Chinatown in Queens chinatowns in New York

Chinatown in Queens: Is it worth a visit?

Published on 2 November 2025 New York Info

Chinatown in Queens is one of New York’s most vibrant and fast-growing neighborhoods. Located in the heart of Flushing, this neighborhood is known for its rich culture, special eateries and unique atmosphere. More and more tourists are discovering that this Chinese neighborhood has more to offer than just good restaurants. It is a place where tradition meets modern life, and where you can experience a different side of New York.

The history of Chinatown in Queens

Chinatown in Queens emerged in the 1980s, when many Chinese immigrants moved to Flushing from Manhattan. Rents were lower there, and the neighborhood offered more space for families and small businesses. Over the years, this community grew rapidly. Today, not only Chinese live there, but also Koreans, Vietnamese and Malaysians. As a result, the neighborhood has become a melting pot of Asian cultures.

What kind of neighborhood is Chinatown in Queens?

Chinatown in Queens is primarily a residential and commercial neighborhood. The neighborhood has a busy streetscape with small stores, spice markets and eateries. It is lively during the day, but the neighborhood really comes alive at night. There is a wide range of Asian restaurants offering dishes from all over China, from Shanghai dumplings to Sichuan noodles. There are also supermarkets with products you won’t find anywhere else in New York. Although you do encounter many tourists there, it is not a tourist district in the classic sense. Personally, I find that this is precisely what makes a visit to this neighborhood special, as it gives you a much more authentic experience.

What makes Chinatown in Queens so special?

What strikes me personally about Chinatown in Queens is how different the atmosphere is from New York’s other five Chinatowns. Whereas the Chinatown in Manhattan often feels crowded and touristy, this neighborhood in Queens is actually quieter and much more focused on the local community. That, I find, makes it a place where you can experience real everyday life. You see residents running errands, hear different Asian languages intermingled, and smell the scents of fresh food on every street corner.

A walking tour of Chinatown in Queens

You can explore Chinatown in Queens just fine on your own. The neighborhood is uncluttered, and almost everything is within walking distance of Flushing-Main Street station. Still, it’s worth taking an organized walking tour. Guides will tell you more about the history, local temples and hidden places to eat. In this way, you will discover stories you might otherwise quickly miss. While strolling through the neighborhood, you will pass fragrant bakeries, lively markets and colorful street art.

Where is Chinatown in Queens?

Chinatown in Queens is located in northeastern New York City, in the Flushing neighborhood. The area extends around Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue.

How to get to Chinatown in Queens?

From Manhattan, you can easily reach Chinatown in Queens by subway. The 7 Line stops right at Flushing-Main Street station, the heart of the neighborhood. From Times Square, the ride takes about 35 minutes. Several buses also run from Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Is Chinatown in Queens safe for tourists?

Yes, Chinatown in Queens is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists. There is plenty of activity during the day, and there are plenty of people on the streets at night as well. Of course, like anywhere in a big city, it is wise to stay alert to your belongings. The atmosphere in the neighborhood is friendly, and residents are accustomed to visitors.

When is the best time to visit Chinatown in Queens?

The best time to visit Chinatown in Queens is in spring or fall. The weather then is mild and ideal for walking. Especially during Chinese New Year, the neighborhood buzzes with energy, with parades, lion dances and fireworks. If you want to avoid crowds, it is better to come on a weekday morning. Then you will see local life at its purest, with residents doing their shopping and restaurants preparing fresh dishes.

Is Chinatown in Queens worth a visit?

When I am in New York, I don’t go to Chinatown in Queens very often, but of course I have been there a few times to see what makes this neighborhood so special. Personally, I think a visit to this neighborhood is definitely worthwhile, because it is a place where you can discover different Asian cultures in an authentic way. Every day the streets fill with market stalls, you can see residents doing their shopping and you can smell the scents of freshly prepared food everywhere.

In short, Chinatown in Queens lets you taste New York’s Asian vibe – literally and figuratively

My tips for visiting Chinatown in Queens

1. Try local dishes: Chinatown in Queens is a culinary paradise with lots of small food stalls where you can eat lots of traditional dishes you don’t know.

2. Bring cash: If you come to New York, I recommend always carrying a few hundred dollars in cash. The standard debit cards used in many European countries often don’t work in New York, where almost everything is paid by credit card. Also, in Chinatown, many small stores do not accept credit cards and you can often only pay with cash.

3. Combine your visit with Flushing Meadows Park. Located near Chinatown, this park is New York’ s second largest park. Here you will find the Unisphere, the largest globe in the world, and the Queens Museum.

New York Info

Hi, I'm Edward, crazy about New York and everything that makes this city so special. On New York Info you will find my best tips and recommendations for your trip!

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