Discover the best things to do in Chinatown with our comprehensive guide. From cultural excursions to culinary delights, explore the vibrant heart of the city. Find insider tips and recommendations for an unforgettable experience. Welcome to the bustling enclave of Chinatown, where rich cultural heritage meets modern allure.
Best Things to Do in Chinatown
In this guide, we'll navigate through the myriad of experiences this vibrant district offers. Whether you're a local seeking new adventures or a traveler exploring the city, Chinatown has something special for everyone. Dive into the rich tapestry of Chinatown's culture. Visit historical landmarks, temples, and museums that narrate the story of a community steeped in tradition. Engage in traditional tea ceremonies and witness captivating performances that transport you to ancient China.
1. Mott Street
Mott Street is the heart of Chinatown. It’s lined with Chinese restaurants and shops and adorned with lantern lighting overhead (like several other streets in Chinatown) that comes to life once the sky is dark.
During the day, Mott Street is a hive of activity during the day with residents shopping at the local markets for fish, fruits, and veggies. If you haven’t tried the fruit “rambutan,” I highly recommend it! It’s small-ish and round with a red/pink spiky exterior. (It’s not dragon fruit.) Just break the shell open with your fingers and eat the white fruit inside, watching out for a small pit.
Also, as you walk along Mott Street, stop to admire the Church of Transfiguration. It’s a historic stone church that dates back to 1801. This New York City Landmark has come through fire, near abandonment, neighborhood gang violence in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and waves of newcomers from Irish to Italian to Chinese immigrants living in the surrounding tenement buildings.
2. Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Serving up classic dim sum dishes for over 100 years, Nom Wah Tea Parlor is a historic icon in New York City’s Chinatown. It’s located on Doyer’s Street where you’ll often see a line of people waiting to get seated in one of the classic red booths. They do take some reservations for parties of 3-5 people so it’s worth a try to avoid the line. As you’d imagine, between 12 p.m.-2 p.m. and 6 p.m.-8 p.m. are the busiest times.
While it may not be the best dim sum in Chinatown NYC, the Nom Wah’s dim sum dishes are certainly delicious! Go for the scallion pancakes, shrimp rolls, pork buns, and their classic egg rolls. You can’t say you’ve experienced Chinatown in NYC until you’ve visited Nom Wah!
ProTip: While Nom Wah Tea Parlor has earned its place in Chinatown history, for Michelin-Star-rated Dim Sum, head to Dim Sum Go Go on East Broadway near the Kimlau Memorial Arch. The Cantonese-style dumplings, soups, rice rolls, and siu mai are the dishes to try!
3. Fried Dumpling
Located on tiny Mosco Street, Fried Dumpling’s unassuming storefront is easy to miss. But that would be a shame because it’s known for having some of the best dumplings in Chinatown NYC! It’s also one of the most delicious and cheapest bites you’ll find anywhere in New York City.
For just over $1 (cash only), you’ll get a made-to-order paper dish with 5 crispy dumplings. Dip them in the special soy sauce for a perfect snack at any point when you’re in the mood to nosh! (NYC slang meaning to snack on something.)
4. Columbus Park
When you visit a park in New York City, you get the opportunity to glimpse the daily life of the New Yorkers who live in that neighborhood. With few private outdoor spaces, public parks quickly become hives of activity.
Columbus Park is no different. Part outdoor activity space and part community gathering spot, it’s a window into Chinatown. On any given day, you’ll find kids playing basketball, tai chi classes in session, groups of people gathering to play mahjong, and musicians playing their jinghu (a bowed stringed instrument) on the park’s benches.
The rectangular-ish shaped park is located between Baxter and Mulberry Streets and Worth and Bayard Streets just steps from Fried Dumpling on Mosco Street. Grab some fried pork dumplings and savor them while people watching from a bench in Columbus Park!
5. The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
You might be wondering, ice cream? I can get ice cream anywhere! Except here the local flavors are ones that are unique to Chinatown and the exotic flavors are chocolate and vanilla!
My recommendation is to stay away from the exotic flavors and go with Manhattan’s Chinatown favorites. My favorite flavor is don tot with its creamy egg custard taste, but people line up outside this Bayard Street storefront to get cones or cups of lychee, almond cookie, red bean, and black sesame ice cream!
And if you’re not sure which one to get, ask for a taste. They’ll happily give you a small spoonful to sample.
6. Mei Lei Wah Bakery
Just across the street from the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory on Bayard Street, don’t be surprised if you see a line of people waiting to order at Mei Lei Wah Bakery. Of all the bakeries in Chinatown NYC, it’s the most popular spot for pork buns and pineapple pork buns. Even better, it’s one of the cheapest treats you’ll find in all of NYC!
Don’t be put off by the line. It moves quickly. There’s a counter to order where it’s cash only, but also kiosks where you can order and pay with a credit card. The bakery is only open until 7:30 p.m. but it’s better to go earlier in the day anyway for fear the famed pork buns sell out!
7. Crown Rooftop Bar
Located on top of the Hotel 50 Bowery Hotel, the Crown Rooftop Bar has one of the best rooftop views of Manhattan. From its position on the 21st floor, you can see the Empire State Building and midtown skyscrapers to the north and One World Trade Center in the southwestern panorama.
What makes the views extra special here, though? You can see east to west from the Hudson River to a stunning view of the Manhattan Bridge arch and Colonnade. If you’re there for dusk, you’ll get the added effect of the red brake lights from the traffic pulsing across Canal Street.
The Crown opens at 5 p.m. during the week, and earlier in the afternoon on weekends. If you’re in NYC on a family trip, kids can get up to the indoor or outdoor terrace with a 21+ adult before 9 p.m. The Crown does serve small bites in addition to drinks.
8. Manhattan Bridge Arch & Colonnade
Built in 1915 on the Manhattan entryway of the bridge at the intersection of Canal Street and the Bowery, you might be a bit taken aback to find such a grand piece of architecture in this spot.
The Beaux-Arts arch and the columns on either side form a curving oval-like shape and include ornamental elements that include stone carvings, animals, and classical sculptures. While the Brooklyn Bridge may be New York’s most famous bridge (and my personal fave), the Manhattan Bridge and its entryway shouldn’t be missed on a trip to Chinatown!
If you have some time to spare, walk up onto the pedestrian walkway on the right side of the bridge. There are various points for taking photos of the NYC skyline including the “hole-in-the-fence” shot which looks back over Chinatown and has One World Trade Center in the distance.
If you decide to make the complete walk, you’ll end up walking just over a mile and getting to the trendy DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, not far from the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge.
9. Mahayana Buddhist Temple
This is the biggest Buddhist Temple in New York City with the biggest golden Buddha statue in the city, as well. It’s located just across from the Manhattan Bridge arched entryway and the Crown Rooftop so it’s easy to check a few things off your Chinatown list all within a single block.
Remember, this is a house of worship. The Temple asks that visitors be dressed modestly to enter.
10. Wo Hop
In New York City’s Chinatown, finding delicious food isn’t an issue. There’s plenty to go around. It’s more about having enough space to taste everything you want to taste! And Wo Hop deserves some of that prized real estate. And in my humble opinion, Wo Hop has the best Chinese food in NYC’s Chinatown!
I’ll be totally honest and say that I have not eaten at every place in Chinatown. (However, I’ve certainly done a lot of homework!) Wo Hop is the best I’ve tasted, especially when it comes to classics like lo mein, dumplings, and main dishes in garlic or black bean sauce!
Wo Hop is a no-frills restaurant on Mott Street just past Mosco Street. The restaurant is actually on the basement level so you have to walk down a flight of stairs. Expect it to be busy! But trust me, waiting for a table is worth it.
Also, Wo Hop is cash only so be sure to have some on hand.
11. The Museum of Chinese in America
This museum houses a vast archive of Chinese history in America. Unfortunately, in January 2020, a fire destroyed the building where the museum was. Although the 85,000+ artifacts telling the stories of Chinese Americans were not burned, the majority of the collection was damaged by the water to put the fire out.
Restoration work continues even today to save precious pieces of history. The museum is in a temporary space on Centre Street between Howard and Grand Streets and has limited hours. However, if you’re in Chinatown on a Saturday, plan a little time to visit the museum. You can even opt to “sponsor an object” if you’d like to help with the restorations.
12. Doyers Street (Bloody Angle)
This uncharacteristically curved street in New York City has a notorious place in history. At the start of the 20th century, Doyers Street was the scene of many fights between rival Chinese gangs vying for territory. This is how it was nicknamed Bloody Angle.
Today, though, the street is painted and outdoor tables are clustered outside the street’s restaurants which include Nom Wah Tea Parlor and Tasty Hand Pulled Noodles.
13. Pell Street
When you turn onto Pell Street from Mott, your senses will tell you that you’ve left NYC. The signs are written in Chinese characters. Your nose can’t miss the smell of ginger, soy sauce, and garlic. Standing on Mott Street and looking down Pell, don’t miss the chance to snap a photo of this iconic street.
With New York’s Chinatown being spread out over many streets and other nearby neighborhoods bumping up against its borders, Pell Street feels as if you’re thoroughly entrenched in the Chinatown experience.
ProTip: If you walk to where Pell Street meets the Bowery, you’ll get the Edward Mooney House. The house, built in the late 1780s, is now a New York City landmark. Heads up, though! It’s recently been covered with scaffolding as work to repair and restore the house is ongoing.
14. Kimberly Spa
If your feet and body are sore from too much walking and sightseeing, a massage in Chinatown NYC is just the thing to soothe sore muscles.
Kimberly Spa is located just off Canal Street on Elizabeth Street. The word “spa” is a bit of a misnomer as the interior is basic with foot bath chairs and massage rooms divided by curtains. But, it’s the perfect respite from the busy city offering foot and body massages by fantastic masseurs at even better prices.
15. Canal Street Market
Located at 265 Canal St. near Lafayette Street, Canal Street Market is a food hall and retail space that fuses Lower Manhattan and Chinese culture with its carefully chosen vendors. The space isn’t very big so it won’t take long to walk and browse through the market.
16. Joe’s Shanghai
Joe’s Shanghai is a popular spot in Chinatown famous for its soup dumplings, a dim sum essential. It’s what you’ll see the majority of people eating, so if you go, be sure to get yourself an order, too! These are different than regular dumplings or buns even if they look similar from the outside. Inside, they’re filled with hot soup and usually pork.
The Chinatown location is on the Bowery, just next to Hotel 50 Bowery and across from the Manhattan Bridge entrance. The restaurant is open until 10 p.m. which is late compared to other places in Chinatown and it’s not uncommon to find a line outside even well past a typical dinner hour. Bring cash because cards aren’t welcome.
17. Kimlau Memorial Arch
This monument is located in Chatham Square, just steps from where Mott and Doyers Streets end at the Bowery.
The arch is in honor of Chinese-American military veterans who died fighting in World War II. The monument gets its name from Second Lieutenant Benjamin Ralph Kimlau, an American fighter pilot who died during an attack against the Japanese close to New Guinea.
While a monument like this often isn’t the top reason you’d visit Chinatown, it’s good to understand its significance as you walk through the neighborhood.
18. Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles
On Doyer’s Street a few storefronts down from Nom Wah Tea Parlor, you’re likely to find a hive of activity around Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles. There are tables set up outside and an unassuming (cash-only) restaurant and kitchen inside serving up delicious pan-fried noodles.
Pulled noodles are made from wheat-based dough. As the name implies, the dough is pulled and stretched to make long noodles. They are cooked right after for a super fresh taste!
Go for the knife-cut/knife-peeled noodles pan-fried with your choice of vegetables and protein. The portions are generous but if you’re particularly peckish, order some dumplings, too. They’re also so tasty!
19. Ting’s Gift Shop
I couldn’t in good faith write a guide for Chinatown NYC and not include Ting’s Gift Shop! It’s a place I always stop by when I’m in the neighborhood. Perhaps it’s the teacher in me, but the store always reminds me of the trinket shop in Chinatown featured in the children’s book The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden.
The tiny shop is on the corner of Pell and Doyers Streets, just steps from Nom Wah Tea Parlor and Tasty Hand Pulled Noodles. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir or two, from painted chopsticks to card games to a handy back scratcher.
20. Mmuseumm on Cortlandt Street
On the fringes of Chinatown, in a wedge of New York dedicated to courthouses and government offices, you’ll come across NYC’s smallest museum, Mmuseumm. What you’ll find are curated, unusual objects from modern history meant to get you thinking. The entire museum is housed in something similar to a walk-in closet (also a rarity in NYC).
Mmuseumm is located at 4 Cortlandt Alley and is open only during warmer months, usually Spring to Fall. The visit doesn’t take long given its size but it’ll likely end up being one of the quirkiest and most interesting places you’ll visit near Chinatown.
FAQs About Chinatown Adventures
Is Chinatown safe for tourists?
Chinatown is generally safe for tourists. Like any urban area, it's advisable to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places.
What is the best time to visit Chinatown?
The best time to visit Chinatown is during the festive seasons, such as Chinese New Year. However, it's lively and charming throughout the year, offering different experiences with each season.
Are there vegetarian options in Chinatown?
Absolutely! Chinatown boasts a variety of vegetarian options, from tofu dishes to vegetable-stuffed dumplings. Many restaurants offer dedicated vegetarian menus.
Can I join a guided tour of Chinatown?
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Chinatown. Knowledgeable guides will lead you through the hidden gems and iconic landmarks.
What is the significance of the paifang in Chinatown?
The paifang, or traditional archway, symbolizes good fortune and prosperity. It serves as a welcoming entrance to Chinatown, inviting visitors to explore its cultural wonders.
How can I get to Chinatown using public transportation?
Chinatown is well-connected by public transportation, including buses and subway lines. Check the local transit maps for the most convenient route to reach this vibrant district.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chinatown beckons with a tapestry of cultural experiences, culinary delights, and hidden treasures. Whether you're a history enthusiast, foodie, or someone seeking a vibrant nightlife, Chinatown has it all. Immerse yourself in this dynamic district, where tradition and modernity harmoniously coexist.
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