china town walking tours

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Things to Do in Chinatown NYC

Chinatown is like no other neighborhood in NYC.

Its historic streets are narrow, shops sell exotic food, you'll hear Chinese spoken here and yes, you can find knock-off handbags!

This post shares tips on the best things to see in Chinatown, including where to eat and shop, where to stay, and other tips.

We are a group of locals who lead walking tours throughout NYC.

We have led tens of thousands of people through the streets of Manhattan's Chinatown and even a couple of our tour guides live here.

In addition to our vast experience covering Chinatown, we also run the very popular NYC Travel Tips Facebook Group.

We asked our roughly 200k members what they thought was best about Chinatown and we used some of their suggestions in this post.

The group is made up of locals, and tour guides, but mostly of fans of NYC who are planning on visiting or have visited the city before.

You don't need to be a member to search for and read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

Check out our group once you are finished reading this post.

• Plan Your Visit
• Things to See and Do
• Restaurants
• Where to Stay in NYC
• Other NYC Neighborhoods

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Visiting Manhattan's Chinatown is like being transported to another country and in some ways to another era!

Wander Chinatown's narrow streets, lined with tenement buildings over 100 years old.

Contemplate the neighborhood's past, filled with stories of Irish gangs from the 1850s and mass Chinese migration in the early 1900s.

While it may feel a bit touristy, if you look closely you will see a bit of China among the locals, their traditions, and the authentic (and inexpensive) food shops.

Walk along Canal Street for "designer" bags or shop for souvenirs.

If you like fascinating history, delicious food, cheap shopping, and a touch of the exotic, Chinatown is worth a visit!

Oh, bring cash! Not all shops take credit cards and small food carts only accept cash.

Let Us Take You Here

Join one of our daily pay-what-you-wish tours.

We also have a self-guided tour as well as an audio tour. See the section on tour options below for more details.

How to Get Here

Chinatown is located in Downtown Manhattan. It's important to know that because there are two other large Chinatowns in NYC.

There's Flushing in Queens, believed to be the largest Chinatown in the city and Sunset Park in Brooklyn, running a close second in size.

Getting to Manhattan's Chinatown is easy. By subway, Chinatown is less than 20 minutes from Times Square by the N, Q, and R lines.

We recommend that you start your visit at the Chinatown Information Kiosk at the intersection of Baxter St & Canal St.

Use this Google Maps link for directions to the kiosk .

Chinatown is easy to reach by a number of subway lines and buses.

• Canal Street Station: 6, J, M, N, Q, R, W, Z
• Grand Street station:  B, D
• East Broadway station:  F

We have two posts on the NYC subway that are very handy:

• Navigating the Subway System
• Which MetroCard to Buy

M1, M6, M9, M15, M22, M103

All the major hop-on-hop-off buses offer at least one stop in Chinatown. Read our comparison post on which bus company might be right for you .  

How Much Time To Spend Here

Any time of day is good for a visit to Chinatown.

It is quieter in the morning, but half the fun is seeing the hustle and bustle of midday and the neon lights at night.

If you want to get a good feel for Chinatown, try some great food, do a little shopping, and soak in the atmosphere, we recommend that you give yourself at least two hours. 

If you plan to eat at a sit-down restaurant add on an additional hour. We recommend where to eat below .

Keep in mind that Chinatown is bordered by many other fantastic neighborhoods to check out.

Adjacent to Chinatown are:

• Little Italy
• Lower Manhattan
• Lower East Side

THINGS TO SEE IN CHINATOWN

Here are the top ten places to check out in Chinatown.

You can get more detail on these and other sites from our self-guided Chinatown tour for a do-it-yourself experience.

1. Stroll Mott Street

This is Chinatown's unofficial "Main Street” where many of the first Chinese-owned shops and restaurants opened in the early days of Chinatown.

Today it is lined with Chinese restaurants, trendy bubble tea shops, and tourist-type gift shops.

Must-visit sites include Aji Ichiban Candy Store at 37 Mott Street and the Church of the Transfiguration (corner of Mosco and Mott Sts.) erected in 1801.

Our self-guided tour has details on these stops and others not included here.

2. Relax in Columbus Park

­Immerse yourself in Chinese culture by spending a few minutes in this small but lively park.

Here you will find many elderly Chinese people, who come to do tai chi, play cards, mahjong, and other Chinese games.

You will hear musicians singing traditional Chinese songs and playing lutes. Early in the mornings, you may spot a group of people doing tai­chi.

Though this park feels distinctly Chinese, it wasn't always the case.

The area where the park stands now and the surrounding streets were known as Five Points.

You may already be familiar with Five Points from the book and movie Gangs of New York .

3. Eat Fried Dumplings

On Mosco Street, head to Fried Dumpling, a tiny shop where you can get what some say are the best Chinese fried pork dumplings in town.

Just $1.25 for 5 dumplings!  

Forks are to the right of the register and there is hot sauce on the tiny counter across from the open kitchen where you can see your dumplings being made.

The ladies at the counter are very fast and don’t have time for questions so be ready with cash in hand!

4.  Discover the "Bloody Angle"

In the early 1900s, Chinatown was a bed of vice, and rival tongs (gangs) battled for dominance. The small, curved Doyers Street was a prime location for gang violence.

There were so many shoot-outs, ambushes, and murders on Doyers Street, that it came to be known as “the Bloody Angle".

The most famous spot on Doyers Street is the Nom Wah Tea Parlor, Chinatown’s first tea parlor, which opened in 1920.

The interior resembles an American coffee shop with vinyl booths and a counter with stools.

Unlike other food establishments in early Chinatown with their exotic mysterious appearance, Nom Wah’s décor was familiar to non-Chinese diners and made it more enticing for people to come in and try this new type of food. 

5.  Be Transported on Pell Street

Walking along this narrow and colorful street one feels as if they are in China due to the small storefronts with awnings and flags written in Chinese.

This short street has a number of interesting sites.

At the corner of Pell Street and Bowery is the oldest townhouse in New York City, built in 1785 after the Revolutionary War.

At 18 Pell Street, you'll find a dusty corner store selling traditional Chinese trinkets. It's been in business since 1957.

6. See a Giant Buddha

Opened in 1997, the Mahayana Buddhist Temple 133 Canal Street is the largest Buddhist Temple in New York City and houses the city's largest Buddha statue.

You can enter the temple’s foyer for free (dressed appropriately – this is a house of worship).

If you have time and a $1 donation, go into the temple itself to gaze up at the 16-foot-tall golden Buddha. 

7. Experience Dim Sum

Dim Sum is a meal of small plates of a variety of Chinese foods like dumplings, steamed buns, ribs, seafood, and so many other treats.

This is an excellent way to try many dishes for fairly low prices.

Traditionally, Dim Sum is served on the weekends only, sort of like brunch.

However, many restaurants in Chinatown now serve it on weekdays as well, though the atmosphere is much more energetic on weekends.

When having Dim Sum, instead of ordering from a menu, you are given a large ticket on which the waiters keep track of what you eat.

Choose your food from the carts being pushed around by the servers. If you see something you like, stop the waiter, point at the item, and give your food ticket.

We recommend some places to get Dim Sum below in our Restaurants section below. 

8. See the Mott Street Fish Market

This market is made up of a number of stores selling fish and other creatures of the sea at very competitive prices.

There are a few stores that sell greens and fruit but mainly it’s the fish that bring the locals in to do their weekly shopping.

You can also find a massive array of dried goods, from different types of mushrooms, squid, shrimp, and many items you probably won’t recognize. 

Warning: if you are squeamish, do NOT look inside the large plastic garbage bins next to the fish displays.

9. Go to the Museum of Chinese in the Americas (MoCA)

This museum is one of the most important national archives of Chinese history in America. Their permanent collection is extensive.

Over 65,000 artifacts, photographs, documents, textiles, and other objects document the history of Chinese Americans.

Temporary exhibits are highly topical. Several permanent exhibits are family-friendly. 

The  Museum of Chinese in the Americas is at 215 Centre Street.

Entrance to the museum is free for holders of the New York City Tourist Pass .

10. See the Majestic Manhattan Bridge Entrance

Though the first thing you will notice about the entrance to the Manhattan Bridge is the traffic and constant gridlock, take a moment to admire the grand archway and colonnade to the bridge. 

It was designed by one of the most famous architecture firms of the early 20th century Carrere and Hastings, who designed the magnificent New York Public Library at 5th Avenue and 42nd Street.

The Manhattan Bridge, built in 1908, is not as beautiful as the nearby Brooklyn Bridge (though that is arguable).

But, it provides an invaluable service to New Yorkers as it allows cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and subways to cross from Brooklyn to Manhattan.

CHINATOWN FOOD AND RESTAURANTS

There is an overwhelming number of restaurants, eateries, and food carts in Chinatown. This section includes our picks for the best spots.

For an even bigger selection, see our post listing some of the most popular Chinatown NYC restaurants that won’t break the bank.

You can dine fairly well in Chinatown for under $10 for a sit-down meal. You can fill up on amazing street food for under $5!

See below for our snack suggestions .

• Nom Wah Tea Parlor

13 Doyers St. 

The oldest restaurant in Chinatown, the Nom Wah Tea Parlor menu offers plenty of dim sum favorites like steamed shrimp dumplings, scallion pancakes, pork fried dumplings, and soup dumplings.

21 Mott Street corner of Mosco Street, basement level

Serving Cantonese Chinese food classics like lobster in white sauce, sweet and sour pork, and lo mein since 1968.

This bustling restaurant in a clean, well-lit basement-level space, is a favorite among New Yorkers hungry for a nostalgic meal at very good prices.

20 Elizabeth Street between Canal Street and Bayard Street.

This huge banquet hall is one of the best places to experience Dim Sum.

If you are a big group, you will get your own table, but when it is crowded you will have to wait in the crowded lobby until a table is free.

There is also the option to sit at communal tables.

Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles

1 Doyers Street

A small and cheap restaurant that is adored by New Yorkers. The dough that makes their noodles are literally pulled and stretched out by hand.

They are served in broth or by themselves with add-ins such as duck, chicken, or vegetables. Cash only.

Dim Sum Go Go

5 E Broadway at Chatham Square

If you feel like having dim sum but want to leave behind the mystery of pointing at unknown foods from wheeled carts, try this full-service restaurant.

Menus are provided with a full description and photos of the food. 

Joe’s Shanghai

Joe’s specializes in the ever-popular soup dumplings, pan-fried noodles, soups, and Shanghai-style spare ribs.

You can even order an entire fried fish covered in a thick, brown gravy.

Joe’s has been named “Best Restaurant” by the likes of Gourmet Magazine, Travel and Leisure, and New York Magazine.

Chinese Snack Foods

Fried Dumpling - 106 Mosco Street

This shop is a hole in the wall, but you can’t miss it as there is usually a short line to get 5 fried pork dumplings for $1.25.

They also have pork buns and vegetarian dumplings but they cost a bit more and aren’t as good as their signature dish.

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory - 65 Bayard Street between Elizabeth and Mott Streets

At $5 a scoop, it’s a bit pricey, but they have unusual flavors like ginger, taro, coconut, wasabi, and black sesame seed. There are plenty of old-fashioned American flavors as well.

They also do a great job with familiar flavors such as Mint Chip, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Vanilla Fudge.

Mei Li Wah Bakery - 64 Bayard Street between Elizabeth and Mott Sts

Juicy, tender and tangy pork fills their buns and costs less than $2!

If you are a vegetarian or just want to try something different, try the lotus paste steamed buns with the consistency of peanut butter and a taste similar to that of chestnuts.

Golden Steamer - 143A Mott Street between Hester and Grand Sts.

Tucked away in a small storefront among the bustling fish market you'll find the most delicious pumpkin steamed buns in all of New York City.

The roast pork buns are good too and there's an array of sweet and savory baked and steamed items ranging from $1 to $3.

SHOPPING IN CHINATOWN

If you're looking for jewelry, handbags, perfume, sunglasses, watches, wallets, shoes, etc. walk along Canal Street between Broadway and Mulberry Street.

You will have many shops to choose from. Don’t be shy about ‘haggling’ (negotiating) – try it and you may get a better deal.

Though we don’t endorse purchasing knock-off counterfeit handbags, we can provide you with information about where and how to do this.

Don’t forget that selling counterfeit goods is a crime, so be careful with whom you deal.

Here are some tips:

First, you can visit legitimate stores licensed to sell goods.

Merchandise can sometimes be knockoffs of your favorite brands or have logos meant to resemble those of fancy name-brand bags.

If a shop does carry fake bags, they won’t make it obvious and you will have to go to the way back of the shop and have a look.  

Another option is to look for illegal street peddlers selling knockoff sunglasses, handbags and watches out of suitcases or on sheets laid out on the sidewalk.

If they suddenly pack up and run off, it means that they have spotted the police.

For those brave enough, you can deal with individual sellers who presumably have better quality counterfeit items.

These hawkers stand on street corners (notably Mott, Mulberry, and Baxter Street on the north side of Canal Street) and will walk past you saying quietly “handbag, purse" to women or “watches” to men.

If you indicate you are interested, they will take you off to the side and discreetly show you pictures of the items they have.

If you want to make a purchase, you then follow them to semi-secret, but generally safe, locations to complete the deal.

For an additional resource to discover more shops in Chinatown , check out Time Out NYC.

GUIDED TOURS OF CHINATOWN

Free tours by foot.

We offer several pay-what-you-like tours that are focused on, or include, Chinatown in Manhattan.

Our  SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Tour  runs twice every day and spends about 45 minutes in Chinatown. 

Sometimes, we run a stand-alone tour of Chinatown .  We also offer Chinatown as part of two other history walking tours. 

Our  Chinatown Food Tour - this is a 2-hour tour that explores both the food and history of Chinatown.  This runs on a weekly basis.  

See our current tour calendar for our tours, times, and descriptions.

New York City Tourist Passes  

Both the New York Pass and the New York Explorer Pass include guided food and history tours of Chinatown for free.

These passes can be very valuable if you are planning on visiting many attractions.  

All the major hop-on, hop-off bus companies have at least one stop in Chinatown.

You will get a narration of the neighborhood from the onboard tour guide while you drive through.  

For a more in-depth guided tour, consider one of the bus companies that offer a tour guide who gets off the bus with you and walks you through the neighborhood.  

Read our post on which tour bus is right for you .

Chinatown Walking Tour

Very few neighborhoods encapsulate the diversity and international draw of New York City like Chinatown.

Interestingly enough, this neighborhood sits in the place of a former famous neighborhood in New York, the Five Points, immortalized in the book and film “Gangs of New York.”

A relatively new phenomenon in the city, Chinatown is still growing.

Join Free Tours by Foot for a peek into this ongoing chapter in New York City’s rich immigrant history.

As part of the tour, you will see the restaurants and stores that make up everyday life here.

You will be approached by street vendors selling everything from exotic fruits to questionable brand-name handbags.

You will also get a chance to pass through important neighborhood centers like Columbus Park, where Chinese men and women congregate to talk about local happenings and play their card and board games.

All of the sites and stops in Chinatown will paint a picture that will make the world feel small while at the same time reminding you of just how big it really is.

Here are the sites that will be covered on the tour:

• Columbus Park
• Church of Transfiguration
• Chatham Square
• Shearith Israel Cemetery
• Kimlau Memorial Arch
• Edward Mooney House
• Manhattan Bridge Entrance
• Mott Street Market
• Mahayana Buddhist Temple
• Museum of Chinese in the Americas

Tour information

Reservations : This tour currently runs as a private tour only.

Where : The tour departs from the intersection of Canal and Baxter Streets ( map ).

Duration : Approximately 2 hours.  Approximately 1.5 miles (2k) in distance.

When :  View our full tour Calendar

Cost : This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it’s done.  A  name-your-own-price tour  is a tour for every budget.

Save more money with a  tourist concession pass  and our  Guide to NYC on a Budget .

Language : The tour is in English.

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The Official Chinatown Walking Tour

• Family-friendly Tours & cruises Cultural & historical sites

Booking required

What you'll do.

This guided stroll around Manhattan’s lively Chinatown takes in a towering golden Buddha, a Taoist temple, Confucius Plaza and more.

Go on The Official Chinatown Walking Tour with The New York Pass®

• Pay nothing on the day – simply show your pass.
• You’ll visit the Five Points neighborhood, immortalized in Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York movie.
• The headquarters of the ‘Mayor of Chinatown’ is also on the itinerary, as are Doyers Street and Kimlau Square.

Discover the sounds, smells and sights of Chinatown on this info-packed walking tour of some of its most famous landmarks.

Your expert guide will take you on a journey through Chinatown, weaving a path through its colorful narrow streets and regaling you with fascinating tales of the neighborhood’s rich and diverse history.

The Official Chinatown Walking Tour highlights

Mahayana buddhist temple .

New York’s biggest Buddhist Temple, located at the foot of Manhattan Bridge, is also home to New York’s tallest Buddha statue, a 16-foot giant seated on a lotus leaf who presides over the serene temple surroundings.

Doyers Street

Now a colorful thoroughfare packed with cafes, restaurants and gift shops, Doyers Street has a violent past. The bend in the street is known as Bloody Angle because of the number of murders committed here by Chinatown’s Tong gangs between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries.

Five Points

Five Points was immortalized in Martin Scorsese’s 2002 movie Gangs of New York . Take a walk through the neighborhood and hear about how it transformed from a slum entrenched in gang warfare to the cosmopolitan area it is today.

Confucius Plaza 

Visit one of Chinatown’s most iconic landmarks: a 15-foot bronze statue of Chinese philosopher Confucius by sculptor Liu Shih. A Confucian proverb is inscribed into the statue’s base.

Chinatown Consolidated Benevolent Association 

The grand finale of the tour is a visit to the CCBA, established in 1883 to represent Chinese Americans living in New York. The CCBA’s president is known informally as the Mayor of Chinatown.

Know before you go

This attraction requires advanced booking.

Getting in: simply show your pass at the Chinatown Little Italy Information Kiosk located at Baxter Street and Canal Street.

For more information, visit the Official Chinatown Walking Tour website .

The Official Chinatown Walking Tour tickets help

Ask our help team if you have any questions.

Where you'll be

Operating hours.

Monday – Friday: 11:30AM

Tour times are subject to change. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date hours and availability.

Buy with confidence

Free cancellation.

Plans can change, we get it. All non-activated passes are eligible for a refund within 365 days of your purchase date.

Got a question?

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San Francisco Chinatown Self-Guided Walking Tour

Melissa Zink / TripSavvy

San Francisco's Chinatown has more guided tour options than the local herbalist has ginseng roots. Many of them are informative and entertaining, but they control the schedule, and you have to plan around that. If you'd rather:

• Tour Chinatown when you want to
• Stay as long as you want at places of interest
• Skip the bits that bore you
• And do it all for free

This self-guided tour covers all the same sights to which tour guides will take you.

Print this page to take along and you're all set—and you can't beat the cost savings.

This walking tour takes you off the main streets into alleys and areas where you'll find some unique Chinatown sights. At a leisurely pace, it takes about 2 hours, including a stop for lunch. If you're a shopper, it may take a bit longer than that.

The total walking distance is 1.5 miles, and it's nearly flat.

Get Ready to Tour Chinatown

Chinatown is woefully short on public restrooms. Your best bet is to find one before you go in. There's a Starbucks at the corner of Sutter and Grant, just a block from the Chinatown gate.

Chinatown Gate to Portsmouth Square

Today's Chinatown was rebuilt after San Francisco's 1906 earthquake, and its architecture is an odd mix of Edwardian fundamentals and Chinese details. Starting from the Chinatown Gate on Bush Street, on Grant Avenue:

• Start at the Chinatown Gate: This 1970 addition to the Chinatown entrance marks the transition into Chinatown from Union Square. A pair of Chinese guardian lions is traditionally believed to provide protection. Called Shi in Chinese or "Foo Dogs" in the West, they're a common sight in front of Chinese Imperial palaces, Imperial tombs, government office, and temples.
• Walking on Grant Avenue: Grant is especially touristy near the Chinatown gate. It's a good place for souvenir shopping, with several large shops offering t-shirts and other trinkets. Further up the street, you'll also find modern Asian items that are both stylish and easy on the pocketbook. This part of Grant is a good place to stop and look up. This isn't a ploy to make you look silly: a couple of interesting things are above eye level. Look around and you'll see that the street signs are written in both English and Chinese and the ornate streetlights (put up in 1925) are supported by golden dragons.
• Stop at St. Mary's Church: Grant at California. The granite stones used in this historic church's foundations came from China and its bricks came "around the Horn" of South America with the gold seekers. It was the first church built as a cathedral in California and for many years was one of San Francisco's most prominent buildings. Inside is a small display of photographs from the 1906 earthquake and fire, showing both how badly it was damaged and how closely the new structure resembles its predecessor.
• Walking: When you cross the cable car tracks at California Avenue, listen. Not only will it help you avoid an approaching car, you'll also hear the cables that move the cars humming beneath the street.
• Stop at the Wok Shop : 718 Grant Avenue. This long-time Chinatown shop sells an extensive selection of cleavers, woks, and chopsticks, all of which make great (and useful) souvenirs.
• Stop at Eastern Bakery : 720 Grant Avenue. Opened in 1924, Eastern is the United States' oldest Chinese bakery. Mooncakes are their specialty, filled with a light melon or rich-tasting lotus-seed paste.
• Walking: At Clay Street, turn right, then go left to enter one of San Francisco's original city parks.
• Stop at Portsmouth Square : One of three city parks set aside by San Francisco's first mayor, Portsmouth is Chinatown's social center, with residents using it as an extension of their homes, taking the kids there to play or meeting friends. You'll sometimes find men playing Chinese chess (also called elephant chess) and groups of women playing cards. Also in the park is the Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial and a marker commemorating the first public school in California. The only public restroom on the tour route is in the park, but be warned—cleanliness can be an issue.
• Walking: Cross the park to Washington Street and turn left.

Portsmouth Square to Broadway

• Stop at the Old Telephone Exchange: (743 Washington) This lovely building is now the East West Bank, but it started out as the Chinese Telephone Exchange. Callers often asked for people by name only, thinking it rude to refer to a person by using a number, so the operators working here had to know each subscriber by name. With many subscribers having the same name, they also had to know everyone's address and occupation. And - they had to speak not only English but also five Chinese dialects. Today's building was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake and fire.
• Walking: At Grant Avenue, turn right—or take a shortcut through Wentworth Place to Washington Street.
• Chinatown Restaurant Row: Between Grant and Kearny Street on Washington are some of the best-rated restaurants in Chinatown.
• Walking: After looking around or having a bite to eat, return to Grant Avenue. This route bypasses one of Chinatown's best-rated tea shops, Red Blossom. If you want to stop in, turn left on Grant to get there. Otherwise, turn right at Grant and continue.
• To Buy a Unique Souvenir:  Talk to the folks outside the door at 924 Grant or enter through the nondescript lobby and you'll find a place to get one of Chinatown's most unusual souvenirs, a custom-made, carved stone stamp from Rainbow Sign and Art.
• Be Prepared for Game Birds: In the block between Pacific and Broadway on the right side of the street is a small shop called Ming Kee Game Birds. They sell birds used in Chinese cuisine, including a blue-skinned chicken. FYI: Several years ago, a lot of controversy arose over Chinatown shops selling live poultry and shop owners are still sensitive to gawkers and photographers.
• Stop at the Chinatown Mural: At the corner of Columbus Avenue and Broadway where Chinatown meets North Beach, you'll find a mural on the corner building. One side commemorates North Beach's Italian roots. The side facing Broadway is dedicated to San Francisco's Chinese heritage
• Walking: At Broadway, turn left. At Stockton, cross the street and turn left again, walking along Stockton.

Stockton Markets and Alleyways

• Explore the Chinese Markets: The next two blocks of Stockton are packed with markets. Some sell the same kinds of vegetables and groceries you'd find at a neighborhood store anywhere, but others sell fresh fish, Asian specialty vegetables, and foods. For fun people-watching, look for older Chinese women shopping, arguing over asparagus, wrangling over radishes or shaking an eggplant to see if it's firm.
• Walking: At Jackson Street, turn left, then turn right into Ross Alley (which is halfway to Grant)
• Stop at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory : (56 Ross Alley) It's not what you might expect of a factory, but more like a Wallace and Gromit invention gone awry. Some people think the staff rude, and they'll give about 30 seconds to look around before insisting you buy something, but it's worth a look and something you're not likely to see anywhere else. Bring cash if you want to buy some fresh fortune cookies and expect to pay to take a photo, too. 
• Stop at the Sam Bo Trading Company: (50 Ross Alley) This small shop sells Buddhist and Taoist religious items, Buddha statues, incense and paper goods burned in tribute to ancestors and the gods. A pack of handmade paper printed in gold purchased here makes an inexpensive, beautiful souvenir.
• Walking: At the end of Ross Alley, go right on Jackson and then left into Spofford.
• Explore Spofford Alley: There's not a lot to see in this short alley, but listen: it's home to numerous mahjong parlors and you can hear the tiles clicking as you pass, especially on weekends when you might also get a glimpse inside through an open door.
• Walking: At the end of Spofford, turn left and walk to Waverly Place. Turn around at Washington to walk the street's two-block length.
• Explore Waverly Place is often called the Street of the Painted Balconies, but it wasn't built for tourists and these days the paint is growing a bit faded. Walk along its two-block length and you'll find a dry cleaner, travel agency, employment agency two funeral businesses and two temples. Amy Tan fans may recall the name Waverly from "Joy Luck Club," and Dashiell Hammett's "Dead Yellow Women" is also set here.
• Stop at the Tien Hou Temple : (125 Waverly Place) The smell of temple incense is one of Chinatown's sensory treats, and you'll find plenty of it on the top floor at 125 Waverly Place, in a temple dedicated to the Goddess of Heaven. After you climb the long stairway, you'll find a tiny, incense-filled room hung with red and gold lanterns, several shrines and a statue of the goddess in the back. They don't mind respectful visitors (but don't allow photographs). Admission is free, but I recommend making a small donation, just to be polite.
• Family Benevolent Associations: You'll see the offices for several of these associations on Waverly Place, including the Eng and Wong families. They began as social clubs to serve social and personal needs of Chinese workers and provide political and social support systems to newcomers. These days, they are mostly gathering places, particularly for older Chinese who live in Chinatown.
• Bing-Tong Kong Freemasons: During the early twentieth century, Bing-Tong Kong was one of San Francisco's most powerful Tongs, groups often compared to modern gangs. In the 1930s, it started using the name "Chinese Free Masons," but whether they are formally associated with that organization is unclear. This building appears briefly in the 1982 film Chan Is Missing , directed by Wayne Wang.
• Stop at the  Clarion Music Center (816 Sacramento Street) sells Chinese drums, cymbals, flutes, Tibetan singing bowls and many unusual instruments and is well worth a stop if you like that kind of thing. They are closed on Sundays.

The easiest way to get to many other parts of San Francisco from Chinatown is by cable car. Find everything you need to know about riding them in the San Francisco Cable Car Guide .

• If You're Done for the Day: Turn left at Sacramento Street and right onto Grant. Walk 3 blocks and you'll be back where you started.
• To Go to  Union Square : Turn right on Bush, left on Stockton and you'll be there in 3 blocks
• To See the  Ferry Building, Waterfront, Bay Bridge : Turn left on Grant to California and catch the cable car (the one going downhill)
• To Check Out Nob Hill: Turn left on Grant to California and get on the cable car (the one going uphill)
• To Go to  Fisherman's Wharf : Turn right on Sacramento and walk 2 blocks to catch the Powell-Mason or Powell-Hyde cable car
• To Explore North Beach: Turn right at Sacramento Street and then right onto Stockton. It's about 6 blocks to the edge of North Beach from there

Apps for Your Chinatown Tour

Sutro Media's San Francisco Chinatown app provides a map and an A to Z listing of points of interest. The map is filled with detailed icons, but unfortunately, they overlap and are hard to read on a mobile phone screen. If you're the type who likes to wander but occasionally wants to know more about something, you may find it useful.

The free app City Walks provides minimal information and you'll have to pay for an upgrade to access their guided tours. It's a pricing strategy, this app rates only 2.5 stars out of 5, largely because of complaints that the free version has nothing to offer.

Time Shutter - San Francisco  is custom-made for history buffs and anyone who wonders what a place looked like long ago. Using their map- or list-based index, you can bring up historic photos of the place you're standing. Double-tap and they'll transform into modern-day views.

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All About Chinatown Tours

• See all photos

San Francisco Chinatown Walking Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

All About Chinatown Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Chinatown New York Self Guided Walking Tour Map and Attractions

Use the map and guide for attractions and a self guided food tour.

Use the Chinatown New York google map below to visit the attractions in the historic neighborhood of Chinatown in New York. A complete guide to historic Chinatown including a Chinatown FOOD TOUR . Follow the walking route to explore the alley ways and narrow streets at your own place. Spend a few hours or a full day depending on how long you want to spend at each attraction and whether you want to spend longer sampling the local cuisine. Click on the arrow icon to the left of the title to display the legend. Click on the Attractions attractions map pins (light and dark purple pins) or on the legend (left icon on the title bar) or the PDF map that you download for additional information including images of the attraction. Additional attractions in Little Italy are also included as Little Italy borders Chinatown. use the INTERACTIVE or PDF Guide

For accompanying attractions guide to Chinatown New York, click HERE

To download pdf map to chinatown new york click here, visit the brooklyn bridge ; neighborhood of dumbo, brooklyn heights and brooklyn park attractions guide here, click on the map image for new yorks chinatown attractions guide.

Instructions to download the interactive map to a smart phone:

Take the map with you when you travel:.

Instructions on:

• Using it offline
• Using it online – We bring one of our older smart phones when we travel and buy a local SIM card. You can purchase a local tourist SIM card from one of the main local providers, they are usually pretty inexpensive. You may need your passport to purchase as its a tourist SIM if you are an international tourist. You should have them put it in your old smartphone and check that it works before leaving the store. Use it to follow the map online, its the best way to explore

Sign into google using your Gmail account on your smart phone and be connected to the internet. If you do not sign in, this process will not work . You will be downloading this map to save it. You will be saving it in google maps in two places:

• Save in “Your Places” for online use and
• Save in “Offline map” for offline use
• Youtube instructions on link as follows: https://youtu.be/_6j9koieMsU

Instructions to save above map:

• Click on the rectangle on the top right hand side of the above map [ ] – if you move your mouse to it, it will say “view larger map”
• It will take you into google maps on your smartphone and it will automatically save this map. You must be already be signed into google maps with your Gmail account, if you are not signed into google maps then the map will not be saved
• In google maps, click on the menu which is the three horizontal lines on the top left of the google map (it is to the left of the search box)
• From the menu, click on “Your Places”. This will take you to another screen with a menu at the top. From the top menu bar select “maps”. A list of your maps will be displayed including the map that was just saved. Select the map you just saved
• Make sure the map is still onscreen; do not close out of it as you will be downloading this map and it has to be onscreen to download. While the map is onscreen, click on menu again (three horizontal lines top left hand corner)
• Select “Offline maps” then select “custom map”
• Once you select “custom map”, the onscreen map will be displayed; select the area you want downloaded (zoom in or out to get all the data points into the blue square outline; pinch fingers for zooming)
• Click on “download” – this will save the map in an offline area that you can use when you are not connected to the internet

The map is now saved in two places. To see this, click on the menu (three horizontal line on top right hand corner) in google maps:

• Click on “Your Places” from the menu, then select “Custom Map”. The map will be listed and you can use the map while connected to the internet
• Click on “Offline Maps” from the menu. The map will be listed to use the map offline ie: not connected to the internet (make sure location services is turned on and your will see the blue dot indicating your location as you navigate with the offline map)
• After you download a map, use the Google Maps app just like you normally would. If your Internet connection is slow or absent, or if you are in “airplane mode” Google Maps will automatically use your offline maps to give you directions

The Best Tour of San Francisco Chinatown

• (650) 355-9657

Wok Wiz Chinatown Walking Tours

Wok Wiz Walking Tours is the perfect way to explore all that Chinatown has to offer. Join us on the best walking tour of San Francisco’s Chinatown.

“One of the top 100 things about San Francisco.” Gourmet Magazine

“One of the best tours in San Francisco!” The New York Times

“‘Not to Miss’ while in San Francisco, Wok Wiz is among the ‘top ten.’” Cooking Light Magazine

Wok Wiz Classic Tour

The Wok Wiz Chinatown tour is offered on several times per week and is available as a walk only experience, or ending with a dim sum tasting luncheon. Hear fascinating stories about the first Chinese immigrants to arrive in San Francisco during the Gold Rush.

Chow Ciao! Multicultural Stroll

What do China and Italy have in common, besides Marco Polo and noodles? Great love of family and too much fun. See changing neighborhoods with ethnic foods in diverse, colorful communities. Hear stories of history & folklore of these changing neighborhoods. 

“I Can’t Believe I Ate My Way though Chinatown” Tour

For food-lovers only! We are very serious about food and love to feed people! Experience one of San Francisco’s most popular destinations for visitors by eating your way through it. Enjoy tastings, tea shop visit, food focused stops and a hosted dim sum luncheon on this tour, while you learn about America’s largest Chinatown.

Wok Wiz Classic Tour: A Winning combination!

“This tour is a nice combination of local and national history with an interesting variety of food choices at lunch. Our guide was well read and grown up in the area which added to our walk through the neighborhoods. A very pleasant morning.”

Wok Wiz Classic Tour: An Absolute Smash!

“My wife, my adult son, and I could not have enjoyed the Wok Wiz tour more! Quock Dorothy: Nae Ho! Our tour guide gave us a warm, dynamic, and incredibly informative tour explaining the depth of the culture and history of Chinatown, Chinese culture, and the history of San Francisco. We finished with a Dim Sum lunch that was the best Chinese food I’ve ever had, aided by Dorothy’s good-humored chopstick coaching. The tour was a high point of our vacation. This should be a Do Not Miss for anyone visiting San Francisco.”

I Can’t Believe I Ate My Way Through Chinatown! Tour: A culinary treat!

“I had a ton of fun on the “I Can’t Believe I Ate My Way Through Chinatown ” tour. Frank, our host, was vivacious, fun and humorous and we ate SO well. I never would have tried some of the menu items – not that they were “scary” but I’d have stayed with something familiar and I loved almost everything. I particularly enjoyed the tea tasting. Great tour!”

Visitors will find dim sum teahouses, shops, and restaurants frequented by locals. Experience Chinatown by wandering its back alleys, peek into herbal shops and Chinese temples of this historic neighborhood.

Gift Cards are available! Call (650) 355-9657 to purchase.

Meet Our Team

We love to walk, talk, eat, and laugh with you!

Tina Pavao, Owner

Shirley’s daughter, Tina will gladly assist with booking a tour. This former 4th grade teacher now works with the tour leader team in operating Wok Wiz.

Lola Hom, Tour Leader

Born and raised in Chinatown, Lola was a member of the elite all-girls St. Mary’s Drum & Bugle Corps. Pleasant and engaging, she was a flight attendant for the FLYING TIGERS and is an extensive traveler.

Frank Jang, Tour Leader

Frank grew up above the Wo Chong Bean Sprout Factory in Chinatown. He supports countless community fundraising events. Frank is currently the Vice President of the Association of Chinese Cooking Teachers.

Gimmy Park Li, Tour Leader

Gimmy is a veteran of nearly 40 years as a public affairs program host and producer at KNBR Radio. In addition to leading Wok Wiz tours, she volunteers with the Presidio Park Stewards.

Dorothy Quock, Tour Leader

Dorothy receives rave reviews for her wonderful tours. Born in Chinatown, she has been with Wok Wiz since 1991. Dorothy spent a year in China writing a guide book.

Hank Quock, Tour Leader

Hank is the former president of the Association of Chinese Cooking Teachers, and also a performer. Born and raised in Chinatown, Hank taught Chinese cooking for 25 years and is a retired restaurant owner.

Emily Soo, Tour Leader

Emily was born in Santa Rosa and resides in San Francisco’s Chinatown. She spent many years in the hotel and restaurant industry, including “high tea” service at the Garden Court in the Palace Hotel.

Herman Young, Tour Leader

Besides being a tour leader, Herman coaches badminton, and basketball at several Bay Area schools. He has been a Chinese New Year’s Parade float driver for the past 15 years.

Wok Wiz Daily Tour: An Absolute Smash!

Wok Wiz Daily Tour: A Winning combination!

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New Yorker Tips

New York Tips for Locals and Tourists

Best Chinatown NYC Guide: What to See, Walking Tour, Food & More!

Find out all the cool spots to visit in Chinatown NYC with a suggested walking route below. You can go to Chinatown after visiting Soho and Little Italy since they are next to each other! Chinatown NYC is a neighborhood filled with shops & restaurants. In this post, you’ll find the coolest spots to visit in Chinatown.

Tip: If you’re planning on buying NY Souvenirs, I’d suggest buying them in Chinatown or Little Italy because they are cheaper than the NY Gift Shops in Times Square 😉

When I first came to NYC and went to Chinatown, I only went to Canal Street… I was the worst tourist! I think it’s awesome to go and explore on your own but it’s good to have at least some guidance 😉 Now that I live here, I prefer to avoid the area because of the smell and because it gets very crowded but it’s worth visiting at least once! Some locals go to eat here or buy fresh fish. If you’re on a very tight schedule on your NYC Trip , you can avoid this area.

What’s Chinatown NYC Known For?

Busy & narrow sidewalks with plenty of souvenir stores, clothing, suitcases & bags, bubble tea shops and markets that sell dried fish, herbs & spices! You can find many locals at Columbus Park (more below).

Many tourists & foodies visit Chinatown for the restaurants if you’re up for some good dumplings, pork buns, seafood, or hand-pulled noddles, and dessert too!

It’s also known for being a smelly neighborhood with all the seafood around… Chinatown is getting bigger and bigger every day!

How to Get to Chinatown NYC

You can take the following subways to Canal Street Station:

What to See in Chinatown NYC: Top Attractions

Canal street.

• Mott Street Market
• Chatham Square
• Manhattan Bridge Entrance

Columbus Park

The most popular street in Chinatown NYC and main shopping area. The street where you’ll see plenty of shops all next to each other. You should know Canal St. is not a “legitimate” shopping area in Manhattan . More below.

Shopping on Canal St. – Crossing Streets: Canal St. between Baxter St. & Bowery.

Doyers Street

This is a hidden little street in the heart of Chinatown NYC worth visiting! Hard to find if you just go to Canal Street without knowing about this! This was my favorite part of Chinatown! It’s safe to walk through there. It can look a bit isolated close to sunset but it’s safe!

It was known as the “Murder Alley” or “Bloody Angle” because it was a very dangerous street with violence and crimes in the 1880s/1900s.

Many Chinatown locals go to this park. You can spot people doing  Tai Chi in the mornings and playing chess & Mahjong.

You don’t really have to visit this park if you just want to visit the main spots of Chinatown New York 😉

Shopping in Chinatown NYC

You can find cheap souvenirs, bags, suitcases, purses, wallets, etc. on Canal Street. The shops are very close to each other.

It will feel like all of them are being VERY PUSHY trying to make you buy their stuff. For some people, this can be annoying. Many will tell you a higher price than what it really costs so you have to negotiate the price here. I’d say to never accept the first price they tell you 😉 In fact, it’s expected to negotiate the price.

Chinatown NYC is also famous for selling fake bags (imitation bags) of luxury brands such as Prada , Gucci , Louis Vuitton , Chanel , etc. People that ask for this, are taken to the back of the store which can be a bit scaring. You should know it’s illegal for them to sell you these, so I don’t promote it or encourage it here.

Some Chinatown Shopping Tips:

• Bring cash with you.
• Try not to show your cash.
• Don’t keep your purse wide open.
• Keep an eye on what you spend so you don’t end up spending tons of money on junk items.
• Get ready to bargain. It’s expected here!

Suggested Walking Route

• If you want to visit Chinatown NYC after Soho or Little Italy, simply keep walking on Canal St. till you reach Chinatown 😉

Chinatown Food

Ice cream in chinatown, taiyaki nyc.

A really cool & popular (and cheap!) Japanese Ice Cream store with unique soft-serve ice cream flavors in a fish-shaped waffle cone. If you go to this place, I’d only go for the ice cream cone (they sell other stuff too). It’s what made them popular.

119 Baxter St. between Canal & Hester Sts.

Matcha n’ More

Good spot for Matcha drinks & soft-serve ice cream. Great for Matcha lovers!

4704, 177 Hester St. between Mott & Mulberry Sts.

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

This is a popular & touristic spot. Homemade ice cream with Oriental & exotic flavors. Maybe not the best ice cream but it’s worth trying the flavors.

65 Bayard St. between Mott & Elizabeth Sts.

Chinatown Bakery

If you wanna eat Buns this is THE place to go! Don’t expect the staff to be friendly though… because they aren’t! Ask if you can grab a table before you buy. Sometimes they don’t let you and you need to eat your buns somewhere else. CASH ONLY!

64 Bayard St. between Mott & Elizabeth Sts.

Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles

Best hand-pulled noodles in Chinatown.

1 Doyers St. between Pell & Chatam / Bowery.

Best Restaurants in Chinatown NYC

Some restaurants to consider:

• Wah Fung No 1 Fast Food : more of a grab & go spot. Known for their Roasted BBQ Pork. Cheap & good food. Maybe too greasy for some.
• Vanessa’s Dumpling House or East Dumpling .
• The Original Buddha Bodai : Vegetarian, Vegan & Kosher.
• Xi’an Famous Foods . Good for Noddles.

You might also want to check out:

Soho NYC Guide

Financial District Guide

Follow my tips here on Instagram too!

@NewYorkerTips

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NewYorkerTips

Hi there :) I'm Jess and I came to NYC to pursue my dream and I feel I'm living it every day. New York is magical and you have to be open to everything because you never know who is sitting next to you on the subway or behind you in the line of the supermarket. I decided to create this blog about NYC because I realized how many powerful tips would have helped me if I knew them before coming to the city from someone who was living in NY! So I thought that it would be awesome to share with you some tips about New York from a New Yorker. I'm going to keep updating this blog so stay tuned :)

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Chinatown Walking Tour

Review Highlights

“ Rick is very knowledgeable; he led us through china town history that is unknown to most tourist & locals too. ” in 58 reviews

“ As a senior, the only time I opted out of something was going to the Temple on the third floor of a building. ” in 8 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

359 Grant Ave

San Francisco, CA 94108

Sutter St & Harlan Pl

Union Square, Financial District

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This is one of the oldest and most established Chinatowns in the U.S. Beyond the iconic Dragon's Gate, a bustling maze of streets and alleys brims with dim sum joints and other traditional eateries. Also found are herbalists, bakeries, souvenir stores and Chinese grocers.

Forget the kitchsy shops lining Grant Street's main drag. If you want to see San Francisco's real Chinatown, Rick Evans is your guy. Evans has been heralded by locals and tourists alike for his downtown SF architecture tour. He's recently curated a Chinatown tour with the same passion for place and enthusiasm for digging up the historical dirt. Like the original tour, he peppers this one with vintage photos, facts, and anecdotes you won't find in guide books. Against a soundscape of cable cars, Cantonese, and Chinese violins (known as erhus and played vertically), Evans reveals the hidden gems of Chinatown's back alleys as well as historical highlights that get lost in the shuffle of 30,000 people inhabiting 24 square blocks. Chinese immigrants came to San Francisco looking for gold, but found extreme prejudice instead. You'll walk past several still thriving institutions borne of necessity, including the Chinese Hospital and numerous schools. You'll also experience the raucous fish and live poulty markets where, as with other culturally relative issues (like gambling), authorities look the other way. Evans repeatedly demonstrates that Chinatown is a series of contrasts and superlatives. The area contains the City's highest concentration of churches and Edwardian architecture (albeit ornamented with Chinese fixtures). San Francisco's first Roman Catholic Cathedral was built smack dab in the middle, set against the gleaming towers of the Financial District. Although the inside of Old St. Mary's was gutted by the earthquake-related fire of 1906, the original bricks remain, and you can see them up close. We peeked inside and were treated to a wedding ceremony and some of the most stunning stained glass I've seen inside the US. Outside of the cathedral, the enormous park is all but deserted. Three blocks away, though, the smaller Portsmouth Square is affectionately known as Chinatown's Living Room. Find out why on the tour! You'll also learn the significance of one-time San Franciscan Sun Yat-sen and why he's beloved by both mainland Chinese as well as Taiwanese. One of my favorite parts of the tour is how Evans has uncovered obscure markers and monuments that routinely go overlooked. Case in point--we spotted a group of lovely aunties (straight from an Amy Tan novel) enjoying a game of mahjong, completed oblivious to the fact that this is where Capt. John Montgomery planted the first US flag... on then Mexican soil. The irony runs even deeper when you see that the plaque's sponsor is the Daughters of the American Revolution. Don't worry, it's not all history and there are plenty of window and food shopping opportunities. I've posted a photo of the mahjong tile necklace and bracelet I'm now coveting... The tour also stops at a spot even Bill Clinton couldn't resist on his 1996 trip. No, it's not one of the ubiquitous massage parlors, but it does involve artery clogging snacks. Personally, I couldn't resist this bakery's famous Moon Cake. I know it's sacrelege, but I snagged a chocolate-covered wedge for $1.25. Good thing they're sold in quarters, sinced they're filled with a dense, rich mixture of lotus paste and duck egg yolks. In addition to Old St. Mary's cathedral, you'll experience one of the few Buddhist temples open to the public as well as the church that cupcakes built...can't give away all of the secrets, you'll just have to trust me. There are other surprises, including the Street of Painted Balconies, the city's only kite shop, a fortune cookie factory (bring quarters for the 50 cent photo charge), an erhu-playing barber, and the site of San Francisco's first house. The Chinese herbal shop was another highlight. For $10, the Chinese doctor/herbalist is in--no appointment necessary, but it is a doctors office, so you may have to wait and hours vary. The good news is that you don't need insurance and your herbal prescription gets filled a lot faster than at Walgreens. (Evans provides a map at the end of the tour so that you can return to all of the sites visited as well as some there aren't time for.) Another amazing surprise is the presence of a Julia Morgan building in central Chinatown! She was one of the few female architects at the turn of the century and is most famous for Hearst Castle. (Berkeley-ites know her for the City Club and a handful of other iconic buildings across the bay.) Again, don't want to spoil the surprises, but I've posted some close-ups illustrating her dedication to craftsmanship...note the presence of her beloved asymmetry in the design and placement of the windows.

See all photos from rhonda s. for Chinatown Walking Tour

The tour was fantastic! I learned so much. Rick really knows the area and the history. On the site there are "warnings" about the strenuous walk. Rest assured there are many, many breaks for learning. I never broke a sweat or wished we would slow down. The only exception is the three story walk to the temple. Take it at your own pace. The rest of the tour is easy walking. In addition to learning much of the cultural history, the tour took us to places most tourists don't get to see. We also received a map of the area pointing out places we'd visited for further investigation. I wish we had time for Rick's architectural tour. Next time we will check it out as well. If you want to see and learn about Chinatown, this is the tour to take!

Chinatown is reeking with culture left and right. It is true when they say this is the closest you will get to China without having to go to China. They have really cool stores that you can haggle prices with the owners there. And really authentic chinese restaurants as well. My boyfriend and I found a little hole in the wall restaurant. We got our little chinese boxes to go with some teas. AND low and behold their was a pigion in the restaurant! I sucked it up and ate my food regardless and well it was actually quite tasty! My personal favorite was the park in chinatown. You just feel the unity from the asian people and experience a bit of their culture. I recomend getting your meal to go and just sitting at the park and observing what goes on at the Chinatown park. It's really a cool experience.

Wonderful tour. Rick was such a wonderful host. I have been to SF many times, and we've even taken other tours, but this was by far the best. I have a bad leg, and I could do just fine on the whole tour- except the visit to the temple. Sadly I skipped that- but I loved the tea shop, the herbalist, the fortune cookies shop and the visit to the place where you buy goods for the temple- (clothes for the after life, food, jewels, etc) I really want to take Rick's architecture tour now.

I have been to San Francisco Chinatown about half a dozen times, but I did not know the history of it's existence. My friends and I decided to take a tour to find out the origins of San Francisco Chinatown. Rick's tour concentrated on the history and architecture of the Chinatown. He was very engaging and patient with our tour members, I had a buddy who has a disability. Rick showed us many parts of Chinatown I was not aware of. We were able to visit two Buddhist temples as well as Rick explaining and guiding us through the significance of the items in the temples. We also visited a couple alleyways and Rick explained where the Chinese play their games of mahjong. We visited a park the city erected and we were explained why the Chinese did not recognize this park. We also visited another park in Chinatown the Chinese recognized. I enjoyed the pace and information Rick gave us about Chinatown. We visited many parts of Chinatown that the I had not visited before. I was very impressed by Rick's knowledge of Chinatown. During the whole tour, I did not look at my watch. I was captured by Rick's stories and the architecture of Chinatown.

See all photos from Pete N. for Chinatown Walking Tour

This was my second walking tour with Rick. I went on the architecture walking tour a few days earlier and so I knew I was in for a treat. I am not sure how anyone could give Rick's tour anything less than 5 stars. Rick is well-spoken, educated, and calm (not the over-hyper kind usually doing tours from duck boats over PA systems). I was SO disappointed when he finished talking about the little school house and then began passing out the handout, b/c the tour was over! I felt the same way at the end of the architecture tour. I could have walked and listened all day!!! I got the CT tour 1/2 off b/c I did the A tour also, but even $40 it is a bargain basement price for the fun you will have!!!

See all photos from Tricia C. for Chinatown Walking Tour

First off, Cynthia W's review is slanderous. This is NOT a "fishy" tour or guide. We have taken 3 different tours with Rick, all without problems and plenty of email communication. Do not let the bias review of that Yelper influence you. I am a real person with no association or relationship to this tour or guide. That is a fact. Now for the review. My husband and I were born and raised here in the East Bay. We have now taken the Chinatown, Architecture and North Beach walking tour from Rick and loved each one. We have learned so much about these neighborhoods that we have visited for a lifetime and didn't know much about. Rick's tours are so popular with our friends, that we all have decided to take every single tour he offers, including the Russian Hill one which he calls his "cardio" tour (I might rethink that one). If you are a local, or visiting this fine, fun and crazy city of San Francisco, Rick's tours are a must!

Yelpers, Rick's tour is excellent. My wife is a native San Franciscan and I am 35 years in the Bay Area and we saw streets and shops in Chinatown that we did not know existed. Rick tells you up front that he will show you "a side of San Francisco that is rarely seen" and he delivered! We enjoyed Rick's knowledge regarding the history of the City as well as Chinatown. Experience the culture, traditions, the environment and the food! Highly recommended!!

I hate to ruin their perfect record but the tour guy never showed! I followed the instruction online to make a reservation, even worked our tourist attractions around this walk tour only to be disappointed w a no show from the tour guy!!! There's was a few people outside waiting and come 2:10pm when no one showed, they dispersed. If there wasn't enough people, the decent thing would have been to email us to let us know. If that was the case, I would have had made other arrangements. To be quite honest, this now comes off fishy...there's no confirmation after the email reservation and it's Only Cash...? Makes me wonder if all the previous reviews are actually true!?!?! I would highly suggest checking out other tour and not let previous reviews fool you into this one!!! This was a NO CALL, NO CONFIRMATION, and a NO SHOW!!! What a waste of time. Now we have to rearrange our other events to fit in another food tour! Again do not waste time on this one!!!

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A Tight Knit Community

Immerse yourself in this 90 minute walking tour that will pull the curtain back and give you a glimpse into the magic that makes this neighborhood so unique.  In partnership with Two Bridges Neighborhood Council and the Chinatown Little Italy Historic District Association,  We now has exclusive access to places in this community that are normally off-limits to the public.  We tour the southern portion of the Historic District from Canal Street to Kimlau Square; the infamous Doyers Street ‘aka’ the bloody angle, Confucius Plaza, a Taoist Temple and we’ll see the largest Buddhist statue in NYC.  The grand finale in a peek inside the CCBA (Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association)

A Living Tapestry of Culture

Within the borders of this Historic District is a living breathing tapestry of Chinese American Culture.  In addition, there are also enclaves of Taiwanese, Thai and Vietnamese.    As you wind your way through Chinatown you will find it to be an epicenter of fashion, food, technology and culture.  A well greased machine, you’ll be sure to encounter members of the Chinatown Business Improvement District keeping the streets cleaned.  The parks within the district are always filled with neighborhood residence engaging in social activities like group dancing and tai chi, or playing cards and majhong.  You will always find a very strong sense of community here.

We bring the History Alive

Today’s Manhattan Chinatown in lower Manhattan is a thriving community of Chinese American immigrants that first started taking root here in the late 1860’s.  Restricted in size as a result of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, this community did not see substantial growth until after 1965 when the Immigration and Nationality Act was finally passed.  Today, the Manhattan Chinatown in Lower Manhattan is 1 of over 9 different Chinese American Communities throughout the 5 boroughs of New York City.  Combined they represent the largest representation of Chinese outside of China.  And it all began right here on Mott Street in what was once known as Little Hong Kong.

In partnership with the Chinatown Little Italy Historic District and Two Bridges Neighborhood Council

Book Public Tour

Click here to buy tickets for one of our daily time-slots Monday to Friday at 11:30am.  This Tour is 90 minutes long and under 2 miles of walking.  We operate rain or shine so please come prepared for the weather.

Passholder Reservations

If you  have a Go City Pass or New York Pass then click here to make your pass reservations.

Private and Corporate Chinatown Tours

We offer Private and Corporate Group Tours of the Chinatown Official Historic District Tour.  Click here to learn more.

CHINATOWN CHECK-IN LOCATION

CHECK-IN AND STARTING POINT

Please check-in for the Chinatown Official Historic District Tour at the red pin on the map above. We are located at Chinatown Little Italy Information Kiosk in-between Canal, Baxter and Walker streets. See the photo of the Kiosk where we will be.

CHECK-IN HERE

Chinatown Little Italy Information Kiosk

Corner of Baxter, Canal & Hester Streets

• Deutschland
• Walking Trails

In The Neighbourhood: Chinatown

Chinatown’s cultural splendours, hip lifestyle establishments and age-old places of worship make it worth spending a full day here.

House within the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple’s impressive façade are centuries-old relics and exhibits that tell the story of Buddhist history.

Home to both tradition and modernity, the bustling district of Chinatown comes alive at night.

Besides being an ethnic enclave for Singapore’s early Chinese settlers, Chinatown has transformed into the country’s largest heritage precinct—filled with an exciting meld of hip haunts, cultural treasures and architectural gems.

Encompassing Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer , Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Pasoh , Chinatown’s four sub-districts each possess their own unique charms. While Chinatown’s size might seem daunting for the first-time visitor, this comprehensive guide will ensure you don’t miss out any of its star attractions.

by Jill Loeffler   •

Updated: June 8, 2022

These San Francisco Chinatown walking tours offer you a chance to get a insider's view on this amazing and colorful part of town. It's a little city within a city that is full of history and always changing.

If you want to get to know the real Chinatown, then I recommend taking one of these guided tours. They range from free tours offered through the SF Public Library to more involved paid options that include sampling food.

On these tours, you get the chance to try dim sum (traditional small plates), take a peek into the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, and see this district's gorgeous temples. You will love what you learn on all of these SF Chinatown tours.

Disclaimer : I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.

1. SF Chinatown Walking Tour

On this Chinatown adventure, you'll see the cultural side of this small city within San Francisco and discover the secrets of this old-world neighborhood.

You'll learn more about Chinatown's herbal pharmacies, watch how fortune cookies are made at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory , and see very colorful food for sale along Stockton Street.

During the walk, you'll also stop by an authentic Buddhist temple, taste some exotic teas (if available during your tour time), and get an insider's list of where to shop in Chinatown . 

This tour runs daily at 10 am.

Tour Length : 2 hours Book : Chinatown Walking Tour

2. Chinatown Food Walking Tour

Dive into the amazing dishes of San Francisco's Chinatown. This interesting food walking tour will take you to some of this district's top restaurants, bakeries, and food shops.

You'll love this San Francisco Chinatown walking tour as you get to sample five tasty foods, including traditional egg tarts and barbecue pork buns. You will also visit the local fortune cookie factory, SF's oldest Buddhist Temple, and an authentic Chinese food market.

As you learn about this district's cuisine, you will also learn quite a bit about its history. Your guide will also give you some fun insider's tips on additional places to visit here. 

This tour runs on Saturday and Sundays at 10 am.

Tour Length : 3 hours

Book : Chinatown Food Walking Tour

>> Find additional fun food walking tours around SF

3. Food Walking Tour of Chinatown & North Beach

This combined trip of both Chinatown and North Beach takes you through two of the most visited neighborhoods in the city . 

First, you'll get the chance to savor some Chinese tea and try the famous dim sum in Chinatown. You'll also get a chance to walk by some of the most famous Chinese sculptures and architecture. 

After your exploration of Chinatown, you'll walk a few blocks over to San Francisco's North Beach community. Here you'll learn more about this Italian neighborhood's hidden secrets and find the best places to enjoy its amazing coffee.

From dim sum and tea to pizza and wine, this is a great way to stimulate your senses and learn about the unique cultures of these two famed SF neighborhoods. This tour is offered most days at 2:30 pm. 

Tour Length : 4 hours

Book : Food Walking Tour of Chinatown & North Beach

>> Additional cool night tours around town

4. Free Guided Walking Tours

SF City Guides offers informative, free, two-hour San Francisco Chinatown walking tours each week.

They start at Portsmouth Square on the corner of Washington and Kearney Streets. During the trip, you'll walk along Chinatown's crowded streets, learning about the district's historic temples and its colorful past.

Periodically, the library also offers other tours of Chinatown, although none of these are currently listed on their schedule. Check the schedule before your trip to see if one will be offered during your visit.

Tour Length : 2 hours

Start Time : See current schedule

Price : Free

5. Self-Guided Tour of Chinatown

If you prefer to explore Chinatown on your own, check out my self-guided tour . I created this for anyone who is not able to book one of the tours above or would just prefer to head out on their own. It includes a walking route that takes you past three Chinese temples , as well as the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Company, and helps you find a great place for dim sum for lunch. 

On this tour, you can also opt to visit the Chinese Historical Society , discover bargains along Grant Avenue, and step inside the oldest herbal pharmacy in SF.

>> More great self-guided tours and suggested itineraries around SF

Top Guided San Francisco Walking Tours : Do you want to explore additional neighborhoods in San Francisco? Here you'll find some of the best options throughout the city, including everything from the 75th Anniversary Golden Gate Bridge Walking Tour to the colorful Haight-Ashbury Flower Power tour.

Food Walking Tours : San Francisco is famous for its amazing restaurants. Why not sample some of its tasty treats on these food walking tours? Choose from the sweet treats in the Ferry Building to the savory delights throughout the Mission District.

More Self-Guided Walking Tours : Do you prefer to venture out on your own? This list of self-guided tours includes something for everyone. You can choose from detailed audio tours to self-guided walking tour maps. Both allow you to explore on your own while seeing the sights at your own pace.

Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

I would love for you to join me in my private Facebook group ! 

It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.

You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!

Come join the fun here !

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Chinatown Walking Tour (By Monster Day Tours)

• Tour Listing

Free (Tips are appreciated)

Tour Duration

Tour Frequency

Thu & Sun: 09:30-12:00 Tue & Fri: 16:30-19:00

Starting & Ending Point

Chinatown MRT Station Exit A, Telok Ayer MRT

Major Stops

Pagoda Street, Sri Mariamman Temple, Chinatown Food Street, Chinatown Complex, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Club Street/ Ann Siang Hill, Thian Hock Keng Temple

Nearest MRT (Starting Point)

Telok Ayer MRT Station

Wheel Chair Friendly / Child Friendly

Join us on a Chinatown walking tour, and let your tour guide take you back in time with amazing stories of the early Chinese immigrants, as they braved many obstacles to build a life in Singapore. 

TOUR AGENCY DETAILS

Tour Agency

Monster Day Tours

Tour Agency Operating Hours

Daily: 09:00-18:00

+65 8749 7346

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