Slightly north and west of Battery Park City are two of the hottest neighbourhoods in Manhattan. ‘Tribeca’, which stands for the ‘Triangle Below Canal Street’, and ‘Soho’, which stands for ‘South of Houston Street’, are both famous for their gothic architecture, cobble-stoned streets, fabulous shopping, and great restaurants.

Accommodation

Tribeca and Soho have become famous for the enormous lofts you can rent there. Both neighbourhoods have unfortunately become extremely expensive over the past several years, with those lofts going for several thousand dollars a month and upwards.

Shopping & Amenities

Shopping in Soho is literally a potpourri of delights: just walking up and down Broadway between Canal and Houston Streets you will find anything your heart desires, from MAC to Banana Republic to Armani Exchange, as well as a host of street vendors and boutiques where you will find that unique dress or pair of shoes.

Entertainment & Leisure

Tribeca is known more for its quiet streets and amazing restaurants, while Soho is filled with art galleries, sumptuous shopping and several of the hippest bars and lounges around. Head for Tribeca if you want to eat out – no matter what you are in the mood for or how much you want to spend, there are several choices for you. Whether it is reasonably-priced but tasty diner food at the Gee Whiz Diner at 295 Greenwich Street or fine dining at City Hall on Duane Street, you are sure to leave happy. Soho is also known for its cutting-edge artistic community. It is home to several art galleries, as well as a branch of the Guggenheim Museum.

Health

Tribeca and Soho are in between two of the city’s hospitals, New York Downtown Hospital, and St. Vincent’s Hospital on 12th Street and Seventh Avenue in Greenwich Village (www.svcmc.org). Both healthcare facilities are only minutes away.

Education

Tribeca has plenty of schools for people of all ages, from the Buckle My Shoe nursery (www.bucklemyshoe.org) to the Manhattan School of Sailing (www.sailmanhattan.com). In addition, since it borders Battery Park City, Stuyvesant High School, PS 89 and PS 234 are all easily accessible from Tribeca as well.

Traffic & Public Transport

If you drive, good luck finding a parking spot. These neighbourhoods are made for walking, and you’ll discover much more about the areas on foot. And if you’ve got your new stilettos on or it’s pouring with rain, both areas are accessible using public transport. Trains to Tribeca include: 1, 2, A, C, E, R, W, and N (to Canal Street), and trains to Soho include: F, V, R, C, and E.

Safety & Annoyances

While some side streets in Soho and Tribeca can be desolate and dark late at night, these areas are both considered safe, trendy and upscale.