How to Spend a Day in Soho

SoHo is one of New York’s most popular neighborhoods. It’s a shopping hotspot with designer stores, boutiques, and trendy popups. There are endless restaurants and Instagrammable coffee shops. And, of course, there are dozens of galleries. There’s much to see in this iconic loft lined neighborhood. We’re sharing exactly how to spend a day in SoHo to see it all. 

Breakfast to Start the Day

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Maman-SoHo-New-York

Fuel up for a fun day ahead with a tasty breakfast.

For a quick coffee and breakfast, try Maman, a darling French bakery. They make amazing croissants and have Oprah’s favorite chocolate chip cookie!

For a sit-down breakfast, check out SoHo Diner, located in the SoHo Grand Hotel. It looks and feels like a diner but has modern details that make it feel up to par with the rest of the SoHo. They serve classics like eggs, pancakes, and oatmeal but also have things like huevos rancheros and a salmon platter. Don’t miss their eclectic drinks menu.

SoHo Galleries & Museums

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Did you know that SoHo was largely an artist neighborhood until the 1990s? While many people completely overlook the art scene in SoHo, there’s so much incredible art tucked into discreetly located galleries. And it’s thanks to them that SoHo has become such a vibrant neighborhood.

Schedule a tour of the Judd Foundation, which is the former home and studio of artist Donald Judd. He was long associated with minimalism and you’ll certainly feel that in the sparsely filled but bright and sunny space. 

There are also many small galleries with revolving exhibits. Some of the most popular are Jeffrey Deitch, Center for Italian Modern Art (CIMA), Peter Freeman Inc., The Drawing Center, and Eden Gallery

And if that’s really not your kind of art, check out the Museum of Ice Cream, which is a multi-sensory experience celebrating all things ice cream. Queue the pink wallpapers, sprinkle pool, and ice cream in practically every room. It’s a fun time for adults and kids alike. 

Best Lunch in SoHo

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At this point, you’ll probably be ready for some lunch. 

Head to Ruby’s, an Australian cafe that serves tasty salads, burgers, and grain bowls. Not to be dramatic, but their burger is one of the (many) reasons that is keeping us in New York.

Alternatively, Parm serves amazing Italian food. They’re a sister restaurant to the famous and impossible to get a reservation at Carbone. They even have the famous Carbone pasta on the menu (Rigatoni Carbone). You’ll also find other classics like chicken parm, spaghetti and meatballs, and classic Italian sandwiches. 

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SoHo Shopping

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It’s time to get your shopping on!

We have a full SoHo shopping guide here, but we’ll highlight some favorites below. 

The MoMa Design Store sells unique gifts, souvenirs, and housewares. 

Aime Leon Dore has a cult following, and the shop always has a line around the corner, but when in New York, right?

Check out Le Labo and Diptyque to smell and sample their perfume and candles. 

MUJI is a popular Japanese store with a very serene and minimalist vibe. They sell a little bit of everything – stationery, home goods, clothes, and travel accessories all in very clean and simple designs. 

SoHo is home to probably any designer store on your list but some of our favorites include Gucci, Loewe, Celine, Ganni, and Prada

Another personal favorite is M. Crow which is the New York outpost of a general store and blends slow, rustic details with New York’s buzzy vibe. The interior is as spectacular and thoughtful as the items for sale, and everything is handmade by the artist in Philadelphia. 

To score a deal, check out what’s on at 260 Sample Sale, which sells high-end brands at a fraction of the price. And check out The Real Real for luxury consignment. 

For women’s fashion, check out Toteme, Loeffler Randall, Clare V., Alex Mill, Sezane, and Farm Rio

For men’s fashion, check out Saturdays NYC, Sunspel, Kith, Buck Mason, Industry of All Nations, and Ralph Lauren

Dinner

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SoHo is the place to be for dinner time! No matter the day of the week, folks will flock to the delicious and lively restaurants in the neighborhood. 

Jack’s Wife Freda is a favorite and a great spot for people-watching. The sidewalk tables feel particularly European if you’re lucky to snag one. On their American-Mediterranean menu, you’ll find kebabs, salads, pasta, and steak. Don’t skip the zucchini chip starter! 

King is a French and Italian restaurant with a menu that changes every day. If you like surprises, this is the place for you! Whatever they’re serving, it’ll be delicious. The chefs work off seasonal ingredients and craft up amazing dishes in the kitchen. The ambiance is warm and bright, it’s a place you can spend a whole evening.

Lola Taverna is a hot spot and is often frequented by celebrities. It’s perfectly located on a busy enough corner where you’re in the heart of the action without feeling overwhelming or chaotic. The Greek menu offers lots of fresh veggies, light salads, steaks, and fish. 

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A Sweet Treat to End the Night

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End the night on a sweet note with one of SoHo’s sweet treat options. 

The most popular might be Dominique Ansel Bakery which is home to the world-renowned cronut, a mix of a donut and a croissant. Don’t skip their other tasty pastries!

If you’re a cookie fan, you’ll love Levain, which makes the famous decadent chocolate chip cookies. 

For some ice cream, try Gelateria, which feels like a mini trip to Europe. Their gelato recipe has been passed down since 1880, so you know it’s good. 

On that happy note, we’ll wrap up this guide on how to spend a day in SoHo. A day of good food, shopping, and art – what more could you want?! 

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