SoHo

SoHo Highlights

1. Film Forum
A cornerstone of independent cinema, the Film Forum has been captivating audiences since 1970. This nonprofit theater showcases an eclectic mix of indie films, international features, and restored classics, often introducing New York audiences to groundbreaking directors. Its intimate screening rooms create a personal cinematic experience that feels far removed from the big-chain multiplexes.

2. Hamburger America
Dive into the delicious world of Hamburger America, where burger dreams come true. This beloved eatery, spearheaded by George Motz—the charismatic hamburger historian and television personality—serves up a mouth-watering array of classic American burgers with a twist. Don’t miss their signature Oklahoma-style burger; it’s a carnivorous delight that has patrons coming back for more.

3. Church of St. Anthony of Padua
One of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in New York City, St. Anthony of Padua’s history dates back to 1886. The church stands as a spiritual and architectural gem, with its elegant façade and serene interiors providing a stark contrast to the bustling streets outside. Known as a place of refuge for Italian immigrants in its early years, St. Anthony’s remains a testament to SoHo’s multicultural roots.

4. L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolate
Step into a chocolate lover’s paradise at L.A. Burdick. Known for its whimsical chocolate mice and velvety hot cocoa, this shop brings European techniques to SoHo’s streets. Each treat is handcrafted with precision, ensuring every bite is a celebration of flavor and craftsmanship.

5. Georges Berges Gallery
Nestled among SoHo’s iconic galleries, the Georges Berges Gallery is a haven for contemporary art enthusiasts. The space is dedicated to showcasing visionary artists from around the globe, offering a platform for bold, innovative works that challenge traditional norms.

6. The New York Earth Room
Walter De Maria’s “The New York Earth Room” is a sensory experience like no other. This installation in a 3,600-square-foot room, consisting of 280,000 pounds of soil, has quietly captivated visitors since 1977. Housed in a minimalist loft, the exhibit is a reminder of the simplicity and beauty of natural elements, tucked away in the urban chaos of SoHo.

7. Subway Map Floating on a New York Sidewalk
At 110 Greene Street, Francoise Schein’s unique art installation embeds the city’s subway system into the pavement since 1986. This playful and interactive piece invites pedestrians to view New York’s transit system from a completely new angle—right beneath their feet.

8. Fanelli Café
Dating back to 1847, Fanelli Café is one of the city’s oldest eateries and a SoHo institution. Once a Prohibition-era speakeasy, it now serves up hearty comfort food and craft beer in a setting steeped in history. Fanelli’s offers a slice of old New York amidst the neighborhood’s modern boutiques and galleries.

9. Mercer Hotel
This luxurious hotel, housed in a landmark Romanesque Revival building, epitomizes SoHo’s fusion of history and sophistication. The Mercer Hotel has long been a favorite haunt for celebrities and creatives, offering understated elegance in the heart of the neighborhood. Its chic interiors and exceptional service make it a standout destination for those seeking a taste of SoHo’s high life.

10. Little Singer Building
A striking example of early 20th-century architecture, the Little Singer Building is a hidden gem on SoHo’s streets. Designed by Ernest Flagg in 1904, this building blends Beaux-Arts and Art Nouveau styles, with its intricate wrought-iron balconies and ornamental details that resemble a Singer sewing machine. Did you know these sewing machines were also produced with cast iron. Very meta, right?

11. Museum of Ice Cream
Enter a world of vibrant colors and whimsical fun at the Museum of Ice Cream. This interactive experience blurs the line between museum and playground, offering everything from sprinkle pools to ice cream-themed exhibits. It’s an Instagram paradise and a delight for visitors of all ages, making every moment a sweet adventure.

12. Housing Works Bookstore
A SoHo institution, Housing Works Bookstore combines the charm of a cozy literary haven with the mission of supporting a vital cause. Operated by a nonprofit organization that fights homelessness and AIDS, this bookstore café is a community hub where every purchase contributes to meaningful change.

13. MoMA Design Store
The MoMA Design Store in SoHo brings the innovative spirit of the Museum of Modern Art to a retail setting. Showcasing an expertly curated selection of modern home goods, jewelry, and tech gadgets, this store is a treasure trove for design enthusiasts. It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift or an inspiring piece for your own collection.

14. 513-519 Broadway
This building marks a turning point in SoHo’s architectural story, blending cast iron with terracotta and masonry elements. By the late 19th century, fireproofing had become a critical concern, leading architects to incorporate stronger materials alongside traditional cast iron. The result is a stunning façade that illustrates the neighborhood’s evolution, with intricate detailing that reflects both beauty and practicality.

15. 504 Broadway
Adorned with elegant, stone columns, 504 Broadway mimics the aesthetic of cast iron using stone—a nod to SoHo’s industrial roots. Once a commercial hub for textiles and manufacturing, this building serves as a bridge between past and present, blending structural innovation with artistic beauty.

16. Haughwout Building
The Haughwout Building, completed in 1857, is a masterpiece of cast-iron architecture. It’s not only visually impressive but also historically significant as the site of the world’s first successful passenger elevator, designed by Elisha Otis. This innovation revolutionized urban construction, paving the way for skyscrapers. Today, the building stands as a proud symbol of both SoHo’s history and technological progress.

17. Roosevelt Building
Designed by the same architects behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s façade and the Statue of Liberty’s base, the Roosevelt Building is an elegant masterpiece of SoHo’s golden age. Its majestic façade and detailed craftsmanship highlight the neighborhood’s importance as a hub for commercial and industrial architecture.

18. Silk Exchange Building
A tribute to SoHo’s textile industry, the Silk Exchange Building showcases intricate terra cotta work on its upper floors. This building once played a crucial role in New York’s booming silk trade during the late 19th century. Today, it’s a reminder of the neighborhood’s industrious past and a piece of architectural artistry worth admiring.

19. Judd Foundation
Step into the world of artist Donald Judd at the Judd Foundation, located in his meticulously preserved SoHo studio and living space. The building showcases Judd’s minimalist works, as well as his philosophy of integrating art with everyday life. Touring the foundation offers a rare glimpse into the life of one of modern art’s most influential figures. If less is more, then this is “mostest”.

20. Essentiel Antwerp
This Belgian fashion boutique brings a pop of vibrant color to SoHo’s shopping scene. Known for its bold prints and eclectic designs, Essentiel Antwerp offers a refreshing alternative to mainstream fashion. Its whimsical storefront and unique collections make it a must-visit for style enthusiasts. I pass here frequently because it’s my wife’s favorite clothing store.

21. The Broken Kilometer
Walter De Maria’s “The Broken Kilometer” features 500 polished brass rods arranged meticulously across the floor, creating a stunning interplay of light and geometry. This minimalist installation, like its companion piece, “The Earth Room,” is a reflection of SoHo’s experimental artistic spirit. A hidden gem in SoHo’s art scene, it’s a must-see for contemporary art lovers.

22. Famous Ben’s Pizza
A slice at Famous Ben’s Pizza is a SoHo rite of passage. Known for its Palermo slice, topped with browned breadcrumbs and onion paste, this no-frills spot serves no-nonsense New York-style pizza. Each bite is a delicious reminder of the neighborhood’s culinary diversity.

23. Vesuvio Playground
Vesuvio Playground stands as a testament to the spirited local resistance led by bakery owner Anthony Vesuvio against Robert Moses’ 1950s plans to overhaul SoHo with the Lower Manhattan Expressway (LOMAX). This playground not only honors his legacy but also celebrates the community’s successful fight to preserve SoHo’s historic charm and architectural heritage.

24. Dominique Ansel Bakery
The birthplace of the cronut, a croissant-doughnut hybrid, Dominique Ansel Bakery is a SoHo icon that’s redefined the pastry game. This award-winning bakery offers a variety of imaginative creations, blending classic French techniques with innovative flavors. Be sure to arrive early if you want to snag a cronut, as they often sell out fast!

25. Rivareno Gelato
Rivareno Gelato brings an authentic taste of Italy to the heart of SoHo. The flavors lean indulgent—think cremino rivareno, mascarpone with dessert wine, or ricotta with fig—and each one is rich, dense, and deeply satisfying. The gelato is kept hidden in traditional pozzetti (covered metal containers), a sign of seriousness for any gelato purist.

26. Liberty Statue with Sombrero Mural by Kobra
This vibrant mural by Eduardo Kobra brings a playful twist to the Statue of Liberty, adorning her with a sombrero in his signature kaleidoscopic style. Kobra’s works are known for their bold colors and intricate patterns, and this piece celebrates the cultural diversity that defines New York City.

27. MarieBelle
Step into a world of decadent elegance at MarieBelle, a boutique chocolate shop on Broome Street that feels more like a jewel box than a café. The richly decorated interior—complete with chandeliers and velvet seating—invites you to linger over a cup of their signature Aztec hot chocolate, thick enough to double as dessert.

28. The Drawing Center
The Drawing Center is a unique art institution dedicated entirely to the art of drawing. Since 1977, it has showcased both historic and contemporary works, highlighting the versatility and power of this medium. Its exhibitions often feature underrepresented artists, making it a refreshing and thought-provoking stop in SoHo’s art scene.

29. Gunther Building (469 Broome Street)
The Gunther Building, with its curved glass corner, exemplifies the innovation of cast-iron architecture. Built in 1871, it originally housed a silk manufacturer, reflecting the area’s industrial roots. Its distinctive design makes it one of SoHo’s most photographed buildings, embodying the neighborhood’s aesthetic allure.

30. Eden Gallery
Eden Gallery is a contemporary art space known for its vibrant and uplifting works. The gallery features a roster of international artists, many of whom create bold, colorful pieces that resonate with modern audiences. Its dynamic exhibitions make it a standout among SoHo’s many art venues.

31. La Mercerie
Tucked inside the Roman and Williams Guild, La Mercerie is a chic café serving up French-inspired delights. Their famous chocolate chip cookie pairs perfectly with an espresso. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and soak in the sophisticated ambiance of SoHo.

32. The Arnold Constable Building (309-311 Canal St)
Once home to New York’s oldest department store, the Arnold Constable Building is a piece of retail history. This stately structure was the flagship location for Arnold Constable & Company, a pioneering establishment that shaped shopping culture in the 19th century. Its grand design reflects the opulence of a bygone era when department stores were more than just places to shop—they were destinations in themselves.

33. 28 Greene Street
Known as the “Queen of Greene,” this stunning building features a striking mansard roof and ornate detailing. It stands as a jewel among SoHo’s historic structures, embodying the elegance of 19th-century design in a modern metropolis.

34. Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art
As the first museum dedicated to LGBTQ+ art, the Leslie-Lohman Museum is a groundbreaking cultural institution. Its collection spans centuries, celebrating the contributions of LGBTQ+ artists through exhibitions that are both inspiring and deeply personal. A visit here offers a powerful look at the intersection of art and identity.

35. Lucia Pizza of SoHo
End your tour with a slice from Lucia Pizza, a local favorite known for its crispy crust and perfectly balanced flavors. Known for its uniquely rich creamed spinach slice and the secret-family-recipe vodka slice, this unassuming spot offers pies that rival any in the city this pizzeria. It is a must-visit for anyone seeking the best slice the city has to offer. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your SoHo adventure.