Chinatown Travel Guides

Chinese immigrants set up shop in this central D.C. neighborhood in the 1930s, and it’s been a feast for the senses ever since.

Experience a kaleidoscope of colors and cuisines in Chinatown, the epicenter of Asian culture in Downtown Washington D.C. Travel from Beijing to Shanghai via a couple of D.C.’s city blocks, taking in the rainbow of lanterns, latticework, and traditional Chinese signage. If the way to your heart is through your stomach, you’ll probably fall in love in Chinatown. Go on a taste-bud tingling tour of Chinatown’s teahouses, restaurants, cafés, and stores or experience the district’s showcase of traditional arts.

First, a little history: start your trip to Chinatown with a visit to the Friendship Arch. This brightly colored archway marks the entrance to the enclave with traditional architectural flourishes and ornate designs. While only 20 or so buildings remain from the original 1930s neighborhood, each resolutely hangs on to its historic character in contrast with adjoining modern developments. Chinatown is a jewel in the daytime, but it really sparkles at night. Let colored lanterns, bright lights, and Chinese symbols lead the way as you explore the district.

We hope you’re hungry: Chinatown is best entered on an empty belly. Follow your nose to teahouses serving up fresh brews and steamed wontons. Get a serve of a sizzling Szechuan dish or try home-style Hainan cuisine. Other Asian gastronomies are also represented in this district, including Japanese and Korean. Peek into the local grocers and pick up crafts, herbs, and spices.

That’s just scratching the surface. Join the locals for a sermon held in Cantonese, Mandarin, or English at the Chinese Community Church or check out the Chinese New Year Parade between late January and mid February. Live music, dragon dances, and martial arts demonstrations make up just a fraction of this colorful celebration. To the south of the neighborhood, the Verizon Center hosts a non-stop program of sports matches and concerts.

Explore the best of Chinatown

International Spy Museum

The shadowy world of espionage comes under the spotlight in a museum where nothing is quite as it seems.

Newseum

Investigate the inner workings of the world’s news media and create your own headlines at this engrossing museum.

Downtown Washington D.C.

Feel the energy of a city charged with national history in this central district, where the country’s cultural heritage is intertwined with every street and landmark.

Smithsonian Castle

Standing as a symbol of early Washington development, this structure invites you to explore the nation’s greatest museums, which contain some of the country’s most intriguing artifacts.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Heaven for aviation enthusiasts, this museum takes you on an uplifting journey through the history of flight and space travel.

White House

Explore the home and workplace of the president of the United States. See entertainment areas and state rooms and learn about the history of this famous building.

Washington Monument

Centerpiece of the National Mall, America’s tribute to the country’s founding father stirs the soul while offering superb views from the top.

Capitol Hill

Don’t let this district’s architectural grandeur daunt you. Look behind the facades and you’ll find a warm neighborhood with local markets, artisans, and festivals.

Where to stay in Chinatown

Washington Plaza

10 Thomas Circle NW

Ideally located on Thomas Circle, near Massachusetts Avenue in the heart of Washington DC, this Kennedy-era hotel is 0.3 miles from MCPherson Square Metro Station and 0.7 miles from the Smithsonian Museums. The White House is 6 blocks from the hotel.

Rated 4.3 out of 5 by Guests

The Westin Washington, D.C. City Center

1400 M Street, NW

This Westin hotel is conveniently located 6 blocks from The White House, 6 blocks from the Convention Center, 10 blocks to the Smithsonian museums, and in close proximity to 2 Metro stations.

Rated 4.0 out of 5 by Guests

Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill

400 New Jersey Ave NW

This Washington, DC hotel is within 3 blocks of Union Station, the Capitol, and Senate offices, and 4 blocks from the Judiciary Square courthouse complex and the National Mall.

Rated 4.2 out of 5 by Guests

Grand Hyatt Washington

1000 H Street NW

This Washington hotel sits just 4 blocks from the Capital One Arena, 6 blocks from the White House and just 7 blocks from the National Mall. The Smithsonian Museum and national monuments are nearby. In-lobby access to Metro Center also available.

Rated 4.4 out of 5 by Guests

Capitol Skyline

10 'I' Street SW

Conveniently located in downtown Washington, DC, this hotel is a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol, the National Mall monuments, the Smithsonian, and the Arena Stage. Ten minute walk to The Wharf and within walking distance to over 30 new restaurants.

Rated 3.8 out of 5 by Guests

The Embassy Row Hotel

2015 Massachusetts Ave NW

This hotel is a short walk away from Dupont Circle Metro station and the National Mall. Dining, shopping, museums, galleries, and nightlife which exemplify the art, music, style and design unique to Dupont Circle are also within walking distance.

Rated 3.8 out of 5 by Guests

Liaison Capitol Hill DC

415 New Jersey Ave Nw

This DC hotel, renovated in 2013, is within a half-mile (1 kilometer) of Union Station and the United States Capitol.

Rated 4.1 out of 5 by Guests

The Dupont Circle Hotel

1500 New Hampshire Ave Nw

Overlooking Dupont Circle in one of Washington's most desirable neighborhoods, this hotel is about 1 block from Embassy Row and 7 blocks from the White House.

Rated 4.4 out of 5 by Guests

The Henley Park Hotel

926 Massachusetts Ave NW

This romantic hotel is within walking distance from the Washington Convention Center, China Town, and the Verizon Center, as well as prime shopping and dining.

Rated 4.3 out of 5 by Guests

The Melrose Georgetown Hotel

2430 Pennsylvania Ave Nw

Just west of downtown, this upscale hotel is 2 blocks from the Foggy Bottom Metro station, Georgetown, and George Washington University and Hospital; the White House is 8 blocks away.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 by Guests

Holiday Inn Washington-Capitol

550 C St SW

Holiday Inn Washington-Capitol is located 0.1 mile from the National Air and Space Museum, half-mile from National Mall and Smithsonian Institute, and 3 miles from Arlington National Cemetery.

Rated 4.2 out of 5 by Guests

Embassy Suites by Hilton Washington D.C. – Convention Center

900 10th St NW

Built to impress, this all-suites hotel's lobby is decked out in mahogany and marble, soaring 6 stories high; a 2-story clock, 3-story water feature, and 10-foot light add outsized accents.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 by Guests

State Plaza Hotel

2116 E Street NW

Nestled on a tree-lined street across from the State Department, the all-suites State Plaza Hotel is midway between the White House and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, both a half-mile away.

Rated 4.2 out of 5 by Guests

Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square

806 15th Street NW

Located on Lafayette Square bordering the White House, this French-inspired hotel in Washington, DC, is within walking distance of the National Mall, Vietnam Memorial, and the Smithsonian Museum.

Rated 4.7 out of 5 by Guests

JW Marriott Washington DC

1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

This 15-story hotel is adjacent to the National Theater, 2 blocks from the White House, 4 blocks from the National Mall, 1 mile from the Capitol, and 2 miles from Georgetown.

Rated 4.4 out of 5 by Guests

The Madison Washington DC, A Hilton Hotel

1177 15th Street NW

Just 1 mile from the Smithsonian museums, this hotel on M Street, near downtown Washington DC, is well situated for politically minded guests—it is 5 blocks from the White House and Embassy Row.

Rated 4.4 out of 5 by Guests