Chinatown
3.5
About
Boston’s Chinatown is the only surviving Chinese enclave in New England. Enter the lion-flanked gateway and get acquainted with the Chinese community by checking out the Asian eateries (think: dim sum, spicy noodles, and boba tea), historic sights, and vibrant murals in the area. Before you leave, do as the locals do and buy some fresh fruits and herbs from the traditional markets.
There’s limited parking and the roads are narrow, so it’s best to get there by bus or train. You can also take the hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Boston, which includes Chinatown in its route. – Tripadvisor
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The area
Neighbourhood: Downtown
The largest area of the city, Downtown is rich with historical and iconic sites in Boston. Stroll through one of Boston’s most famous green spaces, the Boston Public Gardens, check out and make way for duckling statues, picnic under a beautiful tree overlooking the pond, and walk over the iconic footbridge where, during summer time, you will catch a swan boat toting children and eager tourists through the pond. Have your camera ready to capture its peaceful beauty in the middle of a bustling city. Continue on through the Gardens and take in some open green space at the Boston Common, where you can spend time throwing a frisbee, sitting on a park bench, or, in the winter time, skating on the frog pond. Head north from the end of the Common to see the golden dome of the State House, and travel through government center to Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, both a historic and popular destination worth a quick visit for a first time to Boston. Head to Long Wharf to visit the Aquarium, or catch a boat to Charlestown or even Cape Cod.
How to get there
- State • 1 min walk
- Government Center • 2 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,349 within 5 kms
Attractions
576 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
375 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
115
Average
126
Poor
50
Terrible
25
SteveB
4 contributions
Dec. 2022
Some of the best food in Boston. Lots of things to see and do. Many bubble tea and snack shops in the neighborhood. We found some very tasty stir fry lobster and crab at a very reasonable price. Well worth the visit
Written February 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charlene Marie R
Brunswick, ME10 contributions
Nov. 2022
Brought my 24-year-old daughter here for dim sum and boba tea. We were headed to a show (Blueman Group) at the Charles Playhouse which is walkable from Chinatown. We parked at the 200 Stuart Street Garage at 4pm and had our parking validated so we only paid $10. Dim sum was at Empire Garden Restaurant which wasn't spectacular but it gave her the experience. Boba tea was from Pin Ming and it was perfect.
Written November 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Milton K
8 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Couples
Lots of thing to see and do here. I felt safe and the food here was great! A place to stop and see when visiting Boston.
Written November 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria
Homewood, IL11 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Family
This was our family’s first visit to Boston. We wanted to check out some of the different neighborhoods. There is not much to see in Chinatown and it is not as nice as some of the other neighborhoods. It wasn’t worth a visit.
Written October 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sander_Yoho
Den Bosch, The Netherlands1,196 contributions
Oct. 2022 • Couples
Typical restaurant area were for sure you can find the Asian food of your flavor. Wonder how this area is during Chinese New Year. Now the lightings weren’t that abundant.
Written October 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bethambeau
New Orleans, LA11 contributions
Sep. 2022
Many folks think China town is great knock off bags, many items cheap. Well Boston China town is non existing.
Nestled around hospital and Boston commons don’t go looking for handbags and souvenirs you will be sadly disappointed!
Nestled around hospital and Boston commons don’t go looking for handbags and souvenirs you will be sadly disappointed!
Written September 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yasmin L
1 contribution
Sep. 2022 • Solo
Don’t rest your time to go there is nothing to see and smells very very bad and super dirty
Boston is great city but not here …
Boston is great city but not here …
Written September 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luv2travel54915
Appleton, Wisconsin51 contributions
Aug. 2022
Spent very little time here, wish I could of explored a bit more. Did stop in a couple of the Chinese bakeries and they did not disappoint.
Written August 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zillakilla
Plymouth, MN42 contributions
Aug. 2022 • Family
Pretty area, not much to do. Checked out a couple of shops, but food is the focus this area. Gate is really interesting and attractive.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TarHeel
Durham, NC1,068 contributions
Jun. 2022
We've been to Chinatowns in several cities, including New York, and this compares with any of them. Lots of dining and shopping options, and you see lots of Asians patronizing the establishments (always a good sign). We weren't here to eat but to look around. We did pop into a few markets and found some white tea, which we had been looking for. This area is also near the theater district. Go and soak in the culture and atmosphere. We've also read that Chinatown has some of the best dining bargains in town.
Written July 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saltandpepper334
Galway, Ireland30 contributions
Is Chinatown a good place for pedicures and manicures/gel nails? Any recommendations ?
rider2010CapeCoralFL
Cape Coral FL40 contributions
I would NOT even consider that-the area itself is filthy.
SamUK1
Edinburgh, UK4,378 contributions
Hi, any particular recommendations for restaurants. With English menu.
kevin d
Magog, Canada87 contributions
All the menus are in English as well as most have photos. There are many restaurants. Depending on what type of Chinese food you want. There are also a few upscale restaurants. There are a few that specialize in dim sum ,as well as hot pot.
dvhayden13
Appleton, WI88 contributions
headed to Boston never been what three things MUST I see or do. Thanks
Melissa H
Lincoln, IL90 contributions
JFK library
Westchester NY T
Westchester County, NY339 contributions
Hi, Westchester NY. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Maria
Blaine, MN2 contributions
How's parking? Is there free parking?
Jetset18MelM
San Diego, CA159 contributions
Metered parking
CHINATOWN - 2023 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Chinatown
- We recommend booking Chinatown tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Chinatown tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Chinatown:
- (0.03 km) The Ames Boston Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
- (0.05 km) Oakwood At The Devonshire
- (0.08 km) Hyatt Centric Faneuil Hall Boston
- (0.22 km) Omni Parker House
- (0.27 km) Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil Hall, Boston
- Restaurants near Chinatown:
- (0.00 km) SideBar Grille
- (0.03 km) The Well
- (0.03 km) Boston Shawarma
- (0.04 km) Wolfgang's Steakhouse
- (0.04 km) Tatte Bakery & Cafe
- Attractions near Chinatown:
- (0.00 km) Boston Civil War Walking Tour
- (0.02 km) The Freedom Trail
- (0.02 km) Old State House
- (0.02 km) Boston Massacre Site
- (0.05 km) Lovell's Island