Chinatown
3.5
About
Boston’s Chinatown is the only surviving Chinese enclave in New England. Enter the lion-flanked gateway and get acquainted with the Chinese community by checking out the Asian eateries (think: dim sum, spicy noodles, and boba tea), historic sights, and vibrant murals in the area. Before you leave, do as the locals do and buy some fresh fruits and herbs from the traditional markets. There’s limited parking and the roads are narrow, so it’s best to get there by bus or train. You can also take the hop-on, hop-off bus tour of Boston, which includes Chinatown in its route. – Tripadvisor
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown
The largest area of the city, Downtown is rich with historical and iconic sites in Boston. Stroll through one of Boston’s most famous green spaces, the Boston Public Gardens, check out and make way for duckling statues, picnic under a beautiful tree overlooking the pond, and walk over the iconic footbridge where, during summer time, you will catch a swan boat toting children and eager tourists through the pond. Have your camera ready to capture its peaceful beauty in the middle of a bustling city. Continue on through the Gardens and take in some open green space at the Boston Common, where you can spend time throwing a frisbee, sitting on a park bench, or, in the winter time, skating on the frog pond. Head north from the end of the Common to see the golden dome of the State House, and travel through government center to Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, both a historic and popular destination worth a quick visit for a first time to Boston. Head to Long Wharf to visit the Aquarium, or catch a boat to Charlestown or even Cape Cod.
How to get there
- Chinatown • 1 min walk
- Boylston • 3 min walk
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2,556 within 3 miles
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959 within 6 miles
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3.5
385 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
116
Average
131
Poor
51
Terrible
28
MJS
2 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Boston’s Chinatown is like no other in the northeast region, and this is coming from an NYC native. Unlike NYC, Boston’s Chinatown has a very intimate feel. Which in my opinion adds to its appeal. There are endless options for food and beverages. If you’re a fan of dim sum there are a few options to chose from. You also have your trendy Asian fusion spots, and it wouldn’t be Chinatown without the traditional family style dining options. Lastly, if you have a sweet tooth, there are a variety of bubble tea and dessert spots!
If you ever find yourself in Boston definitely check out Chinatown!
If you ever find yourself in Boston definitely check out Chinatown!
Written 7 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
serenescene1818
Boston, MA27 contributions
Feb 2021
Small but homey. Interesting to be walking through, especially at the park at the Chinatown gate- love watching the elderly play chess and doing their tai chi. I love Edo Bakery's egg tarts- the skin flakes like baklava. For quick dimsum, I like Great Taste Bakery because you could just order what you want and not wait for the carts. For seafood, nowhere beats Peach Farm Restaurant. For soup dumplings, the DumpIing House. I don't like sitting inside any restaurant because of covid so I order takeout and take it down the street to the Chinatown Gate and eat on the outdoor tables while watching the people. If I need little things like caps, fanny packs, backpacks I buy it from the vendors in the little shops. It is part of my exercise routine to walk around Chinatown and then down to the waterfront.
Written 24 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AVADCO S
1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Couples
6/28/2022
My wife an I visited Chinatown today after 30 years. We were shocked at how dirty and degrated it was. We did not even dare eat anyplace for we found it so foul we just lost our appetite. Please clean this place up. Bring back the pride that was once a great place to enjoy and share a wonderful people.
My wife an I visited Chinatown today after 30 years. We were shocked at how dirty and degrated it was. We did not even dare eat anyplace for we found it so foul we just lost our appetite. Please clean this place up. Bring back the pride that was once a great place to enjoy and share a wonderful people.
Written 28 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TarHeel
Durham, NC1,121 contributions
Jun 2022
We've been to Chinatowns in several cities, including New York, and this compares with any of them. Lots of dining and shopping options, and you see lots of Asians patronizing the establishments (always a good sign). We weren't here to eat but to look around. We did pop into a few markets and found some white tea, which we had been looking for. This area is also near the theater district. Go and soak in the culture and atmosphere. We've also read that Chinatown has some of the best dining bargains in town.
Written 24 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bbs beach buddies 🐠🐠
New Orleans, LA18 contributions
Sept 2022
Many folks think China town is great knock off bags, many items cheap. Well Boston China town is non existing.
Nestled around hospital and Boston commons don’t go looking for handbags and souvenirs you will be sadly disappointed!
Nestled around hospital and Boston commons don’t go looking for handbags and souvenirs you will be sadly disappointed!
Written 27 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveB
4 contributions
Dec 2022
Some of the best food in Boston. Lots of things to see and do. Many bubble tea and snack shops in the neighborhood. We found some very tasty stir fry lobster and crab at a very reasonable price. Well worth the visit
Written 15 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise M
Castle Rock, CO3,963 contributions
Sept 2021
We always love coming to a town with a thriving Chinatown as Denver does NOT have one. Great variety of restaurants. Not a lot of retail stores selling things other than food, but since we were staying on the outskirts of Chinatown we ate a lot of meals there during our 5 day stay. We tried dim sum at Empire Garden (our first choice) and Hei-La Moon, Hunan at Bubor Cha Cha (yummy), Cantonese at China Cafe (okay but not too exciting) and Vietnamese at Pho Pasteur (horrible!). Would have tried sushi if we'd had another day. Chinatown was small, clean and felt safe with most people masked.
Written 22 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill A
Tampa, FL357 contributions
Jun 2021
Not that big of an area - but well worth the visit - especially if you love original Chinese food. You can find a private parking lot and/or park on the street. While in Boston for a week we went here 3 times and ate at 3 different restaurants - had a great time.
Written 9 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BangkokSachse
Bangkok, Thailand51,695 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We stayed at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston - Downtown near Chinatown. On the night for dinner we had pork flat noodles from Dumpling Cafe. On the second night we had roasted duck and yellow chicken from Shuyo Boston. Both restaurants were good. The Chinatown Gate is nice.
Written 18 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
P G
St. Petersburg, FL25 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
speak English for basic question like do you have a straw please. Had a child with us who just wanted fried chicken (sweet/sour) and they didn’t understand what I was asking for. Most annoying part was when we went to pay she told my husband he didn’t pay enough because the “suggested tip was a certain amount and we felt what we gave was enough” he asked her politely if she knew what “suggested” was she didnt, he gave her a few more dollars but that made the experience come to and end for the entire area. Don’t recommend unless you want to pay extra, and if you have kids.
Written 10 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is Chinatown a good place for pedicures and manicures/gel nails? Any recommendations ?
Written 25 November 2019
I would NOT even consider that-the area itself is filthy.
Written 26 November 2019
Hi, any particular recommendations for restaurants. With English menu.
Written 22 April 2019
All the menus are in English as well as most have photos. There are many restaurants. Depending on what type of Chinese food you want. There are also a few upscale restaurants. There are a few that specialize in dim sum ,as well as hot pot.
Written 22 April 2019
headed to Boston never been what three things MUST I see or do. Thanks
Written 5 April 2018
Hi, Westchester NY. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Written 2 March 2018
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