Chinatown - Boston, MA Area Guide

During Boston's infancy, the area that is now Chinatown was under water, part of the South Cove. The city dredged and filled the South Cove area in the 1800s, creating the land that now makes up the neighborhood. Both areas were originally residential. In the late 1800s, the city moved leather manufacturers to the Leather District after a fire in the commercial district caused a shortage of space. Now, many of the industrial buildings have been converted to sought-after residential lofts. The well-preserved buildings and uniform construction style contribute to the neighborhood's spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

Don't miss the brightly-colored lanterns and storytellers at the August Moon Festival or the athletic lion dancers at the Chinese New Year parade. Although the neighborhood does not house any museums, the Boston Children's Museum, the Museum of African American History, and the Nichols House Museum are a short walk away. The neighboring Theater District offers year-round entertainment.

Restaurants in Chinatown serve a variety of pan-Asian food at low- to mid-range prices. Cheap eats abound, making it easy to find a bargain. For an inexpensive and flavorful Vietnamese meal, stop in to New Dong Khanh on Harrison Avenue for a bowl of pho or a tasty Vietnamese roll. Add a delicious fruit shake in flavors such as avocado, banana, mango or coconut to complete your meal. For a slightly more upscale experience, sip a cup of tea at the Taiwan Cafe while you work your way through the perfectly juicy xiao long bao and roast beef scallion pancakes. Boston Magazine recommends the gua bao and mustard greens with edamame and bean curd.

Chinatown houses a few nightlife options, though many locals head to the nearby Back Bay for a wider variety. Dance until the wee hours at Bijou, a nightclub that features a rotating schedule of well-known DJs. If you're looking for a more low-key evening, opt for quiet drinks at the luxurious Avery Bar. Located inside the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Avery Street, the bar draws residents with its cozy lounge seating and adult atmosphere. Locals in the know enjoy an unusual live music experience at Opera on Tap, where local opera singers strut their stuff. The OOT location changes with each performance, so check the website for dates and locations.

Chinatown provides quick public transportation and easy walking routes, ensuring that residents can get around without a car. Many locals opt to walk around the neighborhood; crossing from one side to the other rarely takes more than 15 minutes. Biking is possible, though riders should be prepared for a lack of bike lanes. The safest biking in the area is along the Rose F. Kennedy Greenway, which connects multiple downtown neighborhoods.

The Yellow Line train runs along the western edge of the neighborhood. For shorter distances, buses provide faster transit. Lines SL4 and 11 stop at numerous locations, connecting passengers to the buses and trains at South Station. Hailing a cab from the street is a breeze, and Uber offers convenient door-to-door service.

Chinatown residents live within a short walk of Chinatown Park. The narrow stream running through the fee-free park creates a peaceful feeling, while the extensive landscaping provides ample sitting space for residents who come to chat and people watch. Brush up on your Xiangqi skills with one of the many players that frequent the park.

For more open green space, families with children make the 10-minute walk to Boston Common. The enormous park, a favorite with runners and bikers, provides paved paths and a rotating off-leash area for dogs. In the winter, the annual Christmas tree-lighting event draws residents from around the city. During warmer months, attend performances by the Boston Lyric Opera and the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company.

Shopping options in Chinatown range from tiny shops to luxury clothing outlets. Stores dot nearly every street, ensuring that your next great discovery sits just around the corner.

Grocery stores abound in Chinatown, so you never have to go far for pantry staples. Stop by the affordable C Mart 2 on Lincoln Street, or pick up fresh lobster at Happy Family Food Market on Hudson Street.

Stock up on fresh fish and seasonal vegetables at the Dewey Square Farmers Market, open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Munch on a pastry from the Union Square Donut booth while you choose from local cuts of meat and freshly baked bread.