Photo Above: Destination NSW
Keen to get the most out of your day in Chinatown? Follow our itinerary for the perfect visit to this bustling CBD hot spot.
MORNING
If amazing food, markets and shopping sound like your thing, Chinatown has it all. Begin the day with a Thai iced tea at Boon Cafe (1/425 Pitt St), and then a Cantonese yum cha brekky at The Eight (Lvl 3, Market City) or a taste of Hong Kong at Kowloon Cafe (421-429 Sussex Street). Belly full, make your way to the Ming dynasty-style Chinese Garden of Friendship (Tumbalong Blvd) for a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city to while away the morning.
LUNCH
Head to local favourite Chinese Noodle House (160 Thomas St) for tasty northern Chinese food and their famous dumplings, or try The Dolar Shop Hot Pot (Lvl 3, Market City) for one of the best hot pot restaurants in Sydney. Alternatively, for Malaysian flavours, you can’t go past Mamak (15 Goulburn St).
AFTERNOON
After lunch, get ready to shop! Paddy’s Markets (Cnr Hay St and Thomas St) features over 1,000 stalls and is one of the largest and most historic markets in Sydney. Upstairs from Paddy’s, Market City has fantastic retail offerings with plenty of big brands and exotic Asian flavours at its 1909 Dining Precinct. Or make your way over to World Square (644 George St) for more shopping, dining and entertainment options.
EVENING
Dixon Street is the beating heart of Chinatown and it’s time to experience all it has
to offer. Wander through the instantly recognisable Paifang gate and start to feel the vibes. The Chinatown Night Market (Dixon St and Little Hay St) has local designers, street food and unique products every Friday (4pm-11pm). For dinner, East Ocean Seafood Restaurant (421-429 Sussex St) is highly recommended, while Super Bowl Chinese Restaurant (41 Dixon St) is a Dixon Street icon. For an alternative to the flavours of China, try Kobe Wagyu (605-609 George St) for Japanese yakiniku, Bornga (1/78 Harbour St) for Korean BBQ, or Dodee Paidang (9/37 Ultimo Rd) for delectable Thai street food. Still not ready to hit the hay post-dinner? Chinatown’s many karaoke spots come to life at night – book a room at K1 Karaoke Lounge or Dynasty Karaoke (both on Dixon St) and sing to your heart’s content!
