Chinatown

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 centre neighbourhood with a variety of Asian shops and restaurants. Visit the nearby galleries, museums and entertainment centres.

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 theatres. Chinatown grew to prominence in the 1930s when Chinese immigrants opened businesses and decorated the neighbourhood’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 Centre. 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 theatre 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 Centre.

Check the websites of the galleries, museums and theatres for admission fees, opening times and schedule of events.

Stay near popular Chinatown attractions

Sixth and I Historic Synagogue

8.0/10 (59 reviews)
<p>Experience the rich cultural vibes of Sixth and I Historic Synagogue, a unique blend of history and community, offering engaging events and a welcoming atmosphere.</p>
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Things to do

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DC at Dusk Night Tour

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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 CA $166 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
CA $166
CA $193 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,029 reviews)
"Did not know it was a micro hotel until check in… room was fine. Did not replace towels but may have been because we not on floor. No issues during stay"

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2026

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 CA $154 per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
CA $154
CA $179 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (5,268 reviews)
"Loved this hotel! Very welcoming and accessible. Covered drive up front entry. Friendly and helpful doorman and reception. Easy and secure parking in site. Wonderful pool area, outdoor bar, seating, restaurant service (Great food), chase lounges and umbrellas. Beds were very comfortable. Large bathrooms ..."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2026

Washington Plaza Hotel
Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
1001 14th St NW Washington DC
The price is CA $165 per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
CA $165
CA $234 total
Aug 2 - Aug 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,489 reviews)
"Excellent hotel!! Very clean and staff was so friendly. Hotel was in a great location to the Mall and a metro station/metros bus stops. 24hr CVS located across the street."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2026

Hamilton Hotel Washington DC
Crowne Plaza College Park - Washington DC by IHG

Crowne Plaza College Park - Washington DC by IHG

3.5 out of 5
6400 Ivy Lane Greenbelt MD
The price is CA $115 per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
CA $115
CA $130 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Greenbelt. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.4/10 Very good! (2,699 reviews)
"The breakfast menu was fresh and the hotel room was clean. Staff was friendly and welcoming."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2026

Crowne Plaza College Park - Washington DC by IHG
Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington DC

Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington DC

4 out of 5
2500 Calvert St Nw Washington DC
The price is CA $192 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
CA $192
CA $271 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Washington. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,404 reviews)
"Pool area is great"

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2026

Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington DC
Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel

3.5 out of 5
900 S Orme St Arlington VA
The price is CA $154 per night from Jul 12 to Jul 13
CA $154
CA $176 total
Jul 12 - Jul 13
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Arlington. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free airport shuttle, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.4/10 Very good! (3,388 reviews)
"The counter person was not welcoming at all. It was my first day in Washington and he looked at me weird because I was wearing red, white and blue and then asked if I was there for the 4th of July festivities and I said yes. He proceeded to tell me how "he stays away from ALL THAT STUFF" and that ..."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2026

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
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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.
A statue in a park with a paved walkway and benches.

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.
A row of brick buildings with storefronts, a crosswalk, and a traffic light.

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.
A fountain with a statue of a figure, surrounded by trees and benches in a park.

Dupont Circle

Visitors to Dupont Circle love its fantastic nightlife, and you can check out Dupont Circle and Phillips Collection. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Dupont Circle Station.

Chinatown

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