Things to do in Chinatown, Boston

Dive into the cuisine and sights of Chinatown – here’s why we think it’s not one to be missed!

UPDATED NOVEMBER 2024
chinatown boston

Picture the scene. You're planning your vacation to Boston. You've mapped out all the places you want to see, all the things you want to do, and then it hits you. What about Chinatown? Understandably, you pause, wondering how you could possibly miss one of Boston's best districts. It's okay; we all make mistakes. There's still time to fix things. And fix them we shall. Just sit there, yes, there, and chill out. Scroll down and discover the district's delights. Here begins our guide to the best things to do in Chinatown, Boston!

Including:

  • Where to eat
  • Where to drink
  • What to see
  • What to do

Chinatown's best eating

 Things to do in Chinatown Boston

Chinese cuisine is one of the world's favorites, so it's no wonder residents and visitors travel to Chinatown for chow. But with so many options, which are the best? These are our picks.

If choice paralysis isn't a thing for you, then Taiwan Cafe should be top of your list. They have over 200 items on the menu, so you're literally spoiled for choice. However, don't sleep on the pork chop. It's good. Real good.

Fancy a dumpling? Don't worry; they've got a cafe dedicated to them, the aptly-named Dumpling Cafe. Alongside a mouth-watering number of soup dumpling dishes, they also do sides like teriyaki sticks, which every customer should try once.

Like your dishes with a little spice? China Gourmet Restaurant offers Fukienese options with a hefty dose of fiery spices. Check out their spicy chicken wings to see what you're made of!

Or, if you fancy another Eastern cuisine, why not try Penang's Malaysian menu? Chicken and rice are the way to go here, and you've got plenty of options as far as both are concerned! Or, try the Malaysian national dish, nasi lemak, if you've never had it before.

Chinatown's best pastries

 Things to do in Chinatown Boston

Of course, you might be looking for something lighter, or want to eat on the go. Thankfully, Chinatown's got a few amazing pastry joints that'll fit you like a crispy glove.

Ho Yuen Bakery makes all their pastries on site, with plenty on offer in their humble Chinatown abode. You'll find sweet and savory buns, as well as bao and other traditional gems on offer. Check out their curry bun; you'll never know buns could be so much fun.

Another one is the savory-focused Hing Shing Pastry, which sits just a stone's throw from Chinatown's impressive gate. Does a hot dog bun sound appealing? Well, it should, because it's awesome. Partner it with a delicious almond cookie, and you're good to go.

 

Chinatown's best drinking

 Things to do in Chinatown Boston

While most of Chinatown's drinking spots are eating spots too, we've split the list to better focus on each separately. You're very welcome. Here are our picks for Chinatown's best watering holes.

Enter the Ritz Carlton, and you'll find the swanky, suave Avery Bar. Along with a decent food menu (compared to most hotels at least), you'll find a world of delicious craft cocktails, an exhaustive wine list, and pro-shakers who will mix you up whatever you desire.

Want something loud? Looking for more of a vibe? Shojo is one of Chinatown's best, with big music, big drinks, and big bar snacks to boot. Whiskey lovers will be enamored with their surprisingly verbose menu. So, if you need to drown it down with brown, Shojo's probably your jam.

Yearn the leather, bike chains, and bandanas of a dive bar? Swayze over to Corner Pub and experience your own Roadhouse, minus all the violence. Literal buckets of beer are on offer, along with a riffing jukebox and some decent pub food if you get the beer munchies.

Looking for some Asian food while you down your shots? Crave Chinatown has a wide selection of bites, from sushi to Korean fried chicken, along with some Asian-inspired cocktails. Anything with sake is the one here. Nice.

Chinatown's best sights

 Things to do in Chinatown Boston

Of course, Chinatown isn't just about food and drink. It's about the culture too. So keep an eye out for these landmarks when you visit!

China Trade Gate is the first thing that greets you when you enter Chinatown. Donated to Boston by the Taiwanese government in the '80s, its jade-green roof and white frame are quite the sight!

Have a look around Chinatown, and you'll find a myriad of colorful murals. They're created by different groups, but all tell the generational story of Chinatown's residents throughout Chinatown's existence.

 

Chinatown's best activities

 Things to do in Chinatown Boston

And finally, let's end with the best things to do in Chinatown.

Go check out some artwork at Pao Arts Center, where you'll find a rotation of exhibitions on show from some of Chinatown's own artists. They also hold classes there too, if you need to brush up on your skills. That was a pun, and it was absolutely intended, just like all puns are.

Want a keepsake to bring home, or looking for a gift to give that special someone? Essex Corner has all manner of wonderful Asian crafts inside. They sell all manner of authentic products, like handmade fans, lanterns, and candles, among many others.

Ever tried acupuncture? If not, go check out Lea Tam Acupuncture Center and get pricked in all the right places. We're talking about pressure points here, so get your mind out of the gutter. If you've got any lingering or chronic issues, this family-run joint could be just the thing. One ticket to relief town, please! That sounded way better in our heads.

Or, if you want to find out more about the women who helped make Chinatown the district it is today, take a Boston Women's Heritage Trail tour of the area. It'll take you all around the area and teach you a lot about what women have done to Chinatown!

 

And that about rounds out our list of the best things to do in Chinatown when you visit Boston! Eager for more Boston-related fun? Check out our guide to the city's best museums. Not sure where to stay during your visit? We've collated all the best spots just for you! So grab a Boston pass and save while you sightsee!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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10+ Things to Do Near Fenway Park and Back Bay During Your Trip to Boston

Even if you aren’t a fan of baseball, you’ve probably heard of iconic Fenway Park. But did you know that this neighborhood has much more than just a baseball stadium to explore? From world-famous museums to boutique shopping to top restaurants and bars, there’s something to fit every vacation style near Boston's Fenway and Back Bay neighborhoods. Check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including... Museum of Fine Arts Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Skywalk Observatory Swan Boats of Boston And more! Museum of Fine Arts The Museum of Fine Arts is the place in Boston for your art fix. It's one of the best museums in the country according to a recent TripAdvisor poll, With an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and decorative arts, you can spend all day in this lovely institution. They also host special exhibits on world-renowned artists, compelling subjects, and beloved topics. The exhibitions may come at a small additional cost.  Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum The Gardner Museum is another top option for art lovers. So much more than just a museum, it combines the appeal of a fascinating historic home with luxurious gardens alongside an impressive collection of artwork. With more than 2,500 works of art from masters like Titian, Rembrandt, Manet, Degas, Sargent, and more, you’re bound to find a favorite here.  Panopticon Gallery If you prefer photographs to painting, then perhaps a visit to the Panopticon Gallery is for you. One of the earliest fine art photograph galleries in the entire country, it houses a great collection of beautiful works of art that you can purchase or simply walk through and enjoy. A visit here is a nice complement to the MFA or the Gardner. Kenmore Square The home of a nearby T stop, Kenmore Square is also the heart of a lively community filled with students, restaurants, bars, and shops. Here you’ll find everything from the renowned Eastern Standard to local favorite Cornwall’s pub. There’s also a bookstore, a few boutique shops, and plenty of chain restaurants for those looking to save money for souvenirs.  Boston Symphony Orchestra Classical music lovers should not pass up the chance to hear a performance from one of the country’s best orchestras, the Boston Symphony Orchestra. With a variety of performances put on in a majestic hall, you’ll love the entire experience. For a more affordable ticket, try attending an open rehearsal. A performance by the BSO is a top cultural thing to do near Fenway.  Things to Do in the Back Bay Skywalk Observatory Located on the 50th floor of the Prudential Center, this famed observatory showcases the Boston cityscape like nothing else. Although it may not be as high as some observation towers around the globe, the amazing view is more than enough to keep Boston visitors happy. After you snap a few photos, stop for a cocktail and a snack at the Top of the Hub Restaurant. It's not inexpensive, but the view is worth the bump in price. Swan Boats of Boston Take a ride aboard one of Boston’s best beloved historic treasures – the Swan Boats of Boston. First invented in the 1870s by innovator Robert Paget, these ingenious vessels are propelled by your own pedaling feet. Their recognizable swan shape has also inspired great children’s literature like Make Way for Ducklings. So, the swan boats are an important cultural artifact as well! Mary Baker Eddy Library & Mapparium A unique attraction nestled in Back Bay Boston, the Mary Baker Eddy Library and Mapparium is a fascinating place for kids and adults alike. Mary Baker Eddy was a significant person in early Boston’s history, working as a teacher, businesswoman, publisher, and religious leader, and the institution today reflects her wide-ranging vision for human knowledge. Do not miss a visit to the Mapparium itself, a massive painted glass globe that visitors can actually walk through!  Freedom Trail of Boston Spend some time walking the famed Freedom Trail of Boston, marked by a thin red line that winds through the city past major points of historical and cultural interest. While you can certainly walk the line yourself, a guided tour is the best way to learn about each stop and its significance to Boston’s history.  Boston Public Library Although you can certainly feel free to sign up for a library card if you’re a local, it’s also worth it as a visitor just to step inside the Boston Public Library for a glimpse of their beautiful, legendary reading rooms. Then, you can step back outside and marvel at the BPL’s distinctive architecture. Be sure to get a photo of yourself on the library steps – it’s a Boston tradition and one of the top things to do near Back Bay.  Emerald Necklace Parks If you love nothing more than a good walk outdoors, then the Emerald Necklace is the place for you. This chain-like system of 1,100 acres of parkland in the Fenway/Kenmore area is perfect for photos, bird-watching, leaf-peeping, and much more.  Save up to 50% on Boston attractions Discover our full line-up of Boston attractions from Fenton Park tours to the Salem Witch Museum. If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you. If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option.
Katie Sagal

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