Chinatown Travel Guide

Washington

A brightly lit traditional Chinese gate with intricate designs, a Walgreens store, and a Starbucks on a city street at night.
A bustling city street at night with illuminated signs and storefronts.
A street with cars, a Walgreens store, and a traditional Chinese gate.
A brightly lit traditional Chinese gate with intricate designs and characters, set against a city street at night.
A traditional Chinese gate with intricate designs and a sign in the center.

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.

Stay near popular Chinatown attractions

Sixth and I Historic Synagogue

8.0/10 (59 reviews)
After visiting Sixth and I Historic Synagogue, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Washington. Discover the area's fascinating museums and shops.
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Top hotels in Chinatown

Motto by Hilton Washington DC Downtown

Motto by Hilton Washington DC Downtown

3.5 out of 5
627 H Street NW Washington DC
The price is ₹8,189 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
₹8,189
₹9,495 total
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,013 reviews)
"Have stayed there multiple times and have always enjoyed my time at the hotel and in the area. Big shout out to Marcus who went above and beyond with his service."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2026

Motto by Hilton Washington DC Downtown
Washington Plaza Hotel

Washington Plaza Hotel

4 out of 5
10 Thomas Circle NW Washington DC
The price is ₹10,387 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
₹10,387
₹12,044 total
13 Aug - 14 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 ...
Washington Plaza Hotel
Arlo Washington DC

Arlo Washington DC

4 out of 5
333 G St NW Washington DC
The price is ₹9,964 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
₹9,964
₹15,468 total
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Capital One Arena and Smithsonian Institution are ...
Arlo Washington DC
citizenM Washington DC Capitol

citizenM Washington DC Capitol

4 out of 5
550 School St SW Washington DC
The price is ₹10,197 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
₹10,197
₹11,823 total
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,364 reviews)
"Room was modern and clean, staff were friendly and helpful, easy check in, water refill station available by the bar and lots of space to relax in the upbeat and vibrant common areas. There was a garage right next door to the hotel also which I didn’t use but will keep in mind for next time."

Reviewed on 12 Aug 2026

citizenM Washington DC Capitol
The Henley Park Hotel

The Henley Park Hotel

4 out of 5
926 Massachusetts Ave NW Washington DC
The price is ₹9,349 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
₹9,349
₹10,840 total
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
The Henley Park Hotel
Morrison Clark Historic Inn

Morrison Clark Historic Inn

4 out of 5
1011 L Street NW Washington DC
The price is ₹11,310 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
₹11,310
₹13,114 total
15 Aug - 16 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,271 reviews)
"Attractive, classy, historic property in downtown DC. Rooms were clean and comfortable. I was able to store my luggage for a few hours after check out. I also got a good rate for this time of year."

Reviewed on 11 Aug 2026

Morrison Clark Historic Inn
See all 6,125 properties in Chinatown
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.

Where to stay in Chinatown

Find the best Chinatown areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A historic building with a clock tower, a busy intersection, and a person riding a scooter.

Downtown Washington D.C.

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.

A statue in a park with a paved walkway and benches.

Northwest

Known for its fascinating museums and important monuments, there's plenty to explore in Northwest. Check out top attractions like White House and Smithsonian's National Zoo, and jump on the metro at Cleveland Park Station or Van Ness-UDC Station to see more of the city.

A row of brick buildings with storefronts, a crosswalk, and a traffic light.

Georgetown

Georgetown is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Georgetown Park or Washington Harbour.

A brick building with a red door and a sign that reads "Old Fashioned Pop's Dream Company."

Old Town Alexandria

Take time in Old Town Alexandria to visit attractions like Alexandria City Hall and Market Square. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at King Street Station to see more of the city.

A fountain with a statue of a figure, surrounded by trees and benches in a park.

Dupont Circle

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.

Chinatown Travel Guide