Chinatown
Full of endearing shops and incredible restaurants, there’s so many unique experiences to be discovered while visiting Chinatown. So, whether you’re exploring the area as a foodie or culture enthusiast, one thing is certain – you’re bound to have a great time. On that note, let’s cover the best things to do in Chinatown from a local’s perspective.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best Neighborhoods & 3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Things to Do in Chinatown
Museum of Chinese in America · Chinatown
Visit the Museum of Chinese in America (Free)
The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) explores Chinese-American history, culture, and important contributions to American society. Established in 1980, MOCA houses an extensive collection of more than 85,000 items. The free museum uses photographs and documents to chronicle the Chinese-American experience from the 19th century to the present.
Delving into themes of identity, immigration and community, visiting MOCA while exploring Chinatown is a thought-provoking experience. Which is why touring the museum is one of the best free things to do in Chinatown. It’ll give you a different perspective on nuanced narratives and stereotypes that have marred Chinese Americans since the early days of immigration.
WebsiteMuseum of Chinese in America
Address215 Centre St, New York, NY
Museum of Chinese in America · Chinatown
Chinatown
Stroll Down Doyers Street
Doyers Street is arguably the most famous street in Chinatown. In the 1920s, the street was notorious for being the gathering ground for Chinese gangs, earning the nickname Murder Alley. Gang members would hide behind the street’s bend and ambush victims, which gave the street a second nickname, the Bloody Angle. Luckily, the past is the past.
Today, Doyers Street is a lively thoroughfare full of tourists. The main draw Nom Wah Tea Parlous, the oldest dim-sum restaurant in NYC (which I’ll cover shortly). The street is also home to a handful of barber shops and beauty salons. It’s reported that folks travel from as far as Pennsylvania and Massachusetts to get haircuts on this historic street. Take a stroll and pop into any (and every) shop that piques your interest!
Chinatown
People-Watch at Artbean Coffee
While exploring Doyers Street, I suggest popping into Artbean Coffee for delicious hot drinks. You’ll find creative drinks like ube and pandan lattes, but if you’re more interested in black coffee (like me), Artbean roasts 100% arabica beans in small batches (it’s delicious!).
Part-cafe, part-art shop, the husband-and-wife duo behind this charming small business, Spencer Okada and Khanh Tran, found a way to merge two passions, coffee and art. The cafe serves as a small art shop where visitors can purchase art from local artists.
Places like Artbean Coffee are integral to the neighborhood and offer an invaluable contribution to the strong sense of community evident in Chinatown, you can’t help but love it!
Chinatown
See the Lanterns at Bayard & Mott Street
Full of vibrant storefronts, Chinatown is one of the most colorful neighborhoods in New York City. To get a better feel for the fun pops of color, I recommend walking down Mott Street to see the picture-worthy lanterns while visiting Chinatown.
Contrary to popular belief, the lanterns are a new addition to the neighborhood. The reason? This neighborhood struggled to bounce back after the pandemic, in an effort to get more visitors, the folks at Send Chinatown Love installed lanterns above the streets.
Today, the lanterns entice folks to stroll down the charming streets and hopefully pop into a shop or two on the walk. One of my favorite things to do in Chinatown is to stroll the streets right because the lanterns illuminate the area in a magical way.
Chinatown
Order the Lo Mein at Wo Hop
Wo Hop is a Chinatown institution that’s been serving up old-school Cantonese comfort food in a no-frills environment since 1938. Located in a basement nook at 17 Mott Street, the red vinyl booths and flickering fluorescent lights have been the backdrop for many a meal for New Yorkers.
The menu offers the greatest hits of Americanized Cantonese dishes, chop suey, lo mein, and orange chicken. Don’t expect fancy plating or delicate flavors; the appeal of Wo Hop lies in the pretentiousness and hearty fare. The portions are generous, the prices can’t be beat and the service is efficient.
Split an Ice Cream Cone at the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
The Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is a family-owned ice cream shop that’s been serving locals since 1978 (more than 40 years!). Known for its unique offering of ice cream flavors, adventurous palates can indulge in flavors like black sesame, match, lychee, and durian. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Chinatown for foodies. Take Note. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory accepts cash and Venmo (no credit cards).
Eldridge Street Synagogue · Chinatown/Lower East Side
Tour the (Breathtaking) Museum at Eldridge Street
Nestled within the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue, the Museum at Eldridge Street offers a glimpse into the life of the city’s Eastern European Jewish immigrants. Opened in 1887, this National Historic Landmark was built in the Gothic, Moorish, and Romanesque style, it’s an architectural marvel.
This museum is a must-visit in Chinatown for anyone looking to delve into the intricate layers of New York’s immigrant history. The guided tours seek to preserve the history of Jewish Americans living in NYC, it’s a very unique Chinatown experience.
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Alimama · Chinatown
Swing by Alimama for Cream Puffs
Alimama has gone viral on TikTok thanks to elaborate iced drinks, puff pastries, and mochi donuts. Luckily, the treats at this small cafe (no indoor seating, grab-and-go establishment) actually live up to the hype. Which is why popping in for a treat is a must-do in Chinatown for foodies. Don’t sleep on the black milk tea with boba cream puffs, airy and light, these things are perfect!
Address. 89A Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
Nom Wah Tea Parlor · Chinatown
Enjoy a Meal at Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Opened in 1920 (100 years ago), Nom Wah Tea Parlor is the oldest dim sum restaurant in NYC. Renowned for delicious dim sum the heavy hitters on the menu are the shrimp dumplings and roast pork buns. Enjoying a meal at this iconic restaurant is one of the best things to do in Chinatown for foodies.
Admittedly, the long lines are somewhat of a headache. In my opinion, I don’t think it’s worth waiting more than 30 minutes to get inside. The food is good, but it’s the history and vibe that folks come for. This is an iconic NYC institution, which is why it earns a spot on our list of must-see places in Chinatown.
Address. 13 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
Plant Shop · Chinatown
Green Thumb? Swing by Dahing Plants
If you’re visiting Chinatown as a local, pop into Dahing Plants for some of the best deals on houseplants. I’m a sucker for plants (I currently have 8 in my tiny 400-square-foot apartment), and can confirm that Dahing Plants is one of the best plant shops in NYC.
The inventory is impressive! From variegated mosteras to strings-of-pearls and citrus trees. The prices are some of the best in the city (almost half what I’ve seen in more trendy plant shops). Every plant in the shop looks so healthy, the folks behind the magic clearly care about what they do. All this to say, if you’re a green thumb then swinging by Dahing Plants is one of the best things to do in Chinatown.
Wing On Wo & Co · Chinatown
Peruse the Porcelain at Wing On Wo & Co.
Established in 1890, Wing On Wo & Co. holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating store in the neighborhood. The store is renowned for its exquisite collection of Chinese porcelain and other traditional Chinese goods. But it’s so much more than just a store, Wing On Wo & Co. reflects centuries-old Chinese artistry.
From intricate teapots and delicate cups to ornate vases and plates, every piece is adorned with symbolic Chinese motifs like dragons, phoenixes, flowers, and landscapes. This is a great place to pick up authentic souvenirs while visiting Chinatown.
Address. 26 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
Visit Apotheke (One of the Best Bars in NYC)
Speakeasies in New York City are a dime a dozen, but that doesn’t mean they’re created equal (far from it). Apotheke is a unique speakeasy that stands out for its fun apothecary theme (inspired by European apothecaries from the past). Opened in 2008, the bar is set in a former opium den which adds a touch of historical intrigue to this unique Chinatown experience.
The bar’s specialty lies in the use of fresh, organic ingredients and an array of exotic herbs and botanicals, reminiscent of a chemist’s laboratory. Each cocktail is crafted with the precision of a pharmacologist, aimed at “healing and rejuvenation.” Among the many innovative concoctions, the most famous is probably the Deal Closer (Quinoa Vodka, Horny Goat Weed Tea, Cucumber, Mint, Lime & Agave, Vanilla Essence).
Great cocktails and relaxing vibes, earns Apotheke a spot on our list of the most romantic things to do in Chinatown.
Address — 9 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013
Chinatown
Craft a Candle at Lanterne Lab
I know I’m not the only one guilty of collecting candles (right, right?). That’s why one of the best things to do in Chinatown is to create your own candle. At Lanterne Lab you can design a unique candle to take home (it’s a great souvenir idea!). Pick a scent, throw in some glitter (or flower petals), and wait for the wax to set.
The whole experience takes about an hour or so and then another hour to let the wax set. Don’t worry, you’re able to leave at that hour. This is one of the most memorable things to do in Chinatown, making it a great option for date night!
Address. 69 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013
Get Artsy at Happy Medium
Happy Medium is a unique and creative concept that blends the traditional idea of a café with an art studio. Unlike conventional cafés where the menu primarily lists food and beverages, Happy Medium offers a menu of art experiences instead. Encouraging folks to explore various art mediums, such as charcoal, pastel, clay, watercolor, and collage-making.
Projects typically take around an hour and half to two hours and will run about $25 a person. Creating a unique piece of art for your apartment (or a souvenir to take home) is among the best things to do in Chinatown, NYC. Reservations are encouraged, try to book in advance if you can.
Address. 49 Market St, New York, NY 10002
Enjoy a Cocktail at Basement
Basement is a carnival-themed speakeasy in Chinatown that serves excellent libations and offers fun games like beer pong, darts and cards. It’s one of the best spots in Chinatown to bring new friends because the games are a great distraction from awkward small talk.
To get inside, you’ll need to walk through a door that looks like a vintage Coca-Cola vending machine (this is a speakeasy, after all). Drinks like the Chinatown old fashioned and toki highball are made with Asian spirits, a modern twist on time-tested classics. Make an effort to swing by for cocktails because visiting the Basement is one of the coolest things to do in Chinatown, NYC.
Address. 45 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
Chinatown
List of the Best Things to Do in Chinatown NYC
- Visit the Museum of Chinese in America
- Visit Apotheke (One of the Best Bars in NYC)
- See the Lanterns at Bayard & Mott Street
- Enjoy a Meal at Nom Wah Tea Parlor
- Tour the (Breathtaking) Museum at Eldridge Street
- Order the Lo Mein at Wo Hop
- People-Watch at Artbean Coffee
- Green Thumb? Swing by Dahing Plants
- Peruse the Porcelain at Wing On Wo & Co.
- Enjoy a Cocktail at Basement
- Split an Ice Cream Cone at the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
- Craft a Candle at Lanterne Lab
- Check Out Doyer Street
- Make Some Art at Happy Medium
- Order Cream Puffs at Alimama
Frequently Asked Questions. Fun Things to Do Chinatown NYC
Yes, Chinatown in NYC is worth visiting for its rich cultural experience, diverse culinary offerings, unique shops, and vibrant atmosphere. It provides a glimpse into Chinese heritage and traditions within the bustling backdrop of New York City.
Mott Street is often considered one of the best streets to visit in Chinatown NYC, known for its lively atmosphere, diverse range of restaurants serving authentic Chinese cuisine, and vibrant street markets. It offers a unique cultural experience with a mix of traditional and modern elements.
Manhattan Chinatown is known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse Chinese culture, and a wide array of authentic Chinese restaurants, markets, and shops. It’s a bustling neighborhood that offers a rich cultural experience with traditional festivities, events, and a distinctive blend of East and West.
While many businesses in Chinatown NYC accept credit cards, it’s advisable to have some cash on hand as some smaller shops and street vendors may prefer or only accept cash payments.
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Absolutely!
And there you have it, our list of the fun things to do in Chinatown, NYC. As always, don’t hesitate to let us know if we missed anything. Cheers!