15 Things to Do in SoHo, NYC: The Perfect Itinerary

SoHo (South of Houston) is one of New York City’s most iconic and walkable neighborhoods, blending historic cast-iron architecture with cutting-edge art galleries, designer boutiques, and world-class dining. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned NYC explorer, this curated guide reveals where locals actually spend their time, and why.

During a recent week exploring SoHo’s cobblestone streets, we discovered that the neighborhood truly comes alive when you venture beyond the main shopping strips. This itinerary combines popular tourist destinations with insider recommendations we’ve personally tested.

Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in SoHo, NYC

1. Sundays Studio – Wellness-First Nail Care

Sundays Studio (located at 380 Lafayette St, SoHo) stands out as the neighborhood’s most sought-after nail destination for conscious consumers.

Unlike typical salons, this studio prioritizes clean beauty: non-toxic, eco-friendly polishes, vegan-friendly products, and sustainably sourced materials.

What to expect: Manicures ($38-68), gel services ($63-78), specialized treatments, and intricate nail art. The aesthetic is deliberately calming, with soft lighting, live plants, and a focus on the client experience rather than rapid-fire service.

Pro tip: Book on Tuesday-Thursday for shorter wait times.

Check out sundays Studio in SoHo.

2. Haughwout Building & Historic Cast-Iron Architecture

The iconic Haughwout Building (488 Broadway) is Manhattan’s first building with a cast-iron facade, completed in 1857. Walking down Broadway and the surrounding SoHo blocks reveals stunning 19th-century industrial architecture that most visitors completely miss.

Why it matters: These aren’t just buildings; they’re a visual record of American industrial history. The ornate cast-iron columns and arched windows were an engineering breakthrough that made modern skyscrapers possible.

What to do: Take a 45-minute self-guided walking tour:

• Start at Haughwout Building (488 Broadway)
• Walk to Gunther Building (469 Broome St) – equally impressive facade
• End at the Singer Building (561 Broadway) – another cast-iron masterpiece
• Photograph the building details; bring a magnifying glass to appreciate the craftsmanship

Pro tip: The best light for photography is 2-4 PM on clear days. Go midweek to avoid crowds.

3. Broadway – Skip the, Hit the Side Streets

Broadway splits SoHo into east and west sections, but that’s not why you should visit.

Where locals actually go: The side streets (Prince, Spring, Mercer, Greene) have the real gems:

• Mercer Street: Boutique concept stores, vintage shops, and smaller designers
• Prince Street: Mix of established brands + indie boutiques
• Greene Street: Some of SoHo’s oldest remaining cast-iron buildings

Pro tip: Park yourself at a corner cafe on Prince St (like Locanda Vini e Olii) and people-watch. The street activity is the real attraction.

Learn more about the iconic Broadway Street.

4. Elizabeth Street Garden – A Hidden Green Oasis

Located at 327 Elizabeth Street, this intimate community garden is a revelation, 3,000 square feet of lush landscaping, flowering plants, and handcrafted sculptures hidden behind an unassuming fence.

What you’ll find:

• Year-round sculptures and installations by emerging artists
• Seasonal plant displays (cherry blossoms in spring, mums in fall)
• Quiet benches for reading or reflecting
• Regular community events and artist talks

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6 PM (closed Mondays & Tuesdays)
Admission: Free

Pro tip: Visit on weekday afternoons for solitude. Weekends get crowded quickly.

Learn more about Elizabeth Street Garden.

5. Independent Boutiques & Vintage Finds

SoHo’s boutique scene is where you’ll find pieces you won’t find elsewhere. Here are the standouts:

For:

• Miu Miu & Prada: Flagship stores with exhibition-quality window displays
• Opening Ceremony (462 West Broadway): Curated selection of emerging designers and Japanese brands
• Atelier Sézane (184 Prince St): A Paris-based boutique known for its chic ready-to-wear collection, timeless accessories, and curated lifestyle pieces. Stylish yet effortless pieces that reflect French design sensibilities, perfect for finding something unique that still feels wearable.

For Vintage:

• Screaming Mimi’s (382 Lafayette St): 35+ years of carefully curated vintage clothing from the 1920s-1980s. Known for authentic band tees and designer vintage pieces. Staff are genuinely knowledgeable.
• Buffalo Exchange: Mid-range vintage with reasonable prices

Pro tip: Many boutiques offer personal styling consultations. Call ahead to schedule (15-30 min sessions usually free or $20).

6. Coffee & Casual Dining Hotspots

SoHo has countless coffee shops, but these stand out for quality and atmosphere:

Coffee:

• Blank Street Coffee (locations across SoHo): Specialty third-wave coffee, single-origin pour-overs, knowledgeable baristas
• Cafe Grumpy: Flat whites and cortados done exceptionally well
• Podshare Coffee: Insider favorite with excellent espresso

Casual Lunch:

• Lilia (165 Mulberry St): Famous for handmade pasta and wood-fired dishes. Reserve weeks in advance; lunch waitlist is 2-3 hours on weekends.
• Locanda Vini e Olii (144 Mulberry St): Italian comfort food. The pappardelle is exceptional.
• Dominique Ansel Bakery (189 Spring St): Created the Cronut. Arrive by 10 AM to avoid hour-long lines.

Pro tip: Eat lunch between 11 AM-12:30 PM to avoid the crushing 12:30-2 PM rush.

Check out SoHo Cafés.

7. Art Galleries & Street Art

SoHo is fundamentally an art neighborhood. Professional galleries occupy renovated lofts and ground floors throughout the area.

Major Galleries:

• Gagosian (555 & 980 Madison Ave – nearby): One of the world’s top contemporary art galleries. Shows rotate monthly with works by established and emerging artists.
• The Drawing Center (35 Wooster St): Non-profit dedicated to drawing as an art form. Always free admission to exhibitions.
• David Castillo Gallery (4 Eldridge St): Focuses on emerging artists, experimental work.

Street Art Hotspots:

• Mercer & Spring Streets intersection: Some of SoHo’s oldest murals and graffiti art
• Greene Street (east side): Constantly changing street art installations
• The corners of Houston & Broadway: Large-scale murals rotate seasonally

Pro tip: Many galleries close 12-1 PM for lunch. Go in the morning or after 3 PM to ensure they’re open.

Check out SoHo’s Best Art Galleries.

8. Michelin-Starred Dining Experience

Balthazar (80 Spring St) – The Michelin-starred standout in SoHo. This Parisian-style brasserie offers classic French cuisine in an elegant, historic setting. The roasted chicken is legendary; the soufflés are flawless. Dinner reservations essential (book 3+ weeks ahead).

What to order: Foie gras terrine, sole meunière, Grand Marnier soufflé
Price point: $75-120 per person (entrees $32-45)
Pro tip: Lunch is 20% cheaper than dinner with shorter waits. The bar seats are first-come, first-served.

Check out this guide to Michelin-Rated Restaurants in NYC.

9. Small Businesses & Designer Boutiques

Beyond the major chains, SoHo has intimate boutiques worth exploring:

Beauty & Wellness:

• Aesop (multiple locations): Minimalist skincare with curated aesthetic
• Sephora (plus 3-4 independent beauty stores): Too obvious, skip this
• CAP Beauty (238 West Broadway): A cult-favorite clean beauty and wellness store offering organic skincare, herbal supplements, facial tools, and holistic treatments. Known for their in-house detox programs, adaptogenic tonics, and personalized skin consultations.

Home & Design:

• Design shops on Lafayette St
• Vintage furniture galleries (Broome St corridor)

Pro tip: These boutiques often have 1-2 staff members who can provide personalized recommendations. Shop weekday mornings for personal service.

Check out SoHo’s Small Businesses & Boutiques.

10. Live Music & Nightlife

Jazz & Live Music:

• SOB’s (Sounds Of Brazil – 204 Varick St): Iconic 300-capacity venue hosting jazz, funk, and world music. Cover charge $15-30. Quality varies; check the booking calendar before going.
• The Peculier Pub (145 Bleecker St): Craft beer bar with occasional live performances

Nightlife:

• The Back Room (102 Norfolk St): Historic speakeasy-style bar with craft cocktails
• Angel’s Share (8 West 4th St): Hidden bar accessible through a Japanese restaurant

Pro tip: Check venues’ schedules online before visiting. Many “live music” nights are DJ-only sets, not live instruments.

Find SoHo’s Best Jazz Clubs.

11. Vintage Shopping & Thrift Finds

Already covered above in section 5, but with more depth:

Explore the side streets off Lafayette and Mulberry for hidden vintage shops. Many 1-2 person operations curate carefully rather than mass-merchandise like large thrift chains. Expect to spend 1-2 hours browsing.

12. Wine Bars & Wine Tasting

Balthazar Wine Bar (same location as restaurant): Extensive French and Italian wine selection with expert sommeliers. Glasses $12-20, bottles $45-200+.

Wineries with Tasting Rooms:

• Terroir Tribeca: A cozy, intimate wine bar specializing in small-production French and American wines. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, knowledgeable sommeliers, and rotating by-the-glass selections that highlight natural and biodynamic bottles.
• Bar Pilar: Natural wines, Italian focus, knowledgeable staff

Pro tip: Arrive 5-7 PM for “wine time” happy hour (20% discounts at some spots). Ask the sommelier for wine education; most are genuinely passionate.

13. Photography Spots & Street Scenes

SoHo is extraordinarily photogenic, but avoid the obvious Instagram-bait spots. Better alternatives:

Photography-Worthy Locations:

• Haughwout Building facades (shoot architectural details, not the whole building)
• Prince Street corner (with Broadway): Classic NYC vibe, great light 2-4 PM
• Greene Street (5-block stretch): Consistent cast-iron architecture, minimal tourist crowds on weekdays
• Elizabeth Street Garden: Garden photography in an urban setting (public but feels private)
• Side street fire escapes & vintage storefronts: More authentic than Broadway

Pro tip: Shoot during golden hour (8-9 AM or 5-6 PM) for the best light on architectural details. Avoid noon when harsh shadows eliminate building details.

Learn more about SoHo Street Art Photography.

14. Farmer’s Markets & Outdoor Markets

SoHo doesn’t have permanent outdoor markets, but nearby:

• Winter Antiques Show (January-February, at Park Avenue Armory): 75+ international dealers
• Brooklyn Flea (weekends, may include SoHo vendors): Curated vintage and handmade goods
• Greene Street: During warmer months, occasional pop-up markets

When to expect markets: Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) see the most activity.

Learn more about SoHo’s Outdoor Markets.

15. Day Trip Combinations (Hour-Long Itineraries)

“SoHo Art & Architecture” (2 hours):

1. Start at Haughwout Building (15 min walk + exploration)
2. Walk Greene Street for cast-iron details (20 min)
3. The Drawing Center (30 min)
4. Lunch at Locanda Vini e Olii (45 min)

“Shopping & Nightlife” (4 hours):

1. Browsing Mercer Street boutiques (90 min)
2. Lunch at Lilia or Blank Street Coffee (30 min)
3. Gallery hopping (60 min)
4. Early dinner/drinks at Balthazar wine bar (60 min)

“Hidden SoHo” (3 hours):

1. Elizabeth Street Garden (30 min)
2. Vintage shopping at Screaming Mimi’s (45 min)
3. Coffee at Cafe Grumpy (20 min)
4. Explore side streets (Greene, Mercer, Prince) (45 min)

Insider Tips for Visiting SoHo

1. The crowds: Avoid weekends (Saturday-Sunday) and 12-2 PM any day. Tuesday-Thursday mornings are ideal.
2. Navigating the cobblestones: Wear comfortable shoes. The cobblestones are beautiful but ankle-hazardous.
3. Restaurant timing: Most places don’t take walk-in lunch. Make reservations in advance or go at off-peak times (11:15 AM, 1:45 PM).
4. The real locals: You’ll see more actual residents on weekday mornings. Weekends are predominantly for tourists.
5. Side streets over main streets: Every exploration of Broadway is obvious. The magic is on Prince, Spring, Mercer, and Greene.

Final Thoughts

SoHo is at its best when you move at a slow pace, stopping for coffee, lingering in galleries, discovering side-street boutiques you weren’t planning to find. The neighborhood’s value isn’t in doing everything; it’s in the quality of what you experience.

Most visitors spend a day here and call it complete. But locals return constantly because something new appears every season, a new gallery, a reimagined storefront, a newly opened restaurant.

Your SoHo experience depends entirely on intention. Are you here to check boxes on an itinerary? There are plenty of obvious things to do. Are you here to understand what makes the neighborhood special? Read this guide again and go slow.