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What is SOHO and how do you get there?
SOHO stands for 'South of Houston Street'. It is the area in downtown Manhattan, on the west side, roughly between Canal Street and Houston Street. If you are coming from Hoboken like I was, you can take the PATH train into Christopher Street and walk the rest of the way. If you are already in the city, SOHO is well connected by subway — Spring Street and Houston Street are the two stations I use most.
Three things to know before you arrive
I asked my friend — a local New Yorker who has lived in the city for nearly two years — what she wishes every visitor knew before coming to SOHO. Here is what she said, and I completely agree with all of it.
1. You will walk — a lot
Come prepared to walk. Resist the urge to jump into a cab or take the subway from block to block. The best parts of SOHO — the pretty side streets, the storefronts, the energy — reveal themselves when you are on foot. Walk slowly, take it in, and you will see far more than you planned to.
2. New Yorkers are friendlier than you think
A lot of visitors assume New Yorkers are too busy to talk. That has not been my experience at all. If you want a restaurant recommendation, a shortcut, or an honest opinion about a neighbourhood — just ask someone local. You will often get tips that Google simply does not surface.
3. Come with a food list
New York has a world-class restaurant for virtually every cuisine you can think of — and I mean that. My friend is a vegetarian and in two years she has tried hundreds of restaurants without ever feeling limited. Whether you want a street food cart, a casual sit-down, or one of the best meals of your life, it is all here. Make a list before you arrive, because you will not have time to research on the spot.
Where to eat in SOHO
Start with hot chocolate (and a cronut) at Dominique Ansel Bakery
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Book a Mock InterviewThis was our first stop of the day, and I would make it yours too. Dominique Ansel Bakery is the place where the cronut was invented — yes, the actual original. The hot chocolate is genuinely excellent, especially on a cold day. Go early, order both, and consider it the fuel for everything that follows.
Pizza at Mamo or Ruby Rosa
For lunch, we were choosing between two spots: Mamo and Ruby Rosa. Both came highly recommended. If you are in New York and you have not had pizza yet, SOHO is a perfectly good place to fix that.
Where to shop in SOHO
One of the things I love most about shopping in SOHO is that it is genuinely accessible across budgets. You will find high-end luxury brands sitting next to mid-range and high-street stores on the same block. You do not need to spend a lot to have a great shopping day here.
Nike — four floors of everything
The Nike store in SOHO is massive — I believe it is four floors, with a dedicated section on each level. If you are looking for sneakers, leggings, or really anything from Nike, this is the store to visit. It is not your average Nike outlet.
Banana Republic — always check the discounted section
Banana Republic is one of those brands I genuinely think is worth visiting when you are in the US. The clothes are practical, wearable, and well made. The SOHO store almost always has a discounted section tucked in, so you can often find something at a very good price if you look. One more thing — the in-store experience here is excellent. While I was browsing, the staff took the items I had picked out and set them up in the fitting room for me. By the time I was ready to try things on, everything was already laid out and waiting. That kind of service makes a real difference.
Sephora — for essentials
I made a quick stop at Sephora to pick up some basic makeup. If you need to restock anything beauty-related while you are in the neighbourhood, it is right there.
Amazon 4-Star Store — genuinely interesting
This one surprised me. The Amazon 4-Star Store stocks only products that have been rated four stars and above on Amazon. You can come in, physically see and handle the items, and then pick them up in person. It is a fun browse even if you do not end up buying anything.
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