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SoHo New York Recommendations
In the heart of Lower Manhattan, SoHo is a New York neighborhood that retains a unique character, highlighting the cultural diversity that defines New York City. A hub of creativity, Soho attracts millions of visitors from around the world to feel its vibe and enjoy its authenticity. Join me for a walk around this neighborhood and get my SoHo New York recommendations.
What to See and Do in SoHo
My SoHo New York Recommendations
It’s safe to say that anyone visiting New York City for the first time has likely made a point of visiting countless attractions. One of them should be SoHo.
Unique Architecture
Before we delve into the details, it’s worth mentioning that SoHo is an acronym for South of Houston Street. As a result, you may come across it spelled as both SoHo and Soho. This neighborhood has been particularly well-known since the 1970s, as it’s home to many art galleries, as well as commercial shops of major fashion houses or local designers. Soho has retained its original character over the years, with cobbled streets, typical cast-iron architecture, and impressive buildings. An impressive fun fact about this particular architecture is that there are around 250 cast-iron buildings in New York, with the vast majority of them located in SoHo.
When strolling through the cobbled streets of SoHo, you’ll quickly notice the uniqueness of the architecture, which gives the feeling of being in another era.
The “house of art”
Earlier, I mentioned that SoHo is a neighborhood that showcases the diverse culture of New York City. It is a haven for art lovers, with numerous art galleries, boutiques, vintage shops, and museums all around you. Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, you’ll be mesmerized by the atmosphere of this place, as you’ll see art everywhere you look.
There are many places to visit in SoHo, but I would recommend two in particular. The first is the “Museum of Ice Cream“, which is a colorful and interactive museum dedicated to the history of ice cream. The second is “The Drawing Center“, an exhibition space that explores the medium of drawing as primary, dynamic, and relevant to contemporary culture.
Shopping Paradise
If you’re a fan of high-end fashion and elegant style, Soho is the perfect destination for you. Walking through the alleys of this neighborhood, you will discover a plethora of boutiques and expensive clothing stores that will leave you mesmerized. You can find everything from handmade pieces by local designers to more affordable options.
Additionally, there are shops with vintage clothing and trendy pieces to choose from. SoHo has something to offer for everyone, and you won’t be disappointed by the range of options available in that place.
Charming Cafes
Strolling around SoHo in New York City, you will quickly notice that the neighborhood is home not only to art galleries, clothing stores, and impressive buildings but also to many charming cafes. These cafes perfectly fit in with the neighborhood’s character, with most featuring impressive stone architecture that makes you feel like they have always been there.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy your coffee, I suggest picking up a cup and walking around the neighborhood’s alleys. However, if you’re looking for a specific recommendation, the charming “Café Lyria” located in the heart of Soho is a great choice. The author recommends trying their traditional Greek “moustokouloura” (Greek sweet cookies) they offer with your coffee (if they don’t, don’t hesitate to ask for them). Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Culinary Delights in SoHo
If you ever find yourself wandering around SoHo, you simply cannot miss out on the diverse range of flavors that the area has to offer. From fast food to fine dining, there are plenty of options to cater to every taste and budget. However, there are a few places that are worth exploring.
If you happen to be in the area in the morning, I highly recommend trying the famous “cronut” at “Dominique Ansel Bakery“, along with your coffee. This unique pastry is a cross between a croissant and a donut and is worth trying, especially if you have a sweet tooth. Be prepared to wait in line, as it’s quite popular. Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, “Pi Greek Bakery” is just three minutes away. Here, you can sample delicious Greek cuisine, including Greek pies and the famous Greek moussaka.
Furthermore, if you happen to be in the area during dusk and feel exhausted from all the walking, you can take a break and enjoy a refreshing drink or beer at one of the many options available in the alleys of Soho. You can find various bars, pubs, and live stages to entertain yourself and have a good time.
Author’s tip
In conclusion, if you’re in New York, you should definitely check out SoHo. You don’t need to plan out a strict itinerary to see all that the area has to offer. Remember that most museums and art galleries are closed on Sundays and Mondays, so it’s best to avoid those days if you want to visit any of these places.
The best way to experience the charm of Soho is to take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood and get a feel for what it’s like to live in this bustling part of New York City.
If you plan to visit SoHo in New York City, you can find here some of the best options for accommodation!
