Manhattan's Chinatown is made for exploring on foot. In a few blocks around Mott, Pell, Doyers and Canal Streets you will find dim sum parlors, bakeries, herbal shops, a Buddhist temple, a museum of Chinese American history and a park where neighbors gather to play cards and practice tai chi. This guide covers the main sights, where to eat and how to plan your day.
Key takeaways:
- Walk Mott, Pell and Doyers Streets for the neighborhood's oldest blocks and its best-known restaurants.
- Visit the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) to learn the history behind what you see on the street.
- Spend time in Columbus Park, the neighborhood's gathering place.
- Eat dim sum at Nom Wah Tea Parlor and finish with a scoop from the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.
- Chinatown sits next to SoHo, Nolita and the Lower East Side, so it is easy to combine with other neighborhoods.
History and significance of NYC's Chinatown
Manhattan's Chinatown grew in the 19th century as a home for Chinese immigrants, who built a community here at a time when they faced heavy discrimination in the United States. It has grown well beyond those first blocks. Today the neighborhood is also home to people from across Southeast Asia, so you will hear many languages and find food from several cuisines.
Best time to explore Chinatown for an authentic experience
Late mornings and early afternoons are a good time to visit, when shops and markets are open and dim sum is being served. Weekdays are calmer. Weekends are busier and livelier. Lunar New Year brings parades and celebrations, and the Mid-Autumn Festival brings lantern displays.
Why BLADE is the fastest way to travel around NYC
If Chinatown is part of a wider trip, BLADE offers scheduled helicopter flights between Manhattan and JFK or Newark. Flights take about 5 minutes and start from $195 per seat. BLADE Downtown, at the Wall St. Heliport, is one of BLADE's Manhattan lounges and is close to Lower Manhattan. The others are BLADE Lounge West at the West 30th Street Heliport and BLADE Lounge East at the East 34th Street Heliport.
BLADE's scheduled airport service covers JFK and Newark. LaGuardia is available by charter only. All flights are operated by FAA-licensed carriers.
Must-See Attractions in Chinatown
Exploring Doyers Street
Doyers Street is a short, curving street that dates back to the 1800s. In the early 20th century its sharp bend was the scene of gang fights, which earned it the nickname "The Bloody Angle." Today it is lined with restaurants and small businesses, and it is one of the most photographed streets in the neighborhood. Doyers Street has appeared in many films because of its look and history.
Museum of Chinese in America: Preserving Chinese American history
The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) tells the story of Chinese immigrants and their families in the United States. Exhibits cover early Chinatown settlements, the work Chinese Americans did to build the country and the challenges they faced. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and programs for children and adults. A visit early in your day gives useful context for the streets you will walk afterward.
Temple Mahayana: A spiritual retreat
Temple Mahayana is a Buddhist temple in Chinatown. It is a working place of worship, so dress modestly, keep your voice low and follow any posted guidance on photos. Inside, it is a calm break from the busy streets outside.
Columbus Park: A vibrant community gathering spot
Columbus Park is where Chinatown comes together. Older residents play mahjong, cards and chess at the tables, and in the morning you will often see groups practicing tai chi. The park also has basketball courts, a playground and benches in the shade. It hosts events during the year, including Lunar New Year celebrations.
Manhattan Bridge Arch: Iconic landmark
The Manhattan Bridge begins at the edge of Chinatown, and its grand arch at the Manhattan entrance makes a striking backdrop for photos. From here you can also walk across the bridge toward Brooklyn for views back at the Manhattan skyline.
Exploring the Streets of Chinatown
Canal Street: Vibrant shopping district
Canal Street is Chinatown's busiest shopping street, with stalls and storefronts selling clothing, accessories, electronics and souvenirs. It can be crowded, so go early if you want room to browse.
Pell Street: Historic street with cultural significance
Pell Street is one of the neighborhood's historic streets and connects to Doyers Street. It is lined with restaurants and small shops, and it is close to Columbus Park, so it fits easily into a walking route.
Street vendors: Sampling local street food and shopping
Street vendors and small takeout counters sell egg rolls, scallion pancakes, dumplings and roast duck. Bring cash, since some small vendors do not take cards. Food from the bakeries, such as cream puffs and fish-shaped waffle cones filled with ice cream, makes an easy snack while you walk.
Mott Street General Store: A taste of Chinatown
Mott Street is the spine of old Chinatown. Shops along it and the nearby blocks sell herbs, spices, teas and housewares, along with fresh seafood and produce from the markets. It is a good place to pick up ingredients or a gift to take home.
Unique Shops and Entertainment in Chinatown
Nom Wah Tea Parlor: Traditional dim sum and tea
Nom Wah Tea Parlor on Doyers Street has been serving dim sum since 1920 and is one of the oldest restaurants in Chinatown. The menu covers classics such as siu mai, har gow and char siu bao, with tea to go with them.
Vegetarian Dim Sum House: A vegetarian-friendly option
Vegetarian Dim Sum House serves meat-free versions of dim sum, including dumplings, rice rolls and buns. It is a good choice if your group includes vegetarians.
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory: Delicious ice cream flavors
The Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is known for flavors such as red bean and black sesame alongside more familiar choices. It is an easy stop to end a walk.
Canal Street Market: Shopping and dining destination
Canal Street Market brings together small local businesses selling food, clothing and gifts in one space. It is a convenient place to eat and shop out of the weather.
Keki Modern Cakes: Japanese mochi donut experience
Keki Modern Cakes is a bakery known for its mochi donuts, which combine chewy mochi with a donut, and other Japanese-style sweets.
Educational and Cultural Experiences
Guided tours: Exploring Chinatown with knowledgeable guides
A walking tour with a local guide is one of the best ways to understand Chinatown. Guides point out historic buildings and landmarks, explain how the neighborhood grew and recommend restaurants and shops. Tours are a good choice on a first visit.
How to plan a Chinatown visit around nearby attractions
Chinatown borders several other neighborhoods, so it is easy to build a full day on foot:
- Start with MOCA and a walk down Mott, Pell and Doyers Streets.
- Have dim sum for lunch, then rest in Columbus Park.
- Walk north to Nolita or west to SoHo for shopping, or east to the Lower East Side. See our guides to Nolita, SoHo and the Lower East Side.
- Finish with a walk onto the Manhattan Bridge or south toward the Financial District.
FAQs about Fun Things To Do Near Nyc'S Chinatown
What are some fun things to do near NYC's Chinatown?
Walk Doyers, Pell and Mott Streets, visit the Museum of Chinese in America, spend time in Columbus Park, eat dim sum at Nom Wah Tea Parlor and shop on Canal Street. Nearby, you can walk the Manhattan Bridge or explore SoHo, Nolita and the Lower East Side.
Are there any walking tours available to explore Chinatown in New York City?
Yes. Several companies and local guides run walking tours that cover the neighborhood's history, landmarks and food.
Can I find authentic Chinese cuisine in Chinatown in New York City?
Yes. Chinatown has long-running dim sum parlors, noodle shops, bakeries and roast meat counters, as well as restaurants from across Southeast Asia.