Chinatown

Chinatown is without a doubt one most of New York’s most unique places, with a powerful visual and cultural identity completely distinct from everywhere else in the city. As the largest Chinatown in the United States, once you step into it you might feel as if you’ve been brought away to another place, from the Chinese-only store signage to the open-air market vendors calling out their goods and the sea of local natives passing by who’ve made the neighborhood their home. While nearly every historically ethnic lower Manhattan neighborhood has changed into something else over time, Chinatown has only strengthened and expanded, making it a quintessential part of the New York experience.

Chinese and Chinese-American residents make up a big portion of the population, as well as a sizable mix of new comers looking for something exciting and downtown.

The cultural experience of Chinatown is like nothing else in NY. There are also tons of great eateries, bars and shopping. Those who thrive on seeing an abundance of people and activity will love it, and the easy access to inexpensive and unique grocery items makes it convenient for car-less home chefs. The array of restaurants is impressive and endless and there are plenty of bars and clubs for nightlife experiences.

Locals and tourists alike swarm the streets and it’s always bustling, so expect little in the way of calm. The open air street markets are great to look at but in summer months can provide for intense smells in some areas. Chinatown is a concrete jungle with little in the way of greenery. There is a only limited number of subway trains that run through the neighborhood, so transportation options are less convenient than other downtown areas.

Chinatown is an active and busy neighborhood where the streets are nearly always filled with residents and tourists. Most of the apartments are walk-ups above restaurants and shops, though there are a growing number of new condos as well. Many of the shops and restaurants cater directly to the local Chinese population, with signage and advertising in either two languages or just Chinese. Open-air markets can be found everywhere and add to the flavor of the neighborhood. Some streets have old-fashion cobblestones.

Like much of lower Manhattan, Chinatown has a limited amount of greenspace. The main park serving the neighborhood is the Sara Roosevelt Park, which provides ball courts and some open areas.

Chinatown has considerably more budget hotel offerings (1 and 2 star) than other lower Manhattan neighborhoods, which is great if that’s what you need. Look west to Tribeca and Soho if seeking better higher-end options.

Wyndham Garden Chinatown
Howard Johnson Manhattan Soho
Leon Hotel

Chinatown is mainly served by the B/D/F line, as well as the 6 and J/Z trains

Transportation options: 6 N R Q J Z B D F Bus service

There is little-to-no non-commercial street parking in Chinatown during the week, so car owners must garage their vehicles or find somewhere else to park them.

Yellow cabs for passenger pickup are also readily available just about anywhere.

Distance from main airports by car:
LaGuardia: 40 minutes
JFK: 40-60 minutes
Newark: 30-45 minutes