Downtown Profile: SoHo

Cobblestone streets are lined with small, five story warehouses in thick brick buildings and street artists paint away as culture identifies itself with the SoHo vibe. An edgy, downtown district known by the disorienting streets that lie South of Houston Street (SoHo). The area is becoming increasingly more touristy as visitors flock each week to browse the unique furniture, design, and art galleries and high end designer shops. Although many New Yorkers do not dare to set foot in SoHo, it has maintained it's artistic charm, chic grunge, and uncanny ability to savor the true flavor of downtown New York.

SoHo is perfect when one knows where to go and how to explore the intricate streets. Clothing taxes in New York weighs a lot more on the bottom line than it does in Jersey, so shopping at affordable stores is key. TopShop on Broadway and Broome Street offers three floors of shopping with a good discount for all who show a student ID. Steve Madden, Forever 21, Converse, Wink, Intermix and many other shops can be found along this road to tailor to ones specific shopping needs. Browse Spring Street, Greene Street, and W. Broadway for more amazing vintage clothes shops and even better dining.

On Spring Street and W. Broadway lies one of the best Italian restaurants in the area. The cute walk up eatery offers a unique dining experience; cozy, fresh, and enticing. NYU students hang out among the young and old of the area as warm thin crust pizzas and perfectly cooked penne come out straight from the oven. The atmosphere is bright even though the lighting is dim, reflecting the vibe of the area.

Not only is SoHo a great place to eat and shop, but it is rich in museums and galleries. The New Museum on Bowery Street always exhibits the most up to date artists including their most recent, Carsten Holler Installation. Small galleries can be found along W. Broadway and are open to the public until late at night. SoHo swirls in the late morning and early afternoon with people and shoppers but clears out at night for a perfect walk along Prince Street to browse store windows and savor the innate flavor of downtown New York City; unique, edgy, and constantly changing while remaining in the past.