New York City (Manhattan) Chinatown
add photosSo many cities have some sort of Chinatown, but not all are created equal. New York Chinatown is one rich with history, bustling with activity, and full of adventures not be missed. If you're visiting New York City, there are so many adventures to be had. Not all of them are kid-friendly. Often overlooked by families, Chinatown is the site of a rich heritage. Believe it or not, the history tells the story of the Chinese-American experience, early Irish, Jewish and Italian immigrants.
For school aged children in particular, arriving in Chinatown is a quick way to transport them into a totally different culture. Strange sights, smells, sounds, and foods. For a few hours, they can be immersed in an experience that feels totally foreign (if you're not Chinese to begin with). Don't be afraid to explore the dried food stores with strange delicacies, medicine shops with herbal rememdies that look so strange, but are so effective, or the delightful bakeries with sweet and savory delights. Of course there are also numerous noodle shops and restaurants to offer an adventure for young palettes.
Some key attractions within Chinatown:
Chatham Square
Columbus Park
Five Points
Museum of Chinese in America
Church of the Transfiguration
Mahayana Buddhist temple
First Shearith Israel Cemetery
Edward Mooney House
8 Reviews for New York City (Manhattan) Chinatown
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00 families found this helpful
"Chinatown"
If you really want to feel what New York Is about Chinatown is the place.You can find all types of shoes accessories handbags and much more for a cheaper price. It is a place that is bustling at every corner and is great even if you are set for sightseeing and eating .Be careful if you bring children,they have a high probability of being lost between the crowds.Definitely bring cash,everything you see you will like!
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1 family found this helpful
"Not What You Expect"
This reminds me of a big line of flea markets. It really wasn't what I expected. There weren't that many deals there either. I would recommend getting the real deal because who knows where that merchandise comes from. I know that everyone says that you have to go to China Town (including the person I went to visit) but I am telling you that you will live if you skip it. Go see CBGB's instead and catch a band. Not somewhere I would take small children - too busy, not enough to attract their attention. Preteens will enjoy trying to barter for a deal. There are A LOT of burned DVD's available for sale at a reasonable price which will appeal to the young teens and preteens.
0 families found this helpful
"New York City chinatown"
please don't bring your kids here its not really fun just looks like a big flea market. the people here are very rude and pushy.they don't take no for an answer.they keep asking if you want to buy things when you say no they keep hounding you and telling you they will drop the price.there was nothing fun for the kids to do there just maybe eat wich wasn't that great either.
0 families found this helpful
"NYC Chinatown"
Chinatown in NYC is pretty crowded and FILTHY. Other than that, it is a fun place to see and buy things. We scored a lot of great deals and it was fun to bargain with shop owners. The food is great if you can find the right place. A word of advice with people traveling with kids.....this place is a little scary. I am not a person who would use a leash on a child, but I would here. Honestly, I would probably go here without the kids unless they were older. If you do, I would stay on the out skirts.
1 family found this helpful
"Good food"
Great food - of course. Maybe not something you'd like to take too many kids too. Can be very crowded and noisy with small streets and sidewalks. Very hard to manuever a stroller through but worth a trip if your close by. Lots of different flavors and chinese cuisine to sample.
2 families found this helpful
"Not recommended for small children"
This is one of the most crowded areas of NYC and if you are trying to push a stroller it can be so frustrating. It is noisy and chaotic. My family just seems a little anxious and keyed up after we leave there. There is great shopping and restaurants in the area, so I would definitely recommend it if your children are older. If you have small children, find a good Chinese restaurant uptown or better yet walk a few streets over to Little Italy where it is not nearly so intense.
2 families found this helpful
"Lots of shopping"
It is acrowded, noisy and a lot to see. There are lots of restaurants and small shops that sell you everything, From purses to watches to scarves and jewlery. Yoy can find anything in Chinatown. Its right next to Little Italy. Its like crossing the street to a new country.
2 families found this helpful
"Chinatown in NYC"
As to be expected, it's a bit noisy and dirty. Interesting sites do abound yet it can be tricky navigating the non-grid side streets and alleyways. Strollers may be a liability on the uneven pavements and congested roads.
There are some fun sights. One is seeing roasting whole chickens and ducks suspended in the window of shops and restaurants. Also, I remember a tea shop with aquarium tables in which to view fish while sipping drinks (somewhere off Houston Street). Dim Sum restaurants seem to be hit with kids when they can see and choose their sides a la carte. Cool bubble tea shops are also plentiful (St Alps, Ten Ren, etc).
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