SoHo

SoHo, an acronym for ‘South of Houston Street’, is one of Manhattan’s most iconic neighbourhoods. Known for its cobbled streets, elegant cast-iron buildings and vibrant atmosphere, it attracts art lovers as well as fashion and architecture enthusiasts. Situated between Houston Street to the north, Canal Street to the south, Crosby Street to the east and 6th Avenue to the west, SoHo has managed to retain its charm while becoming a key part of the New York scene.

The history of SoHo

SoHo is a district that has managed to reinvent itself over the decades, transforming itself from an industrial centre into a mecca for art and shopping. Once populated by factories and manufacturing workshops, it went into decline in the mid-twentieth century, before being saved at the last minute from a motorway project that would have destroyed many of its buildings. It was at this time that artists began to move into these vast, derelict industrial spaces, transforming SoHo into a veritable creative laboratory.

Even today, the district’sindustrial heritage can be seen in its unique architecture, particularly its famous cast-iron buildings, which give it such a special charm. The large windows and elegant facades bear witness to a time when natural light was essential to production workshops. As you stroll through SoHo, you’ll come across traces of its artistic past, whether in the art galleries that are still there or the street art murals that dot some of the streets.

Thedistrict’s boom in the 1980s attracted major brands and transformed SoHo into a must-see destination for shopping and fashion. Yet despite these changes, the soul of the district is still evident in its cobbled streets, trendy cafés and chic, creative atmosphere. To explore SoHo is to walk through a place where history, culture and modernity meet, a place where every building and every façade tells a story.

Visit SoHo: 20-minute walking itinerary

Once the industrial heart of the city, SoHo was filled with factories and workshops. In the 1960s, theabandonment of these spaces attracted artists looking for big, bright lofts at affordable prices. As a result, SoHo became a veritable centre of underground culture, before transforming itself over the decades into a chic district popular with fashion designers and gallery owners. Today, it combines this artistic past with a sophisticated atmosphere, with its upmarket boutiques, art galleries and trendy cafés.

Greene Street

Greene Street is one of SoHo’s most iconic streets, known for its striking cast-iron architecture, luxury boutiques and sophisticated atmosphere.

Located between West Broadway and Mercer Street, it runs through the heart of the district and perfectly embodies SoHo’s evolution from a former industrial centre to a mecca for New York shopping and culture.

Museum of Ice Cream

For an immersive and Instagrammable experience, the Museum of Ice Cream (558 Broadway) offers colourful and interactive installations around the theme of ice cream.

A perfect place for families or those who love whimsical settings.

Cast-Iron District

The architecture of SoHo is unique thanks to its many cast iron buildings, dating back to the 19th century. With their large windows and elegant facades, these buildings give the district a timeless feel.

One of the most remarkable is the Haughwout Building (488 Broadway), a fine example of the architectural style of the period.

The Drawing Center

Although SoHo has lost some of its bohemian atmosphere to areas like Chelsea, it remains a must-see for contemporary art.

The Drawing Center is dedicated to drawing and contemporary art. It’s small but packed with interesting exhibitions.

Color Factory NYC

An interactive attraction offering an immersive artistic experience centred on colours and emotions. This museum like no other invites visitors to explore a series of playful and sensory

designed to awaken creativity and inspire wonder through light effects, illusions and colourful spaces.