Chinatown, DC

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 great live music and notable monuments.
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Chinatown Hotel Deals

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 ₩127,785 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
₩127,785
₩148,166 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
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 ₩156,888 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
₩156,888
₩181,918 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
Washington Plaza Hotel
Arlo Washington DC

Arlo Washington DC

4 out of 5
333 G St NW Washington DC
The price is ₩151,719 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
₩151,719
₩235,046 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Capital One Arena and Smithsonian Institution are ...
Arlo Washington DC
Club Quarters Hotel in Washington DC

Club Quarters Hotel in Washington DC

3 out of 5
839 17th St NW Washington DC
The price is ₩182,062 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
₩182,062
₩211,108 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,997 reviews)
"Fantastic, super convenient location! It's steps away from the subway, bus terminal, and great cafes, and walking distance to all top attractions. Having an in-room espresso machine was wonderful, but the filtered water station in the hallway was the real hero"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2026

Club Quarters Hotel in Washington DC
Moxy Washington DC Downtown

Moxy Washington DC Downtown

3 out of 5
1011 K Street NW Washington DC
The price is ₩160,630 per night from Aug 30 to Aug 31
₩160,630
₩186,250 total
Aug 30 - Aug 31
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,314 reviews)
"Just book it and you won’t regret it"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2026

Moxy Washington DC Downtown
Morrison Clark Historic Inn

Morrison Clark Historic Inn

4 out of 5
1011 L Street NW Washington DC
The price is ₩167,107 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
₩167,107
₩193,764 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,245 reviews)
"Great hotel! Clean and comfortable with friendly staff. Was able to check in a couple hours early."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2026

Morrison Clark Historic Inn
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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 and neighborhoods 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.

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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.

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Georgetown

Georgetown is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Georgetown Park and Washington Harbour while you're in town.

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

Old Town Alexandria

If you're spending time in Old Town Alexandria, you might enjoy attractions like The Little Theatre of Alexandria and Alexandria City Hall. You might also enjoy the neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at King Street Station to see more of the city.

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Southwest

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Southwest. Check out top attractions like Smithsonian Institution and United States Capitol, and jump on the metro at Waterfront Station or L'Enfant Plaza Station to see more of the city.

Chinatown, DC