head to S.O.B.’s to groove to live Brazilian, reggae, R&B, and hip-hop tunes.

SoHo Restaurants

SoHo boasts celebrity hotspots like The Mercer Kitchen. However, those seeking an equally delicious experience without the paparazzi should visit Balthazar for exceptional French cuisine, The Cub Room for superb American fare, and Dos Caminos SoHo for a taste of contemporary Mexican dishes. Moreover, if you desire a good cup of coffee and a slice of pie, selections from Once Upon a Tart and Ceci-Cela are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

SoHo Parks & Recreation

Explore the SoHo piers along the Hudson River or relax on the grassy areas of Hudson River Park. Stroll along the river or hop on your bike or rollerblades and head south to enjoy great views of the downtown Manhattan skyline.

SoHo Landmarks & History

SoHo is renowned for its mid-19th century cast-iron architecture, making it the largest surviving cast-iron district in the world. Many commercial buildings along Broadway and Spring Street showcase elaborately molded cast-iron exteriors bolted to brick walls. Noteworthy examples include the Haughwout Building at 488 Broadway and the Gunther Building at 469 Broome Street. Moreover, SoHo gained fame for its loft-style apartments, as many abandoned commercial and manufacturing buildings in the 1970s provided ideal spaces for artists in search of large, well-lit studios. As artists moved in, the area became filled with galleries, eventually establishing SoHo as a vital center for the lower Manhattan art scene. Consequently, by the 1980s, the neighborhood’s socioeconomic status surged, transforming it into the trendy Manhattan area it is today.

SoHo Shopping Scene

Shoppers in SoHo encounter a diverse selection of stores, boutiques, and sidewalk vendors selling artwork, apparel, and jewelry. Look out for designer labels such as Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Coach, Burberry, and Kate Spade. Additionally, larger chains like H&M, J. Crew, Banana Republic, American Eagle Outfitters, and UNIQLO draw shoppers up and down Broadway. Don’t forget to visit Bloomingdale’s for a vast array of merchandise and wander over to Prince Street to experience the Apple Store’s famously stylish interior and sleek layout.

SoHo Neighborhood Statistics

• Population: 14,008
• Median Age: 39.1 for males, 37.5 for females
• Median Household Income: $115,190