The Best Things To Do in SoHo, NYC, To Fully Experience It
The Best Things To Do in SoHo, NYC, To Fully Experience It
Once a bleak industrial landscape dubbed Hell’s Hundred Acres, SoHo is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in New York City. Its unique blend of stunning architecture, vibrant art spaces, and exciting attractions make it a must-visit destination.
With so many things to see and experience, there’s always something new waiting to be discovered around every corner. Follow this list of the best things to do in SoHo, NYC, to make every moment spent in this neighborhood exciting.
10 Fun Things To Do in SoHo, NYC
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Visit Broadway
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Dine at America’s First Pizzeria
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Explore SoHo’s Architecture
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Dive Into the World of Colors
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Unleash Your Inner Child Through Slime Play
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Tour the Ice Cream World
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Discover Contemporary Artists
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Learn About Chinese in America
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Catch a Classic in a Retro Cinema
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Explore LGBTQ+ Art and History
All the attractions on our list are situated a short drive from the Westgate New York Grand Central Hotel, where you can relax in a pleasant atmosphere after exploring all the amazing sights SoHo offers.
1| Visit Broadway |
No trip to SoHo is complete without taking a walk down Broadway. With 41 iconic theaters, it's a cultural hotspot, offering everything from Broadway blockbusters to thought-provoking plays. These venues, like the Richard Rodgers, Vivian Beaumont, and Music Box theaters, each bring their own charm to the area, making Broadway a must-visit for any theater lover.
But Broadway isn't just about shows—it’s also any shopper’s dream. Stretching 13 miles through Manhattan, it’s lined with some of the biggest names in retail, from Bloomingdale’s and Prada to Sephora, Zara, and H&M. Whether you're in the mood for a show or some shopping, Broadway has something for everyone.
WHERE: Broadway, New York, NY
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2 | Dine at America’s First Pizzeria |
On the edge of SoHo and Little Italy lies Lombardi’s—a piece of culinary history and one of the best restaurants in the district. This is where Gennaro Lombardi started his pizza business in 1905, bringing everything he learned about baking from Naples to America. Regarded as the first pizzeria in the U.S., Lombardi’s is also the birthplace of modern, New York-style pizza—one of the most popular dishes in the States.
Lombardi’s still uses coal-heated ovens to bake its homemade dough covered with fresh tomato sauce, basil, and whole milk mozzarella cheese. This gives its pizzas their recognizable smoky flavor and a lightly charred crust, making them a favorite among tourists who want to try the original pizza.
Besides its world-class pizzas, Lombardi’s is also famous for its clam pie, which features three dozen freshly chopped clams served on a pizza.
WHERE: 32 Spring St, New York, NY 10012 | WHO: 212-941-7994
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3 | Explore SoHo’s Architecture |
SoHo offers plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photos and admire its unique architecture. This New York district is home to some of the world’s most famous cast-iron facades made during the Industrial Revolution. The intricate design and ingenuity of historic buildings shed a unique perspective on the city’s industrial past.
Over time, these buildings have been preserved and repurposed, seamlessly blending their historic charm with the conveniences of modern housing. Notable landmarks in the area include the Queen of Greene Street, the King of Greene Street, the Haughwout Building, the Cable Building, and the Little Singer Building. Each offers a unique glimpse into the area’s rich history and architectural evolution.
WHERE: Various areas in SoHo and Broadway
4 | Dive Into the World of Colors |
Voted the best Immersive Art Experience in America in 2024 by USA Today, the Color Factory allows you to embrace the pure joy of color in all its forms. This unique art installation turns everyday experiences into colorful explorations where creativity and imagination come to life.
This 20,000-square-foot venue features works of local and global artists and designers, organized into 14 immersive exhibits fit for all ages. Each room offers something different, from a magical rainbow staircase to a delicious candy disco and huge, colorful confetti.
Every detail is an invitation to explore a new dimension of color, allowing you to create long-lasting memories while snapping fantastic photos and savoring delicious treats.
WHERE: 251 Spring St, New York, NY 10013 | WHO: 347-378-4071
5 | Unleash Your Inner Child Through Slime Play |
Since its launch in 2019, Sloomoo Institute has become a must-visit destination for anyone looking to embrace their playful side. Visitors can dive into more than 30 vats of differently colored, textured, and scented slime. This art installation, supported by a STEM program, reawakens your inner child with its mix of playfulness and science.
Explore a lake of slime, create your own custom slime creations at the 150-foot DIY bar, or unwind at the relaxing ASMR sound station. For a unique twist, there’s even an EEG machine to see how slime affects your brain.
Whether you’re bringing your kids or reliving your own childhood, Sloomoo offers endless fun and creative opportunities, making it perfect for all ages.
WHERE: 475 Broadway, New York, NY 10013 | WHO: 917-818-2982
6 | Tour the Ice Cream World |
The Museum of Ice Cream is a vibrant, 25,000-square-foot wonderland spread across three floors, featuring 13 interactive installations devoted to the world’s favorite frozen treat. Perfect for families, this colorful space offers a fun and delicious adventure at every step, including a three-story slide, a rainbow-colored hallway, and a mesmerizing melting cave!
The highlight of the museum is its sprinkle pool, which is one of the largest in the world. Unlike a typical foam pit, the pool is filled with biodegradable, antimicrobial pellets designed to resemble ice cream sprinkles.
And the best part is—you can have as much ice cream as you want during your visit!
WHERE: 558 Broadway, New York, NY 10012 | WHO: 866-665-1018
7 | Discover Contemporary Artists |
If you’re an art lover, Eden Fine Art Gallery is a spot you can’t miss. Founded in 1997 by Cathia Klimovsky, Eden Gallery has flourished into a prestigious global network of contemporary art galleries. It showcases a wide selection of international artists who embrace modern optimism and shed a progressive perspective on art.
Eden Gallery boasts two locations in New York City, with its SoHo branch offering an impressive 10,000 square feet spread across four floors. Some of the contemporary artists whose works you can expect to see at Eden include Alec Monopoly, Eduardo Kobra, Metis Atash, Gal Yosef, and David Kracov.
All the artwork hosted in the gallery comes with an authenticity certificate and the gallery’s art appraisal.
WHERE: 470 Broome St, New York, NY 10013 | WHO: 646-374-2782
8 | Learn About the Chinese in America |
The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is a national institution dedicated to preserving the history, cultural heritage, and life experiences of Chinese immigrants in the U.S. Designed by acclaimed architect Maya Lin, known for her work on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the museum offers a modern space filled with rich narratives and insights.
The permanent collection features over 65,000 artifacts chronicling Chinese American history from the 19th century to the present. Its main exhibit, “With a Single Step: Stories in the Making of America,” delves into immigration, racial stereotyping, and cultural experiences.
MOCA also hosts various programs, including educational workshops and Chinatown walking tours, offering unique perspectives on SoHo’s heritage.
WHERE: 215 Centre St, New York, NY 10013 | WHO: 212-619-4785
9 | Catch a Classic in a Retro Cinema |
Founded in 1970, this non-profit movie theater has grown from a modest venue with 50 folding chairs and a single projector to a four-screen cinema attracting over 280,000 visitors each year. Its dedication to preserving the art of cinema shines through a carefully curated selection, from classic Hitchcock thrillers to contemporary documentaries.
As soon as you set foot inside Film Forum, you’ll be mesmerized by its retro vibe, enhanced by vintage posters. The welcoming atmosphere invites you to stay a little longer and explore the venue’s diverse offerings.
In addition to its regular screenings, Film Forum also hosts Film Forum Jr. This program focuses on movies suitable for young audiences, offering hours of fun for the entire family.
WHERE: 209 W Houston St, New York, NY 10014 | WHO: 212-727-8110
10 | Explore LGBTQ+ Art and History |
The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art represents a beacon of queer culture and artistic expression in the U.S. This historic venue traces its roots back to 1969, when it started as an exhibition of gay artists in the founder’s loft. Today, the museum serves as a cultural hub for the LGBTQ community, showcasing a rich collection of over 25,000 objects, including paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures.
Visitors to the Leslie-Lohman Museum can explore a diverse range of LGBTQ+ art and experiences through various exhibitions, events, and programs. These offer a comprehensive look into some of the current LGBTQ+ themes and issues, making it a must-visit destination for all art enthusiasts and those interested in LGBTQ+ history.
WHERE: 26 Wooster St, New York, NY 10013 | WHO: 212-431-2609
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Use Our Handy Map To Find the Best Things To Do in SoHo, NYC
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Things To Do in SoHo, NYC
What does SoHo stand for?
SoHo is an acronym that stands for South of Houston Street. This NYC neighborhood was known as Hell’s Hundred Acres until 1962, when urban planner Chester Rapkin first devised the term SoHo to refer to this area.
Is SoHo a good destination for shopping?
SoHo is one of the premier destinations for those who love to frequent shops. The district’s longest and most celebrated street, Broadway, has various shops offering everything from vintage clothing to high-end designer brands.
After exploring all the shops on Broadway, you can continue to Prince Street, where you’ll find even more stores.
What are the best spots for photos in SoHo?
SoHo offers some great spots for the perfect pic. Greene and Broome Streets showcase iconic cast-iron architecture, while Lafayette Street and Wooster Street provide atmospheric backdrops with historic appeal.
For a blend of urban art and style, check out the vibrant “Big City of Dreams” mural on Centre Street, or head to NOMO SoHo on Crosby Street for a picturesque alley framed by greenery.
Which bars and restaurants are popular among celebrities in SoHo, NYC?
If you’re attracted to the glitz and glam of Hollywood culture, you may catch a glimpse of your favorite stars in Dean & DeLuca or Bar Pitti. The Polo Bar and Locanda Verde are also known celebrity hangout spots.
Which celebrities live in SoHo, NYC?
SoHo is an upscale part of New York that attracts A-listers from all areas of showbiz. Some of the famous names that live in this luxury neighborhood include Woody Allen, Robert Downey Jr., Julianne Moore, Daniel Craig, Jon Bon Jovi, John Mayer, Justin Timberlake, and more.
SoHo, NYC—A Place Where Tradition, Art, and Culture Blend Into One
Famous for its cobblestone streets and historic cast-iron buildings, SoHo offers a unique blend of art, culture, and entertainment you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. With its rich history and uplifting vibe, this luxurious area is one of the top tourist locations in New York City.
For more information on New York’s hotels and attractions, don’t forget to check out our Westgate Resorts Travel blog.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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