Luxury holidays in Soho
This former manufacturing district in Lower Manhattan (formally known as South of Houston Street)has cast off its Hell’s Hundred Acres nickname, but kept the exquisite cascading cast-iron fire escapes and colonnaded and brightly hued façades. Artists attracted to its cheap lofts in the 70s and 80s have long since moved on, but amid its lavish boutiques (Prada, Vuitton, Bloomingdales…) and quirky cult brands there are some well-respected galleries (Team Gallery, Swiss Institute). Once you’ve furnished yourself with staggeringly expensive finery, head on a cocktail hunt: dive bars, buzzy rooftops, lengthy wine lists and dimly lit spaces for a Dark and Stormy, this dashing neighbourhood will happily oblige.
When to go
Flights to New York are a little cheaper during its winter months, from January to March, but temperatures can dip to icy lows. For more clement pavement-pounding weather, visit in spring or summer, just as bar rooftops are reopening.