SoHo & TriBeCa Neighborhood Guide

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SoHo & TriBeCa, along with Battery Park City and Greenwich Village, rank as Manhattan’s 6th most populous area. Approximately 42,000 people call this stretch of the Big Apple home. Initially farmed by the Dutch, then later by the English and Italians, TriBeCa (which stands for “Triangle Below Canal Street”) became a center for shipping and trading following the American Civil War and has flourished ever since. The name “SoHo” refers to the neighborhood’s location “South of Houston Street” but also references the chic neighborhood of the same name in London, solidifying SoHo’s urban credentials.

Reputed as some of Manhattan’s trendiest neighborhoods, SoHo & TriBeCa are known for being an upscale center of arts, entertainment, and fashion. Residents here live in a mix of old and new housing, with cast-iron facades being one of the most notable architectural styles. Artists’ lofts and galleries in industrial buildings sit shoulder-to-shoulder with upscale boutiques and high-end eateries. Here, culture and sophistication mix with downtown cool.

SoHo & TriBeCa Location and Getting Around

SoHo & TriBeCa and their smaller counterparts, Little Italy and Civic Center, sit on the far lower end of Manhattan, between the Hudson River and Bowery St./Center St. on one end, and Houston and Vesey St. on the other. Due to the area’s relatively small size compared to other neighborhoods in Manhattan, SoHo & TriBeCa get excellent walkability scores. For those who prefer getting around on two wheels instead of on foot, biking here is also relatively better than in the rest of NYC. Additionally, SoHo & TriBeCa score 100/100 for public transit. In addition to buses, four subway lines serve the neighborhood: the Broadway-7th Avenue Local, the 7th Avenue Express, the 8th Avenue Express, and the 8th Avenue Local.

SoHo & TriBeCa Neighborhood Landmarks

SoHo & TriBeCa have many culturally relevant landmarks, as well as convenient access to beautiful outdoor spaces.
The Cast Iron Historical District was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1978 and encompasses most of the SoHo neighborhood. The community’s development first started at the tail end of the 18th century, with the arrival of many wealthy residents. At the time, cast iron was a cheaper alternative to using granite or marble to create ornate facades, and some of those homes stand even today.  St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the largest Catholic churches in Manhattan – and one of the oldest. Immigrants and wealthy benefactors raised money to build the church in the 1850s. The stunning Neo-Gothic architecture alone makes it an impressive landmark, and the stained-glass windows are beautiful. Hudson River Park is a favorite place for locals to jog, walk, or just take in the view of the Hudson River. With more than 500 acres, the park boasts multiple dog parks and play areas for children. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to build and sail a boat, the park’s Village Community Boathouse is the place to do it.  The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) exhibits art installations focused on the Chinese American experience. It encourages an educational and cultural understanding of Chinese heritage in NYC. Little Italy is historically known for its large Italian population. The area still boasts an impressive number of authentic restaurants dishing up pizza and pasta, and several shops selling olive oil and other staples of Italian cuisine.

Locals Love

Best SoHo & TriBeCa Restaurants

True to its heritage as a seaport and early settlement by Italian immigrants, the area offers many great options for tasting Italian and seafood, as well as cuisine from all over the world. For a romantic evening out, locals turn to Balthazar, a SoHo brasserie that’s famed for authentic French cuisine. This little upscale eatery can get crowded, which makes reservations a must, but the wait is worth it for “creamy” lobster bisque and “juicy” burgers. Despaña offers tapas that locals describe as “delicious,” as well as a grocery selection for who’d rather prepare food at home. Lure Fishbar serves fresh fish and boasts a raw sushi bar, in a “yachtlike” setting that evokes being out on the open water. Locanda Verde has been serving trendy Italian food since 2009; locals recommend trying the sheep’s milk ricotta with extra virgin olive oil and grilled Ciabatta bread.

Top SoHo & TriBeCa Gyms

To maintain appearances after chowing down, locals turn to some of SoHo and TriBeCa’s top gyms to train and tone. The “fantastic” atmosphere at UFC Gym NYC SoHo keeps locals returning to it for high-intensity boxing and kickboxing classes. Other neighborhood residents rave about the Muay Thai and kettlebell training classes offered at Five Points Academy. ICE NYC delivers CrossFit classes in an “approachable” setting with “superb” coaching. For an all-over workout that cranks up the energy, locals turn to Exceed Physical Culture, a studio that offers cross-body training. Locals say that the coaches at the Trinity Boxing Club are “excellent,” with years of experience and a genuine passion for boxing and training.

Local SoHo & TriBeCa Coffee Shops

Whether it’s a pick-me-up before work or a caffeine boost during the daily grind, the artists, professionals, and real estate agents that work in the neighborhood know where to get their local coffee fix. Harney & Sons is an old-fashioned tea shop, with scones and other breakfast favorites to go with its impressive array of teas. A spacious layout and comfy seating means you’ll find locals sitting here for hours, long after they finish the last mug of tea. La Colombe Coffee is famous for its draft latte, which draws lines out the door. MarieBelle is a chocolatier and café that locals say is “magical” to visit in person. Ground Support beckons to passersby for a change of pace, with a relaxed attitude and laidback vibes. Be sure to try the House Blend, which is freshly roasted in-house. Baked offers an ever-rotating menu of sweets, coffees, and teas, and you’ll find students and professionals alike taking a break from work to eat their “delicious” banana chocolate loaf.

Nightlife in SoHo & TriBeCa

After the day’s work is done, residents mix and mingle at SoHo & TriBeCa’s chicest bars. The options for imbibing are as diverse as the neighborhood itself. For date night, locals head to Anotheroom, an unassuming lounge with cozy seating and an impressive selection of craft beers. Smith and Mills has a unique location: it’s in an old carriage house, and the now bathroom had a previous life as an elevator. The seating here is snug, encouraging intimate conversation over classic cocktails. Locals recommend bringing a few friends to try their cocktail menu and small plates.

Woodrow’s is a neighborhood bar with a loyal crowd of regulars who come for the pub food and stay for the beers. Brandy Library is a “classy” place with ambiance: the bottles are lined up on shelves around the room, hence the library name. Regulars recommend snagging a reservation, as the bar doesn’t allow standing room. Pegu Club is known for its signature cocktails and old-fashioned atmosphere, with nightly jazz performances.

What These Businesses Love About SoHo & TriBeCa

I have been living in Soho for the past 30 years I still have the same feeling I got then, of being in a Small City inside a Big City, friendly and most people know each other in the neighborhood, is a beautiful energy.”
– Maribel Lieberman, CEO & Founder – MarieBelle New York Chocolates

Soho is fantastic! We have the best neighbors, some really interesting history. It was a hub for factories in its previous life, and the residual structures are huge old loading docks – which are the perfect places to sit and enjoy your coffee!”
– Steven Sadoff, Owner – Ground Support Cafe

With its great variety of bars and restaurants, along with no shortage of shopping options, it really is the biggest little neighborhood in the city.”
– Shawn Rhynehart, General Manager – Brandy Library

SoHo & TriBeCa Movers

Limited street parking, narrow walkups, and strict apartment rules mean moving to the Big Apple has a few hurdles. Contact Imperial Moving & Storage (imperialmovers.com) for reliable, professional moving service and help with the heavy lifting. We’ve been providing our moving expertise to Manhattan for over ten years, aiding with both office and residential moves. Imperial also offers other relocation services including secure storage, last minute moves, packing & unpacking, and more. We’ll make sure every detail of your SoHo & Tribeca move goes off without a hitch, from the moment you call for a free quote. Give us a call today to get started!

SoHo & TriBeCa Neighborhood Infographic