Chinatown, DC

Washington
Washington featuring night scenes, street scenes and a city
Discover a city center neighborhood with a variety of Asian shops and restaurants. Visit the nearby galleries, museums and entertainment centers.

Chinatown in Washington D.C. is a historic district where you can experience Asian charm and cuisine. It’s an enclave of Downtown Washington D.C. and located within close proximity to some of the city’s major art galleries, museums and theaters. Chinatown grew to prominence in the 1930s when Chinese immigrants opened businesses and decorated the neighborhood’s buildings with traditional artwork and signs.

Today, about 20 businesses survive that continue to showcase Asian culture. These businesses sit alongside modern buildings and well-known chain stores. Start your visit at the Friendship Archway, a typical gateway designed to emphasize the area’s Chinese character. Walk along the surrounding streets to see shopfronts adorned with bright lights and Chinese symbols.

Find teahouses and restaurants, which serve classic Asian dishes such as stir-fried noodles and wonton soup. Browse stores that sell crafts, medicinal herbs and spices. Visit the Chinese Community Church to hear sermons in Cantonese, Mandarin and English.

Time your visit to coincide with the Chinese New Year Parade, which takes place between late January and mid-February. Enjoy live music shows, martial arts demonstrations and Chinese dragon dances.

Visit Gallery Place for retail and entertainment options. This contemporary shopping mall is home to fashion outlets, bars, restaurants and a cinema.

To the south, Chinatown converges with the lively Penn Quarter. Watch basketball and ice hockey matches or attend concerts by world-famous acts at the Verizon Center. Spot work by national artists at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and see exhibitions about American culture at the National Portrait Gallery. Learn about the curious world of espionage at the International Spy Museum and attend a theater show at the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

Chinatown is easy to get to via public buses and the metro. The most convenient metro stations are Gallery Place Chinatown and Metro Center.

Check the websites of the galleries, museums and theaters for admission fees, opening times and schedule of events.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Chinatown Hotel Deals

Hotel Pentagon
Hotel Pentagon
3 out of 5
2480 S Glebe Rd, Arlington, VA
The price is ¥14,300 per night from Apr 29 to Apr 30
¥14,300
per night
Apr 29 - Apr 30
Stay at this hotel in Arlington. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms and the overall value in our reviews. Popular ...
6.4/10 (1,079 reviews)
"Needs a little update but good."

Reviewed on Mar 22, 2024

Hotel Pentagon
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
3.5 out of 5
627 H Street NW, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥19,533 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥19,533
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 bars/lounges, and breakfast. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,482 reviews)
"Rooms were small but we totally expected that, great way to save some $$$ on hotel."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
Washington Plaza Hotel
Washington Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥16,505 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥16,505
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,071 reviews)
"Good value, all things considered."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Washington Plaza Hotel
State Plaza Hotel
State Plaza Hotel
3.5 out of 5
2116 E Street NW, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥24,378 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥24,378
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,494 reviews)
Clean and comfortable
"The hotel was a great choice. The location was good, the staff was friendly and professional, the hotel and the rooms were very clean. Our room was a great size and comfortable. We would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

State Plaza Hotel
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥25,742 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥25,742
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,446 reviews)
"This was a great hotel for spending a lot of time on the National Mall and Penn Quarter. 15 min walk to all major attractions in those areas. The room was well appointed and comfortable. The common areas and lobby smell awesome - must be their cleaner but it smells really great!"

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Omni Shoreham Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel
4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, DC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥31,648 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
¥31,648
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,192 reviews)
"Wonderful experience and great service. Food was ok. Will definitely recommend to anyone traveling to the DC area."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Omni Shoreham Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Chinatown

Downtown Washington D.C. showing street scenes, a city and night scenes

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(6,676 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Washington D.C.. Check out top attractions like Capital One Arena and Smithsonian Institution, and jump on the metro at McPherson Sq. Station or Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Washington D.C.
A late night stroll through Logan Circle. Great flats and homes to appreciate while walking towards local restaurants and bars.

Logan Circle

5/5(3 area reviews)

Logan Circle is known for its popular shops, and with sights like National City Christian Church and Studio Theatre, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Washington.

Logan Circle
Capitol Hill

Near Northeast

While you're in Near Northeast, take in top sights like Union Station Shopping Center or Smithsonian Institution, and hop on the metro to see more the city at H Street & 5th Street Northeast Tram Stop or H St & 3rd St NE Stop.

Near Northeast
International Spy Museum showing interior views

Southwest Federal Center

If you're spending time in Southwest Federal Center, check out sights like National Mall or National Air and Space Museum and hop on the metro to see more the city at L'Enfant Plaza Station or Federal Center Station.

Southwest Federal Center
Default Image

Connecticut Ave - K Street

While you're in Connecticut Ave - K Street, take in top sights like Farragut Square or K Street, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Farragut North Station or Farragut West Station.

Connecticut Ave - K Street
Dupont Circle which includes a monument and a statue or sculpture

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(2,793 area reviews)

Visitors to Dupont Circle love its fantastic nightlife, and you can check out Dupont Circle and Mansion on O Street. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Dupont Circle Station.

Dupont Circle


Chinatown, DC