Chinatown

London

Chinatown which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people
Chinatown featuring a city and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Chinatown which includes street scenes and signage as well as a family
Chinatown
Chinatown

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 flavors, too.

Spend some time poking around the shops packed with colorful 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

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

4 out of 5
St Katharine's Way, London, England
The price is €142 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
€142
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7,791 reviews)
"Excellent location but outdated rooms with no mini refrigerator."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
Strand Palace Hotel

Strand Palace Hotel

4 out of 5
372 The Strand, London, England
The price is €218 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
€218
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,222 reviews)
"I stayed in a classic single room with a twin bed and it was great. The room was nice, the bed was comfortable, and there are shutters for the window to block the light for an amazing sleep. One word of caution, if you are tall, the shower in the single rooms might be really tight. While the breakfast ..."

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

Strand Palace Hotel
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

4 out of 5
200 Westminster Bridge Road, London, England
The price is €223 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
€223
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in London. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,896 reviews)
Perfect place in London
"The lication was superb for all of the sites, within 10 minute walk of Big Ben and the view from the Japanese restaurant is phenomenal! The food was also very good. We will always sray at this hotel when in London. Great perk if you choose to not have your room cleaned they give you a bottle of ..."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Sea Containers London

Sea Containers London

5 out of 5
20 Upper Ground, London, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €272 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
€272
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star spa hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,975 reviews)
"!"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Sea Containers London
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

3 out of 5
Great Windmill Street, London, England
The price is €244 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
€244
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (5,042 reviews)
Average
"This hotel is very clean and eco-friendly. But do not ask the people that work there any questions about London, they have to google everything. But any questions about the hotel are quickly answered. The hotel was in the prefect location for our vacation."

Reviewed on 4 Aug 2025

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Park Plaza London Riverbank

Park Plaza London Riverbank

4 out of 5
18 Albert Embankment, London, England
The price is €194 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
€194
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in London. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,579 reviews)
"Clean environment"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Park Plaza London Riverbank
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.

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Chinatown

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