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Chinatown trip ideas
Interior of the Europe's largest Chinese Mahayana Buddhist monastery in Amsterdam.

Things to do in  Chinatown

Red lantern district

Between New Market Square (Nieuwmarkt) and the iconic Red Light District (De Wallen), Chinatown is a cluster of shops and restaurants representing Chinese, Indonesian, Malaysian, and Thai cultures. While most things to do in this compact Amsterdam neighborhood revolve around feasting on offerings such as nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice), laksa (noodle soup), and dim sum, Chinatown is home to a few cultural icons, like Fo Guang Shan He Hua Temple, Europe's largest Chinese Mahayana Buddhist monastery. Other highlights include multilevel Toko Dun Yong, the oldest Asian shop in Amsterdam.

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All about Chinatown

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When to visit

Like the Red Light District (De Wallen) that contains it, Chinatown feels most alive in the evening, when neon signs flash and the aromas of roasted Peking duck beckon. For the most festive atmosphere, coincide your visit with the Lunar New Year at the end of January or the start of February, when fireworks, kung fu performances, and dragon dances welcome the Chinese New Year.

Getting around

Chinatown is mostly on the street of Zeedijk, but some stores spill into the surrounding alleys. The nearest metro station to Amsterdam Chinatown is Nieuwmarkt, serviced by the 51, 53, and 54 lines; from Central Station, it’s a 1-minute ride of one stop. Like the rest of Amsterdam, Chinatown is best explored on foot or by bike, though you should lock up your cycle to wander the street as it’s narrow and often very crowded.

Traveler tips

If you download the Komoot app, you can follow a free Chinatown walking tour curated by the owner of a local Cantonese restaurant. The trail covers highlights such as the He Hua Temple, with its peach-colored facade and vivid red adornments, and authentic restaurants serving Cantonese classics such as char siu pork. You’ll also find a range of traditional Asian apothecaries here, selling herbal remedies.

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People Also Ask
Q:What are the must-see sights in Amsterdam Chinatown?
A:

The must-see sights in Amsterdam Chinatown include Fo Guang He Hua Temple, a sacred Buddhist center that’s free to enter; Toko Dun Yong, a famous department store selling everything from clothing to kitchen utensils; and the historic street of Zeedijk, one of Amsterdam’s oldest streets home to wooden houses.

Q:Is Chinatown Amsterdam near any other top attractions?
A:

Yes, thanks to its central location, Chinatown Amsterdam is near many top attractions. It’s perched on the banks of Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed Canal Ring (Grachtengordel) and beside the Red Light District (De Wallen), the city’s most famous neighborhood. It’s a short walk from the 14th-century Old Church (Oude Kerk).

Q:What traditional dishes should you try in Amsterdam Chinatown?
A:

The best traditional dishes in Amsterdam Chinatown include Peking duck served with pancakes and hoisin sauce; Zeedijk sandwiches made with bacon and smoked chicken breast; fresh oysters steamed in black bean sauce, a specialty of Nam Kee restaurant; and dim sum.

Q:What are the best spots for nightlife and entertainment in Amsterdam Chinatown?
A:

While it’s more famous for its restaurants and stores, you’ll find a few bars and pubs along Zeedijk, the main artery of Amsterdam Chinatown. However, for an all-night party, head to the Leidseplein district, where you’ll rub shoulders with locals in bars off the tourist trail of De Wallen.

Q:Are there any must-visit shops or markets in Amsterdam Chinatown?
A:

The most famous store in Amsterdam Chinatown is Toko Dun Yong, a multilevel department store dedicated to fresh produce and housewares. A supermarket, tableware department, and restaurant are on the top floor. The nearby New Market Square (Nieuwmarkt) hosts a farmers market with flowers and fresh produce on Saturdays.

Q:How long should you spend in Amsterdam Chinatown?
A:

You can easily experience the top Amsterdam Chinatown sights in several hours, giving you enough time to enjoy lunch in one of the Cantonese restaurants. The compact area is a great place to combine with other nearby sights on a half- or full-day city tour.

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