Boston Chinatown
Boston Chinatown, Boston, MA, 02111
The slice of downtown Boston that makes up the bustling Chinatown neighborhood serves as the cultural epicenter of the city's Chinese community, though gentrification is slowly changing the cityscape. One of the largest Chinese urban enclaves in the US, it is the only remaining historic Chinatown district in New England. You can walk through the heart of the neighborhood along Beach Street, dine on traditional Chinese delicacies, and detour to admire the colorful murals.
The basics
Boston's Chinatown is one of the largest in the country, and offers a plethora of shops and eateries. You can walk through the Chinatown Gate to spot its protective lions, visit shops along the winding streets, and encounter Asian-American cultural history at the Pao Arts Center.
Beyond strolling, this is a prime Boston destination for savoring pan-Asian cuisine. Find everything from pho shops serving Vietnamese soup to dumpling houses and late-night hot pot restaurants. To learn about Chinatown's history, take a guided tour of Boston's old red light district, and add on stops at nearby colonial sights like Boston Common and the Granary Burying Ground.
Things to know before you go
- This very walkable neighborhood is best explored on foot; wear comfy shoes and plan to let your feet lead the way.
- Save money on a self-guided tour of the area by using a free itinerary provided by the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail.
- This is a great place to find a reasonably priced meal, so arrive with an appetite.
How to get there
The heart of Chinatown is Beach Street, which is easily accessible via the Chinatown stop of the Orange Line MBTA train. You can also take the B, C, D, or E light rail service to Boylston Street, which is situated just west of Chinatown, or walk from the nearby shopping corridors in Downtown Boston. Hop-on hop-off tours also typically stop nearby.
When to get there
To enjoy a spirited excursion to Chinatown, visit during Chinese New Year for a more complete experience of the neighborhood's cultural traditions. The festive Chinese New Year parade usually takes place the second Sunday after the beginning of the New Year. You can spot lion dancers, drummers, firecrackers, and more.
Exploring Boston by Bike
Even if you don't want to commit to a full-day bike rental, you can still explore Boston by bike if you try the city's Bluebikes bike share service. You can pay per trip, or try a 24-hour pass if you want to pedal your way across the city. You can easily pick up and dock bikes at over 300 stations across Metro Boston, including Chinatown.
Ways to explore
Boston's Chinatown sits in the heart of the city, just south of the Boston Common, so a visit here is easy to pair with a walking, trolley, bike, or bus tour. Stroll through the Chinatown Gate to admire its twin lions, visit the shops that line the winding streets, and encounter Asian-American cultural history at the Pao Arts Center. To learn about Chinatown's history, take a guided tour of Boston's old red light district. Just leave some time to savor pan-Asian cuisine. Find everything from pho shops serving Vietnamese soup to dumpling houses and late-night hot pot restaurants.
Accessibility
Most sidewalks and streets are accessible, but historic shops and restaurants may not be.
Age limits
None; kids typically enjoy taking in the iconic gate and colorful shops and restaurants in Chinatown.
What to pack
Camera and battery pack, water bottle
What to wear
Comfortable shoes, layers
Not allowed
No visitor should leave Chinatown without feasting in one of the neighborhood's many Asian restaurants.
Amenities
Shops, restaurants, public restrooms
Address
The heart of Chinatown is Beach Street, which is easily accessible by foot from many of Boston’s historic sights and the nearby shopping corridors in downtown Boston. Hop-on hop-off bus tours also typically stop nearby.
Driving
Getting around Boston by car is tricky, especially in the downtown areas where parking is limited and pricey. It’s better to walk or rely on public transit—or, if you must take a car, use a rideshare app or taxi.
Public transportation
Take the Orange Line MBTA train to the Chinatown stop, or take the B, C, D, or E light rail service to Boylston Street, which is situated just west of Chinatown.
Best times to visit
Most shops keep business hours, while restaurants in Chinatown stay open late into the evening. Visit by day to shop, and by night to dine.
Best days to visit
The area’s restaurants are particularly busy on the weekends, so stop by from Monday to Friday to find more available tables.
Best months to visit
Much of the draw of Chinatown is in strolling its streets, which is most pleasant from late spring to early fall.
Special events
Chinatown celebrates the Lunar New Year in late January and early February with a Lion Dance parade, music, performances, and other activities.
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