SoHo: Fashion and Shopping District in New York
SoHo is a must-see neighborhood in New York! This former industrial district is now home to luxury brands and celebrity residents.
What You Need to Know About SoHo in New York
- SoHo is a neighborhood in the southern part of Manhattan. This vibrant and highly touristic area is bordered by TriBeCa, Little Italy, and Greenwich Village. Its population is around 20,000 people.
- SoHo’s name echoes the Soho neighborhood in London, but the two are unrelated. New York’s SoHo takes its name from its location south of Houston Street—SoHo stands for South of Houston Street. One small difference: New York’s SoHo capitalizes the H, while London’s doesn’t. Everything is bigger in New York!
- This former industrial neighborhood underwent a complete transformation in the 1960s and 1970s and is now one of New York’s trendiest areas. SoHo has established itself as the fashion capital, home to all the major luxury brands. The neighborhood also attracts numerous celebrities, actors, and musicians.
- According to the NYU Furman Center, a research institute at New York University, SoHo ranks among New York’s wealthiest neighborhoods, alongside Greenwich Village. The median household income exceeds $150,000 per year—more than double the median income in other New York neighborhoods. A highly privileged area indeed.
What to See in SoHo
1/ Cast Iron Buildings
- The old warehouses and industrial buildings have been beautifully preserved, and you can admire magnificent cast iron facades in neoclassical style. Don’t miss the E.V. Haughwout Building, a five-story structure built in 1857 at the corner of Broadway and Broome Street.
- Another characteristic cast iron building is the Roosevelt Building. Completed in 1873 at 478 Broadway, it was designed by Richard Morris Hunt. Interestingly, this architect also designed the pedestal for the Statue of Liberty.
2/ Cobblestone Streets
- SoHo has many cobblestone streets that transport you back in time. Walk up Greene Street, Mercer Street, and Wooster Street—the neighborhood’s most beautiful streets.
- Spring Street and Prince Street are also worth exploring, lively thoroughfares with plenty of activity, along with Broadway to the east.
3/ Shopping
- SoHo is a paradise for shoppers. The neighborhood is home to major fashion brands including Prada, Yves Saint-Laurent, Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Balenciaga, and Marc Jacobs.
- Beyond luxury brands, SoHo is filled with independent designer boutiques and original concept stores. International brands like Zara, Converse, Nike, and Adidas also have a presence here.
4/ Art Galleries
- The neighborhood is home to numerous art galleries and impressive artist lofts. Visit the Drawing Center at 35 Wooster Street. Also worth seeing: the Center for Italian Modern Art (421 Broome Street), Deitch Projects (18 Wooster Street), and Team Gallery (83 Grand Street). Expect original, thought-provoking work.
5/ Museums
- Several unique museums are located in SoHo, including the Color Factory New York, an Instagram-worthy museum. The rooms feature surprising interactive art installations. You can even swim in a fantastic pool filled with colorful balls. A truly unique experience!
Where to Eat in SoHo
- SoHo has many cafes and restaurants. One standout is the Cronut, a surprising creation by Dominique Ansel that fuses a croissant and a donut. Be prepared to wait—there’s always a line.
- Address: 189 Spring Street, New York.
Explore SoHo with a Guide
To see the highlights of SoHo efficiently, book a guided tour of SoHo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is SoHo famous?
SoHo is known for its distinctive industrial architecture from the mid-19th century. The factories and warehouses are gone, but the cast iron facade buildings remain. These structures are protected and designated as historic landmarks by New York City. Today, SoHo is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in New York, attracting celebrities and tourists alike.
Which celebrities live in SoHo?
According to celebrity publications, many famous people own apartments or lofts in SoHo. Notable residents include actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, and Daniel Craig; singers Alicia Keys and Taylor Swift; musician Bon Jovi; and actress Katie Holmes. Thierry Henry, the former French national soccer team striker, also lived in SoHo while playing for the New York Red Bulls.
SoHo in Photos
