The 8 Best Things To Do Now In Chinatown NYC
Chinatown Manhattan is one of New York City’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for incredible food, cultural landmarks, historic streets, and local traditions. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to explore deeper, these are the eight best things to do in Chinatown.
1. Eat Authentic Chinese Cuisine
Chinatown is famous for some of the most authentic Chinese food in New York City, from soup dumplings to roast meats and hand pulled noodles.
• Joe’s Shanghai
Official website: https://www.joeshanghai.com
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Joe%27s+Shanghai+NYC
• Great NY Noodletown
Official website: https://www.greatnynoodletown.com
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Great+NY+Noodletown
Foods of New York Tours includes Chinatown’s most iconic dishes on our guided food tours, offering tastings and cultural context you would miss exploring alone.
2. Walk Down Doyers Street
Doyers Street is one of the most photographed streets in Chinatown and is rich with history, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Curved historic street dating back to the early 1900s
• Former meeting place for Chinatown’s early communities
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Doyers+Street+NYC
Our Chinatown Food Tour walks directly through Doyers Street while sharing stories you will not find on signs or plaques.
3. Visit Columbus Park
Columbus Park is the cultural heart of Chinatown, where locals gather daily.
• Games and Chinese chess
• Live traditional music performances
• Tai chi and community gatherings
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Columbus+Park+Chinatown+NYC
This stop is featured on Foods of New York Tours as a key location to understand daily life in Chinatown.
4. Explore Canal Street
Canal Street is one of Chinatown’s busiest corridors and a classic New York experience.
• Street vendors, souvenir shops and “designer” bags
• Local businesses and markets
• Gateway between Chinatown and SoHo
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Canal+Street+Chinatown+NYC
Our guided tours help visitors navigate Canal Street and its shopping, while learning how it shaped modern Chinatown.
5. Visit the Museum of Chinese in America
The Museum of Chinese in America tells the powerful story of Chinese immigrants in New York City.
• Permanent and rotating exhibits
• Cultural history and art installations
• Educational programs
Official website: https://www.mocanyc.org
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Museum+of+Chinese+in+America
Many guests choose to pair a museum visit with a Foods of New York Chinatown Food Tour for a full cultural experience.
6. Stop at a Traditional Chinese Bakery
Chinatown bakeries are famous for fresh, affordable treats made daily.
• Egg tarts and sponge cakes
• Steamed buns and pork buns
• Seasonal pastries
• Golden Steamer
Official website: https://www.goldensteamer.com
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Golden+Steamer+NYC
These types of bakeries are pointed out (and featured) on Foods of New York Tours, allowing tour attendees the chance to taste classics with expert guidance.
7. Visit the Mahayan Buddhist Temple
This peaceful temple is home to the largest seated Buddha statue in New York City.
• Quiet space for reflection
• Active place of worship
• Cultural and spiritual landmark
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Mahayan+Buddhist+Temple+NYC
Our tours explain the temple’s significance and role within the Chinatown community.
8. Take a Chinatown Food Tour
One of the best ways to experience Chinatown is with a guided food tour led by a local expert.
• Multiple food tastings
• Neighborhood history and storytelling
• Insider access to beloved local spots
Foods of New York Chinatown Food Tour
Official website: https://www.foodsofny.com
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Foods+of+New+York+Tours
Where to Stay Near Chinatown
Staying in or near to Chinatown allows you to explore the neighborhood easily and also connect to the rest of Manhattan by subway, bus, taxi, Uber or Lyft.
• Hotel 50 Bowery
Official website: https://www.jdvhotels.com
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Hotel+50+Bowery
• Walker Hotel Tribeca
Official website: https://www.walkerhotels.com
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Walker+Hotel+Tribeca
• Sohotel
Official website: https://www.sohotelnyc.com
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com/?q=Sohotel+NYC
These hotels are all conveniently located near Foods of New York Tours meeting points.
Plan Your Chinatown Experience
Chinatown offers some of the best food, history, and culture in New York City. Pairing these top attractions with a Foods of New York Chinatown Food Tour ensures you experience the neighborhood in a meaningful and memorable way.