The Best of New York · By neighborhood · SoHo
The best things to do in SoHo.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 13 places.
Best known for great shopping, pricey lofts, quaint cafes and ample art galleries, when it comes to things to do in SoHo, the options are endless. SoHo (which stands for South of Houston Street) is one of the most charming neighborhoods in NYC and it shouldn’t be missed on any trip to the Big Apple.
The neighborhood consists largely of old warehouse and manufacturing buildings that have been transformed into luxury apartments and stores at street-level. After years hitting the pavement and exploring this charming neighborhood I’ve created a list of the best things to do in SoHo based on firsthand experience.
Best things to do in SoHo, 2026
- Balthazar’sRestaurant · SoHoNew York restaurateur Keith McNally opened Balthazar in 1997 and it didn’t take long for it to become one of the most famous restaurants in the Big Apple (as well as one of the best it).
- CatbirdStore · Little ItalyAlthough Catbird can technically be classified as part of Little Italy, I still think it’s worth the stop if you’re searching for the best it.
- Dominique Ansel BakeryBakery · SoHoMake a mental note – this one of the best bakeries in NYC and a must-add to any proper list of it.
- Funny Face BakeryBakery · SoHoThis colorful and playful cookie shop specializes in creating the most absurd (but delicious) cookies in NYC.
- Housing Works BookstoreStore · SoHoI love the idea of reuse and have to say there’s a great selection of books to choose from on the well-organized, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
- Jimmy Rooftop BarBar · SoHoOne of the best things to do in SoHo after a long day of exploring is to stop by the JIMMY rooftop bar.
- LaduréeBakery · SoHoVisiting Ladurée for some of the best macarons in the city is always high on my list of it.
- Lucia PizzaRestaurant · SoHoI’ve been to a lot of slice shops in this city and can confidently say this one of the best pizzas in NYC – totally worth a detour.
- MoMA Design StoreStore · SoHoIf you’re like me, the unique knick-knacks of the MoMA design store bring out the inner-raven ogling the shiny objects.
- Museum of Ice CreamMuseum · SoHoThe Museum of Ice Cream might be deemed a museum but it feels more like a playground.
- New York Earth RoomMuseum · SoHo
- SoHo's Cast Iron District TourLandmark · SoHoLearning about the neighborhood’s architecture and history is a fun way to spend a half day in SoHO.
- Shop Your Little Heart OutStreet · SoHoThe best NYC shopping is done by getting lost, so allow yourself to roam from one block to the next aimlessly.
On the map
Where they are.
SoHo and Little Italy.
Balthazar’s
Restaurant · SoHo · 80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
New York restaurateur Keith McNally opened Balthazar in 1997 and it didn’t take long for it to become one of the most famous restaurants in the Big Apple (as well as one of the best it).
Catbird
Store · Little Italy · 253 Centre St, New York, NY 10013
Although Catbird can technically be classified as part of Little Italy, I still think it’s worth the stop if you’re searching for the best it.
Dominique Ansel Bakery
Bakery · SoHo · 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Make a mental note – this one of the best bakeries in NYC and a must-add to any proper list of it.
Funny Face Bakery
Bakery · SoHo · 319 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012
This colorful and playful cookie shop specializes in creating the most absurd (but delicious) cookies in NYC.
Housing Works Bookstore
Store · SoHo · 126 Crosby St, New York, NY 10012
I love the idea of reuse and have to say there’s a great selection of books to choose from on the well-organized, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.
Jimmy Rooftop Bar
Bar · SoHo · 15 Thompson St, New York, NY 10013
One of the best things to do in SoHo after a long day of exploring is to stop by the JIMMY rooftop bar.
Ladurée
Bakery · SoHo · 398 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Visiting Ladurée for some of the best macarons in the city is always high on my list of it.
Lucia Pizza
Restaurant · SoHo
I’ve been to a lot of slice shops in this city and can confidently say this one of the best pizzas in NYC – totally worth a detour.
MoMA Design Store
Store · SoHo · 81 Spring St A, New York, NY 10012
If you’re like me, the unique knick-knacks of the MoMA design store bring out the inner-raven ogling the shiny objects.
Museum of Ice Cream
Museum · SoHo · 558 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
The Museum of Ice Cream might be deemed a museum but it feels more like a playground.
SoHo's Cast Iron District Tour
Landmark · SoHo
Learning about the neighborhood’s architecture and history is a fun way to spend a half day in SoHO.
Shop Your Little Heart Out
Street · SoHo
The best NYC shopping is done by getting lost, so allow yourself to roam from one block to the next aimlessly.
Best things to do in SoHo, 2026
The seal
If you're on this list, this is yours.
I went, and I said in my own words that it's worth your time. Nobody paid for that and nobody can. The seal says so, and it links back here, so anyone who sees it reads the whole list and how I decide.
Put it on your site, in the window, on the menu. Keep it linked when it's on the web and keep the words on it. That's the whole ask.
The files
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Is one of these yours? and I confirm it's you and send the files.
The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 15 Fun Things to Do in SoHo (Local’s Guide).
