Find the Best Things to Do in Soho
By Maria Lisella
About Soho
Photo courtesy of Alexander Thompson
SoHo (south of Houston St.) throngs with beautiful people and posh shopping. Once a refuge for artists who transformed its Iron District past – factories, warehouses — into lofts, now celebrities are the new residents. Art galleries remain amid vestiges of 19th century cast-iron lampposts, columns, balconies and fire escapes.
See & Do
A former chocolate factory, the New York Public Library on Mulberry St. has exposed brick walls, wrought iron, free events; and computers available. Visit the one-of-a-kind Housing Works Bookstore and café on Crosby St., whose revenue benefits people affected by HIV/AIDS. Around the corner is St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral where the infamous baptism scenes in The Godfather were shot. The NYC Fire Museum exhibits lavishly decorated hand pumpers and a horse-drawn ladder wagon.
Eat
Don’t rush your breakfast at Balthazar because you’ll want to linger for people watching. Dietically challenged and vegetarians might prefer Spring St. Natural while traditionalists might want to savor the tried and true thin-crust pizza at Lombardi’s or for an insider’s tip, Cafetal, once a social club tucked behind St. Patrick’s on Mott St. Dining in Soho can be a challenge only because the choices are endless.
Stay
Soho hotel prices match the hi-end art on their walls: the Mondrian SoHo with floor to ceiling windows and its whimsical parasols; 60 Thompson lures film, fashion elites; the pioneering SoHo Grand is sophisticated and sexy; the Crosby Street Hotel uses bold colors to offset its warehouse-style; and The Mercer opened by trendsetter André Balazs was SoHo’s first luxury boutique hotel. Trump Hotel offers a SoHo Shopping Card for guests.
Shop
Trendy, upscale boutiques and international designers hang their hats in Soho. Think: Diane von Furstenberg, Christian Siriano, DKNY, Helmut Lang, Hugo, Intermix, Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry, Joie, Karen Millen, La Perla, Longchamp Paris, Theory, Vilebrequin, but also Rachel Comey, Opening Ceremony, and Uniqlo, Topman and APC. A tad rich for you? For vintage clothing, hand-made crafts, originals, new designers, head a bit north to Bleeker St. to The Market NYC.
Explore Soho
More New York Neighborhoods