Best Things to See and Do in Soho, NYC

Soho (short for South of Houston Street) manages to be stylish without trying too hard. It's a mix of designer shops, art spaces, hidden cafes, and old-school charm that somehow hasn’t been taken over by big brands. If you’ve got a few hours or a full weekend, here are some things to do in one of Manhattan’s most interesting neighbourhoods.

1. Just Walk

Soho’s cast iron buildings and cobblestone streets make it one of the most walkable - and photogenic neighbourhoods in NYC. Start with Broadway for the bigger names, then check out side streets like Mercer, Greene, and Wooster. That's where you’ll find indie boutiques, pop-ups, and places that don’t scream for attention but somehow still pull you in.

Leave space in your bag. You’ll end up buying something you didn’t plan for.

2. Visit the Drawing Center

Not as well known as MoMA or the Whitney, The Drawing Center is tucked away into Wooster Street. It focuses solely on works on paper - from famous artists to those you’ve never heard of (yet). It’s quiet, affordable, and one of those places that makes you feel smarter when you leave.

No crowds. No fluff. Just really good art.

3. Take a break at BELONG NYC

If your feet need a rest, or you are working remotely, Belong offers a place to just take a moment from the busy city. It's not your average coworking place. Thank nap pods NYC for a power nap, locker rentals NYC so you’re not lugging your bag around, and a clean, calm space to get stuff done.

They also have private meeting spaces NYC visitors can book by the house, and it's within walking distance of everywhere in Soho. Ideal if you’re balancing work with some sightseeing.

If you’re looking for one of the best places to work in Soho, this is it.

4. Browse McNally Jackson Books

Independent bookstores in NYC are still alive, and McNally Jackson is proof. Grab a coffee, flick through something new, and look through shelves curated by people who read books. It’s a great place to lose track of time - especially on a rainy afternoon.

Their stationery section is also seriously good. Even if you don’t need another notebook, the chances are you will end up leaving with one.

5. Visit the Museum of Ice Cream

Okay, it is not a traditional museum. But it’s bright, strange, and oddly really good. The Museum of Ice Cream is a multi-floor interactive playground full of color, nostalgia, and sugar. It’s made for fun photos and light-hearted visits - and yes, don’t worry, you do get to eat some ice cream as well.

It's a bit over the top, but in the best possible way.

6. Get Something to Eat at Fanelli Cafe

Soho has no end of fancy brunch places and fancy cafes, but Fanellis is one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in the city. It’s been around since 1847 - and it feels like it (in a good way).

Get yourself a proper burger, a local beer, or just a moment of calm away from the fancier places. It’s still cash only, still charming, and still very Soho.

7. Art Galleries on West Broadway

Soho’s reputation as an art district isn’t just history - it’s still alive in the galleries lining West Broadway, Grant Street, and Greene Street. Many are free to enter, with rotating exhibits featuring local and international artists.

Even if you’re not an art person, you’ll probably find something here that catches your eye - or challenges it.

8. Refuel at Dominique Ansel Bakery

This is the birthplace of the cronut. Yes, that’s still a thing. But the menu goes well beyond internet-famous pastries. Everything is baked fresh, creative without being gimmicky, and worth queuing up for.

Get yourself something flaky and head to nearby Spring Street Park for an impromptu bench brunch.

9. Find a Pop-Up or Street Market

Soho is a place for limited-time experiences - fashion pop-ups, street vendors, and seasonal markets show up often and disappear just as quickly. Keep an eye out while walking around. Some of the best finds are usually stuff that isn’t in your guidebook.

If you’re lucky, you’ll come across a sample sale that makes you feel like a shopping ninja.

10. Use Luggage Storage 

If you’re in Soho before check-in time or are killing time before heading home, theres no need to carry your bags around. Use luggage storage NYC services or drop your bags at Belong NYC, where they’ll be safe while you explore without the hassle.

It makes the difference between enjoying your day out or regretting bringing such a large bag.

Make Time to Get Lost

The best thing about Soho? It doesn’t demand your attention. It just earns it. You’ll come for the shops or the galleries, but stay because it's the kind of place where even doing nothing feels like something. A walk becomes a plan. A cup of coffee becomes an hour. A stop becomes a whole afternoon.

Pack light, wear comfortable shoes, and let the streets pull you in. Just don’t forget to look up every now and then - the cast-iron buildings deserve some credit, too.