Chinatown Neighborhood Guide

Chinatown has no official boundaries but are commonly considered to be Hester or Grand Street to the North, overlapping Little Italy, Worth Street to the Southwest, East Broadway to the Southeast, bordering Two Bridges, Essex Street to the East, bordering the Lower East Side, and Lafayette Street to the West, bordering Tribeca.

Rich with culture and tradition, Chinatown has amazingly preserved its roots in the midst of the ever-changing Manhattan landscape. Winding streets are teeming with bakeries, herbal shops, authentic cuisine, intriguing gifts and souvenirs, and everything Chinese. There is never a dull moment walking around Chinatown, and Columbus Park is where you’ll find the residents (especially seniors) playing mahjong or chess. Young people will be exercising, playing basketball or skateboarding, so grab some dumplings-to-go, find a bench, and feel the energy.

Chinatown Highlights

• Columbus Park – See amateur troupes of Chinese-opera performers
• Museum of Chinese in America (MoCA)
• Chinatown Ice Cream Factory – Family-run with adventurous flavors.
• Temple Mahayana – Oldest Chinese temple on the east coast open to public year-round and is near the iconic Manhattan Bridge.
• Aji Ichiban – An Asian snack paradise with samples laid out.
• Canal Street – Has the feel of an open-air bazaar feel with endless selections.
• Apotheke – Not your average NY bar, it resembles a chemistry lab with over 250 cocktails.
• Jing Fong – NYC’s premiere dim sum and traditional Cantonese restaurant.
• Mei Li Wah Bakery – A local favorite since 1968.
• Kamwo Herbal Pharmacy – Vintage apothecary sells medicinal herbs and more.