London Chinatown: A Vibrant Heart of East Asian Culture in the West End
Immerse yourself in London's vibrant Chinatown, a bustling hub of authentic Asian cuisine, cultural festivals, and ornate traditional architecture in the heart of the West End.
London Chinatown, centered on Gerrard Street in the West End, is a bustling district renowned for its authentic East Asian cuisine, ornate Chinese gates, and lively cultural celebrations. This pedestrian-friendly area offers a sensory feast of traditional shops, restaurants, and vibrant festivals, including the spectacular Chinese New Year. Visitors can explore colorful streets adorned with lanterns, statues, and murals, immersing themselves in a unique blend of heritage and modern urban energy.
A brief summary to Chinatown
- Gerrard St, London, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during Chinese New Year between January and February to experience spectacular parades, lion dances, and street performances.
- Explore the traditional supermarkets like Loon Fung and SeeWoo for authentic Asian ingredients and unique souvenirs.
- Take time to admire the four ornate Chinese gates and the lion statues on Gerrard Street for great photo opportunities.
- Enjoy a variety of Asian cuisines from casual dim sum to fine dining, including Cantonese, Sichuan, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese options.
- Wear comfortable shoes as wandering the pedestrianised streets and nearby alleys can take two to three hours to fully explore.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take the London Underground to Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus stations, both within a 5-minute walk of Chinatown. Tube services run frequently throughout the day, with single fares typically costing £2.50–£5 depending on payment method.
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Car and Parking
If driving, use nearby Q-Park Chinatown on Newport Place or other car parks on Brewer Street and near Leicester Square. Parking fees range from £4 to £8 per hour, with limited street parking and congestion charges applying in central London.
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Walking
Chinatown is easily walkable from major nearby attractions such as Trafalgar Square (about 10 minutes on foot) and Oxford Street (around 20 minutes). The terrain is flat and pedestrian-friendly, suitable for most visitors.
Chinatown location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Chinatown
A Cultural Enclave in Central London
London Chinatown is a compact yet dynamic district nestled within the West End, primarily along Gerrard Street and Lisle Street. It serves as the epicenter of London's East Asian community, offering an authentic taste of Chinese and broader Asian cultures. The area is marked by four majestic Paifang gates, ornately decorated with dragons, calligraphy, and red-painted columns, welcoming visitors into a vibrant world of sights and sounds. The streets are festooned with hundreds of red lanterns year-round, creating a distinctive and festive atmosphere that invites exploration.Historical Roots and Urban Evolution
While London's original Chinatown was located in the East End around Limehouse during the 18th and 19th centuries, the current West End Chinatown developed from the 1950s onwards, growing around Gerrard Street. The area underwent significant pedestrianisation in the late 1980s, enhancing its accessibility and charm. Restoration efforts preserved 18th-century shopfronts, and the addition of street furniture, statues of mythical creatures, and the iconic Chinese gates have shaped Chinatown into a celebrated cultural landmark. The district earned the nickname 'Imperial City' due to its central location and cultural prominence.A Culinary and Shopping Destination
Chinatown is famed for its extensive array of eateries, ranging from casual dim sum houses and noodle bars to fine dining establishments specializing in Cantonese, Sichuan, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines. Gerrard Street alone hosts over 80 restaurants, cafes, and bars, including notable venues like Golden Dragon and Real Beijing Food House. Beyond dining, the area boasts traditional Asian supermarkets such as Loon Fung and SeeWoo, bakeries offering pineapple buns and custard tarts, and shops selling Asian cosmetics, trinkets, and cultural souvenirs. Reflexology salons and traditional medicine practitioners add to the district’s diverse offerings.Festivals and Community Life
Chinatown is the vibrant heart of London's Chinese New Year celebrations, held annually between January and February. The festivities feature parades with lion dancers, acrobats, floats, live music, and theatrical performances, spilling over into nearby Trafalgar Square and the West End. Other cultural events include the Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated with mooncakes and stage shows. The Chinese Community Centre offers classes in Cantonese, martial arts, and arts, reflecting the area's role as a living cultural hub.Architectural and Artistic Highlights
Visitors can admire not only the four elaborately crafted Chinese gates but also the statue of two lions on Gerrard Street, donated by China. Horse and Dolphin Yard features a striking 1888 mural made up of public-donated photos that capture the community’s spirit. The streetscape combines traditional Chinese motifs with contemporary urban elements, creating a unique aesthetic blend that is both Instagrammable and culturally enriching.Accessibility and Surrounding Attractions
Chinatown’s central location makes it easily accessible via London’s extensive public transport network, with Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus Tube stations nearby. It is a short walk from major attractions like Carnaby Street, the National Gallery, and the National Portrait Gallery. The pedestrianised streets encourage leisurely exploration, making Chinatown an ideal stop for a cultural, culinary, and sensory experience in London’s bustling city center.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Mary Poppins Statue
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Shaftesbury Ave
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Cecil Court
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Step into a cobbled alley where books, history, and magic converge in the heart of London.
Agatha Christie memorial
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A captivating bronze tribute to Agatha Christie, celebrating her literary genius and theatrical legacy in London's vibrant theatre district.
Piccadilly Circus
0.3 km
Piccadilly Circus pulses with iconic neon lights, historic monuments, and vibrant street life at the heart of London’s West End.
225 Piccadilly Circus
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At the luminous heart of London’s West End, 225 Piccadilly Circus dazzles with history, iconic lights, and vibrant urban energy.
Eros (Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain)
0.3 km
Iconic London landmark honoring Victorian philanthropy with the world’s first aluminium statue, set amidst Piccadilly Circus’s vibrant theatre district.
Piccadilly & Piccadilly Circus
0.3 km
London's dazzling heart: iconic neon lights, legendary Eros statue, and the pulsing epicentre of West End entertainment.
Goodwin’s Court
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Experience the serene charm of Goodwin's Court, a historic landmark in London, perfect for leisurely strolls and captivating photography.
Historic Seven Dials
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Discover Seven Dials, a historic London quarter where seven streets meet at a unique sundial pillar, blending rich heritage with vibrant culture.
Slingsby Place
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Seven Dials
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A star-shaped Georgian quarter blending historic charm with contemporary culture, boutiques, and dining.
#O hello sunshine Public Art Sculpture
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Discover the vibrant O Hello Sunshine sculpture in London, a historical landmark that embodies creativity and community spirit amidst the city's artistic landscape.
Mercer Walk
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Experience the enchanting Mercer Walk in London, a charming alley brimming with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and artistic flair that captures the city's spirit.
Plaque: Tin Pan Alley & La Giaconda cafe
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Discover the legendary Tin Pan Alley and La Giaconda Cafe at 9 Denmark Street, the historic heart of London’s music scene and creative spirit.
Unmissable attractions to see
Prince Charles Cinema
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Discover London's iconic independent repertory cinema offering cult classics, arthouse gems, and unforgettable themed screenings in the heart of Leicester Square.
Chinatown Gate
0.1 km
Step through the ornate Qing Dynasty–style Chinatown Gate into Soho’s vibrant heart, where tradition and modern London life blend in a colorful cultural enclave.
Sondheim Theatre
0.1 km
Historic West End theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, home to Les Misérables and named for Stephen Sondheim after a stunning 2019 restoration.
St Anne's Churchyard
0.1 km
A serene historic garden in Soho, resting on centuries of rich cultural and social heritage beneath its raised grounds.
Curzon Soho
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Discover independent cinema culture in the heart of Soho with stylish screenings, cozy cafés, and a vibrant social scene at Curzon Soho.
London self-guided board game tour
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Explore London’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems through a fun, interactive self-guided board game tour at your own pace.
Vue Cinema London - West End (Leicester Square)
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Experience cutting-edge cinema luxury and immersive screenings in the vibrant heart of London’s Leicester Square.
M&M'S London
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Discover the colorful world of M&M'S in London, where every visit is a sweet adventure filled with chocolate delights and interactive fun.
The Blue Posts
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A historic Soho pub blending classic charm with sleek modernity, offering lively drinks and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of London’s West End.
Leicester Square
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Discover Leicester Square, London's vibrant entertainment hub, rich with theaters, dining, and lively street performances, perfect for tourists seeking excitement.
Gielgud Theatre
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Experience world-class theatre in the intimate, historic Gielgud Theatre nestled in London’s vibrant West End.
Harry Potter Statue
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Discover the enchanting Harry Potter Statue in Leicester Square, capturing the magic of Quidditch and London’s cinematic legacy.
London Self-Guided Walking Tour
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Experience authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the vibrant heart of Soho, London’s cultural melting pot.
Swiss Glockenspiel
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Experience the charm of the Swiss Glockenspiel in London, where art and tradition meet in a captivating clock tower performance.
Mr Bean Statue
0.1 km
Sit beside cinema's most beloved bumbler in Leicester Square's iconic film tribute.
Essential places to dine
Meet Fresh
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Authentic Taiwanese desserts in lively Soho, offering generous portions of mochi, taro balls, and refreshing fruit teas in a bustling urban setting.
New Loon Fung Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience authentic Cantonese dim sum and classic Chinese dishes in one of Chinatown’s largest, long-standing restaurants on bustling Gerrard Street.
Gauthier Soho
0.1 km
Innovative vegan French fine dining in a stylish Soho townhouse, blending tradition with plant-based creativity.
Evelyn's Table
0.1 km
Discover Evelyn's Table, a Michelin-starred, intimate dining counter in Soho offering inventive British cuisine with French and Japanese flair.
Hoppers Soho
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Sri Lankan street food and signature hoppers in a lively, intimate Soho setting bursting with authentic flavors and culture.
La Bodega Negra Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience daring Mexican cuisine and vibrant nightlife in Soho’s provocative La Bodega Negra, where edgy ambiance meets inventive flavors.
J Sheekey
0.2 km
Classic British seafood excellence in Covent Garden’s elegant, theatre-adjacent dining gem.
Blacklock Soho
0.2 km
A vibrant Soho basement chophouse serving exceptional grass-fed steaks and chops in a lively, rustic setting with unbeatable value.
Bantof
0.2 km
Discover Bantof, Soho’s intimate hotspot blending Michelin-starred modern European cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant art in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Quo Vadis
0.3 km
An iconic Soho dining destination blending refined modern British cuisine with elegant historical charm and a lively, convivial atmosphere.
Sussex Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
A vibrant Soho bistro blending Sussex countryside flavors with London’s energy, featuring seasonal British dishes and curated wines.
Kricket Soho
0.3 km
Discover bold, modern Indian small plates in a lively Soho setting with an open kitchen and vibrant basement dining.
Mele e Pere
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Discover authentic Italian flavors and a rich vermouth selection in the cozy, candlelit basement of Soho’s Mele e Pere.
Noble Rot Soho
0.3 km
A Soho gem blending historic charm with modern European cuisine and an exceptional, accessible wine list in a cozy, clubby setting.
Inamo
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Experience futuristic Asian fusion dining with interactive tables and vibrant sharing plates in the heart of London’s Covent Garden.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
La Boutik
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Soho's chic haven for European designer imports on buzzing Dean Street—unique fashion finds in London's creative epicenter.
Cool Britania
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Discover authentic British souvenirs and capture timeless memories at Cool Britannia, Leicester Square’s premier gift and photography shop.
Unique Britain
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Discover authentic British souvenirs and artistic keepsakes in the heart of London’s lively West End on historic Cranbourn Street.
JW Anderson London Soho
0.2 km
Soho's avant-garde flagship: minimalist Shaker-inspired space brimming with gender-fluid luxury fashion, artisanal homewares, and exclusive collaborations.
Glorious London Gift & Souvenir
0.2 km
Discover unique souvenirs and gifts that embody the spirit of London at Glorious London Gift & Souvenir, a must-visit shopping destination.
Henry Pordes Books Ltd
0.2 km
London's legendary independent rare bookshop preserving literary treasures on historic Charing Cross Road.
Machine-A
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Small but influential Soho boutique showcasing curated avant‑garde and emerging fashion with gallery‑like presentation.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
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Step into a whimsical world of antiques, art, and literary treasures inspired by Alice in Wonderland in the heart of London’s Cecil Court.
CLOSET CASE SOHO LONDON
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Discover avant-garde menswear from global designers in Soho's vibrant heart – unique finds for the bold dresser at Closet Case.
Glassworks London - Soho
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Discover limited-edition London fashion at Glassworks Soho: quality designs, weekly drops, and timeless style on vibrant Berwick Street.
Foyles
0.3 km
London's legendary independent bookshop where literary heritage meets contemporary retail excellence.
St Martin's Courtyard
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Experience the vibrant blend of shopping, dining, and relaxation at St Martin's Courtyard in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Lillywhites
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London's iconic sports megastore at Piccadilly Circus—where athletic excellence meets retail tradition.
Sounds of the Universe
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Discover a world of diverse vinyl and music culture at Soho’s iconic Sounds of the Universe record store.
Paul A Young Fine Chocolates
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Artisan chocolate craftsmanship in the heart of Soho, where award-winning sea salted caramels and inventive flavours await.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Opium Cocktail Bar - Soho
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Discover a hidden Soho speakeasy blending 1920s Shanghai charm with inventive cocktails and exquisite dim sum in London’s Chinatown.
Ku Bar
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Soho's legendary gay bar icon: three levels of inclusive vibes, cocktails, and basement beats in Chinatown's electric heart.
The Black Book
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Soho's clandestine basement wine bar, pouring rare vintages by the glass alongside Mediterranean bites in a former members' club hideout—perfect for late-night indulgence.
All Bar One Leicester Square
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Stylish wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Leicester Square, perfect for socializing, dining, and private events in central London.
The Spice Of Life
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Historic Soho pub and live music venue blending traditional charm with vibrant nightlife and boutique hotel comforts.
Hampshire Restaurant and Bar
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Intimate bar and restaurant serving vibrant Mexican and Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Leicester Square’s iconic theatre district.
Bar Termini
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An intimate Soho gem blending Italian cocktail artistry with a cozy, elegant atmosphere in London’s vibrant West End.
The Thin White Duke
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Discover Soho’s intimate cocktail bar inspired by David Bowie, blending bespoke drinks, award-winning dim sum, and creative recording studios.
Swift Soho
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Soho's split-level cocktail gem: aperitivo elegance upstairs, whisky-laced intimacy below, with live jazz and legendary mixes drawing night owls to Old Compton Street.
Covent Garden Social Club
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Dive into Covent Garden's dual-world party den: prohibition cocktails below, live piano magic above—West End's ultimate nightlife hideaway for cocktails, cabaret, and endless sing-alongs. (162 characters)
Duke of Argyll
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Step into the Duke of Argyll for authentic Victorian pub charm, affordable ales, and a warm Soho atmosphere in central London.
Simmons Bar | Soho
0.3 km
Soho's kitsch cocktail den with epic happy hours, retro karaoke vibes, and two floors of nostalgic nightlife fun.
Henson's Bar and Social
0.3 km
Soho's oak-panelled cocktail sanctuary: precise classics, inventive signatures, and fireside intimacy amid Frith Street's electric vibe.
Thirst Bar Soho
0.3 km
Compact Soho cocktail bar by day, pulsing DJ‑led club by night—cheap cocktails, leather booths and a lively basement scene.
The Little Scarlet Door
0.3 km
Step through the scarlet door to a playful Soho loft bar alive with inventive cocktails, secret rooms, and a lively house party vibe.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Photo Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
