Chinatown Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A brightly lit traditional Chinese gate with intricate designs, a Walgreens store, and a Starbucks on a city street at night.
A bustling city street at night with illuminated signs and storefronts.
A street with cars, a Walgreens store, and a traditional Chinese gate.
A brightly lit traditional Chinese gate with intricate designs and characters, set against a city street at night.
A traditional Chinese gate with intricate designs and a sign in the center.

Discover a city centre neighbourhood with a variety of Asian shops and restaurants. Visit the nearby galleries, museums and entertainment centres.

Chinatown in Washington D.C. is a historic district where you can experience Asian charm and cuisine. It’s an enclave of Downtown Washington D.C. and located within close proximity to some of the city’s major art galleries, museums and theatres. Chinatown grew to prominence in the 1930s when Chinese immigrants opened businesses and decorated the neighbourhood’s buildings with traditional artwork and signs.

Today, about 20 businesses survive that continue to showcase Asian culture. These businesses sit alongside modern buildings and well-known chain stores. Start your visit at the Friendship Archway, a typical gateway designed to emphasise the area’s Chinese character. Walk along the surrounding streets to see shopfronts adorned with bright lights and Chinese symbols.

Find teahouses and restaurants, which serve classic Asian dishes such as stir-fried noodles and wonton soup. Browse stores that sell crafts, medicinal herbs and spices. Visit the Chinese Community Church to hear sermons in Cantonese, Mandarin and English.

Time your visit to coincide with the Chinese New Year Parade, which takes place between late January and mid-February. Enjoy live music shows, martial arts demonstrations and Chinese dragon dances.

Visit Gallery Place for retail and entertainment options. This contemporary shopping mall is home to fashion outlets, bars, restaurants and a cinema.

To the south, Chinatown converges with the lively Penn Quarter. Watch basketball and ice hockey matches or attend concerts by world-famous acts at the Verizon Centre. Spot work by national artists at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and see exhibitions about American culture at the National Portrait Gallery. Learn about the curious world of espionage at the International Spy Museum and attend a theatre show at the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

Chinatown is easy to get to via public buses and the metro. The most convenient metro stations are Gallery Place Chinatown and Metro Centre.

Check the websites of the galleries, museums and theatres for admission fees, opening times and schedule of events.

Stay near popular Chinatown attractions

Sixth and I Historic Synagogue

8.0/10 (59 reviews)
After visiting Sixth and I Historic Synagogue, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Washington. Discover the area's great live music and notable monuments.
See properties

Activities

DC Monuments with River Cruise, Cherry Blossoms, Entry Tickets

DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets

AU$100
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets
No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook

No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook

AU$36
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook
See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour

Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience

AU$144
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience
LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.

LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.

AU$43
per adult
LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.
Ghosts of Georgetown & The Exorcist Steps Walking Tour

Ghosts of Georgetown & The Exorcist Steps Walking Tour

AU$57
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ghosts of Georgetown & The Exorcist Steps Walking Tour
Smithsonian "Big 3" Highlights Tour

Smithsonian "Big 3" Highlights Tour (Air & Space Entry Included)

AU$129
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Smithsonian "Big 3" Highlights Tour (Air & Space Entry Included)
See all activities in Washington

Our pick of the best Chinatown Hotel Deals

Motto by Hilton Washington DC Downtown

Motto by Hilton Washington DC Downtown

3.5 out of 5
627 H Street NW Washington DC
The price is AU$188 per night from 18 July to 19 July
AU$188
18 July - 19 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,036 reviews)
"The hotel was clean, the staff was great, perfect location to visit the mall. The restaurant area was convenient for breakfast. Only surprised was that the bathroom door was a sliding glass door."

Reviewed on 11 July 2026

Motto by Hilton Washington DC Downtown
Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW Washington DC
The price is AU$182 per night from 19 July to 20 July
AU$182
19 July - 20 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,296 reviews)
"Clean room, responsive staff, quiet, and nice fitness room."

Reviewed on 11 July 2026

Washington Plaza Hotel
State Plaza Hotel

State Plaza Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2116 E Street NW Washington DC
The price is AU$198 per night from 26 July to 27 July
AU$198
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,835 reviews)
"Staff were friendly- hardest part was listening to my gps on where to park- just street parking until checked in- got a parking spot for the time spent- worth the $50 a day to not have to drive in DC! Front desk, bartender were super friendly and helpful with what we needed."

Reviewed on 11 July 2026

State Plaza Hotel
Crowne Plaza College Park - Washington DC by IHG

Crowne Plaza College Park - Washington DC by IHG

3.5 out of 5
6400 Ivy Lane Greenbelt MD
The price is AU$114 per night from 26 July to 27 July
AU$114
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Greenbelt. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very good! (2,708 reviews)
"Room was DISGUSTING.. fingernails in bed.. Mold/mildew in bathroom, nasty trash can in bathroom.. Floor near door wasn’t swept.. I stay here often and this was my last stay EVER.. finally thought in four d my go to spot but it only takes onetime for me.."

Reviewed on 12 July 2026

Crowne Plaza College Park - Washington DC by IHG
Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington DC

Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw Washington DC
The price is AU$275 per night from 18 July to 19 July
AU$275
18 July - 19 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,410 reviews)
"Great place , great staff"

Reviewed on 11 July 2026

Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington DC
Moxy Washington DC Downtown

Moxy Washington DC Downtown

3 out of 5
1011 K Street NW Washington DC
The price is AU$179 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
AU$179
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,262 reviews)
"The rooms are awesome. I had the king corner suite on the 13th floor. Really beautiful views and great sunsets. Very lively which is fun to see! The only downside of my stay was the rat population by the outside seating area. I mentioned to the staff that I was going inside because of the rats and ..."

Reviewed on 11 July 2026

Moxy Washington DC Downtown
See all 5,861 properties in Chinatown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Chinatown

Find the best Chinatown areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A historic building with a clock tower, a busy intersection, and a person riding a scooter.

Downtown Washington D.C.

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Washington D.C.. Check out top attractions like Capital One Arena and Smithsonian Institution, and jump on the metro at McPherson Sq. Station or Center Station to see more of the city.

A statue in a park with a paved walkway and benches.

Northwest

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Northwest. Check out top attractions like White House and Smithsonian's National Zoo, and jump on the metro at Cleveland Park Station or Van Ness-UDC Station to see more of the city.

A row of brick buildings with storefronts, a crosswalk, and a traffic light.

Georgetown

Georgetown is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Georgetown Park or Washington Harbour.

A brick building with a red door and a sign that reads "Old Fashioned Pop's Dream Company."

Old Town Alexandria

Take time in Old Town Alexandria to visit attractions like Alexandria City Hall and Market Square. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at King Street Station to see more of the city.

A fountain with a statue of a figure, surrounded by trees and benches in a park.

Dupont Circle

Visitors to Dupont Circle love its fantastic nightlife, and you can check out Dupont Circle and Mansion on O Street. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Dupont Circle Station.

Chinatown Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: