Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:New York, New York
Our Tourist Attractions Expert Says:
Listen up, bargain hunters, meanderers and wanderers: the streets of Chinatown are made just for you. This neighborhood of Manhattan is an ethnic enclave with the second most populous Chinatown in the Western Hemisphere and third in area size. From Asian groceries stores to faux fashion and kichy souvenirs, in Manhattan's Chinatown, the sky is the limit.
Chinatown is actually home to a variety of immigrants, from China's Fujian province and Taiwan as well as Mandarin speakers from the interior provinces, some Vietnamese as well as Tibetans, Malaysians and Cambodians, making the ethnic flair here truly vibrant. The Asian-inspired building facades, with pagodas and tiled roofs and the narrow tenements will set the mood for your adventure right away. While here, be sure to look for the Church of the Transfiguration and the Mahayana Buddhist Temple, which are some of Chinatown's true architectural treats. And let's not forget the amazing eats—including plenty of variety and delicious, affordable food, from Dim Sum, to Cantonese cuisine, congee and fresh seafood. Head to one of the small bakeries for a snack while here or try a Vietnamese restaurant for a large bowl of yummy beef soup noodles. Be sure to save room for dessert too—like the many flavors at the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. The Explore Chinatown Info Kiosk on Canal at Walker & Baxter has free maps, guides, and brochures for those who want them. As many of you know, this neighborhood is also known for its ample knock off handbags and watches, a big draw for fashion freaks. And for history lovers, the Museum of Chinese in the Americas, has fascinating exhibits that chronicle the amazing history of this community. Finally, if you haven't had enough Chinatown, hop on one of the buses and check out Brooklyn's Chinatown for more delicious eats and more great deals.