Things to do in Chinatown Los Angeles

By Sarah Harris

Things to do in Chinatown Los Angeles

L.A. is known for everything from its sweeping natural landscapes to Disneyland and Dodger dogs. It’s a total hive of activity, buzzing with life - that being said, there can be a whole lot to choose from here. In a city comprised of over 400 neighborhoods and districts, figuring out what to do next is a pretty bewildering task. Of course, for anybody looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city’s storied history and cultural development, Chinatown is always a must. Situated just Downtown, this unique ethnic enclave is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic areas of the city. Whether you’re looking for great shopping, unbeatable dining, or interesting hidden gems, there are just so many things to see and do in this area of the city. Still not sure quite where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. From grabbing a bite to eat at the Far East Plaza to visiting the Chinese American Museum, we’ve made a list of all of the best things you won’t want to miss on your trip to Chinatown. Arrive with a game plan, check out your favorites and you’re sure to have a great time!

Shop and Dine

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The next stop on our list truly is a little slice of history. First constructed in 1938, the Chinatown Central Plaza is known as one of the nation’s first shopping malls. Today, this spot remains the nucleus of Chinatown, and a total hub of excitement. As you might have guessed, this place is a little different from most modern shopping malls! Created to resemble the streets of Shanghai, it’s well-recognised for its fanciful architecture. Inside, you can pick up anything from vintage Chinese dresses and original art to loose leaf teas and stylish house plants. There are also a wide variety of great food stops to choose from. Still, the highlight of this place has got to be its massive 7-foot statue of Bruce Lee! We recommend visiting during the week if you prefer to skip the crowds.

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Of course, a trip to Chinatown just isn’t complete without exploring some of the area’s most delicious food stops. That’s right - just as any Chinatown should do, L.A.’s iteration of this historic ethnic enclave boasts some of the best fast casuals, bistros and pop-ups for you to sink your teeth into. If you’re looking for an unfussy quick bite whilst exploring, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Some of our favorites include Pearl River Deli, Phoenix Inn Chinese Cuisine and Lao Tao Street Food. The area is also home to the marvellous Philippe the Original, AKA the iconic progenitor of the French Dip sandwich. Pull up a chair, sit back and enjoy one of the best sandwiches of your life. Or, if you’re looking for a wide variety in choice, we suggest heading to the Far East Plaza. Built way back in 1976, this bustling food hall and beloved Chinatown mainstay earned its stripes as one of the best spots to grab authentic regional cuisine in the city long ago. Here you’ll find everything from steaming bowls of pho and classic crunchy spring rolls to lip-smacking ice cream in a wide range of adventurous flavors. No doubt you’ll be able to find something to take your fancy!

Learn About the Area

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For those looking to learn more about the Chinese American experience, there couldn’t be anywhere better than the Chinese American Museum, located on North Los Angeles Street. A great stop for anybody who wants to incorporate a little education into their travel experience, this place works to document and present one of the biggest Chinese American populations in the U S of A. Inside, visitors can enjoy a wide array of exhibits covering fine art from Chinese creators as well as historical artefacts from as far back as the late 19th century. The nature of the displays is fascinating and broad; past ones have focussed on community settlement in Los Angeles, the growth and development of Chinese American enclaves and Asian American activist movements. A thoroughly unique cultural experience, this one is not to be missed.

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Undoubtedly, Chinatown is one of the best places to go for those who want to learn a bit more about the development of the city. Along with its great shopping destinations, pretty parks and delicious eats, the neighborhood is also home to some really unique historical sites. Standing out as one of our favorites, the Italian American Museum is a surprising and beautiful landmark tucked around the corner of Olvera Street. For those wondering about its background, the spot was constructed way back in 1908 to serve as a gathering place for the Italian community way back in a time when Chinatown was actually Little Italy! Today, this spot is recognized as the oldest remaining structure from L.A.’s Italian enclave and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside, visitors can enjoy a fantastic repository documenting the history of Southern California’s Italian roots. Its collection includes over 6000 artefacts with art, photos, documents and more. With the history that lingers on-site and its remarkable displays, this spot is well worth the visit.

Get in Touch With Your Spiritual Side

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If you’re looking to get in touch with your spiritual side, we suggest heading over to the Thien Hau Temple on Yale Street. Formerly an Italian Christian Church, this unique building was bought in the 1980s and converted into a Taoist worship house. Whilst the temple is young, it serves as one of the primary places of worship for Asian L.A. residents. Take time to marvel at its beautiful intricate facade before stepping inside. Visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the fascinating history of the building and explore its wonderful interior. Inside, you can expect to see statues, sculptures, artworks and more with a strong Chinese influence. We recommend visiting during Chinese New Year or Labor Day, since you can get in on all of the fun and festivities! A distinctive architectural marvel and well-recognized place of worship, this place is a total must-see.

Vibrant and bustling with life, Chinatown is always a fantastic place to explore. Whether you’re looking to learn more about the city or just grab a bite to eat, you’ll never be bored here! Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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Is Los Angeles Safe?

Eternal sunshine, movie makers, star-studded hilltops, and a strip of sunny beaches - Los Angeles is an enviable city on California’s coastline. The real-life La La Land is where dreams are made, and not just for wannabe film stars. However, turn the city on its head and L.A. has a more cynical side including infamous gangs and criminal neighborhoods. So you might be wondering, is Los Angeles safe to visit? Yes, Los Angeles is safe for tourists. In reality, L.A. is in fact a safe city to visit, with most tourist attractions and sites of interest situated within affluent neighborhoods overlooking the ocean. Of course, like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowded areas, but overall it’s very easy to stay safe in L.A. To cover your bases, we’ve put together an insider guide to staying safe in Los Angeles... Yes, Los Angeles is safe for tourists. In reality, L.A is in fact a safe city to visit, with most tourist attractions and popular sites situated within affluent neighborhoods overlooking the ocean. Of course, like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowded areas, but overall it’s very easy to stay safe in L.A. To cover your bases, we’ve put together an insider guide to staying safe in Los Angeles... Transportation in Los Angeles Los Angeles is a sprawling city and whilst public transportation is available, the most recommended way to travel is by car. If car hire isn’t an option for your trip to the city, then rest assured, taxis including Uber or Lyft, and the reliable bus system are also safe. It is recommended however to avoid public transportation at night time if you are unaccompanied or traveling through neighborhoods with a higher crime rate. Check out our full guide to getting around LA for more information. Los Angeles crime threats Like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets and petty theft in crowded areas. At key tourist spots such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and on public transport, be aware of concealing your money, keeping your wallets in front pockets, and holding purses tightly. If possible, don’t carry valuables around with you, and check your bags if you are bumped by a group of people. Similarly, remain alert to potential scams such as tampered ATMs, distracting flashing signs, and fake talent scouts. Never follow an individual who approaches you claiming to be a producer, casting agent, etc. and if you’re unsure, ask for a business card that you can use to do an internet search. There are legitimate talent scouts in Hollywood - just be sure to do your research and always tell someone where you are going. Although not a high risk, to avoid more serious crime, be careful not to wander into dangerous neighborhoods by sticking to the main streets. Natural disasters in Los Angeles Natural disasters are not a high-risk concern in Los Angeles. There have been earthquakes, but the last most dangerous major earthquake occurred in 1994. If you are however caught in a serious earthquake, you’re encouraged to either: Get under a sturdy desk or table if indoors and cover your head and neck with your arms Stay clear of windows, mirrors, or anything that may fall Avoid elevators, running in the street, trees and power lines Pull to the side of the road away from bridges and overpasses and stay inside the car Duck into a doorway if you are near buildings on a sidewalk If you are swimming in the ocean, you need to be aware of strong currents known as riptides. If you find yourself being carried offshore, try not to panic or swim against the current and instead swim parallel to the shoreline. Once the current stops, you’ll be able to swim back to shore. Solo travel and female travelers in Los Angeles The risk for female travelers in Los Angeles is low. For solo travelers of either gender, the advice applies to follow common sense, avoiding certain neighborhoods in the dark, deserted areas, and poorly lit streets. Another way of staying safe is to inform hotel staff or hostel guests where you’re going and keep emergency numbers close on your phone. You could also join a guided tour as a great way to see the city, stay safe, and meet new people! To summarize Los Angeles might not actually be a city of angels but it's definitely a safe destination to visit for all travelers. With a little common sense, tourists can see and enjoy this fantastic city with very little risk to their own safety. Save on admission to top Los Angeles attractions with Go City® Discover our full line-up of Los Angeles attractions including the Hollywood Sign Tour, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, and more. 🤩 >> 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. Whichever Los Angeles pass you pick, you'll have your pick of LA's very best bits!
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