11+ Things To Do In Chinatown Los Angeles (Local Approved)

When it comes to spending time in downtown Los Angeles, there is one part that’s often mentioned as being vibrant, unique, and historic.

This would be the remarkable Chinatown area.

When you aren’t going to a dance club in Los Angeles or visiting a discount theater in LA, it’s best to stop over at the beautiful Chinatown to learn more about its history and just enjoy the ambiance of the setting.

It’s great to be able to walk around in this part of Los Angeles and immerse yourself in the local culture.

For those who have never been to Chinatown in Los Angeles or want to experience it to its fullest potential, you will want to go through our list of the best things to do in Chinatown.

Fun Things To Do In Chinatown Los Angeles

Far East Center

It’s always good to start with the Far East Center.

This is a nice place to stop because it offers an immediate essence of what Chinatown is all about. You are going to be inundated with some of the best Chinese products on the market and they will be readily available in front of you at good prices.

Whether you are looking for a specific Chinese fruit or you want to gain access to an herbal remedy that’s popular in China, you are going to find it here.

This is what adds value to your time at the Far East Center.

Saigon Deli

Are you getting hungry?

If so, you are going to want to go to the Saigon Deli. This is one of the premier delis in Chinatown and is heralded by the locals because it offers a slew of quality foods that are affordable, tasty, and in line with what you want at that moment.

What did we end up getting from the Saigon Deli in Chinatown?

We got a sandwich and some ice cream to fill up.

It’s always nice to do this and you can easily walk around with the food if that’s what you want to do since there is a plaza nearby.

Los Angeles State Historic Park

When you are in the area, it’s common to get lost in the buildings and the markets that are set up throughout Chinatown in Los Angeles.

Yes, these are remarkable to look at and observe, however, there is a lot more on offer too. This is going to come in the form of the beautiful Los Angeles State Historic Park.

This is a tremendous park that is spread across 30+ acres of land and offers a long list of quality trails for hikers. We believe it’s a great spot to unwind and just walk around.

Saigon Plaza

This is one of the top places we mention when it comes to visiting Los Angeles without a vehicle.

The reason we say this has to do with the number of options that will open up for you as soon as you are here. Saigon Plaza is one of the top-rated markets in Chinatown and well worth your time.

You are going to get to walk around the plaza, meet the locals, and just experience the vibe of this place to its fullest potential.

Plus, you can end up finding good deals when you are in the plaza!

Good Luck Gallery

This is a hidden gem in Chinatown LA.

We believe it’s always nice for you to learn more about the history of the place and also visit the local galleries in Los Angeles. If that is something you are passionate about, you are going to fall in love with the Good Luck Gallery.

This is a charming gallery that’s been set up with care and offers access to beautiful art pieces. You will want to take a look if you get the chance.

Central Plaza

If you are someone who wants to get that Chinese aesthetic for a photo or just want to feel like you are walking through a major city in China then it’s time to head to the Central Plaza.

This is the heart of Chinatown and it is unforgettable.

You are going to notice the various elements that are Asian and of course, the language is also going to be evident wherever you go. This adds to the magic of Chinatown in Los Angeles.

Chinese American Museum

Are you someone who wants to learn more about Chinese history?

Chinese Americans have grown with each generation and become an important part of what makes Los Angeles unique. This is why it’s important to celebrate their experiences and history to learn more about what they had to face.

This is where the Chinese-American Museum comes into play.

This is a beautiful museum and one that has been cared for in great detail.

CBS Seafood

If you are passionate about eating good food, you are going to want to take a look at CBS Seafood.

CBS Seafood is the real deal and it offers top-quality dishes.

You are going to enjoy the various Chinese-styled seafood dishes and they are going to come at a good price too. We do recommend taking the time to enjoy some of these dishes when you are in Chinatown.

Dragon Gate

This is a nice place for a photo.

Dragon Gate is a renowned masterpiece that has been set up as a way to showcase where Chinatown starts.

As soon as you enter the area, you are going to notice the two dragons. This is a key symbol in China and it’s going to indicate the presence of this area and what makes it special.

Kim Chuy

Are you passionate about eating good food in Chinatown?

You might be craving something that’s well-reviewed and that’s where Kim Chuy is going to stand out. This is a renowned local restaurant and one that is visited by people from all over the city.

It has to do with the high-quality food you are going to get including rice and eggs.

Broadway Street

The last place on this list is going to be Broadway Street.

This particular street is great because it’s easy to go from one place to the next in seconds. You can pick and choose what works for you at that moment.

Some will want to get a coffee from one of the cafes on Broadway Street, while others are going to want to try out a snack.

There are numerous options for you to enjoy here.

Final Thoughts

These are the best things to do in Chinatown in Los Angeles.

There is something for everyone here and it’s always nice to immerse yourself in the culture to learn more about it.

Feel free to go through our guides on road trips in California