Is SoHo worth it?
Worth it if…Lives up to the hype · +34Cobblestone cast-iron district: chain flagships on Broadway, designer and indie shops on side streets
Worth it, with conditions. The architecture lives up to the photos, but guides say the edgy, artsy SoHo is gone and Broadway feels like a mall.
Hype21How famous and hyped it is
Reality55Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.8 ★ Google · 22 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to SoHo? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 shoppers vote
The densest mix of flagships, designer stores and vintage in the city, plus the under-$110 clothing tax break.
Why Reality is 55
Lives up to its fame3/5The architecture lives up to the photos, but guides say the edgy, artsy SoHo is gone and Broadway feels like a mall.
Value for money3/5Walking is free and the tax break helps, but prices are standard to high and much of Broadway is mall chains.
Can’t get it elsewhere3/5The cast-iron streetscape is one of a kind; the shopping itself (chains and global luxury brands) is available elsewhere, including Fifth Avenue and Williamsburg.
Easy to do4/5Four subway lines ring the district and no booking is needed; weekend crowds are the main friction.
What people loved
The world's largest concentration of cast-iron facades, on cobblestone streets that are worth seeing even if you don't shopHuge density of shops, from mass-market flagships to luxury houses and vintage/thrift (Housing Works, The ReShop)Side streets like Greene and Mercer are calmer and more interesting than BroadwayClothing and shoes under $110 skip sales tax entirelyWhat wore them down
Broadway is dominated by chains you can find in any mall; guides note SoHo has lost most of its edgeWeekend afternoons are shoulder-to-shoulder on narrow sidewalksScaffolding often covers the architecture people come to seeCafés and restaurants are pricey, and cobblestones are hard on bad shoesKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: No tickets. Some hyped stores have lines out the door on weekends.
EntryFree to browse; prices range from Uniqlo/Zara chains to Chanel and Louis VuittonSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Getting therePrince St (R/W), Spring St (C/E or 6), Broadway–Lafayette (B/D/F/M) or Bleecker St (6); roughly 15 min by subway from Times Square on the R/WSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Where to shopBroadway: big chains (Uniqlo, H&M, Zara, Nike, Bloomingdale's). Prince, Spring, Broome, Greene, Mercer: designer flagships and boutiques. West Broadway: galleries and GucciSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Sales taxClothing and footwear under $110 per item are exempt from New York City and State sales taxSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursMost shops open daily, including Sundays; weekend afternoons are the busiestSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
RestroomsBloomingdale's SoHo (504 Broadway) has free restrooms and wifiSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Time needed1–3 hours; a half day if architecture and galleries are the focusSource: Google reviews · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
In their words
“Even if shopping isn't your thing, the streetscape is worth the subway ride.”
“Scaffolding is a constant NYC tax on views. Duck into a side street when Broadway feels like a mall.”
“Weekends are shoulder-to-shoulder; weekday mornings are better for photos. Cobblestones will punish bad shoes.”
“Perfect for a date, the eateries are a little costly.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
What is the best street for shopping in SoHo?
Broadway for big chains; Prince, Spring, Broome, Greene and Mercer streets for designer flagships and boutiques.
Which subway goes to SoHo?
R/W to Prince St, C/E or 6 to Spring St, B/D/F/M to Broadway–Lafayette, or the 6 to Bleecker St.
When is SoHo least crowded?
Weekday mornings. Weekend afternoons are the busiest.
Is there sales tax on clothes in New York City?
Clothing and footwear under $110 per item are exempt from city and state sales tax; items $110 and up are taxed.
Are there public restrooms in SoHo?
Bloomingdale's on Broadway has free restrooms and wifi.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- Lonely Planet – Where to shop in NYC (SoHo section)
- NewYork.co.uk – Shopping in SoHo
- Bloomberg – New York restores apparel sales tax break on items under $110 (2012)
- NYS Tax – Publication 718-C, sales tax on clothing and footwear
- NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission – SoHo–Cast Iron Historic District designation
- Google Maps – SoHo Cast Iron Historic District