The best things to do in Soho

Even if you’re not actually staying in Soho, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the fruits of its hotels. Kick things off at the sultry Mercer Hotel, where Sartiano’s recently expanded its menu offerings to include breakfast. Fill up on hearty offerings like overnight oats and house-baked bread before hitting the pavement for a few hours of local shopping and sightseeing. Once your stomach signals that it’s time for another meal, pop into the Arlo Soho for lunch at Lindens, where after so much time on the neighborhood’s crowded streets, you’ll welcome the lush and open oasis the space provides. The food is stellar too, made up of seasonal new American fare like carrot ravioli cooked in pancetta brown butter and striped bass served with grilled fennel, scallops and salsa verde.

A survivor from the pre-pandemic era, this contemporary 2020s all-day diner is solid from breakfast at 7am through last call around midnight, 2am on weekends. Bring a group of friends or a good book to sidle up in a retro-style booth for freshly shucked oysters, a Montauk-sourced tuna melt, matzo ball soup and an epic banana split. Craft cocktails are also served (and highly recommended). 

Slip into the Leslie Lohman Museum of Art for a bit of queer culture in Soho. This gallery-style museum has seasonal exhibits, plus events like talks with artists, progressive panels, performances and more. IDNYC cardholders can get a free year-long membership.

Sant Ambroeus, which first opened in Milan in 1936, is perhaps the best candidate for bridging the divide between Soho and Little Italy that we can think of. The gelateria’s menu options are undoubtedly decadent, so come with your sweet tooth in tow–and trust us when we say you deserve! Standouts include the Paradiso, a sophisticated strawberry sundae topped with housemade whipped cream and semisweet chocolate shavings, and the eponymous Sant Ambroeus, which is their take on a cafe mocha (available in both hot and iced).

Dominique Ansel honed his skills as executive pastry chef at Daniel for six years before opening this American and French patisserie. Caramelized croissants, miniature pastel meringues and madeleines make up the sweet selections at the counter, in addition to Ansel's madcap creations like milk shot glasses made from chocolate-chip cookies and frozen s'mores on a stick. But the café also serves savory offerings, like avocado toast, quiche, and traditional panini.   

Known as the oldest pizzeria in New York and likely the first-ever pizza joint in America, Lombardi’s is a mainstay that still relies on the now-banned coal ovens to make a crisp pie. Dating back to 1905, this corner side restaurant on the edge of Little Italy is certainly worth a visit for its historic legacy and still excellent pizzas. Add coal oven-roasted red peppers on top of your pie for a special treat. 

Note: Temporarily closed for renovations until Fall 2025

A must for design fans, the museum’s stand-alone retail arm assembles an impressive array of contemporary furnishings and gifts, including sculptural vases, clocks, kitchenware and gadgets.

Housing Works Bookstore Cafe is an extraordinarily unusual and endearing place. The two-level space—which stocks a range of literary fiction, nonfiction, rare books and collectibles—is a peaceful spot for solo relaxation or for meeting friends over coffee or wine. All proceeds from the café go to providing support services for homeless people living with HIV/AIDS. The premises also host an interesting array of literary events.

The Color Factory is home to 14 immersive exhibits that engage all the senses in an exploration of the art and science of color. The museum works with local artists, designers and creatives to bring the designs to life. Even if you’ve visited before, expect to see new surprising and delightful activities in the autumn iteration. The all-ages experience focuses on inspiring moments of joy through art.The Color Factory experience also packs plenty of photo opportunities into its 20,000-square-foot venue. While you can definitely take the standard selfies, Color Factory makes it even easier to get fantastic photos. You’ll get a customized code when you come in, then you can use that code at cameras throughout the space allowing you plenty of time to get a picture-perfect pose. 

The once buzzy dive bar, Milady’s returned to the neighborhood in September 2022, led by Julie Reiner (of the now-closed but still beloved Soho cocktail spot, Pegu Club and Brooklyn’s Clover Club). Visit for fancy Jell-O shots, upscale but almost too drinkable martinis, small elevated bites and more. 

Ice cream is at the center of this 20,000-square-foot museum that’ll make the cold treat even more fun. Through multi-sensory installations, visitors to the museum will be able to interact with fun elements like a three-story indoor slide, the all-pink Celestial Subway and a new add-on called ‘Slime Time’, where you can personalize your very own slime by selecting its color, texture and filling with things like sprinkles and edible glitter.

Even better: The sweet treats along the way. Yes, we’re talking about unlimited ice cream throughout the museum. For adults, check out some fun-themed cocktails as well.

Founded in 1990, this gallery with locations in both New York and Paris specializes in historically important 19th- and 20-century artists with a particular focus on early Pop and Minimal works. The gallery also features a number of contemporary artists, among them David Adamo, Pedro Cabrita Reis and Matt Mullican.

The city’s leading tastemaking venue, Film Forum is programmed by a fest-scouring staff that takes its duties as seriously as a Kurosawa samurai. It's one of the best places to take in the hottest films from Cannes, Venice and beyond. Amid all the adult fare, parents will occasionally find kid-friendly gold in the classic films that are screened.

Memorialize your time in Soho with a customized cosmetic purchase. The Scent Bar by Lucky Scent lets you design your own perfume and signature fragrance. And Bite Beauty’s Lip Lab offers visitors the opportunity to create their own specialized lipstick with customizable shades, scents and finishes. Bisou offers customized nail art, so you can leave with a gel manicure unlike any other.

A pop-up that went permanent thanks to constant demand, the Sloomoo Institute is New York’s tribute to all things slime. Part art installation, part STEM program, the 8,000 square-foot space is filled with experiments, a make-your-own slime bar, and the opportunity to get covered in slime (ponchos provided). Though the museum is typically for families and kids, nighttime adult events take place here sometimes.