Chinatown NYC is one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city with numerous spots where you can eat great food and learn about Chinese culture. 

This area has been home to Chinese families for over 150 years. You can shop for special things, visit beautiful temples, and try foods you never tasted before, all in one area. Read on to explore the best things to do in Chinatown NYC and what the area has to offer.

Image credits: Bloomberg

Amazing Foods You Must Try

Dim Sum Places

Having opened as early as 1920 in NYC, Nom Wah Tea Parlor is the oldest dim sum restaurant in the city. The team here still makes food the traditional way. We love their pork buns and shrimp dumplings that come in small bamboo baskets. Other than food, the menu also includes tea, wine, and beer.

Joe’s Shanghai makes the best soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) in the neighborhood. These special dumplings have hot soup inside that bursts in your mouth.

Golden Unicorn is a huge restaurant with three floors of tables. They push carts full of small dishes around the dining room. You can point to what looks good and try many different foods. We suggest going on weekends when they have the most choices.

Street Food and Quick Bites

Xi’an Famous Foods sells amazing hand-pulled noodles that chefs make right in front of you. Their spicy cumin lamb noodles taste like nothing you ever had before. 

Vanessa’s Dumpling House makes fresh dumplings all day long. You can watch them fold each dumpling by hand through the window. We think their sesame pancakes with egg make a perfect breakfast or snack.

Cool Shopping Places

Traditional Markets and Food Stores

Kam Man Food is like a huge Chinese supermarket with three floors. They have foods, cooking tools, and ingredients you can’t find anywhere else.

Ten Ren Tea sells over 100 different types of Chinese tea. The workers will let you smell different teas before you buy them. We love their jasmine green tea and oolong tea that comes in pretty packages.

Gift Shops and Souvenirs

Pearl River Mart is the biggest Chinese department store in America, and visiting this is one of the top things to do in Chinatown NYC for an authentic experience. They sell beautiful silk scarves, jade jewelry, and lucky cat statues. You can find perfect gifts for friends and family back home. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory makes unique flavors like green tea and red bean ice cream.

Cultural Places and Temples

Beautiful Temples to Visit

Mahayana Buddhist Temple has a giant golden Buddha statue that’s 16 feet tall. This peaceful place helps you feel calm in the busy city. We suggest visiting in the morning when it’s quiet and less crowded. Eastern States Buddhist Temple has hundreds of small Buddha statues covering the walls.

Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) tells the story of Chinese people in America. They have old photos, clothes, and tools that show how families lived long ago. The museum helps you understand why people came to America from China.

Parks and Outdoor Spaces

One of NYC’s first urban parks, Columbus Park is where older Chinese people gather every day to play games. You can watch them play Chinese chess and practice Tai Chi in the morning. Kimlau Square has a beautiful statue honoring Chinese American soldiers who fought in wars.

Fun Activities and Entertainment

Special Events and Festivals

Chinese New Year celebration in February is the biggest party of the year. The streets fill with dragon dances, fireworks, and parade floats. 

We think it’s the most exciting time to visit Chinatown. Mid-Autumn Festival in September has moon cake tastings and lantern displays.

Lunar New Year Market sells special decorations, lucky charms, and traditional foods. Local families shop here to prepare for the new year celebrations.

Learning Experiences

Chinese calligraphy classes at the community center teach you how to write beautiful Chinese letters. Cooking classes show you how to make dumplings and stir-fry dishes at home. We suggest booking these classes ahead of time because they fill up fast.

Hidden Gems Most People Miss

Secret Spots and Quiet Places

Doyers Street, a one-block street, is often called the most crooked street in New York City. This tiny curved street has barbershops and small restaurants that feel like old China. Pell Street has narrow alleys with hidden restaurants that only local people know about.

Church of the Transfiguration is a beautiful old Catholic church where Chinese families worship. The building looks like it belongs in Europe but sits right in Chinatown.

Underground and Upstairs Discoveries

Many buildings have basement restaurants that serve amazing food for very low prices. Upstairs dining rooms often have better food than street-level places. We found some of our favorite meals in these hidden spots that tourists never find.

Hair salons and massage places on upper floors offer services for much less money than other neighborhoods. Local people know these are the best places for good deals.

Best Times to Visit Different Places

Morning Activities

Early morning is perfect for visiting parks like Columbus Park. Fresh fish markets get new fish every morning around 8 AM. Bakeries make fresh egg tarts, pork buns, and more, before 10 AM each day.

Evening Fun

Night markets set up tables on the sidewalks after 6 PM. You can buy bubble tea, roasted nuts, and fresh fruit from street sellers. Karaoke bars open late and stay busy until very late at night.

Transportation and Getting Around

Easy Ways to Get There

The 4, 5, 6 trains stop at Canal Street right in the heart of Chinatown. Bus route M103 also goes through the main streets. We suggest walking once you get there because everything is close together.

Parking can be very hard to find and costs a lot of money. Taking the subway or bus works much better than driving a car.

Walking Tours and Maps

Walking tours, especially with an expert guide, help you find the best spots without getting lost. Free maps at tourist information centers show all the important places. We think walking is the best way to discover hidden restaurants and shops.

Money and Payment Tips

Cash vs Cards

Many small restaurants and shops only take cash. We suggest bringing in enough cash and change, including quarters, for easy payments during your visit. ATM machines are available but sometimes charge extra fees.

Bargaining is normal at some markets and gift shops. Don’t be afraid to ask for a better price, especially when buying multiple items.

Tipping and Etiquette

Tipping at restaurants works the same as other NYC neighborhoods anywhere from 5 to 20 percent. However, note that a lot of takeout places don’t accept tips. 

Tea service at dim sum places usually costs extra per person. Being polite and patient helps you get better service everywhere.

Safety and Helpful Tips

Staying Safe

Chinatown is very safe during the day and evening hours. Stay with groups when exploring late at night. Keep your wallet in a front pocket and be alert, as the streets get very crowded.

Language Help

Many older workers speak limited English, but younger people usually help translate. Pointing at menu items or food displays also works well when words don’t work. 

Final Thoughts

Chinatown NYC offers amazing experiences that you can’t find anywhere else in America. We’ve shown you the best places to eat incredible food, buy unique gifts, and learn about Chinese culture, and the top things to do in Chinatown New York. 

This special neighborhood has something for everyone who visits. You can spend a whole day exploring restaurants, shops, temples, and hidden spots. Come hungry, bring cash, and get ready to discover one of NYC’s most exciting neighborhoods.

Walking tours give you the best insight on every single place that you visit, while you discover everything around you until you reach your destination. To get the most out of your experience, book a walking tour from a reliable tour operator like e.e.tours that takes care of the itinerary and customize group tours as per your preferences.