Hello again! Excited to share with you another guide to NYC.

If I had to pick one area of New York to spend my whole time it would have to be this one. Yes I love Central Park, and yes I can’t get enough of the Brooklyn Flea, but to me days spent wandering Soho, China Town, Little Italy, the East Village and Lower East Side win over all other things to do in the City. And the fact that the whole area can be explored on foot is so fantastic!

Soho is full of gorgeous cobbled streets, stunning loft architecture and more shopping than you can poke a stick at. Whilst the Lower East Side on the other hand is gritty and has so many cultural layers. Finally, The East village is one of the most historical and culturally rich neighbourhoods in NYC. Put these neighbourhoods on your list!

Check out our other NYC guides: The High Line, Meatpacking & Greenwich Village, Brooklyn and How To Plan Your Trip

Pin It

New York Travel Guide: Soho, East Village & The Lower East Side

Stay

After staying in pretty much every corner of NYC I always tell people to try to book accommodation in Soho or the Lower East Side… it may be more pricey but it’s worth it!

Inspired by Scandinavian interiors, 11 Howard is located between the bustling and hip neighbourhoods of Nolita, Soho and Tribeca.

Just between the Lower East Side and Nolita, is The Ludlow. A great choice if you are looking to revel in a little bit of luxe (and yes, those ARE the bathrooms you’ve seen all over Instagram).

Chill out at The Crosby St Hotel.

Eat & Drink

Fight your way to a table at Katz’s Deli for a wonderfully stuffed pastrami sandwich.

Get your lox and schmear fix at Russ & Daughters.

Indulge in some authentic Greek food served at Kiki’s!

If you are in Soho, drop by The Dutch, serving classic American food all day long.

Looking for a good cup of coffee in the neighbourhood? La Colombe is a great spot to try.

Have brunch at Jack’s Wife Freida

Have cocktails at Mace.

Have delicious Thai at Som Tum Der.

Grab some spices at SOS chefs (last time I was there they had great straw bags too!).

Have a coffee at 9th st espresso.

The original restaurant within a restaurant, don’t miss La Esquina.

Lunch at Balthazar is a classic.

Check out pretty Le Coucou for dinner.

Have a cosy meal hidden down an alley at Freemans.

Stop in for brunch at Clinton St Baking Company.

See & Do

Check out the Tenement Museum, booking in advance is a good idea!

Drop in at Purl Soho for craft supplies.

Drop into the gorgeously curated Frankie Shop.

Window shop at pretty Maryam Nassir Zadeh.

Have a massage at the Chillhouse.

Explore neighbouring china town – the streets of Doyer, Mott, Grand and Elizabeth Street are really interesting.

Hang out on the grass in Tompkins Square park in the East Village and listen to Jazz (grab a bagel from Tomkins Square bagels or an ice cream from Big Gay Ice Cream).

Pick up some pretty underwear at Azaeleas.

Go shopping at Tokio 7, one of the best consignment stores in NYC.