Chinatown Travel Guide

Washington

Washington featuring night scenes, street scenes and a city
Chinatown
Washington which includes night scenes, street scenes and a city
Washington which includes street scenes, outdoor art and a city
Washington featuring outdoor art, a city and street scenes

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


Top hotels in Chinatown

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
The price is ₹8,002 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
₹8,002
₹9,279 total
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,650 reviews)
"Well designed room layout with thoughtful consideration to the practical needs of its guests. Good location within walking distances of major attractions. Would like to come back to stay next time in DC."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Motto by Hilton Washington DC City Center
Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC
The price is ₹9,407 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
₹9,407
₹10,907 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,479 reviews)
"Very nice property. Great amenities. Clean. Great staff. I would stay there again and I recommend this place."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Washington Plaza Hotel
Omni Shoreham Hotel

Omni Shoreham Hotel

4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw, Washington, DC
The price is ₹10,977 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹10,977
₹15,230 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,005 reviews)
"These was a phenomenal hotel, and stay there was an incredible experience!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Omni Shoreham Hotel
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW, Washington, DC
The price is ₹8,473 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
₹8,473
₹12,427 total
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,513 reviews)
"Great hotel"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel

3.5 out of 5
900 S Orme St, Arlington, VA
The price is ₹8,002 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹8,002
₹9,142 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Arlington. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free airport shuttle and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,411 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly very easy 20 min drive through DC"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
Crowne Plaza College Park - Washington DC by IHG

Crowne Plaza College Park - Washington DC by IHG

3.5 out of 5
6400 Ivy Lane, Greenbelt, MD
The price is ₹7,169 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹7,169
₹8,101 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Greenbelt. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,788 reviews)
"Hotel seems clean and updated. I would definitely stay again. Only downside i found was that there is not a pool. My kids were pretty disappointed. Overall, its a good option to stay at."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Crowne Plaza College Park - Washington DC by IHG
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 neighbourhoods around Chinatown

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

Downtown Washington D.C.

4.5/5(156 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.
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Penn Quarter

While you're in Penn Quarter, take in top sights like FBI Headquarters and jump on the metro at Archives Station to see more of the city.

Penn Quarter
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Logan Circle

A noteworthy feature of Logan Circle is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Studio Theatre and National City Christian Church.

Logan Circle
International Spy Museum featuring interior views

Southwest Federal Center

While you're in Southwest Federal Center, take in top sights like Smithsonian Institution or L'Enfant Plaza, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at L'Enfant Plaza Station or Federal Center Station.

Southwest Federal Center
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Connecticut Ave - K Street

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

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

Dupont Circle

4.5/5(91 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 Travel Guide