Chinatown, New York: where it is, how to get there and what to see

New York is one of those cities you have to visit at least once in your life. Full of iconic sights to visit, the centre of the American dream, the location of many of our favourite TV series and films, walking through its streets is like being catapulted into another world. But that's not all: New York is a true cultural melting pot! You will find people from all over the world, so much so that it is difficult to meet real New Yorkers. And between one street and another, you will come across completely different neighbourhoods, both historically and culturally.

Today we want to take you on a discovery tour of the Chinatown district and its main streets Canal Street and Mott Street!

Where it is located and how to get there

• Onfoot: located in Lower Manhattan, southern part of the borough. Within walking distance of Tribeca (1.3 km, 17 min) Soho (1.2 km, 16 min) and Brooklyn Bridge (1.1 km, 15 min) - Get directions

• By bus: served by numerous bus lines. Reference stops Bowery/Canal St and Bowery/Bayard St (line M103) and E Broadway/Market St (lines M9 and M22). Single ride $3.00 (€2.50), with Metrocard $2.75 (€2.25)

• By underground: served by Canal St (J and Z lines) and East Broadway (F line) underground stations. Nearby Grand St station (B and D lines). Single ride with Metrocard $2.75 (€2.25)

10 things to see and do in Chinatown

1 - Pell Street

It's one of the most characteristic streets, small but noisy, full of small shops and places with typical Chinese signs.

2 - MOCA

This is the Museum of Chinese in America. Small but well-kept, it tells the story of the Chinese community in New York and America through documents, photographs and multimedia material.

3 - Kamwo Herbal Pharmacy

Only founded in 1973, this is the largest Chinese pharmacy on the entire east coast of the USA. Besides selling many products, it is also possible to get massages and acupuncture treatments here.

4 - Mahayana Buddhist Temple

The largest and most famous Buddhist temple in all of New York! Inside is the Golden Buddha statue, which at 5 m is the largest in the city. It is possible to visit it inside.

5 - New York Mart

Huge market inside the Mietz Building, where you can find all kinds of products, from Chinese culinary specialities to clothing, with imitations of the big high-fashion brands.

6 - Centre Seafood

Large neighbourhood fish market, one of the most impotant in all of Chinatown, where you can get a glimpse of community life.

7 - Columbus Park

Chinatown's only green area, where locals flock to stroll, play Chinese chess and practice tai chi.

8 - Lin Ze Xu Statue

Prominent figure, Lin ze Xu was a Qing dynasty scholar who, in the early 1800s, opposed opium, leading to the First Opium War. Don't miss a photo in front of the statue.

9 - Confucius Plaza

Next to the square with the statue of Lin Ze Xu, is this small residential square, where there is also a statue of Confucius, the famous Chinese philosopher from the 6th-5th centuries BC.

10 - Transfiguration Roman Catholic Church

Built in 1840, it first belonged to the Irish, then to the Italians and finally to the Chinese community. Masses are held here in English, but also in Cantonese and Mandarin.

History, trivia and practical info: what to know in brief

Chinatown is the place to be if you want, for a moment, to be enveloped and transported into an oriental atmosphere: despite the typical New York high-rise buildings, for a moment you will really feel like you are in China.

The history of the Chinese community in America begins in the second half of the 19th century, when millions of Orientals migrated here in search of fortune. By 1880 there were already 10,000 Chinese in New York.

If you are in New York between late January and early February, be sure to pass through Chinatown: this is when the Chinese New Year celebrations take place! During these two weeks of non-stop celebration, the neighbourhood is dyed red and parades, such as the Lion Dance, and fireworks shows are held, which are not to be missed! The best way to discover every secret and curiosity about this neighbourhood full of colours, flavours and traditions is by joining a guided walking tour, which often includes other iconic neighbourhoods such as SoHo and Little Italy in the visit.

Tours, guided tours and online tickets