SoHo is undoubtedly the chicest neighborhood in all of
New York City. Art and fashion reign supreme in this upscale district, drawing in locals and tourists alike with its high-end flagship stores, designer boutiques, prestigious art galleries, and more. Its top-notch culinary scene also helps the Big Apple keep up its food capital reputation, boasting some of the best restaurants in the city. Michelin-starred hotspots and elegant bistros are a dime a dozen in the area, serving delectable dishes and delicacies for the rich, the famous, and the influential. There's truly no other place that provides unadulterated class and glamour in New York City than SoHo!
Where is SoHo in New York City?
SoHo is located in Lower Manhattan and, true to its name, it's south of Houston Street. Its central location is part of why it's a popular area, what with Canal Street to its south, Lafayette Street and Crosby Street to its west, and Sixth Avenue to its east. SoHo is also right smack in the middle of some of the most popular
neighborhoods in New York City, including Greenwich Village, Hudson Square, and Nolita, to name a few. Hence, it's easy enough to get to other parts of the city from here.
Is it Safe in SoHo, New York City?
Generally speaking, yes, Soho is a safe part of Manhattan. Although
New York City's crime rates tend to skew from moderate to high, this neighborhood is a different story. Soho has fairly low crime rates, thanks in large part to how affluent it is. This is far from the type of place that draws in sketchy characters. Petty crimes may still pose a problem here, but they're not as rampant as, say, Times Square or Downtown New York. Overall, there's barely anything to worry about in SoHo, though you still need to take the necessary safety precautions when you step out.
What's The Vibe in SoHo, New York City?
SoHo is fashionable, trendy, lively, and the quintessential cosmopolitan neighborhood in New York City. It has long been a commercial and industrial hub, with its iconic cast-iron buildings once serving as warehouses, factories, and the like. Today, they've become some of the most luxurious apartments, coolest office spaces, and more, consistently providing platforms for emerging designers, artists, performers, and more. Anyone
moving to New York City, hoping to live in the city's fashionable side, will want to settle down here. Flagship designer stores, high-end boutiques, the trendiest restaurants, and luxury spas are only a hop and a skip away!
Is it Expensive in SoHo, New York City?
If you didn't know that SoHo is expensive, then you didn't know the neighborhood at all. The area is notoriously pricey and is undoubtedly one of the most affluent parts of the city. If you thought
New York City's living costs were high, you'll practically flip over when you see how much it'll take to stay comfortable in SoHo! The rent here, for example, rarely goes under $5,000.00 per month. Even if you're moving into a small studio apartment, the rent will likely be just as high! And if you want to eat out but not in a fast food place, expect to pay an average of about $15.00 to $30.00 per mid-range meal here.
What to See in SoHo, New York City
As famous as SoHo is as the quintessential fashionable New York City neighborhood, it doesn't have a lot of tourist attractions. Tourists still go here to bask in the cosmopolitan glamour of it all, but the area itself lacks famous landmarks, notable monuments, and the like. It does have a few museums, such as the Museum of Ice Cream, the Museum of Chinese America, and the New York City Fire Museum, but they're admittedly not as prominent as the Met, MoMA, or the Guggenheim. Ultimately, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. The lack of iconic tourist spots has allowed SoHo to maintain a relatively exclusive community and, in turn, a more peaceful atmosphere.
What to Do in SoHo, New York City
Luxuriate! If money isn't an issue for you, then go all out and enjoy the finer things in life SoHo has to offer! Shop at the numerous designer flagship stores in the area, such as big-hitters like Christian Dior, Chloé, Chanel, Isabel Marant, Celine, Acne Studios, and more. Dine in the popular restaurants, too, which include the Michelin-starred Le Coucou on Lafayette Street or Vestry on Spring Street. And on a free day, pamper yourself with a spa day in notable hotspots Bliss Soho NYC, Soho Sanctuary, or the Aire Ancient Baths. You can only have the most luxurious day in the Big Apple in SoHo!
The Best Restaurants in SoHo, New York City
When people refer to New York City as a food capital, they're usually talking about places like SoHo. To say that the neighborhood has some of the best restaurants in the city is an understatement! From iconic eateries and emerging bistros to some of
New York City's best Michelin-starred restaurants, SoHo itself is the culinary capital of Manhattan. It boasts a myriad of flavors and a diverse range of cuisines, all prepared by some of the most prominent chefs in the global culinary industry. These are the types of places to go to on special occasions.
Trust when people say that these fabulous hotspots in SoHo are not to be missed:
- Antique Garage Soho on Mercer Street
- Balthazar on Spring Street
- Blue Ribbon Brasserie on Sullivan Street
- Boqueria Soho on Spring Street
- La Pecora Bianca SoHo on Prince Street
- Le Coucou on Lafayette Street
- Piccola Cucina Osteria Sicilianaon Spring Street
- Raoul's on Prince Street
- Shuka on MacDougal Street
- Vestry on Spring Street
What to Know About Renting in SoHo, New York City
Rent in SoHo is so high that you practically need to earn five to six figures to live here! While it's possible to find a fairly big place for only $1,500.00 per month in other parts of the city, especially in the other boroughs, rent in SoHo rarely goes under $5,000.00 per month. And even if you find a place that only costs that much, there's a good chance that it's only a small studio apartment that's only about 20 square meters. Ridiculous? Maybe, but this is also the reality of
renting a luxury apartment in New York City.
SoHo defines New York City’s chic and cosmopolitan identity. Glamour reigns supreme in this fashionable neighborhood, complete with designer flagship stores, Michelin-starred restaurants, and luxurious penthouses.
