Slices of NYC: Chinatown and the LES

Chinatown

Slices of NYC: Chinatown and the LES

Out of all the neighborhoods in New York City, I would have to say that Chinatown and the Lower East Side are probably my favorite. Sure, Tribeca and Soho have their high-end shopping and fancy restaurants, Greenwich Village has its vibrant culture and incredible nightlife, and the Upper West Side has its museums and iconic brownstones. But to me, Chinatown and the LES contain everything about what makes NYC so special to visit.

Chinatown

Canal St. goes right through the heart of Chinatown

The Lower East Side and Chinatown sit directly next to each other in downtown Manhattan, with several iconic streets cutting right through the neighborhoods (i.e. Canal St, Grand St, Delancey St, Bowery, and East Broadway) You’ll find some really great parks around here, like Seward Park in the LES and Sara D. Roosevelt Park in Chinatown. It is also here that you will find the entrances to the Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges, which will provide you with some incredible views of the Manhattan skyline should you choose to take a walk (or bike) across. Generally, I recommend just grabbing your camera and going for a walk around these incredibly vibrant areas, because there is always something going on and you never know what you’ll find in the side-streets and green spaces here.

Chinatown

East Broadway, with the Manhattan Bridge and One World Trade Center visible

Perhaps the most memorable part of these neighborhoods, especially if you’re just visiting, would be the food. Some of New York’s best and most diverse cuisine can be found in Chinatown and the LES, such as The Golden Unicorn, Wah Fung Fast Food, and Scarr’s Pizza. You really can’t miss out on grabbing a bite around here if you do make a trip to the area. As long as you have an open mind and an empty stomach, I can guarantee that you will not be disappointed with what you find!

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