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Chinatown

4.2 (144 reviews)

Chinatown Photos

Recommended Reviews - Chinatown

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09/18/17
Marianne W.

Chinatown is one of my favorite places to visit. My favorite Aunt was half Chinese and half Irish! My uncle would take us all to Chinatown for the day when we lived in Connecticut. If you see my photos I last visited September 2025! I make it a point when I go to the Feast of San Gennaro. I'm going to adhere as best I can to the positivity of the Lunar New Year. I plan to get back to Chinatown again in 2026! I'm extremely happy and exuberant as I look forward to 2026. And I'm very excited to be recommending Chinatown to Yelpers everywhere!

Summer evening
Susan C.

Many describe New York City as a melting pot, though if you dive deeper into the fabrication of the neighborhoods, you'll notice it's really broken out into a multitude of ethnic enclaves. These provide peoples fitting into these groups a sense of belonging from shared backgrounds and often cultural and economic resources they may not be able to find elsewhere. Many people stick to their own roots and rarely venture out, however NYC is still a place where you have the opportunity (whether coerced due to population density or out of pure curiosity) to more readily see and experience cultures other than your own, which is a beautiful thing. Chinatown in Manhattan is one of those ethnic communities. While there are not clearly defined boundaries, for example the northern part of Chinatown technically overlaps with little Italy, the historic central portion of Chinatown is bounded by Chatham Square/Bowery, and the streets of Worth, Baxter, and Canal. This area was settled by the Chinese starting in the mid 1800s, when a wave of immigrants arrived during the peak of the California gold rush. From then, the cultural makeup of Chinatown has been in constant flux, both from A) a socio-economic development perspective--with early tongs arising for community, business, social and criminal reasons--then Five Points neighborhood in the mid 20th century (now integrated into Chinatown) being one of the most dangerous places in Manhattan, to the current mix of high and low-rise commercial and residential buildings, and B) from an ethnic standpoint, with different waves of immigrants thru the decades heralding from various parts of China and the Chinese diaspora. Nowadays Chinatown is probably best known for 1) food - all sorts of mostly Asian food and drink, via cafes, restaurants, groceries, bar/lounges, bakeries, food courts, 2) lots of touristy souvenir shops, 3) being the highest density Chinese community outside of China, though not necessarily the largest, 4) festive annual Chinese New Year celebrations, 5) more food, 6) cultural activities like the Museum of Chinese in America and NY Chinese Cultural Center, just to name a couple. Though not the oldest Chinatown in the USA (that honor belongs to San Francisco) and not necessarily the newest face of Chinatown in NYC (that's more like Flushing or Elmhurst) there's a grittiness about Manhattan's Chinatown that to me screams "if I can grind it out here then I can grind it anywhere." In the compounded stresses of tight quarters, aside from gastronomical delights you can find pieces of old and new traditions*, a varied collection of residents, and a spirit of resilience that keeps Chinatown moving forward. *from taichi and Chinese wei-chi and mahjong in Columbus Park, a number of Buddhist temples scattered throughout Chinatown, to hip hop dance practice and basketball tournaments held in Sara D. Roosevelt Park, any type of classes ranging from computer skills, badminton, ballroom dancing and self defense held at one of a few community centers.

Maruko X.

I think the visit to Chinatown here is worth the trip for authentic and affordable food, tea, grocery, and snacks. Although it's not as big as other known Chinatown in SF, it is still a vibrant and bustling neighborhood offering a unique blend of culture and history beyond delicious food.

A different world
Toshi I.

Gritty and as real as it gets but felt safe. Outdoor vegetable stands and old grandparents shopping. We passed through to get to Little Italy which is right next to it.

Tofu over rice
Rhondi S.

Wonderful Chinese restaurants l from hike in the walls, noodle shops, Chinese pastry shops, nice sit down restaurants to dim sum and dumpling shops. Streets are full of produce vendors with fresh fruit and vegetables, other shops specializing in seafood with tanks of fresh fish, crab, lobsters, crawfish and more. Other shops range from inexpensive Asian knick nacks and souvenirs to expensive jewelry stores with beautiful gold or jade jewelry. Great place to walk around and experience one of the older Chinatowns in the US.

Duck
Marie S.

Lots to see, local delicacies, and gifts. You can even try a rambutan fruit or coconut water at one of the local vendor stands 2023 #86

Pell St closed off for dining
Hank C.

Quick update, there's been a few moves of restaurants in the last few years, from Jing Fong (from the giant shop above Elizabeth to the modest one at Centre St), Wonton Noodle (off to Pell), and more, but the heart of Chinatown is still there - street vendors, negotiations and a bunch of people selling the knock-offs. Pell St was closed for part of the time now to put seating in the streets, and while some areas still could use a freshening and cleanup, others weren't too bad. There are some areas that have definitely lost a lot of small shops, but new ones like the Taiwanese Bear House and others have come to try their hand.

Christmas tree and paper lanterns
Eloy Y.

Gong hei fat choy(恭喜发财) Happy Lunar New Year to those celebrating in many Asian countries including China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Tibet, Mongolia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Welcome to the Year of the Rabbit /Cat in Vietnam symboling longevity, peace, and prosperity. Those born in a year of the Rabbit /Cat (2023, 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927) are believed to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded, and ingenious.

911 GT3-RS.   Would you park this car on a city street??
John C.

Best chinatown in Manhattan. They say it's huge. The biggest and best. Ever. I'll tell ya. People tell me all the time. Have you ever been to Chinatown? And I tell them, you gotta go to Chinatown. It's the biggest and best in Manhattan. And Manhattan. It's a cesspool of liberals. But, Chinatown is the best. Windmills cause cancer. And I would take the shark over an EV boat any day. The best!!

The streets
Mike G.

This Chinatown is a must see especially of you love Chinese food. Came here to check out a few bars and to eat. Wayyyy better than Chinatown out here in Los Angeles. Will definitely visit again when I make my way back to Ny.

Robert S.

I love the Chinatown in New York, it's always busy, lively and you hear people talking about everything and anything....LOL... Manhattan's Chinatown is an area bordering the Lower East Side to its east, Little Italy to its north, Civic Center to its south, and Tribeca to its west. With an estimated population of 90,000 to 100,000 people, Chinatown is home to one of the highest concentration of Chinese people in the Western Hemisphere. Manhattan's Chinatown is also one of the oldest Chinese ethnic enclaves. The Manhattan Chinatown is one of nine Chinatown neighborhoods in New York City, as well as one of twelve in the New York metropolitan area, which contains the largest ethnic Chinese population outside of Asia, comprising an estimated 900,000+ uniracial individuals. Historically, Chinatown was primarily populated by Cantonese speakers. However, in the 1980s and 1990s, large numbers of Fuzhounese-speaking immigrants also arrived and formed a sub-neighborhood annexed to the eastern portion of Chinatown east of The Bowery, which has become known as Little Fuzhou subdivided away from the primarily Cantonese populated original longtime established Chinatown of Manhattan. Although now overtaken in size by the rapidly growing Flushing Chinatown (located in the New York City borough of Queens) and Brooklyn Chinatown, the Manhattan Chinatown remains a dominant cultural force for the Chinese diaspora, as home to the Museum of Chinese in America and as the headquarters of numerous publications based both in the U.S. and China that are geared to overseas Chinese. Since I speak Cantonese, I feel at home when I am in this Chinatown. I shop, eat and order all in Cantonese, which sometimes is an advantage, sometimes it's not....if the shop keeper or the waiter is not in a good mood, knowing they are dealing with one of their own, makes them free to yell and/or be less than courteous.....LOL. Still a great experience. Here you can enjoy some great noodles, rices, dim sum, bakery goods, etc.... Excellent food everywhere !

Van D.

While in New York City, Chinatown is a must visit area as the Manhattan Chinatown. In the 1800s Chinatown was established as an area for refugee for survival. To this day this area has the highest Chinese population and the largest Chinatown in the US -- or so I am told by the locals. My friend and I had a great time exploring the NY Chinatown area, minus a few stinky polluted spots, but it has some of the tastiest Chinese food, desserts, and affordable souvenirs. I also hear it is wonderfully festive during the Asian holidays like Lunar New Years. I appreciate the cultural aspects lingering on for the Asian American population. While I was in New York we were able to grab lunch, get desserts, and browse around. They have lovely lanterns hanging on the street; great for photos. I would recommend stopping by if you are in the area.

Tonya J.

Full of culture, vendors, music and lots of food options. You must visit if you in New York.

Deserted Grand Street in Chinatown during COVID19 lockdown - 4/18/2020

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We loved walking the streets of china town! Very picturesque, however, if poverty makes you uncomfy, might want to skip.

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Chinatown Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Chinatown

Is there a place to get children's books or songs in Chinese?

Try the public library on East Broadway and also the one on Mulberry St.

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Review Highlights - Chinatown

1 (fresh roast pork and duck meats over rice) - Wo Hop (Authentic Hong Kong Cuisine) And the list goes on...

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Freeman Alley - Love this alley to a passion

Freeman Alley

4.5(8 reviews)
0.5 miLower East Side

I will admit that New York City has some really amazing hole-in-the-wall places that are worth…read morechecking out. But at what cost? Well, I will say that this experience that I had on my most recent trip was absolutely 100% FREE and worth every minute! And for anyone that truly appreciates some breathtaking artwork & graffiti, I definitely encourage you to visit "Freeman Alley". Located in the Lower East Side neighborhood of New York City, this alley is situated directly off of Rivington St and tucked in between Bowery/Chrystie St's. I ended up coming here during the night of Monday 10/13/2025 at around 10:30pm. Getting here is fairly simple as you can arrive by taxi, subway, rideshare, bike, or on foot. However, finding this alley can be a bit tricky. But once you're here, you will be blown away with the amount of amazing art in all directions. During my visit, I saw murals of past and present fictional and real characters that included Mr. Monopoly, Aaliyah, Count von Count, Ozzy Osbourne, and many more. There are also stickers that represent local businesses, organizations, and other various ways to advertise. From an artists perspective, this place is really unique but some might find some of the wording a little bit offensive. However, I enjoyed strolling through this alley as it represents much of what New York City is all about. My rating, a perfect five stars.

This is a free tourist attraction or not so hidden local gem. Its a long alley way hidden between…read moreresidential and business buildings. Great art, graffiti and stickers to look at. Great photo ops. Theres a restaurant at the end which ive heard is great. Max time spent here can be 30 mins. Kid friendly.

Photos
Freeman Alley - Amazing artwork in every direction

Amazing artwork in every direction

Freeman Alley - Aaliyah mural

Aaliyah mural

Freeman Alley - Absolutely love this artwork

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Absolutely love this artwork

Nostalgia Train

Nostalgia Train

5.0(8 reviews)
0.7 miLower East Side

Can still take them on Sundays this December. Schedules and route on the NY Transit museum website…read more Regular train fare. When we first happened to see the holiday train a few years back, we got on one car, the oldest car which was cool already, but we didn't get to see the other subway cars. This past Sunday, we decided to take the F train from Queens to meet the Holiday Nostalgia train on the F platform at 2nd Ave-Houston St (first stop from downtown). Got there before 2pm. and the train was parked. This was good bec we were able to walk from the last subway car, through a few cars, until we had to stop bec got crowded. The subway cars have different designs so nice to check a few out. Some people were dressed up - some in military attire and in trench coats in the car we were in; didn't know until later that they were there to perform an old military song "Over There". Other passengers as well, and were ok to be photographed. We only took it the Rockefeller area which was our destination for that day but at least we had an interesting ride.

The vintage trains on the nostalgia train routes were in use from 1932-1977. These trains usually…read morerun in December along the ACDEFM routes. Always check online for the schedule as it changes yearly. Simply search "Nostalgia Train NYC" and find a website with the schedule for that year. People go all out and dress during the era that the trains were in use, complete with luggage and accessories such as cameras. It's a wonderful experience and costs the same as the normal subway fare. The train's are decorated for the holidays and stop for extended lengths of time on the first and last stops which are perfect for photo ops. It's important to note that all of the ads on the train are from that era as well, a blast from the past! This is a unique holiday NYC experience perfect for people of all ages!

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Nostalgia Train
Nostalgia Train
Nostalgia Train

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Chinatown - localflavor - Updated May 2026

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