Chinatown, New York City: Address, Chinatown Reviews: 3.5/5
Chinatown
3.5
About
Chinese immigrants have brought their traditions and culture to this neighborhood in New York City's Lower East Side.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Chinatown
The area
Address
Neighborhood: Chinatown
Bursting with an amazing array of sights, sounds, and smells on every block, a visit to Chinatown feels like entering a different world. It’s a colorful spectacle that gets even more crowded on weekends, when families stream in to enjoy huge dim sum feasts and to stock up at the markets on Mott Street. To take a break from the buzz, grab something sweet from one of the many bakeries in the area and head to Columbus Park, where many Chinatown residents exercise, play games, and chat the day away.
How to get there
- Canal St • 5 min walk
- Canal St • 6 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles

Taiyaki NYC
373
0.2 mi$ • Dessert • Japanese

Whiskey Tavern
180
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub

Fried Dumpling
258
423 ft$ • Quick Bites • Chinese • Fast Food

Tomino - Taberna Gallega
226
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Spanish • Wine Bar

Tasty Hand Pulled Noodles
397
420 ft$ • Chinese • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly

Shanghai 21
365
371 ft$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Asian • Shanghai

Xi'an Famous Foods
302
95 ft$ • Quick Bites • Chinese • Fast Food

Baz Bagel and Restaurant
292
0.3 mi$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly

10Below Ice Cream
169
497 ft$ • Dessert

Le CouCou Restaurant
534
0.3 mi$$$$ • French • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
1,509 within 6 miles

Columbus Park
92
390 ftParks

Statue of Confucius
41
515 ftMonuments & Statues

Eastern States Buddhist Temple of America
9
267 ftReligious Sites

Little Italy
3,617
0.1 miNeighborhoods

Kimlau Square
11
0.1 miParks

Museum at Eldridge Street
472
0.3 miSpeciality Museums

New York City Criminal Court
69
0.2 miGovernment Buildings

Mahayana Buddhist Temple
89
0.2 miReligious Sites

Church of The Most Precious Blood
8
0.2 miReligious Sites
Manhattan Night Court
1
0.2 miGovernment Buildings
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
3,870 reviews
Excellent
762
Very good
1,134
Average
1,230
Poor
476
Terrible
271
Grayson5
Opelika, AL261 contributions
Wanted to show my grandson this area for NYC. Food was good, people were very nice. We also managed to buy a great purse while there.
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
yasemin2k
Florida183 contributions
Friends
Have no idea what is the reason to visit. Took my sister there because she wanted to see and even she was disappointed. Little Italy (which is around the same area, had a hard time to find it though) was some what better. But after this trip, no need to go back to either areas at all. Being there done that
Written July 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MilkChocChip
Edinburgh, United Kingdom568 contributions
Couples
Worth a visit just for Nom Wah for some dim sum. Search for a self guided walking tour, visit a Chinese bakery, check out the fresh produce in the wet market and buy some souvenirs. There is a lot going on here. A huge sprawling Chinatown, worth a visit to experience a very different culture and neighbourhood in NY.
Written June 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ildiko T
Budajeno, Hungary520 contributions
Couples
Apart from its local inhabitants and some terrible China-made souvenirs the neighbourhood has not much to offer. Food is average and you cannot find anything authentic in the district.
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LOVEDOGS1
New York City, NY11 contributions
Friends
Chinatown is an old filthy dump that exists only so businesses there can make money. Nothing about it is for your enjoyment. You are there as the idiot tourist fooled in to believing Chinatown has something worth seeing. It doesn't.
The food is worse than canned chicken ala king. There is nothing "Chinese" about it.
When you return home you will have to clean your shoes to remove the horrible stench of rotten fish that is on every sidewalk.
Chinatowns in the US might have been interesting 50, 60 years ago but Chinatown in nyc has absolutely nothing to offer.
Take the Staten Island Ferry instead.
Walk the Highline.
Go to Brooklyn Heights for a spectacular view of Manhattan.
There are wonderful experiences to be experienced in ny. Chinatown isn't one of them.
The food is worse than canned chicken ala king. There is nothing "Chinese" about it.
When you return home you will have to clean your shoes to remove the horrible stench of rotten fish that is on every sidewalk.
Chinatowns in the US might have been interesting 50, 60 years ago but Chinatown in nyc has absolutely nothing to offer.
Take the Staten Island Ferry instead.
Walk the Highline.
Go to Brooklyn Heights for a spectacular view of Manhattan.
There are wonderful experiences to be experienced in ny. Chinatown isn't one of them.
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kelly M
Waterdown, Canada5 contributions
Dont go!!! Not safe- dirty. Female vendors are pushy and aggressive - watch for when the police change their shifts!
Written May 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deb W
Reno, NV2,198 contributions
This area is a bit rundown. It seems many businesses didn't make it through the pandemic. There is some nice street art. The shops are fun
Written April 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GrandmaJackie1964
Netanya, Israel124 contributions
We did a self-guided walking tour of Chinatown and I'm glad we'd taken the time to research it and print this out as we found some really nice hidden gems. We spent a good couple of hours just walking around, following the route and soaking up the atmosphere.
Written April 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sandra
Cincinnati, OH315 contributions
Chinatown is a busy and iively neighborhood. Lots of small shops and lots of restaurants. We were constantly approached by ladies trying to sell use fake Louis Vuitton purses; just ignore them.
Restaurants and shops are mostly cash only so make sure to bring enough cash.
It is a totally safe place and a stroll through the neighborhood should not be missed while in the city. Great place to get some boba or soup dumplings.
Chinatown rolls straight into Little Italy, so you could do both in an afternoon.
Restaurants and shops are mostly cash only so make sure to bring enough cash.
It is a totally safe place and a stroll through the neighborhood should not be missed while in the city. Great place to get some boba or soup dumplings.
Chinatown rolls straight into Little Italy, so you could do both in an afternoon.
Written March 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jgbtravels
Louisville, KY2,780 contributions
Couples
Our first visit in a few but the soup dumplings from Joe’s Shanghai were calling. It’s a little more subdued in winters but still a fun experience to see this neighborhood. I can’t remember ever getting a bad meal in any restaurant in NYC Chinatown. Be aware of all the people trying to sell you jewelry on the street, There seems to be several on each block. Just ignore them. That being said some restaurants are cash only but let’s face it the meals here are cheaper than what you get elsewhere in New York. They give you a lot of food to boot.
Written December 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
marianna S
Kentwood, MI15 contributions
What time do the shops close in Chinatown? Are the open in the evening?
Northern_Traveler00
Boston, MA58,808 contributions
Various times, there are dozens of places here. Most are open into the evening. All the restaurants are
How many blocks is china town?
Jacqueline Jones
35 contributions
Its a few Blocks and is accessible to see whole area on foot. good dining and shopping area and site seeing as well.
filthiestfish
Croydon, UK1,415 contributions
How can I get to Chinatown from Battery Park on the subway?
Susan N
Inman, SC581 contributions
Check out the app
Citymapper
That’s how we made our way around the city.
Oceane Lnl
42 contributions
Bonjour
Je me rend à New-York en septembre et je compte me rendre au Chinatown. Il y a t’il un jours de la semaine à privilégier?
merci pour vos réponses.
Andrés SG
Estepona, Spain152 contributions
Je suis désolee, je ne sais pas si il y a un jour especial por visiter Chinatown. Mais ce Tous les jours overte.
best place for knock off hand bags
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ2,691 contributions
First off you know that it is illegal to buy these things in NYC so be careful who you buy from and where you buy it.
Honestly, any place on Canal Street near Mott Street you can find what you are looking for but then you can find in droves on Upper Fifth Avenue near Saks after 8:00pm at night.
kemdoll
rochester, mn2 contributions
I am coming to new York for first time in august staying at holiday inn by central park how far away is Chinatown from there? Any info helps
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ2,691 contributions
You best bet is to take the A,E,C, N, or R subways to Canal Street. From Canal Street, walk down to Mott Street which is the traditional heart of Chinatown.
Some good restaurants for a first timer to the city are 4-5-6 Restaurant and Wonton Noodle Garden both on Mott Street and if you want Dim Sum, try Golden Unicorn on East Broadway or Dan Jing on Elizabeth Street. Sun Sai Gai on Canal Street is good for snacks and simple meals. Check out 'DiningonaShoeStringinNYC' for cheaper places to eat if you are on a budget.
There is a cheap dumpling house on Henry Street called Dumplings where everything is between $1.00-$5.00.
Also check out the Museum of Chinese Americans when you are in Chinatown. It is very interesting.
Good Luck and Have Fun!
BolinhoRSO
Rio de Janeiro, RJ4 contributions
Fala meu amigo, vc considera perigoso hospedar-se por Chinatown?
Maria Bernadete Malerbo
Mexico City, Mexico209 contributions
Fica tranquilo. Onde ficamos e andamos tudo a pé, nada de anormal.
BolinhoRSO
Rio de Janeiro, RJ4 contributions
Paula, hospedar-se por Chinatown é perigoso?
Obrigado!
Leandro D
Irati, PR828 contributions
O lugar em si, te deixa um pouco apreensivo. Eu optei por tomar mais cuidado do que se eu estivesse mais no centro da cidade.
Chris C
Ogden, UT30 contributions
My first time to visit China Town, what is a good authentic restaurant that is moderately priced? Any recommendations?
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ2,691 contributions
The two I enjoy going to are 456 Restaurant on Mott Street and Wonton Noodle Garden also on Mott Street. The good thing about Wonton Noodle Garden is that if you have a cold, their Cantonese Wonton Soup with Roast Pork will kill any germ inside of you. 456 Restaurant has excellent Soup Dumplings and their Shredded Pork with Plum Sauce is excellent. Sun Sai Gai on Canal Street is also good for Roast Pork Buns and other snacks and Sweets Bakery across the street from them has the best sugar donuts, chocolate donuts and roast pork buns. This is more Chinese-American cooking or Hong Kong cooking though. You might not want to eat the authentic stuff unless you like tripe or tongue, which most people don't like.
Adriana C
54 contributions
Alquilar un departamento peque{o para dos personas en Chinatown es bastante barato. Quisiera saber si es seguro de noche para dos mujeres solas. Muchas gracias
OrlandoTunnerman -writer,escritor-☺️☺️☺️
Madrid, Spain12,807 contributions
Hola Adriana. Por las noches se puede convertir en una zona poco recomendable o insegura. Incluso los guías de allí me aconsejaban evitar deambular por Chinatown ya de noche: No tiene por qué pasar nada, pero evitad zonas poco transitadas
Frequently Asked Questions about Chinatown
- We recommend booking Chinatown tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 65 Chinatown tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Chinatown:
- Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest (From $125.00)
- SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York (From $39.00)
- New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour (From $99.00)
- Private Tour of Soho, Chinatown, and Little Italy (From $85.00)
- 3 New York Neighborhoods Semi-Private Tour : SoHo, Chinatown and Little Italy (From $47.00)
- Hotels near Chinatown:
- (0.09 mi) Hotel 50 Bowery
- (0.06 mi) Hotel Mulberry
- (0.15 mi) The Leon Hotel
- (0.20 mi) Wyndham Garden Chinatown
- (0.25 mi) Hotel Mimosa New York
- Restaurants near Chinatown:
- (0.01 mi) WK Restaurant
- (0.01 mi) Sichaun Cuisine
- (0.01 mi) Candy Shop USA
- (0.01 mi) Mango Mango Dessert
- (0.01 mi) Milk Cow
- Attractions near Chinatown:
- (0.01 mi) Zuyuan
- (0.01 mi) Yunhong Chopsticks
- (0.02 mi) Wang Jiao Spa
- (0.11 mi) Streetwise New York Tours
- (0.11 mi) NYC Gangster Tours Day Tours