What to see in SoHo, the most beautiful neighborhood in Manhattan
- Mia Caudet
- Oct 20, 2023
- 4 min read
In the southwest of Manhattan we find one of the most artistic neighborhoods and the shopping paradise of New York: SoHo. Around Houston Street, Lafayette/Center Street or Canal Street and West Broadway, you will find the most popular area of New York and one of the fashionable neighborhoods among the wealthy and the city's celebrities. It is a beautiful neighborhood, full of atmosphere that is undoubtedly an essential stop on your trip to New York.
In this post I tell you about its history, its architecture, its art galleries, where to go shopping, where to stay, and what you can see and do in Soho.
WHAT TO SEE IN SOHO, NEW YORK
The SoHo neighborhood should be on every New York itinerary.
The first time you arrive in the neighborhood you cannot stop looking up, at those impressive buildings known as Cast-Iron Buildings. In this area are some of the oldest buildings in the city and the skyscrapers of Midtown are barely visible, making SoHo an oasis in the middle of modern New York and giving it a very special charm.
Unlike in the rest of New York where the streets are numbered, in Soho the streets have names so they are much easier to remember. On your visit to the neighborhood, do not miss Spring Street, Prince Street or the famous Broadway.
Cast-Iron architecture of SoHo in Manhattan
Cast-Iron architecture owes its name to the buildings made of cast iron that were built in this part of the city during the industrial revolution. This material, as an architectural novelty, was what allowed the construction of taller and more stable buildings. Being an inexpensive building material, it quickly spread throughout the city.
Many of the Cast Iron style buildings that remain today are in SoHO and their colorful facades with their fire escape stairs have made it one of the most appreciated places for photographers.
Soho has been featured in numerous television series and movies, and you will have seen it in thousands of photographs. But nothing compares to walking its streets and marveling at its good atmosphere.
From working-class neighborhood to fashionable neighborhood
In the 1960s, many of the factories located in Soho began to suffer from the problems of modern industry. The factories began to be insufficient and the population of Manhattan increased, needing new residential areas due to the high prices of Midtown. It was when the factories soon moved to the outskirts and with them the workers who had lived in the neighborhood up to now.
The empty factory and warehouse buildings were soon converted into lofts and inhabited by bohemians. Today prices have reached such exorbitant prices that they are only within the reach of the elite and people with high purchasing power.
Galleries and art in SoHo, Manhattan
In SoHo you can enjoy art in one of its magnificent galleries:
Drawing Center on Wooster Street.
SoHo Gallery for Digital Art (Address: 138 Sullivan Street)
Team Gallery (Address: 47 Wooster Street).
I name 3 of them, but walking through its streets you will find many more.
Go shopping in Soho
SoHo is one of the ideal areas for shopping. Here you will find mainly famous brand stores bordered by small boutiques with designer fashion. In any case, if you are not willing to spend a fortune on a Channel bag, here you will also find stores from brands like Mango and H&M. Whatever you are looking for, it is always better to buy here than on 5th Avenue. There are fewer tourists and it is easier to go shopping without so many crowds.
The Market NYC
It is a market where there is everything from antiques to vintage clothing, designer accessories, handicrafts and works of art. It's at 483 Broadway and it's open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.
New York City Fire Museum
If you want to know the history of the New York fire department from the 19th century to the present day, including the fire engine exhibition and one dedicated to the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center.
Cast iron buildings
These buildings have led to SoHo being declared a historic district. Its facades are decorated with Renaissance and Baroque motifs and start from Greene Street. Don't miss the Singer Building, at 561 Broadway.
The Merchant's House Museum
It is the former residence of the merchant Seabury Tredwell located in one of the typical red brick buildings of SoHo. In this museum you will find yourself on a journey through the history of New York.
WHERE TO STAY IN SOHO, NEW YORK
Soho is not the cheapest place if your intention is to stay in Manhattan. Although hey, we are in New York and there is nothing cheap here and even less in Manhattan.
One of the hotels that I really like in Soho is the 4-star Arlo Soho hotel, it is beautiful, with new and comfortable rooms, and its prices are usually around 280 euros/night. Nothing cheap but considering the location and the fact that it is a 4-star hotel, it is a great option.
HOW TO GET TO SOHO, MANHATTAN
Subway lines A, C, E to Spring Street stop: Lines 1, 2 to Houston Street: Lines N, R to Prince Street.
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to New York a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!
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