The area immediately south of Manhattan’s Houston Street has been affectionately known as SoHo since Chester Rapkin, an urban planner who was involved in the development of the area, coined the term. The area has a fascinating history that stems back to the 1600s. In more recent years, SoHo has been a hub for artists who moved to the area in the 1970s following a failed redevelopment. For decades, the area was home to some of the most notable names in New York art, including Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. During the 1990s, rising rents saw a shift in the demographic, and today visitors can discover the diverse history of the area with a walking tour, eat at one of Manhattan’s finest restaurants or enjoy a day of shopping.

Make your way along Broadway Street to find the best in international retail outlets. Fashion boutiques, home wares and bookstores can all be found on the strip, including flagship stores for Topshop, Levis and Emporio Armani. Venture off the main drag to find some of New York’s best-kept shopping secrets, as you meander through the character-filled streets of SoHo.

Enjoy a meal or a cocktail at one of the city’s coolest restaurants. SoHo is the “in” place to be, and there are new establishments opening up in the streets off Broadway Street regularly. There are also a number of clubs in the area, and it is known as being a great place to meet locals.

SoHo is located in southern Manhattan, and is bordered by NoHo, Little Italy, TriBeCa and the South Village. The area is well served by public transportation, with a number of subway lines running through the area. The area is easily accessed by car; however, expect to pay for parking. SoHo can be visited daily, and there is no fee.