Chinatown

London
Chinatown which includes a city and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Authentic Asian cuisine, quaint teahouses, lively bars and animated festivities of the Chinese New Year await in this district in central London.

Take a journey into the Far East at Chinatown. This is the bustling epicenter of London’s East Asian community, home to bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. It’s also a main venue for flamboyant celebrations and a place to attend painting and marital arts classes. Chinatown started in London’s East End during the 18th century and moved to its current location, close to Leicester Square, in the 1950s.

Chinatown is essentially two parallel streets, Gerrard Street and Lisle Street. Start your journey at the either end of pedestrian-only Gerrard Street and walk through one of the ornamental gates. These feature red-painted columns, intricately-carved calligraphy and dragon sculptures. Admire the traditional Asian-style shopfronts, many guarded by statues of mythical creatures and decorated with lanterns and Chinese symbols.

Appreciate the intoxicating aromas that escape from the dozens of restaurants that line the area’s streets. Choose from casual and fine-dining options to fast food joints and teahouses. Sample typical Chinese dishes such as stir fry and dim sum, which is an array of bite-sized steamed or deep fried snacks. Find venues dedicated to Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese flavours, too.

Spend some time poking around the shops packed with colourful souvenirs, which include Buddha figurines, incense sticks and lucky charms. Treat yourself to a massage at a reflexology salon.

Glimpse into the cultural activities of the local community at the Chinese Community Centre. Long-term visitors might want to take Cantonese lessons or sign up for art, tai chi and taekwondo classes.

A great time to visit this district is for the Chinese New Year celebrations, which take place in January or February. Watch parades of flamboyant dance troops and dancing dragons. Enjoy live music and theatrical performances at a temporary stage on nearby Trafalgar Square.

Situated in London’s West End district, Chinatown is easy to get to via the city’s extensive public transport network. The most convenient Tube stations are Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. Carnaby Street, The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are among several attractions that are just a short walk away.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Chinatown

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
The price is S$179 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
S$179
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (3,192 reviews)
"Perfect hotel, reasonable cost & great location. No windows in rooms which made me a little claustrophobic at night with all the lights out but used my phone as a little night light! All in all great place to stay!!!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar,2024

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
The Tower Hotel, London
The Tower Hotel, London
4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The price is S$254 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
S$254
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,290 reviews)
"The hotel was great! The views of the Tower of London were amazing. Very close to lots tourist attractions. Walking distance to the tube. Would recommend first time visitors to stay here."

Reviewed on 29 Mar,2024

The Tower Hotel, London
Strand Palace Hotel
Strand Palace Hotel
4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
The price is S$299 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
S$299
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,015 reviews)
Excellent
"Superb location for our show at the Savoy Theatre. Friendly staff. Luxurious feel to the hotel. Nice room. Free upgrade 👍 Will definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Strand Palace Hotel
Royal Garden Hotel
Royal Garden Hotel
5 out of 5
2-24 Kensington High Street, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$389 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$389
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,061 reviews)
"Perfect for Royal Albert hall."

Reviewed on 28 Mar,2024

Royal Garden Hotel
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
The price is S$339 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
S$339
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,546 reviews)
"Excellent Customer service"

Reviewed on 28 Mar,2024

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
Corus Hyde Park Hotel
Corus Hyde Park Hotel
4 out of 5
1 Lancaster Gate, 1-7, London, England
The price is S$185 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
S$185
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,720 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 28 Mar,2024

Corus Hyde Park Hotel
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Chinatown

Carnaby Street which includes a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

London City Centre

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in London City Centre. Top attractions like Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are major draws. Catch the metro at Charing Cross Underground Station or Leicester Square Underground Station to see more of the city.

London City Centre
Soho

Soho

Soho is beloved for its fantastic nightlife. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Oxford Street and Soho Square.

Soho
London showing heritage elements, markets and signage

Covent Garden

The lively bars and colourful gardens are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Covent Garden Market or Royal Opera House while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Covent Garden Underground Station to get around town.

Covent Garden
Bloomsbury showing street scenes and heritage architecture

Bloomsbury

4/5(1,172 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Bloomsbury. Check out top attractions like The British Museum and Russell Square, and jump on the metro at Euston Square Underground Station or Russell Square Underground Station to see more of the city.

Bloomsbury
Mayfair

Mayfair

Travellers love Mayfair for its popular shops, and you can see more of London by jumping on the metro at Bond Street Underground Station or Bond Street (Elizabeth Line) Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Oxford Street and Berkeley Square.

Mayfair
West End showing heritage architecture, street scenes and night scenes

West End

Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square are a few top attractions in West End. Hop around the city on the metro at Bond Street (Elizabeth Line) Station or Oxford Circus Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

West End

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Chinatown