SoHo

Overview

SoHo (South of Houston) is a premier shopping and gallery district defined by the world's largest collection of cast-iron architecture — ornate 19th-century industrial buildings now housing luxury fashion, galleries, and loft apartments.

Highlights

• Cast-Iron Architecture: Over 250 cast-iron facades line the cobblestone streets, their ornate columns and large windows creating one of New York's most photogenic streetscapes.
• Luxury Shopping: The biggest concentration of international fashion flagships in Manhattan, from Chanel and Prada to Acne Studios and Aesop.
• Art Galleries: Though many blue-chip galleries have moved to Chelsea, SoHo retains dozens of excellent contemporary galleries and pop-up exhibition spaces.

History

SoHo's cast-iron buildings were originally factories and warehouses. Artists illegally colonized the cheap loft spaces in the 1960s–70s, leading to an explosive art scene that eventually priced them out. The neighborhood was designated a historic district in 1973.

Visitor Tips

• Weekend Crowds: Broadway through SoHo is extremely crowded on weekends. Explore the quieter side streets (Mercer, Greene, Wooster) for a better experience.
• Look Up: The most stunning architectural details are above street level — keep your eyes on the upper facades.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.