Eat…

Check out any of these dim sum restaurants.

Use this opportunity to try a new exotic fruit or a traditional Chinese dessert or snack from a one of the many street vendors.

We’ll tell you about all the best restaurants during the tour so you can stop whenever you’re hungry. But if you’d prefer to grab something before you get started, these are the places we’d recommend:

Come hungry and definitely don’t leave Chinatown without at least tasting something. There is SO MUCH GOOD FOOD in Chinatown - eating is honestly half of the experience.

Drink…

You gotta go with tea while you’re in Chinatown. Grab a cut of hot or bubble tea and sip it on the go.

If you have the time, it’s worth taking a break and sitting down at a Tea Parlor here that’s been in Chinatown since 1920.

Get…

Chinatown is the best place in town to get crazy cheap massages and acupuncture treatments. Take advantage while you’re here.

Do…

Did you know you can join in on those Tai Chi classes at Columbus Park? As long as you’re respectful you’ll be welcomed in.

Hang…

Columbus Park is where the locals hang out, so it’s a great place to experience the vibe of the neighborhood. Listen to street musicians, watch locals play traditional Chinese board games or relax and read a book in this tiny neighborhood park.

Visit…

Learn the history in even more detail at the Museum of Chinese in America

Experience…

If you’re timing is right, the experience of the Chinese New Year Parade in Jan/Feb is well worth braving the crowds for.

Buy…

Canal Street is infamous for their knockoffs. If you plan to buy while you’re here, remember to always negotiate prices and don’t buy from someone who has merchandise on a blanket on the sidewalk. (We explain why on the tour).

There are dozens of gift shops littered throughout Chinatown. Get lost and browse or make your way straight to some of the more well known shops.

Walk…

Most people don’t know that the Manhattan Bridge overlooks some great Chinatown rooftop scenes. Walking just a few yards on the bridge will get you some unique photo angles and, very likely, some strange sightings.