Melbourne Chinatown: 5 things you cannot miss

Chinatown holds a special place in the hearts of Melburnians and tourists alike. Nestled amongst Melbourne’s busiest streets is this 170-year-old celebration of the city’s Chinese heritage, and what is also the western world’s longest-continuing Chinatown.

But, more importantly, it is a place where you will find delectable cuisine, fine hospitality, awesome entertainment and exciting shopping!

So, what are some of the things you simply cannot miss when visiting Melbourne’s Chinatown? And what makes this vibrant city section one of the most invigorating places to visit when in the City of Melbourne?

Let’s find out below…

1. The food, obviously!

You cannot have one of these imperative cultural centres without having world-class dining, and our city-centric iteration has gastronomical delights to whet the appetites of all who visit.

What makes this section so special is that it ranges from traditional Chinese restaurants with no-frills, budget-friendly fare and goes through to having the most mouthwateringly elegant dumplings in Chinatown Melbourne you could imagine gorging on!

The neighbourhood has evolved tremendously over the years, and now plays host to cuisines from all over the Asian continent, too!

If you plan on spending a day ducking in and out of this wonderful section as you explore the CBD, you can happily dine on Japanese or Thai for lunch before coming back for some delectable Chinese cuisine in the evening.

2. It’s an entertainment extravaganza

Chinatown is arcade-central, ensuring that once you’ve had your fill of fine food and drink there is plenty of fun to be had amongst the neighbourhood’s narrow streets and laneways.

With plenty of options for uber-fun arcades and bar games to be had, you can be sure that dinner and drinks are only the beginning of what is sure to be a stellar night out in this legendary part of town.

Take your pick: are you in the mood for typical arcade gaming? The kind where you can win all kinds of anime plushies and other Kawaii goodies? Or, do you want to head to a place that has everything from darts to virtual gaming and more?

The choice is yours, but regardless, you’re in for an awesome time…

3. Delightful treats

Whether going all out and indulging in deconstructed bubble tea or just picking up some unique products from one of the markets, this is a part of town that has sweet treats that you simply cannot find anywhere else in town.

All you have to do is meander through this awesome neighbourhood and you will come across something that excites the senses and leaves you wanting more!

4. Simply walk around

Entering this part of town is like stepping into another part of the world, and this is especially so given its rolling 170-year-old history.

The neighbourhood is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in, taking in the little streets, flashing signs and vibrant colours that make this Chinese neighbourhood one of the world’s most enjoyable!

Melbourne plays host to many walking tours, many of which will take you through this eccentric part of town. Or, if joining a crew isn’t your thing, simply wander on in there yourself!

You know where to start: the large painting beckoning you in from Swanston Street, and this can be the starting point of your epic adventure around this most celebrated place of Chinese culture.

You are sure to find something to energise and invigorate in this wonderfully historical and fun food part of town…