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 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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Things to do

DC Monuments with River Cruise, Cherry Blossoms, Entry Tickets

DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets

P4,195
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Boat Cruise, National Mall, Tickets
No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook

No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook

P1,520
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
No-Wait Washington Monument Direct Entry Tickets & Guidebook
See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour

Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience

P6,019
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Washington DC Small-Group Sightseeing Experience
LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.

LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.

P1,702
per adult
LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.
Ghosts of Georgetown & The Exorcist Steps Walking Tour

Ghosts of Georgetown & The Exorcist Steps Walking Tour

P2,371
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ghosts of Georgetown & The Exorcist Steps Walking Tour
The reflection of the Washington Monument on the reflecting pool!

Washington DC Night-Time City Tour

P3,829
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Washington DC Night-Time City Tour
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Top hotels in Chinatown

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 P6,415 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
P6,415
P7,438 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! (2,026 reviews)
"The property was nice, centrally located next to a metro stop, and the bars were great. The rooms are incredibly small though."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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 P6,703 per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
P6,703
P7,773 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! (5,251 reviews)
"Though this was an older hotel, and a bit dated in design, it was extremely clean, and its overall ambience in the middle of the city felt like a retreat with the outdoor pool, full gym, and indoor-outdoor restaurant. I took advantage of all of the amenities during my stay. The staff was extremely ..."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 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 P8,247 per night from Aug 2 to Aug 3
P8,247
P11,440 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! (3,481 reviews)
"The staff were lovely but the hotel is a bit beat up. It is like going to a hotel at the beach. You are happy to be there but it’s rough. I don’t think I would book it again. The restaurant is actually very good!"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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 P5,412 per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
P5,412
P6,115 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! (2,694 reviews)
"The property was nice and clean, the rooms and beds were comfortable. Carpet was nice and soft. Customer service was good, I was checked in by Keisha, she was awesome, very helpful. It was 114° outside for most of our stay. The lobby was very well air conditioned, the rooms were as well but the last ..."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 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 P8,314 per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
P8,314
P11,780 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
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! (2,399 reviews)
"Nice place. Great price."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 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 P8,548 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
P8,548
P9,766 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
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! (3,378 reviews)
"Our room was excellent. Looked out onto the pentagon and Arlington cemetery.Could see the river and some of monuments from our room on 11 th floor. We watched the fireworks from our room. Very easy to get an uber anywhere. Would recommend this hotel to anyone wanting to see D.C."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2026

Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
See all 5,973 properties in Chinatown
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