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SoHo - Manhattan - NYC

With its cast-iron building facades and trendy shopping and dining, SoHo is an iconic Manhattan neighborhood to visit.

SoHo VIDEO

The neighborhood

SoHo (which stands for South of Houston Street), resides between 6th Avenue and Lafayette Street (to the west and east) and Canal Street and Houston Street (to the south and north). Many of the buildings in this district have cast-iron facades - their columns and collonades lending a classic flair to the neighborhood. Inside these former warehouses there is a wide array of high-fashion stores and upscale dining.

SoHo remains one of the must-visit neighborhoods in New York City.

The neighborhood of SoHo, short for "South of Houston Street," is a vibrant and artistic enclave nestled in lower Manhattan. SoHo is renowned for its cast-iron architecture, characterized by its iconic facades and large loft spaces. Originally an industrial area, the neighborhood experienced a transformation in the 1960s when artists began occupying the spacious yet affordable lofts. Today, SoHo remains a hub for creativity, attracting a diverse range of artists, designers, and galleries. The cobblestone streets are lined with an array of boutiques, high-end retailers, and trendy eateries, making it a popular shopping and dining destination. SoHo is also home to several notable landmarks, including the Haughwout Building, known for its striking cast-iron facade, and the New York City Fire Museum, housed in a former firehouse. With its unique blend of artistic flair, historic architecture, and bustling commercial scene, SoHo continues to captivate both residents and visitors alike.

The neighborhood of SoHo in Manhattan gets its name from its location "South of Houston Street." Houston Street, pronounced "HOW-stun" rather than like the city in Texas, serves as the northern border of the neighborhood. The area was initially known as the Cast Iron District due to its abundance of buildings featuring cast-iron facades. However, in the 1960s, a real estate agent named Chester Rapkin coined the term "SoHo" to give the neighborhood a more distinct identity. The name quickly caught on, and SoHo became synonymous with the artistic and creative energy that permeated the area. Today, SoHo is celebrated for its unique blend of art galleries, upscale boutiques, and trendy restaurants, solidifying its status as an iconic and vibrant neighborhood in the heart of Manhattan.

The neighborhood of SoHo in Manhattan has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century. Originally a thriving commercial and industrial district, SoHo was characterized by its large cast-iron buildings and warehouses. The area was home to numerous factories, warehouses, and textile mills, making it an important hub for manufacturing and trade. However, as industries began to decline in the mid-20th century, many of these buildings fell into disuse and became abandoned. In the 1960s, artists began to discover the spacious loft spaces in SoHo and transformed them into live-work studios. This artistic influx marked a turning point for the neighborhood, and it soon became a haven for creative individuals, attracting artists, musicians, and performers. As the artistic community thrived, SoHo's reputation as an avant-garde and culturally vibrant neighborhood grew. Today, SoHo is known for its iconic cast-iron architecture, trendy boutiques, art galleries, and vibrant street life. The neighborhood's unique blend of artistic history and commercial vitality has made it one of the most sought-after areas in Manhattan.

The neighborhood of SoHo, Manhattan is brimming with major landmarks and attractions that make it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. One of the notable landmarks is the Haughwout Building, an architectural gem known for its elegant cast-iron facade. The building has a rich history and was once home to the Haughwout Department Store, which gained fame for being the first commercial building in the world to have a passenger elevator. Another iconic landmark is the New York City Fire Museum, housed in a former firehouse. Here, visitors can explore the history of the city's firefighting services and view an impressive collection of vintage fire engines and equipment. Art enthusiasts flock to SoHo for its renowned art galleries, including the New Museum and the Gagosian Gallery, which showcase contemporary and modern artworks. The neighborhood is also a shopper's paradise, offering a mix of high-end boutiques, designer stores, and flagship retailers along its charming cobblestone streets. SoHo is further adorned with beautiful public spaces like the SoHo Cast Iron Historic District, which showcases the neighborhood's distinctive architecture. With its blend of cultural landmarks, artistic offerings, and vibrant shopping scene, SoHo continues to captivate visitors and residents alike.

The neighborhood of SoHo, Manhattan has been home to numerous famous individuals who have contributed to various fields. One notable figure is Jean-Michel Basquiat, a renowned artist of the 1980s art scene. Basquiat's vibrant and expressive works gained international recognition and solidified him as an influential artist. Another notable resident is Philip Glass, the acclaimed composer known for his minimalist compositions. Glass's avant-garde approach to music has made a significant impact on contemporary classical music. Additionally, actors such as Robert De Niro and Sarah Jessica Parker have called SoHo home at different points in their careers. De Niro, known for his iconic roles in films like "Taxi Driver" and "Raging Bull," co-founded the Tribeca Film Festival, which contributes to the artistic vibrancy of the city. Parker, famous for her portrayal of Carrie Bradshaw in the TV series "Sex and the City," has left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the neighborhood's fashion scene. These individuals, among many others, have contributed to the creative energy and cultural fabric of SoHo, cementing its reputation as a hub for artistic expression.

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All photography provided by Samuel Walters