Best Things To Do In Chinatown
One of my favorite things about NYC is learning just how diverse this city is. Not only do you have Little Italy and Little Brazil, but you also have places like Chinatown that are the result of immigrants chasing the American Dream. Chinatown is such a fun spot to explore in NYC. There are so many hidden gems in this tiny section of Manhattan that are 1000% worth checking out. One of the best times to celebrate Chinese culture is during the Lunar New Year. From cultural celebrations to local eateries and alleyways with hidden gems, Chinatown deserves a whole day to explore. Luck for you I have just the list you’ll need to have the best time in Chinatown.
Activities To Do In Chinatown
- Chinatown Fair Arcade: Connecting to your inner child never felt better. Chinatown Fair Arcade is a fun spot to let loose, have fun & play some epic arcade games. From Dance Dance Revolution to air hockey, pianos & more- you will find yourself occupied while sharing some good laughs. It’s on a main street in Chinatown with lots of things to do afterward.
- Magic Jewelry Aura Reading: If you’ve never gotten an aura reading, then you’re missing out. Magic Jewelry is the go-to spot because they’ve been in business for 40+ years and in this economy, for an aura reading business to STAY in business means they know what they’re doing. Once you arrive, you place your hand on a machine that captures the energy that you emit and once the photo is taken, it develops that energy into a polaroid. You can pay an extra $10 for them to interpret it which is worth it. What a great experience and something that you can do multiple times at different points in your life!
- Happy Medium Art Cafe: The most peaceful art cafe in such a warm environment would describe my experience at the Happy Medium Art Cafe. I’m not a great artist so I opted for the collaging which was equally as fun! You have to reserve your spot via DM and they sell out quickly! 10/10 recommend doing this instead of a night out.
Restaurants | Food & Drinks
- Wo Hop: This is undoubtedly the most iconic restaurant in all of Chinatown. They’ve been in business since 1938 and it goes back three generations. It’s beautiful to see their commitment to the community as Chinatown is getting smaller and smaller. Places that are this authentic are 150% worth it.
- Jing Fong Restaurant: Another great restaurant here that is so authentic and delicious is Jing Fong Restaurant. I love this restaurant’s buffet style where the waiters are constantly bringing carts of “tapas-like” portions and you can grab as much or as little as you like. From this, you get to taste a variety of flavors that you wouldn’t have been able to in just one restaurant. The line to wait here is LONG so just know that the wait is worth it.
- Xi’an Famous Foods: I love Xi’an Foods so much. I probably went there over 20 times I’m not kidding. If you’re a fan of hot-seared, spicy noodles, THIS is your spot. It’s not too much of a sit-down restaurant, but more of a Chipotle spot where you order your food, pick it up, choose where you want to sit, and eat there. It’s very affordable and perfect for a time when you want to save money.
Sweets
- Strawberry Home: There’s no way to end the night than getting some bubble tea and here at Strawberry Home, you get exactly what you were craving. It’s right up the block from the arcade and WoHop so just keep walking up and thirst your quench!
- Keki Modern Cakes: This is home to the original bouncy cheesecake. As stated on their website, “Made with locally sourced fresh ingredients, our cheesecakes feature Organic Grass Fed Milk, Amish Cream Cheese, and Organic Free-Range Eggs. All this fresh goodness makes our cheesecakes bounce and dance with delight!”. One cake is $16 and serves 3-4 people which is perfect for sharing with your go-tos! This is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings.
Bars & Speakeasies
- Apotheke: A very cool speakeasy that I can’t wait to go to again. It’s inspired by apothecaries in the 1800s and puts a modern twist on medicinal cocktails. The atmosphere was very intimate and relaxing with bursting flavors of exotic herbs and botanicals.
- Peachy’s: Funky cocktails and retro Asian decor sound like a fun experience to relax and enjoy some company.
Lunar New Year Highlights
There You Have It
Chinatown is a lovely place to explore and the best part is that there are even more hidden gems to uncover that will show you just how rich Chinese culture is and how you can support their communities as well. I hope you enjoy your adventures in Chinatown and comment on your experience!
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