Visiting New York? A Local's Guide to SoHo with Rajiv Surendra (Shopping, Eating, Sightseeing)

[@coconut922]

LOL Rajiv dancing in the pizza shop was perfection. I love his personality. How amazing would it be to hang out for a day in NYC with Rajiv !!

[@evavillarreal9753]

Great idea!!!

[@zeal1438]

Count me in 😄

[@girlathebeach]

@@zeal1438 count me in for that too!

[@letitrejo9332]

A dream come true 😊

[@joycemansfield1108]

I saw that too he's experiencing real joy in his life .

[@desiriemendez]

You should do this for every neighborhood in NYC - I’d gladly watch. I love hearing all your stories, Rajiv. ❤

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you ;-)

[@Yourhighnessnona]

@@rajivsurendra I would watch, too! I think many of us can agree this series would be fantastic!

[@yanikjayaram]

Plus one ☝️

[@paulashivers8644]

Me, too.

[@meercatt]

Same❤

[@JacquelineValled]

Most people look but never see. You see and therefore make us see. Bravo Rajiv. Keep seeing 🎉

[@fionasimagination]

I used to think everyone experienced the world like this. That's why I used to be very confused at people's very different reaction to other people and their surroundings. Now I know it is a gift not many people share and I am grateful for it all the time and a lot more forgiving towards people that do not have it.

[@kaioiamo1503]

You’re either unserious or outrageously pretentious.

[@fionasimagination]

@kaioiamo1503 I'm serious. I have met so many people that can't see the beauty around them. Literally they are surprised when you point it out and I often get asked where I get my motivation and joy in life from. I am severely disabled and have been bedridden for 11 years in my tiny one bedroom apartment. I only have one relative my mother who is dying of Alzheimer and most days I can barely even sit up in bed due too intense pain and weakness. Yet I am more hopeful , happier and a lot more grateful for my life than most people I have met. And that is not something I observed, but something they told me. I don't think this is something I achieved but something I have been given. I am a very lucky person in that sense and am grateful every day to be able to see and appreciate the beauty in everything.

[@sandypanda3872]

People ask me if I'm high..I'm not. I just see everything n take in the smells of food n enjoy things deeply. Lol happy to be me✌

[@andwegogentle]

When I grow up I want to be able to eat something covered in tomato sauce and sit on a sidewalk in the rain while wearing all white and still get up looking clean and fabulous. Love your videos! I too dance in pizza shops. Signed, native NY'er

[@celinefederici6951]

Hi Rajiv..I am native New Yorker who retired to Cape Cod in 2007. My friends opened the Cupping Room Cafe , first restaurant in Soho in 1977. We all thought they were crazy because the streets were deserted save for the artists who found lofts to live in. At that time, I was studying sumi -e- in Sohowith a Japanese artist called Koho. No one was around so I was a little nervous about walking the streets from the subway at night. We met in a small room & she served us jasmine tea form her teapot. I remember she had a dying bamboo plant. She called her studio...Koho of Soho. I also drew the model in a basement on Greene St. No bell...you needed a code to open the door for entry. There must have been 40 of us crammed into the dark, basement w a light only on the model. The owner charged 25 cents terrible coffee in a chipped cup. Soho was a special place before gentrification. I lived in a one bedroom rent controlled apt near Grammercy Park...rent $60 a month. I received my BA and MS at Hunter College for free. Those were the good old days in NYC till the early 90's. Pearl Paint on Canal St. had 5 floors of art supplies. Perhaps it was gone by the time you moved to the city. Best that you give tours for NYC is a different city now. Kudos to you for still finding gems.

[@deshume]

What a beautiful memory💙

[@SourianteOrange]

Thank you for sharing!❤

[@rajivsurendra]

Wow, thank you for sharing that. It sounds like a completely different world! I was lucky enough to know Pearl Paint. It closed a couple of years after I moved here, but I'd go there for art supplies when it was still open. I have a huge canvas I did a landscape painting on, and it came from Pearl!

[@Veroave3]

I remember the cupping room and loved it however it wasn’t the First restaurant in SoHo. It was the first unique coffee cafe. goodness we had the Spring Street, Feneli’s, Broome Street Bar, and the most wonderful place FOOD restaurant, SoHo Charcuterie, DeLuca’s cheese shop before he crossed the street to be Dean & DeLuca. I lived on Elizabeth St in 1975-83. New York was crumbling and SoHo was the most exciting place to be and the most beautiful architecture to witness daily. One just had to look down then to the tops of these cast iron buildings such wonder. No Tourists.

[@joycemansfield1108]

Rajiv you are beautiful and as a hairdresser for 40 yrs I've looked deeply into faces you are beautiful inside and out.

[@Homesablessing]

I wish there were more people like you in the world, It would be a better place! Enjoyed! TYFS!

[@angela86753]

This video is your love letter to NYC

[@sydneyfoodieblog]

Ah Rajiv, you brought tears to my eyes with that poem. Watching from Australia in the wee hours of the morning while the house is asleep. Drinking tea. Imagining my dreams unfurling softly.

[@LisaSonora]

pens. art supplies. books. ducking under an awning during the rain. sidewalk pizza. coffee. you are my people, Rajiv!

[@henriquea.h.7449]

Lucky, lucky is the man who's got the keys to Rajiv's heart. Nothing short of blissful must be an afternoon spent in his company, at any of these lovely places.

[@marionandrews176]

Did you know there are catacombs under St. Patrick’s Basilica which you can tour? It’s pretty interesting. I also love the little side streets in lower Manhattan. I sometimes find myself alone on a little side street and it’s amazing considering I’m in a city with 8 million people. Thank you for highlighting a little spot of our amazing city.

[@qamarqammar7629]

Thank you. Those of us who are old-time residents sometimes lament how things have changed. So it heartens me to see young people like you still moving here, visiting here, and showing the great places that are here right now.

[@boysullen3632]

I understand how one can forget that one lives in NYC… I am guilty…thank you for this reminder of all the gems that await…

[@micahsnow346]

Omg I LOVE Goods for the Study! I’m going to think of Rajiv every time I go there now. It’s a great place to get not just stationery, but also they have tons of beautiful greeting cards for every occasion. If I have a birthday to go to, I’m going to stop there. Rajiv, I would love to see you give more tours of different NYC neighborhoods. In particular there are so many gorgeous places in Brooklyn (Greenpoint, Carroll Gardens, Park Slope) and also I really feel like Harlem deserves your attention.

[@kathymilicicreative8724]

Rajiv, you are such a gem! Thank you for sharing the love with us! ❤

[@mysteriousu5528]

You are an amazing tour guide. People and tourists can get lost and not appreciate NYC if they don't know the history and the little details behind it. Hey, that's not the traditional way Italians eat the pizza😉. You do double fold as the cheese is not hard but melting and that holds it in place. Man, You should have made a longer video. Thank you dear and have a beautiful weekend.

[@JLgG2454]

Such a Noble soul!!! - Each time, particularly when one gets older, one has to thank destiny, for making us cross the path, of younger generations made of that rare 'cloth' Rajiv is made of; this is that beacon of enlightenment that should reassure us about the future of the world.

[@crystalassam433]

I love how intentional you are about everything.

[@rajivsurendra]

There is no other way I want to live. Thank you for watching.

[@M0odyBlue]

I want to visit YOUR New York. You are such a powerful light in the world. I savor your videos.My heart does a little jump when I see you have a new gem for us. So glad you are in the world!

[@debrap947]

I am not a city person...but I love historical architecture and all the places you shared would be where I would love to explore! Your tour of SoHo makes it very tempting to visit though, well done Rajiv, thank you.

[@rabiaqaseem6519]

Wish I had seen this before visiting NYC! It’s hard to appreciate the little details in this very dense city esp. if you visit from a small mountain town. Love it! Keep spreading the love

[@MillicentMurph]

I'm a born and bred New Yorker, and I haven't heard of the places you went to. I was very happy you were the guide!❤❤❤❤❤. It goes to show there are many unexplored places in NYC even if you are a New Yorker 😊

[@susanallen9849]

Rajiv, you are an absolute gem of a human. You literally ooze life from every pore. I find your channel so uplifting and fun and look forward to watching you share your world with us. 💎

[@jeannerolig6042]

I love your tour of SoHo! You help us all see some of the many secrets New Your City contains! Thank you!

[@pt8421]

I used to go to school in the city but it’s been a lifetime ago. Your tour bring such fond memories, Rajiv! I just love the architectures of the city. It’s imbued with history and stories! ❤

[@judgeworks3687]

One time my friends and I were walking down the small street that leads to the side of the church (also had tombstones) & saw a few small sheep bleating about inside that small churchyard! It was such a magical moment.

[@disney.daze.55]

This is wonderful! I’ve been to NYC several times and I try to go someplace new each time. I haven’t been to SoHo (not that I recall anyway). I love bookstores and I collect fountain pens. I love the quiet alleyways and the seemingly random hidden gems. You e totally sold me on SoHo

[@eileenlorson]

Loved the tour and only Rajiv can eat a slice of greasy pizza in a white outfit and stay clean!!! 💜

[@CaptainKirk637]

I love me some Rajiv!! Great videos, great personality, and great teacher/motivator!! Thanks for the tour of SOHO! Take care!!

[@johannechampagne7332]

I love the city so much. From 2009 to the pandemic we visited 9-10 times a year. I couldn’t get enough of it. Miss it so much.

[@adelamoon]

I think I know where I'm heading (and NO its not to stalk you at the coffee shop)....Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy....soaps. I love soap. The scents also. Rose scented perfumes!!!! I always look forward to Saturdays.

[@disney.daze.55]

Right? This place looks wonderful

[@jaxstorey6734]

That was such a treat, Rajiv! I was there in New York, and I visited Soho, all the way from over here in New Zealand, around about this time 19 years ago, as a matter of fact. Love Jacqueline.

[@eflores4449]

Rajiv, I adore you. You are every bit Fred Rogers, Martha Stewart, MFK Fisher, and apparently a dash of Liza (per the outtake). You are the best. Keep doing what you're doing. You are spreading joy 🙏

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you ;-)

[@gregpendrey6711]

What she said. And you are you. Rajiv I think you inspire joy. Art and entertainment are your gifts. In the spirit of graduations this time of year, celebrate your commencement into our hearts and minds. Congratulations! 🎉

[@BugsyB1979]

I don't think I could be further from New York and may never get there in my lifetime. Thank you for the tour. All those spots look right up my alley, so to speak! Greetings from South Eastern Australia.

[@laobrien4982]

Thank you Rajiv! I work in the city but almost never take the time to smell the roses, pizza, or soap! ❤

[@abluemug]

He’s so goofy! I love it.

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

HE IS JUST ADORABLE NO OTHER WORDS 😊 JUST MAKES YOU HAPPY WHEN YOU WATCH HIS CHANNEL

[@FRANCISCARUSOworld]

More guides like this, please!

[@guywolff]

Yes please Rajiv :)

[@nlbhaduri]

Rajiv I love your rendition of Round n round the Mulberry tree! Thanks for this secret guide to Soho…you highlighted all the things I enjoy from Blick’s to pizza!

[@rajivsurendra]

That is my rendition in the style of Beyoncé. I really want her to make an album of classic kids songs.

[@sandrabrown6326]

Always wanted you to do a tour like this. I hope you do more. Please take us along sometime when you go thrift store shopping. Your videos are always so interesting to me.

[@celticlass8573]

Today I was at an antique market, and with the knowledge I've learned so far from Rajiv, said no to 3 mixing bowls that I would have said yes to in the past, and through digging through a pile of linens, found a very beautiful white woven coverlet from the 1930s that had clearly been sitting undisturbed for a long time, that I got a very nice deal on. It's INCREDIBLE! Now I have to learn more about how to care for antique linen! Off to search through Rajiv's videos...

[@rajivsurendra]

Yay! Made me happy to read this 🙂

[@celticlass8573]

@@rajivsurendra It makes me happy too! 😊

[@kapihannibeshie9634]

I hope those small businesses stay a float .Let us support them as much as we can and avoid buying online if we can.

[@gabydiehl8314]

Good point. Thanks for reminding us!

[@kapihannibeshie9634]

@@gabydiehl8314 You're welcome !

[@Rachel-xc1uk]

Thanks Rajiv. You provide such relief for the mind in these videos. I come here to be reminded of the hopeful things in life. Blessings, brother

[@mdm1210]

Such a fun video Rajiv... love your eccentricity and sense of fun and wonder 😊

[@linaD08]

Good morning Rajiv!!! Thank you for this tour of Soho!! I lived in NYC for 25 years and made it my fun to walk a lot in all neighborhoods of the city. I used to go to the Angelica movie theater on the Soho north boundary pretty much every Saturday to catch a matinee. And after the movie I walked and explored…. Such good memories!!!! Hope you have a fun week!!

[@rajivsurendra]

Thanks for watching!

[@jenhoful]

That poem gave me goosebumps - beautiful. I always wanted to know what Soho stood for now I know, thank you. I remember a few years ago being in SoHo and shopping but not sure if it was where you were. Lucky guy to be living in such an incredible part of the world. ❤

[@rajivsurendra]

I know I'm lucky - I say it to myself constantly. I'm so grateful to be living the life I have.

[@mynameismargy]

This was perfect!! Brought me back to my time living there ❤❤ similarly wandering off the beaten path and finding the quiet spots. Thank you Rajiv! I hope you upload more tours of NYC! It was like watching you in a Nora Ephron film ❤❤❤

[@myrradine]

My sentiments exactly!

[@FluffyFace-mj3ro]

Love, love, love this tour!!!

[@claudiamann7111]

Great tour!! Thank you so much for sharing a piece of New York with us. Love all the various stores. Please do more of these.

[@xdoommoonx]

Oh nostalgia! I remember NY Central and Pearl Paint. I wish those were still around. RIP NY Central, the best paper selection ever.

[@qamarqammar7629]

NY Central's paper selection was wonderful. I bought out some of their stock before they closed, particularly from a few of their paper makers who sold only through them. There was one man who made paper in India whose paper was so beautiful and responsive. I bought everything I could that he made.

[@maypenja2819]

This was a trip down memory lane for me. I used to live on the Lower Eastside until 1991, when I moved to Seattle. Thanks.

[@LauraKaySoprano]

Love this video!! I’m here all the time for work and never knew about many of these! I’ll be checking them out!

[@sandrapersaud3105]

I was in NYC a week ago and visited Soho with my family. I was too tired from walking to really enjoy the beautiful architecture. Thank you for this video. It helped me to see what the real beauty of Soho.❤ 🇨🇦

[@nizvkfb7vsbvrsct723]

what a fabulous shot 4:58

[@Burn143]

I’ve been to New York so many times, but never SoHo. I’ve always wanted to visit, it looks so fascinating and beautiful architecturally. Imagine seeing it in real life through your own lens. Great video Rajiv, I love your energy and appreciation for life and your surroundings. Also love the way how this video was filmed.

[@cuddlemuff6632]

I had only previously ever heard the last line of the poem by Yeats which Rajiv quoted, "Tread softly for you tread on my dreams". That line is beautiful in itself, but having heard Rajiv recite the preceding lines, it seems to embrace his ethos.

[@princssavanti]

My fav neighborhood and my home for 8 years! Love it

[@winromeo]

I’ve been to New York many times and love SOHO, but I’ve never been to any of these places! I look forward visiting all of them in September, and thank you Rajiv for reignite the passion for looking down, noticing the history of little details. The only thing is that it’s too short!!! I want more! 😊

[@janesheridan5632]

Rajiv, thank you for sharing your interesting life. I LOVE Manhattan, although I live on Long Island. The diversity is amazing, interesting and rejuvenating. Your interests educate me. THANK YOU!!!!

[@sue8237]

Rajiv, this was wonderful and makes me hope to see it one day. I think of the multitudes of people who walk on those sidewalks, pass those buildings and shops every day and fail to see the beauty that lies within. But then again, it is the job of artists to make others see the beauty and what they might have otherwise missed in those seemingly common things. You are my kind of person! Thanks for this lovely tour.

[@azzamarwan5476]

Thank you for taking us with you for tour of Soho , we enjoyed the video ❤🎉 and know about New York 🎉🎉stay safe and happy ❤❤

[@2youngbon2]

What a beautiful well rounded video with so many sensory experiences. Thank you for this gem! I love SoHo but have yet to experience some of your favorites. I look forward to that. Quoting Yeats poetry was just icing on the cake. Loved it!

[@ConnieHeartsValentino]

I absolutely love the old architecture of New York and always wonder what it was like to live there 100 years ago!

[@sharonmusgrove9982]

I’m currently on my 16th visit to “the city” from Oregon. I’m always in awe of the architecture and rich history that is contained tightly within the lines of two waterways ❤

[@isiwanda]

Hello from Spain! I have loved this tour.

[@Michi444-8]

You inspire me to look at my world, my everyday, with new eyes. To look for the beauty, to create the beauty, where I can. Every video is a joy. Thank you.

[@rajivsurendra]

Thanks. It is truly what I hope for, for everyone - to be able to cultivate their own individual ways of seeing beauty in all the small things they encounter everyday.

[@queens6583]

Recently went to a Jazz concert near Bleecker and Broadway. It was a Saturday evening and SoHo was packed. I love all the nooks and cranny's and unique shops. Great food/drink and the summer vibe is wonderful. Traffic was nuts as usual.

[@LaLadybug2011]

This video is going in my TOP TEN Rajiv video's! I could smell the pepperoni... delicious! My favorite snippet here was Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy. My family visited Italy one summer and while in Florence we went to the pharmacy so my brotherinlaw could get his favorite potpourri and soaps to bring back to America. Many years later I discovered they were now in NYC and I lterally cried I was so happy. Even though I lost my brother-in-law long ago, all I have to do is open a bag of his favorite potpourri from Santa Maria Novella and the memories come flooding back. Thank you Rajiv-you made a Monday morning at work, very enjoyable.

[@anneredmoon]

I need Rajiv in my life. Each video is a unique masterpiece! Thank you to the whole team who puts these together.❤

[@mpalmer8449]

I love New York! Most people either love it or hate it.. FYI your Prince Pizza is a copy of Detroit's Buddy's Pizza established 1946. Same kind always square cheese is put on the bottom. Haven't done a taste test yet but when I get back to NY I just might do that. Love your NY tour, do more, love to see all the nock's and crannies of your city thru your eyes. It was VERY entertaining!

[@evavillarreal9753]

Rajiv, beautiful video thank you!!! You are adorable. I am amazed how much I enjoy the same things as you, architecture, ART supplies stores😃😃😃, book stores, calligraphy, beautiful bed, painting, playing piano, fine and original stuff. You have my loyalty for all your content. Next time Invisit NYC I’ll follow your tour!!! PS. I want a friend like you in Mexico ☺️ greetings from here!

[@tabathaogost4982]

This is the type of city tour videos I want! Thank you, this was a great slice of SoHo.

[@pamelapeters3342]

This is why I'm proud to be a New Yorker born and raised!

[@gothamgalleria]

LIKE FOR RAJIV TO INTRO MORE NEIGHBORHOODS

[@amaliavet]

Thank you! This is an unexpected gift for my trip to New York in 1 month from now.

[@borge2014]

Santa Maria de la Novella!! Love it! This is a treat to watch. Thank you Rajiv!

[@Maria-b2k8y]

I love your videos, so natural, so real, I really enjoy it!

[@barbow]

Love!! A vid like this for West Village next??💗

[@jeevanj5998]

Fascinating to see NYC from an insider who genuinely loves the places shown here. Getting outdoors is a welcome change for the channel. I hope to see more of these videos.

[@bbyjcky1]

Thank you so much for this video. Your first place is literally a shop that I have had saved on my phone for years. I want to try their fragrances so bad, and it’s so exciting to know that there is an actual store in Soho. Thank you!

[@ancientwisdom108]

OMG... my home town... SoHo... my old stomping grounds... this is going to give me serious nostalgia.

[@tryingMyBestToday]

I used to live in NYC for a while and wanted to see if any of my favourite stores are here - I LOVE Goods For The Study!!! It’s awesome knowing you didn’t the chalk boards!

[@taj6090]

Fantastic video, Rajiv! I think a great follow-up to your local guide to SoHo would be a video on your approach to exploring a new place for the first time.

[@julieschnorenberg5370]

What a lovely poem, and all those wonderful beautiful shops! Love to visit them all! Many thanks!

[@rajivsurendra]

Thanks for watching.

[@DianaPadilla-f9f]

The perfect NY day. Such a different view of the city.

[@chrismults1500]

I have been to N.Y. a few times and I love it more & more with every visit. I would often just stop at the side of a walkway (out of the way of people) & look up at the view of the sky & beautiful architecture. It is a city so alive, it feels as though it has a pulse. I absolutely enjoyed watching your tour and would love to see you explore more and take us with you ❤

[@zeal1438]

Nice to experience SOHO through you Rajiv! I’ll think of you if I ever land up in one of those places ..

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you.

[@katek1017]

A visit to NYC is on my bucket list. You have added to an already full dream tour. Thank you.

[@GloriaLedesma-hc5ex]

I love your zest for life. I love your sense of humor. I love that you share your knowledge of what you read and your favorite places in New York. I have never been and possibly will most likely never experience this amazing city.. Thank you for sharing.

[@marthavillegas6250]

Thank you for the tour! 💕

[@ramonafirehorse]

Thank you for this. Saving it as my best friend and I are visiting New York in November! 🙏🏼

[@l3l3Cakes]

I live on Long Island and NYC seems like a monstrous city. You made it look charming and inviting

[@diamondslashranch]

This was so lovely. I know how busy you are but I would love a second channel , or just interspersed in this one, with spots just like this wherever you go.

[@mor913]

This was special. One of my happy places. Thank you for sharing your ❤ for Soho and your special place. You covered just a tad bit but some of the best ones. Need part 2 - Elizabeth Garden, the Puck Building, catacombs, galleries, placing a magnet in a cast iron building, it’s endlesssss. I❤️NY

[@dreamchampagne]

Rajiv! I just saw your antique videos & decided to search your name- IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED! ❤

[@rajivsurendra]

Thank you!

[@colleenarenee]

I just love your videos. You soak in special moments in everything you do. What a beautiful way to live.

[@patdarish6777]

My dearest Rajiv, as usual this offering a delight in every possible way. Thank you for brightening my morning. Blessings to you always. 😊

[@TheFrandall]

I feel like I'm your little buddy going with you and you're talking just to me. I had a great time!