chinatown walking tour chicago

Chicago Chinatown Tour

Chinatown Tours

Experience chinatown with guided tours from chicago chinese cultural institute.

90-min Walking Tour

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Join our History and Cultural Walking Tour of Chinatown on every weekend

3-hour Food Tour

On select dates this summer, join us for a 3-hour sumptous food tour.

Private group Tour

Book a private group tour with us. Multiple tour guides available for large groups.

Student Field Trips

K-12 students groups enjoy a special discounted rate for their field trips.

Chinese Cultural Workshops

Dumpling Making

Hands-on experience to learn how to make Chinese dumplings. Great fun for youth and adults.

Kite Coloring

China invented kites in ancient time. Hear the stories and create your own design on blank silk kites

Paper cutting

Experience the wonder you can create with simply a piece of paper and a pair of scissors.

Martial Arts Exercises

Learn the basics of Taichi with a master

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Chinatown in Chicago: 17 best things to do

Go on a guided walking tour, see ancient jade art and explore a variety of shops.

Many people head to Chinatown for its wealth of excellent restaurants , but there’s much more to do in the neighborhood than just enjoying great food. You can spend half a day exploring the various shops in Chinatown Square to find everything from fun snacks to herbal teas. Or learn about Chinese history and culture by checking out a museum. The area is also home to one of the city’s most beautiful parks , which provides skyline views and is accessible by water taxi. And if you're lucky, you might even find a parade or celebration taking place during your visit. So don’t come solely for the dim sum  (even though it's pretty amazing as well), here are some of the best things to do in Chinatown.

RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Chinatown

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The best things to do in Chinatown

Chinatown Square

• Public spaces
• Armour Square

Serving as the neighborhood's hub, Chinatown Square features a two-level mall housing a variety of local businesses, including restaurants, teahouses, beauty shops and candy vendors. The design of the area was inspired by Chinese Imperial Court and features statues representing each of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, which were created by artists in Xiamen, China. Stop by the square in the summer and you may catch an impromptu concert or dance performance.

Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute

• Natural history

Founded to bring Chinese language and culture programs to local libraries and schools, this organization is best known for offering tours of Chinatown's attractions and restaurants. Head to the Cultural Institute's website to learn more about its offerings, including public and private tours, as well as dumpling-making dinners and Tai Chi classes.

Ping Tom Memorial Park

• Parks and gardens

Originally a railroad yard, Ping Tom Memorial Park is named for the Chinatown resident who was the leading force behind the creation of this community space. Thanks to its location directly next to the Chicago River, the park is a popular spot for kayaking. The most recent addition to the park is a state of the art fieldhouse, which houses a gymnasium, fitness center and an indoor pool.

Nine Dragon Wall

Not far from the Cermak-Chinatown Red Line station, this decorative wall sits on the edge of a parking lot, welcoming commuters to the neighborhood. A replica of a similar piece of artwork in Beijing, the Nine Dragon Wall celebrates the mythical creature that is emblematic of China's spirit, as well as the number nine, which often symbolizes longevity. While the original Nine Dragon Wall was built by Chinese emperors, this version was constructed by the local chamber of commerce and is a popular spot to snap photos.

Chinatown Gateway

Built in 1975 and renovated in the years since, Chinatown’s landmark gateway on Wentworth Avenue welcomes visitors to the main thoroughfare of the neighborhood. Snap a photo under the four Chinese characters, which translate as “the world belongs to the commonwealth.” The design was inspired by a gate that architect Peter Fung found in Beijing.

Pui Tak Center

• Religious buildings and sites

As the first piece of traditional Chinese architecture to be built in the area, the Pui Tak Center is a cornerstone of Chinatown's community and one of the most visually striking structures in the area. A Western interpretation of traditional Chinese architecture, the Pui Tak Center features gabled towers and decorative terra cotta accents. The building was restored in 2010 after being purchased by the Chinese Christian Union Church, which offers ESL classes and immigration services to area residents.

Chinese American Museum of Chicago

Housed near the heart of Chinatown, the Chinese American Museum of Chicago hosts a small collection of exhibits that allows visitors to learn more about Chinese culture. The museum's permanent exhibit explores the journey taken by Chinese immigrants traveling to the Midwest, including stories submitted by individuals currently residing in Chicago's Chinatown.

• Cocktail bars
• price 2 of 4

There are countless restaurants in the neighborhood for a great meal but until the opening of Nine Bar in 2022, you couldn’t really get a craft cocktail anywhere. Tucked away behind Moon Palace Express, this dim and moody lounge has finally given Chinatown the drinking destination it deserves. The menu leans on Asian-inspired concoctions, such as a Mai Tai made with almond cookie orgeat syrup, while the kitchen delivers fun bites like wok-fried wings tossed in General Tso’s sauce.

Unleash your inner superstar and show off those vocal cords at a karaoke bar. Chinatown is home to some of the best in the city, including Sakura Karaoke Lounge, where you can sing your way through a catalog of more than 100,000 tunes. Got stage fright? No worries—private rooms for up to 25 people are also available.

Chicago Public Library, Chinatown Branch

• Libraries, archives and foundations

This South Side Chicago Public Library branch is unlike any other in the city system. The 16,000-square-foot interior is split across two floors and features a feng shui-influenced design, as well as amazing views of the Chicago skyline. It also includes Chinese language materials and a mural by CJ Hungerman entitled “Universal Transverse Immigration Proclamation,” an ode to the neighborhood’s history and character.

88 Marketplace

• Grocery stores
• Lower West Side

Located a couple of blocks west of Chinatown proper, this massive one stop shop is stocked with all the Asian goods you could ever need and well worth the slight detour. Grab some fresh seafood, assorted snacks or frozen dumplings to take home, then refuel at the food court. You can chow on Korean hot dogs, egg custard tarts, sushi and much more.

Heritage Museum of Asian Art

• Art and design

The nonprofit Heritage Museum of Asian Art showcases a variety of different Asian artforms, with a collection assembled by art dealer Jeffrey Moy. Inside the Chinatown institution, visitors will find jade and pottery that dates back to the Neolithic period, porcelain, snuff bottles, textiles and more. There are also exhibitions devoted to ojime beads (part of a small toggled cord that was attached to kimonos) and Chinese puzzle balls, which date back to the 1700s.

Chicago Water Taxi

Get to Chinatown in style by taking a ride on the Chicago Water Taxi. The boat service transports passengers between popular locations like Michigan Avenue, the  Ogilvie Transportation Center and Ping Tom Memorial Park. You’ll be able to gawk at architectural wonders and the city's top attractions while leisurely going up and down the river.

Sun Yat-Sen Park

On a nice day, you'll find a group of older men playing mahjong in this small park, located directly to the south of Chinatown. The area is named for Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-Sen, who helped overthrow the country's ruling dynasty and acted as China's first provisional president. Visitors will discover a bust of Yat-Sen located near the center of the park.

Aji Ichiban

• Chocolate and candy
• price 1 of 4

This popular candy shop has a bouncy pop soundtrack for sweet tooths perusing its rows of Lucite bins, where cute packaging reigns supreme. Discover a world of Asian delights, from Japanese rice cakes to an assortment of Kit Kats. There are also savory goods like dried seafood snacks, classic wasabi peas and more priced by the 1/2 pound, and just about every flavor of Pocky and Lay’s you can imagine. Not cheap, but surely worth the experience.

Yin Wall City

• Specialist food and drink

For those interested in traditional herbal remedies, this bulk-goods store in Chinatown Square offers everything you’re looking for. Cure what ails you with a host of herbal teas and natural medicines. There are also dried goods ranging from scallops to mushrooms.

Chinese American Veteran's Memorial

At the intersection of Archer Avenue, Princeton Avenue and Cermak Road sits a memorial dedicated to all Chinese-American veterans who have served in the armed forces. It was constructed in 2017 by the Chinatown American Legion Post 1003.

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Explore Chinatown

Discover the art, architecture and history of Chinatown on this 90-minute walk, which includes stops at a Chinese bakery and a former Italian church. The tour begins and ends near some of Chinatown's tastiest restaurants, convenient for those wanting to have a meal before or after.

Premier tour*

During your tour of this influential Chicago community, you’ll learn about urban planning’s impact on Chinatown and how the community has grown to reflect both traditional Chinese elements and Western influences. You’ll see art and symbols that connect to Chinatown’s cultural heritage while learning about the history of the neighborhood.

• Many tours sell out. To guarantee your space advance reservations are strongly recommended.
• Your safety is our priority. The itinerary of this tour may be altered in accordance with health and safety policies and considerations.
• Tour ends in Chinatown Square on Archer Avenue
• Ticket price includes entrance to the Chicago Architecture Center within 7 days of your tour. View the CAC's hours .

*Premier tours are free for Deco members and above. Learn about our membership levels .

Photos From This Tour

Upcoming Explore Chinatown Tours

Saturday may 11.

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Thursday May 23

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Saturday Jun 15

• 1:00pm Buy Tickets

Saturday Jun 29

Thursday jul 11, saturday jul 27.

• 10:00am Buy Tickets

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Chinatown Walking Tour

Did you know that Chinatown is home to one of Chicago’s largest parks? Have you ever toured Chinatown’s Buddhist temple? Our tour ranges between one and one and a half hours and covers all 7-8 blocks of Chinatown. We can arrange tours for large school groups or an intimate circle of friends. If you’re looking to end your tour with a delicious meal, we can arrange meals of any size at some of Chinatown’s best restaurants at special prices. Our expert tour guides are eager to answer any questions you have, and share the rich culture and history of Chinatown. Our exclusive tour provides an inside look at Chinatown’s greatest treasures.

Stops on our tour include:

Nine Dragon Wall: One of just six Nine Dragon Walls in the world, this landmark was gifted to Chinatown by China in 2004.

Chinatown Gate: Marked with the words “the world belongs to the commonwealth,” this gate is the entry point into Chinatown’s old commercial district.

Pui Tak Center: The former “Chinatown City Hall”, this building provides services for new immigrants to acclimate to Chicago.

Chinese Buddhist Temple: Explore this ancient religion in an authentic place of worship.

St. Therese Church: This historical church offers services in English, Italian, and Chinese.

Chinatown Square: Learn about the Chinese zodiac, and what your sign says about you.

Chinatown Mural: Discover the history of Chinese in America through this beautiful hand-painted mosaic.

We offer 1.5-hour public tours from Memorial Day to Labor Day every Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 am. Reservations for the 2024 season will start soon.

We also offer 1-hour private tours all times of the year, tickets are $15/person with a minimum purchase of $150.

Optional Ping Tom Park tour is an additional of $5/person, with a minimum $150 total to start a tour.

For schools (K-12), we offer 1-hour private tours at a discounted rate of $100/group, or $150/group for 1.5-hour tours including Ping Tom Park (up to 30 people in a group).

Call us or email us at [email protected] to book today!

Chinatown Food Tour

Delve into the world of Chinese culinary arts through an immersive experience at Chinatown’s best restaurants. While we are prone to grouping all of these delicacies under the singular term “Chinese food”, this tour will open your eyes to the great diversity that exists among traditional Chinese dishes. From the heavy seasoning of Sichuan to the smoked and generously spiced dishes of Hunan, Sampling food from different regions of China is as variable as sampling across multiple countries. Refine your understanding of traditional dishes from the Middle Kingdom, while simultaneously enjoying great authenticity right here in Chicago. Afterward, soothe your palate with a sampling of traditional Chinese teas from some of Chinatown’s oldest shops. Learn about its medicinal qualities while enjoying flavorful blends of leaves from different parts of China.

Cost: $75/person  (4 people minimum)

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The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour

Savor Chinatown with a full immersion into the culinary & ethnic pageantry at five authentic, mouthwatering restaurants

The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour addresses uncovers China’s sophisticated flavors and vast spectrum of regional cooking styles in a neighborhood filled with hugely rich ethnic heritage and modern mystique. We help you bypass the language and cultural barriers and as we take you deep behind the scenes into the heart of Chicago’s most iconic, and often misunderstood, food community waiting to be explored.

• Enjoy 5 delicious meals and tastings including etiquette and pageantry demonstrations of ancient Chinese culture and customs
• Nosh on delicacies including Hong Kong Dim Sum, spicy Szechuan dishes, sweet milk egg tarts, delicious bubble tea and much, much more
• Full portion samples, enough for a large lunch or dinner, include authentic cuisine from the Canton, Mandarin and Szechuan regions
• Explore the hidden secrets in Old and New Chinatown including Ping Tom Memorial Park and the Chinese Zodiac

Important Info

• Saturday and Sunday beginning at 11:00am. Available for private tours at other times.
• Tours run rain, shine or snow. Please dress accordingly.
• Small group sizes (12 people maximum) allow for a more personalized experience
• Experience is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
• Restrooms available throughout experience.
• We offer vegetarian options but cannot accommodate other food allergies or dietary preferences.

What Our Guests Are Saying

A really nice mix of great food, history and conversation. Jordan was a great guide. Highly recommended.

Fantastic tour of the iconic foods of Chicago! Dave was fantastic! Best deep dish pizza ever! The walking was great, even in the rain/drizzle that was passing through. The guide was great! Learned a bunch I never knew.We also did two more tours!

Dave was AMAZING during our Chinatown tour. Everything was taken care of, it was so easy, and he was so knowledge about both the food, customs, and history of the neighborhood. A great mix of experiences in one tour.

As Chicago natives, we felt like we were on a mini vacation exploring new parts of our city! Our tour guides Terry and Ian were fantastic. We had so much fun and ate some great food!

Our #1 TripAdvisor Rated Chinatown Adventure

You’ll enjoy seated dining at five restaurants and bakeries featuring upscale Chinese recipes while navigating Chicago’s historic Chinatown neighborhood.   We understand how intimidating Chinatown can be, even for local Chicagoan’s, as it’s a hugely diverse area with hidden side streets, two distinct sections (New and Old Chinatown), historic landmarks and various foods from all over China and Asia.   With so many amazing sights to see, authentic foods to devour and interesting stories to be heard, where do you start?

Between full portion tastings ranging from Hong-Kong Dim Sum, spicy Szechuan cuisine and French inspired Chinese pastries, you’ll receive a behind-the-scenes look at Chicago’s Chinatown with visits to intriguing cultural, religious and historic landmarks including Ping-Tom Memorial Park and the Pui-Tak Building. Your informative guide will share their expertise of local customs, eclectic folklore and authentic Chinese specialty stores.

Our Chinatown Adventure is ideal for Chicago residents and travelers eager to discover the culinary secrets and ancient traditions of this extraordinary neighborhood. Whether you’re vacationing in Chicago for the first time or a proud Chicagoan with roots that go back generations – we guarantee that you’ll walk away with a greater understanding of the geographic diversity and culinary techniques of arguably Asia’s finest cuisine.   Join us today on the Chinatown Adventure Food Tour and connect with authentic Chinese foods in unexpected ways!

• Tour Length 3 hours
• Cost $80 Adult | $50 Adolescent | Free Child (6 & Under)
• Tour Distance 1.3 Miles
• Neighborhoods Chinatown

Our small group tours regularly sell out!

Don't wait until the last minute. Reserve your spot today!

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Chicago Walking Tour, Chinatown Culture and Cuisine, 2.5 Hours

There’s more to Chicago than just deep dish and the Cubs! Come explore one of Chicago’s most vibrant and interesting neighborhoods on this Chinatown cultural walking tour.

Description

There’s more to Chicago than just deep dish and the Cubs! Come explore one of Chicago’s most vibrant and interesting neighborhoods on this Chinatown cultural walking tour. Though just minutes from the Loop, the heart of the business district, Chicago’s Chinatown is a neighborhood bursting with life. Established in 1912, Chinatown has played an integral role in shaping the melting pot that is the Windy City, contributing not only its cuisine but also the rich culture and tradition of its people. The streets of Cermak and Wentworth are lined with colorful shops and teahouses as well as remarkable monuments dedicated to both the China Chicago’s original immigrants came from as well as the community their Chinese-American descendants have created. As your expert guide leads you through the streets, you’ll learn the history of this exciting area as you feast your eyes on the colors and sights.

• 2.5 hour guided tour of Chicago’s Chinatown
• Samples of the cuisine from five Chinese regions
• Stops at neighborhood historical sites
• Expert local guide

And there’s no better way to experience that community than by immersing all of your senses. As you make your way through the neighborhood, you’ll stop at five different Chinatown restaurants, each showcasing a different region of Chinese cuisine. Each proprietor will provide you with samples of their fare while discussing the backgrounds of their unique regions and the important place the cuisine holds in their heritage. Go beyond the typical tourist experience. Discover all that Chicago’s Chinatown has to offer during a true celebration of Chinese culture and cuisine.

Experience Details

Fitness and experience.

• No particular level of fitness is required to participate
• Perfect for all ages

What to Bring/Wear

• Dress for the weather of the day

What is Supplied

• A 2.5 hour walking tour of Chicago's Chinatown
• Expert guide
• Samples of Chinatown cuisine from five regions: Guangdong (Canton), Macau, Xi'an, Sichuan, and Mongolia

More Information

• Tour is available Friday and Saturday at 4:00 PM
• Total walk is approximately 1 mile
• Ticket includes food and beverage samples; any further food or beverage is at additional cost

  Available Dates

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Gateway to Chicago's Chinese Culture

Arts, Culture & History

3 Days 21 Miles

Explore Chinatown Chicago in 3 Days

Immerse yourself in Chinatown’s rich traditions y ear-round.

You can discover the Chicago Chinatown community’s vibrant roots on a walking tour or take your taste buds on a trip through the spicy, savory, and sweet sides  of China’s diverse regional dishes.  You can explore cultural exhibits in nearby museums & galleries. If you’re in town during the Lunar New Year, celebrate alongside lion dancers  with festive floats and streets decked out in red and gold. And don’t forget to  pick up a keepsake at one of the many small, independent shops.

There is no better place in Illinois to ring in the Chinese New Year than in Chicago’s Chinatown —  home to beautiful centuries-old Chinese architecture and unparalleled dining and shopping experiences. 

When you arrive, be sure to snap a photo with  Chinatown’s Guardian Lions  at the entrance of  Chinatown Square , a  two-story outdoor mall dotted with striking bronze zodiac figures. If you’re hungry, meander a few blocks to grab a mooncake or any other delicious treat from  Chiu Quon Bakery ,  the neighborhood’s oldest bakery. 

Whether you’re a frequent visitor or a first-timer, the  Chinatown Walking Tour  is a great way to take in the community’s top attractions. You’ll see the  Nine Dragon Wall,  a replica of the wall built in  Beijing in 1756  — one of only three replicas in the world outside China . The tour also includes a visit to the  Pui Tak Center ,  the former “Chinatown City Hall,” which today provides services to help new immigrants acclimate to Chicago.

Now that you’ve walked up an appetite, it’s time to indulge in some grub from one of the many area favorites.  Golden Bull Restaurant  may not look like much from the outside, but the service is impeccable, and the locals love it for tasty dishes like sweet and sour pork and potstickers.  Emperor's Choice Restauran t  has a similarly cozy vibe, with authentic offerings like salt and pepper soft shell crab or mapo tofu.  

Following your meal, peruse art pieces and  the mural on the second floor of the  Chicago Public Library Chinatown Branch . Built in 2015, the library incorporates modern design elements both inside and out that have helped make it a local landmark.  

Just steps away,  spend the rest of the afternoon taking a stroll through  Ping Tom Memorial Park ,  which is home to nearly three acres of native prairie and wetland habitat within Chinatown. Enjoy a blend of Chicago and China’s cultures, from the Ping Tom Portrait Bust to the Boathouse with glorious city views. 

For dining in the evening, enjoy  out-of-this-world dumplings and Chinese dim sum at  Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings , or seek out  a pan-Asian experience at  Joy Yee , where you’ll find dishes like Korean BBQ short ribs and Singapore-style noodles.

After a full day of exploring, you’ll be ready for a comfy place to unwind. If you’re hoping to stay near all of the Year of the Rabbit celebrations, book a room at  Springhill Suites by Marriott Chicago Chinatown . In the nearby South Loop,  you can opt for  Home2 Suites By Hilton Chicago McCormick Place , which offers a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the skyline and lake.  Or perhaps you’d prefer a five-star experience on the Magnificent Mile, in which case  The Peninsula  is your ticket to luxury. It also just happened to be named  one of the top five hotels in the country by U.S. News & World Report .

Located on the North Side of Chicago, the   West Argyle Street Historic District   is home to many Southeast Asian and Chinese immigrants. Check out the diverse collection of restaurants,   shops and markets to get a feel for the culture in   this thriving community, which also goes by the nicknames Asia on Argyle, New Chinatown, Little Saigon and Little Vietnam.

When you’re ready, wander to  the center of Chicago Chinatown Square  to feast on a hearty lunch at  Ken Kee Restaurant , where you can order classics like orange chicken or create your own customized Hong Kong Cart Noodle dish. Vegetarians and carnivores alike can find something to savor! 

Next, expand your knowledge of Chinese American culture and history in the Midwest at the  Chinese  American Museum of Chicago . Before your visit, check the museum’s event schedule  to target specific  exhibits and educational events for all ages. 

Foodies can get to know today’s Chinatown and feed their passion at the same time with the   Chicago’s Chinatown Food and Walking Tour   by Viator, which lasts about three hours. This experience will open your eyes to the great diversity that exists among traditional Chinese dishes, all within the neighborhood. Remember to tip your guide!

Before heading out for the evening, make sure to stop by and pay your respects at the  Chinese American Veterans Memorial , a tribute honoring those of Chinese descent who fought to protect the United States. 

For dinner, leave the warm embrace of Chinatown to sample some Chinese cuisine elsewhere in the city.  Shanghai Terrace   at The Peninsula  boasts sophisticated Cantonese dishes such as Peking duck and  Chinese-style beef tenderloin — as well as remarkable city views.  Or try  Duck Duck Goat  in Fulton Market, an ornately decorated oasis that serves up  creative Chinese dishes from celebrity chef  Stephanie Izard.

Or, if you’d prefer dinner plus a  night out on the town, try  TAO Asian Bistro , where you’ll have your choice of everything from curated omakase to triple pork fried rice. If you visit on Friday or Saturday, you can keep the party going at the TAO Chicago Nightclub. Either way, make sure you and your traveling companions adhere to the dress code.

On your final day, savor one last meal in Chinatown. You can’t go wrong with brunch at   MingHin Cuisine , an award-winning establishment where you can experience authentic Cantonese dim sum and Hong Kong cuisine in a friendly, modern space. This restaurant has been recognized by the famous Michelin Guide five times, so your taste buds are in for a treat.  

As your afternoon activity, squeeze in a few additional morsels of Chinese culture before calling it a trip. At the  Field Museum , peruse the  Cyrus Tang Hall of China  exhibit, where you’ll see centuries-old stories come to life amid rare artifacts that shed light on what daily life was like in China hundreds of years ago.

Or check out the  Art Institute of Chicago’s  Asian collection, which encompasses nearly five millennia and all of the continent’s major artistic traditions. You’ll see examples of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures, Chinese jades and ceramics, Japanese screens and prints, and Indian and Persian paintings. 

If  you have time to make a trip to the North Side, be sure to pick up some locally made tofu from  Illinois Made Maker  Phoenix Bean Tofu .  Located in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, Phoenix Bean creates several varieties of tofu, each with its own unique delicate taste and texture.

If you’re in town for the new year, be sure to watch  the  Chinatown Lunar New Year Celebration .  This year, the Chinese New Year falls on  February 10, 2024 , with the parade being held on Sunday,  February 18, 2024 .

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Chinatown Food & Culture Walking Tour

• 3 Hours 4pm Fri - Sun & 11:30am Sat
• Ages from 1+
• Length: 1 Mile
• VIP Upgrade $19.99 Bubbly Tea/Beer/Wine

Chinatown Food & Culture Walking Tour

Curious about Chicago’s Chinatown but unsure where to start? Let our Bobby’s Bike Hike Chinatown Food and Culture Walking Tour be your local guide on this tour!

Chicago’s Chinatown, located next door to the Loop on Cermak Street and Wentworth Avenue, bursts with colorful shops, impressive monuments, and of course, delicious restaurants. Like a Chinese menu, the sheer number of possibilities can be overwhelming. Fortunately, with our local knowledge and partnerships we have created the perfect sampling tour for you.

You’ll sample culinary delights from five distinct Chinese regions while learning interesting facts about China and the history of Chinese immigration to Chicago. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Chicago native, our walking culinary tour of this thriving neighborhood will whet your appetite for another visit!

All food samples are included in ticket price, but consider upgrading to our VIP Package to include samples of plum wine, bubble tea, and a specialty jasmine Chicago craft beer only served at Phoenix Restaurant.

What’s Included

• Tour price includes all food samples.
• VIP Tea/Wine/Beer upgrade package available (21+, please bring ID)
• All ages welcome

What to Bring

• Wear comfortable clothing/shoes for walking.
• Please bring a bottle of water. A few restaurants will serve water, but not all of them. So it’s highly recommended to bring a bottle of water.
• Bring a phone or camera, there will be plenty of photo opportunities.

Important Info

• Tours may run up to 15-20 minutes over or under the scheduled end time due to speed of restaurants/group.
• We ask that you stay with your guide during the duration of the tour.

Departure Locations

• Phoenix Restaurant 2131 S Archer Ave, Chicago

What to Expect

The Tour Starts with Cantonese Cuisine

Our first stop is a restaurant featuring cuisine from the southeastern region of Guangdong, formerly known as Canton. The Cantonese were the first Chinese people to emigrate to the United States during the California Gold Rush; to this day, most Chinese restaurants in America serve predominantly Cantonese or Cantonese-derived dishes. The restaurant we’ve chosen specializes in the traditional Cantonese appetizers known as dim sum, served with two varieties of Chinese tea.

Sweet Stop at a Chinese Bakery for Dessert Sample

The many offerings on display at the Chinese bakery we’ll visit next are a feast for the eyes, as well as the tongue. We’ll enjoy a popular dessert from the former Portuguese territory of Macau which melds Chinese and colonial traditions. Be warned, though, that you may have difficulty leaving the premises without purchasing an extra treat or two for the ride home!

Try Xi’an Cuisine

Perhaps the greatest advantage of having such a well-developed Chinatown in our city is the opportunity to experience regional Chinese cuisines that aren’t widely available in the US. The third restaurant on our tour features delicacies from the northwestern city of Xi’an, one of China’s ancient dynastic capitals. This food has a Middle Eastern influence due to Xi’an’s position at the eastern terminus of the ancient network of trade routes known as the Silk Road.

Visit Chinatown Square for Sichuan Cuisine

Next, we’ll visit Chinatown Square for a taste of the bold, exciting flavors of Sichuan cuisine. Sichuan’s famous chili peppers are found in dishes from every region of China. You’ll enjoy samples of spicy chili chicken and eggplant with garlic sauce at a restaurant founded by one of Chinatown’s best-known celebrity chefs.

Sample the Best Noodles in All of Chicago

Our fifth and final stop is for what Chicago Magazine dubbed “the best noodles in all of Chicago.” The centerpiece of the noodle soup is a large cauldron of broth placed atop a heating element at your table. You an add to your soup from a platter of thinly sliced meat or vegetables cooked to your liking. Several spices and sauces are also provided for a variety of delicious flavor combinations.

Extra Information

Many people visit Chinatown to eat or go into the shops. We believe this historic area is worth knowing more about than who makes the best dim sum, although that’s certainly something we enjoy! Our Chinatown walking tour opens your eyes to some of the lesser-known history of Chicago. You cannot fully understand the city unless you know the story of its immigrants, because Chicago is a town dependent on them for its culture.

Plus, when you go on a Chinatown food tour, you go beyond the touristy destinations. We take you to the spots that make the very best food — the restaurants Chinatown insiders know about but the general public does not. These places offer you samples that will amaze and delight your taste buds. Often, the chefs at each stop give our guests items that do not even appear on the menu. Many people go straight from our tour to booking a reservation at their favorite Chinatown spot.

We recommend this tour for anyone who wants to know more about the history of Chinese Americans, Chicago arts and culture, or immigration in The Windy City.

Wentworth Avenue is the main artery of Chicago’s Chinatown district, and home to some of the most popular shopping and dining in the area.

Cantonese cuisine comes from the southeastern region of Guangdong, formerly known as Canton. The Cantonese were some of the first Chinese to emigrate to the United States and their influence is seen in most American Chinese restaurants today.

Dim sum is a traditional Cantonese appetizer, served in small bite-sized portions in steamer baskets. When paired with tea, dim sum makes for a complete Chinese brunch.

Chinese Bubble tea (VIP add-on) , the other component of a dim sum brunch, is world-famous. China has been growing tea leaves for centuries and has a rich tradition of refined tea flavors.

Portuguese-Chinese bakery treats come from the Portuguese Macau territory of China, and combine traditional and colonial flavors.

Xi’an cuisine comes from the northwestern city of Xi’an, one of China’s ancient dynastic capitals. It is rare in the United States, a special delicacy in Chicago’s Chinatown.

Lao Sze Chuan is one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in the United States, opened by celebrity chef Tony Hu, who is lovingly regarded as the unofficial mayor of Chicago’s Chinatown.

Top-rated Noodles in Chicago (by Chicago Magazine) which are popular in dishes from every region of China.

Chinatown Square is a two-story outdoor mall in the center of Chicago’s Chinatown, packed with popular shopping and dining.

Whether you live in the city or you’re visiting from out of town, you’ll enjoy one of the best Chicago food tours of Chinatown! If you are here on vacation or business, we recommend you take our tours at the beginning of your stay. This gives you background knowledge you can draw on throughout the rest of your time here. It may also give you ideas for how you want to spend the rest of your time in Chicago.

We pride ourselves on our excellent safety record. Our well-trained guides can assist you with any concerns as you walk your way through the city, enjoying all the culinary spoils of Chinatown while also learning more than you ever thought possible about Chicago’s history. Educating yourself while you eat? It’s the perfect way to celebrate Chicago.

Book your Chicago Chinatown food tour online today or contact us for a private group tour.

Phoenix Restaurant has been a Chinatown institution since the 1990s, serving up fine Cantonese cuisine with an emphasis on seafood and dim sum.

Chiu Quon Bakery is the oldest bakery in Chicago’s Chinatown, specializing in treats from the Macau region of China with a colonial Portuguese influence.

Xi’an Cuisine serves up dishes from the northwestern Xi’an region of China, a rarity in the United States.

A Chicago original since 1998, Lao Sze Chuan has since expanded to locations all over the country, and was named “Best Chinese Restaurant in the U.S.” by both Travel & Leisure and The Daily Mail.

Yummy Yummy Noodles has been named “Best Noodles in all of Chicago” by Chicago Magazine. You’ll soon find out why.

VIP Bubbly Tea, Beer/Wine Tasting Upgrade Upgrade to our VIP Beverage Package, which includes samples of plum wine, bubble tea, and a specialty jasmine Chicago craft beer only served at Phoenix Restaurant.

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Chicago Highlights & Attractions Walking Tour

One Day in Chicago Food & Highlights Walking Tour

Chicago Favorites Walking & Food Tour

Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour

Tickets for Panic Room in Miami 🎫 Ticket for 1 person  🎫 VIP Drink Upgrade Ticket for 1 person

Tickets include

• Local guide
• Alcoholic Beverages - (with purchase of VIP upgrade)

Highlights 🚶‍♂️ A unique walking tour around Chicago's Chinatown 🍜 Taste the unique foods that you'll find as you go along 👨‍🏫 Learn about the history of how these foods and cultures arrived in Chicago General Info 📅 Date and time: various dates available at 4 p.m. ⏳ Duration: 3 hours 📍 Departure point: Phoenix Restaurant, Chicago 👤 Age requirement: all ages are welcome ♿ Accessibility: this experience is not wheelchair accessible ❓ For this event, all sales are final and tickets can’t be refunded, changed or modified. For more information, please refer to our T&Cs Description Few neighborhoods in the U.S. combine such delicious cuisine with such fascinating history as Chicago’s Chinatown. Join Bobby’s Bike Hike for an afternoon of interesting beats and scrumptious eats through this extraordinary neighborhood. On this 2.5-hour walking tour, you’ll see the bustling Chicago Chinatown Square, then get to sampling some of the richest cuisine around, including Cantonese dim sum and tea, Portuguese-Chinese bakery treats, Szechuan chicken, and Mongolian hot pot; all the while learning about the history of how these foods and cultures arrived in Chicago. This is a totally unique culinary tour experience so don't miss it and get your tickets! 

Select date and session

No booking fees

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Chinatown tour, request for a tour of chicago chinatown.

312-326-5320 [email protected] 2169B S. China Place Chicago , IL, 60616

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Good Housekeeping

The 10 Best Cities For Walking

Posted: April 9, 2024 | Last updated: April 9, 2024

Even though putting one foot in front of the other is the easiest form of exercise there is, it's still hard to find the motivation to bypass the car and head out on foot in your everyday life. But with a couple of tools—including a visit to Walkscore.com which grades cities and neighborhoods on the ease of finding entertainment or provisions on foot, and Prevention.com's at-a-glance guide to the attractions that you'd never notice on a drive—you can get (ahem) one step closer to a more exciting pedestrian lifestyle. The closer a city on this list scores to 100, the better the walkability.

Whether you're in the market for a new 'hood or planning a trip, you can take advantage of these 10 cities where pedestrians give wheels a run for their money. Read on to learn what makes these metro areas walker-friendly.

MORE: 7 Incredible Results You'll Get From Walking 30 Minutes A Day

10. Long Beach, CA

Walk score: 69.9

Long Beach has numerous business and shopping districts, as well as parks and waterfront areas that are pedestrian-friendly. Take Shoreline Pedestrian Bikepath, for example, the 4-mile trail has gorgeous views of the water and is perfect for trying any of these

9. Oakland, CA

Walk score: 72.0

8. Seattle, WA

Walk score: 73.1

You know you're in a pedi-friendly city when the municipal government publishes a Seattle Walking Map , making it clear that creating a greener environment and a healthier population is a top priority. From the historic district surrounding Pike Place Market to the shops and eateries in Fremont, there are loads of places to explore on foot in picturesque Seattle. Other attractions include the Seattle Art Museum's Olympic Sculpture Park, the Myrtle Edwards Park, Elliott Bay Park, and the Graham Arboretum.

7. Washington, D.C.

Walk score: 77.3

Between D.C.’s National Mall, the Smithsonian, and the blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue, there are countless places to sneak in some steps in our nation’s capital.

6. Chicago, IL

Walk score: 77.8

From The Magnificent Mile to Millennium Park, anyone who's lived in the Windy City knows it's a walker's dream. First-time visitor? Check out the Chicago Greeter program for a free guided walking tour. You'll meet a Chamber of Commerce sponsored local for a free guided tour of a neighborhood.

5. Philadelphia, PA

Walk score: 79.2

Philly is so committed to keeping pedestrians safe that its Center City district boasts the largest comprehensive pedestrian sign system in North America. The city also has more than 10,000 acres of pedestrian-friendly parks.

4. Miami, FL

This oceanfront city is a flat belly factory—whether you choose to walk on the beach, or burn off the yummy lunch you enjoyed on pedestrian-friendly Lincoln Road.

3. Boston, MA

Walk Score: 80.9

While the Freedom Trail has long been a way to stay fit while learning about the birth of our nation, Boston has seriously stepped up its efforts to create a citywide walker's paradise. To wit, WalkBoston —an initiative to make the city safer, easier to navigate on foot, greener, and more community-based, which they do by encouraging businesses and individuals to create a pro-walking atmosphere. They also offer awards to businesses that create inviting parks and seating areas, or individuals who advocate for increased pedestrian safety measures. WalkBoston's initiatives create a sort of universal access—with more than just a nod to citywide mobility for individuals of all incomes and abilities.

2. San Francisco, CA

Walk Score: 86.0

Hilly reputation notwithstanding, the city has serious walking cred in neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Financial District. San Francisco has also just launched a city-sponsored program called WalkFirst , which works to improve pedestrian safety and walking conditions with sidewalk buffers, revamped intersections, and better lighting in key pedestrian areas citywide. Walk San Francisco , an advocacy group that promotes pedestrian activity and safety, offers group walks as well.

New York, NY

Walk Score: 89.2

New Yorkers have long used their own two feet to book it around town. But recent pedestrian-friendly enhancements all over the city have considerably upped how pleasant that experience can be. Two favorites: The High Line—which transformed 1.45 miles of long-neglected elevated freight train tracks into a birds-eye-view promenade above the shore of the Hudson River—and a more walkable Times Square.

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Block Club Chicago

Your Neighborhood News Site

The Revival Of Chicago’s Filipino American Rizal Center

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This story was originally published by Borderless Magazine. Sign up for its newsletter to learn the latest about Chicago’s immigrant communities .

LAKEVIEW — Inside the walls of the unassuming, tan-brick Rizal Center on Irving Park Road, a pristine wooden floor supports the weight of dozens of Filipino seniors as they dance, sing and share food for the twice-monthly kapihan, or coffee hour. 

Immersed in the enthusiasm of the center’s main programming room, one might never have guessed that less than two years ago, it was on the verge of collapse. The brown wooden floors were splintered and lay haphazardly across the room. The walls, now filled with art from local Filipino artists, were empty, and the halls silent. 

The Rizal Center, run by the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACGC), has survived years of challenges, from  ownership battles  to financial hardships. But with a new board — and inspiration from a younger generation of Filipino Americans — the center is slowly being restored to its former glory as a pillar of the Filipino community in Chicago.

A Once Bustling And Thriving Community Center

Established in 1974, the Rizal Center was named after Dr. Jose Rizal, a leader of the Philippine independence movement who opposed Spanish colonial rule in the country. For decades, the center was a community hub for Filipinos, offering food distributions, hot lunches for seniors, religious services and various community events.

But between 2017 and 2022, a  protracted legal battle over the building’s ownership  plagued its halls, and the once bustling community center lay quiet as the building was closed to the public. 

In August 2022, a judge ruled the building had to be turned over to the current  FACGC board.   

At the time, the empty, dust-ridden Rizal Center sharply contrasted the vibrance of its former life. In the early ‘90s, the center’s basement had a dance floor with a bar where people would gather for drinks, ballroom dance, bingo nights and food distribution for community members.

Fellow board member Corazon Sopena first came to the Rizal Center in 1996. She was part of the “Miss Philippines” pageant hosted by the FACGC. That year, Sopena won the title of “Miss Philippines-Chicago.”

Although the center no longer has a bar or a “Miss Philippines” contest, Sopena has enjoyed returning to dance and interact with friends and other community members.

“I especially enjoy talking to and entertaining the seniors,” Sopena said. “That’s why I enjoy coming here.”

Sopena hopes those who used to come to the center return despite the five-year-long hiatus. 

“It’s taking a while, but it’s kind of coming back,” Sopena said. “I wish [those who came in the past would] come back again.”

Revitalizing Efforts Aim To Preserve Cultural Values

Paula Alcaraz, a second-generation Filipino American, got involved with the center after seeing the FACGC board post a callout on its website seeking volunteers to help with its reconstruction and renewal. Alcaraz had passed by the center in the past and was interested in learning more about it, which is what led her to check out its website.

She was among the first volunteers to help revitalize the center in 2022, and currently runs its social media accounts. While touring the center two years ago, she recalls seeing the center’s floors in disarray and layers of dust coating the floors and walls.

“It was really heartbreaking to see because this was a center for the whole community,” Alcaraz said. “When it opened up … many years ago, this was a place for Filipinos to come and have fun, get together … and they weren’t able to have it anymore.”

Volunteers from the community were crucial in making building repairs at the center. Chicago Filipino community members banded together to offer free services to redo the wooden floors in the auditorium and install new lighting fixtures.

Slowly, Alcaraz said she saw the center coming back to life.

Being a part of the Rizal Center has been a large part of Alcaraz’s journey to stay in touch with her heritage as a second-generation Filipino American. Like many other Filipinos in Chicago, her parents and family have left the city for the surrounding suburbs or moved to another state entirely.

Alcaraz has high hopes for the center. She wants to see the center expand its work promoting Filipino culture and heritage through programs like its children’s library. She pointed toward opportunities for the center to host Tagalog lessons, cooking classes and cultural dance practices.

“I miss the food because I don’t know how to cook it and all these other things,” Alcaraz said of her Lolo and Lola’s, or grandparent’s, cooking. “Whenever I’m around Filipinos, to be honest, I feel like I’m home.”

A New Generation Of Leadership

On a rainy day last fall, 20-year-old Celina Anama, alongside her friends and younger brother,  took refuge under the Rizal Center’s awning. She had previously passed the building but never ventured inside — yet it had always piqued her interest, especially as a recent arrival from the Philippines. The center reminded her of the community clubhouses she would see back home.

At the time, a man cleaning the windows invited the group inside to wait out the rain. Anama walked in brimming with intrigue but thought: “What if there’s just one person coming in to clean, and that’s all there is to it?”

But inside, the FACGC board, serendipitously having a board meeting at the time, eagerly greeted the newcomers. The center came to life before her eyes. Board members urged Anama to address them as uncles and aunties as they gathered snacks and refreshments before giving them a tour.

Anama felt connected and reassured after being greeted with open arms and the familiarity of her home and community in the Philippines — especially after uprooting her entire life to live in a foreign country.

“When I first got here … I was walking outside, and although nobody would make you feel different, you feel it inside you,” Anama said. “Because you don’t see anyone that looks like you.”

Board member Gaoat-Lant looks to younger Filipino community members like Alcaraz and Anama to do the work preserving the Rizal Center and the community’s connections to their Filipino heritage. She hopes that building these relationships will empower the entire community to enact change and improvements for more people in the future.

The FACGC board is composed of first-generation Filipino immigrants, most over 70 years old. Gaoat-Lant believes the next generation of Filipino Americans and Rizal Center newcomers will continue rebuilding the center and the community’s collective power for years to come.

“My knees are already weak, and I’m no longer strong,” Gaoat-Lant said with a slight smile. “The youth should carry the torch from now on.”

Younger Filipino community members, like Anama, agree.

She hopes to continue spreading the kindness offered to her by those who welcomed her to the Rizal Center and to get more involved with the center’s programming in the future.

“Who knows?” Anama said with a chuckle. “I could, if I get to stay here for a while, be one of those seventy-year-olds asking to be called an auntie.”