What to do in SoHo New York? I don’t even need to ask myself—because every time, I find something new. What started as a one-page NYC to-do list has now turned into a full-on weekend planner. If you’re anything like me and love mapping out your weekends in advance, exploring SoHo and a few neighboring spots nearby is non-negotiable. From indie art galleries to stylish boutiques and photogenic brunch spots, figuring out what to do in SoHo New York is half the fun—and totally worth it along with a few extra places to explore.
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Brunch at Laduree SoHo
Laduree is located at 398 West Broadway. They are known for their iconic macarons; the café provides a full brunch menu in an elegant setting. Tucked away from the city’s chaos, their enchanting courtyard garden—filled with cherry blossoms and winding vines—feels like a dreamy escape from New York. It’s the perfect setting for a peaceful, photogenic brunch.
What we ordered
Onion Soup Gratinee — This classic French onion soup arrives bubbling hot, topped with a golden, melted layer of cheese over toasted bread. The rich, savory broth is packed with caramelized onions, creating a deep, comforting flavor that perfectly balances sweetness and umami. It looks as good as it tastes.
Burger de Boeuf — The presentation wasn’t bad, but the flavor didn’t stand out. The patty was decent, but overall, it tasted pretty average. Nothing memorable.
Pain perdu French toast — I had high expectations about this toast, but the texture of the toast felt overly greasy. The surface was rigid, almost as if it had been soaked in butter for too long, and the inside was dripping with oil when I cut into it. It was too heavy overall; I took a few bites and couldn’t keep going.
Cheery Blossom Latee — I highly recommend this one! It’s not just visually stunning—the soft pink hue is gorgeous—but the sweetness is perfectly balanced, and the light floral aroma makes it so addictive that you’ll want a second cup as soon as you finish the first.
Maita’i — The taste is ok, but I still prefer the authentic Mai Tai I had in Hawaii.
Is Laduree Worth It?
If you’re after an elegant brunch spot with Parisian charm and Instagram-worthy aesthetics, Ladurée is the place to be. Just don’t go in expecting much from the food.
Tips: Cherry blossom season typically peaks around April. If you want to enjoy them in full bloom, make sure to book a reservation for the courtyard on Resy at least 3 weeks in advance—and don’t forget to check the weather forecast. It’s also a good idea to call the restaurant directly to confirm whether the cherry blossom trees are blooming before you go.
Laduree — Must-Go rating 3.8 out 5 ⭐
Union Square Greenmarket
If you ask me what to do in Union Square, I must shout: Go to the Greenmarket! It’s like a farmers’ market, a flower shop, and a winery, and Etsy had a chaotic but beautiful baby. You’ll find everything from fresh produce and local wines to plants, flowers, and even vintage jewelry your grandma would fight you for.
Union Square Greenmarket— Must-Go rating 4.7 out 5 ⭐
Fishs Eddy vintage dishware shopping
Don’t stop; there are better ones. If you want to buy a gift for a friend who loves unique, nostalgic home goods with personality, visit Fishs Eddy. They are known for being a vintage & funky dishware store located near Union Square.
If you’re into home decor, this place is like Disneyland for you. You will find that one quirky little item you never knew you needed—but now can’t live without. If you are traveling to New York and want to bring a NY gift home, you can easily order online and have it shipped straight to your door.
What you’ll find here:
Retro and New York-themed ceramics
Vintage hotel-style plates, mugs, and glassware
Funny and sassy dish towels and kitchen gifts
Affordable mix-and-match dinnerware
Fishs Eddy — Must-Go rating 4.8 out 5 ⭐
McNally Jackson Books
If you’re a book lover, McNally Jackson Books is a must visit spot. Trust me — you won’t leave empty-handed. The store is packed with a wide variety of titles across all genres. Plus, they regularly host author talks and book events at their Seaport location. Be sure to check out their upcoming event if you’re interested in meeting authors and joining the conversation.
McNally Jackson Books— Must-Go rating 4.6 out 5 ⭐
Neighborhoods in Manhattan
Still reading? 😂 That’s a wrap on my day—but don’t worry, I’ve got way more cool New York spots coming your way soon. In the meantime, if you’re itching for more NYC adventures, go snoop around our latest blog and Tiktok videos. You won’t regret it 😉.
Let me know how you plan your weekends. Do you have a go-to spot in New York that you never get tired of? Let’s swap recommendations and uncover more hidden gems like Bar Orai or my Williamsburg Itinerary together!
