AROME
The signature Honey Butter Toast, made with thick-cut shokupan milk bread, is worth making a morning trip to Chinatown for.
24 HOURS IN CHINATOWN
From early morning bakery runs and steaming baskets of dim sum to cult beauty finds, hidden cocktail bars and late-night karaoke, there's always something happening around the next corner.
EAT. SHOP. EXPLORE. REPEAT
Chinatown London has two sides and you'll want to experience both. By day, the streets are filled with the aromas of freshly baked pastries, bubbling noodle broths and the buzz of independent shops. By night, glowing lanterns, hidden cocktail bars and late-night dining bring a whole new energy to the neighbourhood.
From your first coffee to your final cocktail, discover how to spend 24 hours exploring the food, culture, shopping and nightlife that make Chinatown unlike anywhere else.
9AM: A CHINATOWN BREAKFAST
CHINATOWN BAKERY
Follow the scent of freshly baked pastries to Chinatown Bakery. Discover soft pineapple buns, fluffy pandan sponge cakes and sweet pastries filled with red bean or custard.
MRS BAKERY
Bringing a contemporary twist to Chinatown's bakery scene, Mrs Bakery has made a name for itself with inventive pastries and playful flavour combinations.
10:30AM: WANDER UNDERNEATH THE LANTERNS
With breakfast taken care of, it's time to explore. Wander beneath Chinatown's iconic red lanterns, discover the ornate Chinese gates and take in the sights, sounds and aromas of a neighbourhood shaped by generations of Chinese heritage.
Begin on Gerrard Street, the beating heart of Chinatown London, before exploring the smaller streets and hidden corners around Newport Place, Lisle Street and Wardour Street.
Along the way, discover traditional Chinese shops, colourful storefronts and the fascinating mix of old and new that makes Chinatown such a distinctive part of London's West End.
11:30AM - ASIAN BEAUTY, BLIND BOXES & UNEXPECTED FINDS
SHOPPING IN CHINATOWN
Chinatown isn't just about food. It's also a destination for discovering the latest Asian shopping trends, from cult Korean skincare and Japanese beauty products to designer collectables and snacks you won't find in your average supermarket.
Explore POP MART for its much-loved character collections, including LABUBU, SKULLPANDA and HIRONO. For something playful, head to MINISO, where cute collectables, stationery, beauty accessories and character collaborations make it almost impossible to leave empty-handed.
Food lovers should make time for OSEYO and Chinatown's traditional Asian supermarkets, where shelves are packed with Korean snacks, instant noodles, confectionery, cooking ingredients and plenty of discoveries to take home.
1PM: DIM SUM, DUMPLINGS & A LONG LUNCH
PLUM VALLEY
For a traditional Cantonese experience, settle in at Plum Valley for handcrafted dim sum, steamed dumplings and delicate rice noodle rolls.
DUMPLINGS' LEGEND
Or head to Dumplings' Legend, where freshly prepared xiao long bao are filled with rich, savoury broth.
BUN HOUSE
If you're after something a little more casual, Bun House offers a contemporary take on Cantonese steamed buns.
2:30PM - SOMETHING SWEET
No trip to Chinatown is complete without dessert. And if you've still got room after lunch, Newport Court is the place to be.
Known for its collection of Asian dessert specialists, this pocket of Chinatown has earned a reputation as a destination for those with a sweet tooth.
Discover Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream for Filipino-inspired ice cream, including its signature purple ube flavours and warm Bilog buns. Matcha enthusiasts can head to Tsujiri for Japanese green tea soft serve, while Kova Patisserie offers delicate mille crepe cakes and Asian-inspired patisserie.
Alternatively, make your way to Bubblewrap for a Hong Kong-style bubble waffle filled with ice cream, fresh fruit and sweet toppings.
4PM - TIME FOR TEA WITH A TWIST
BUBBLE TEA IN CHINATOWN
Afternoon tea looks a little different in Chinatown. Swap the traditional teapot for a creamy brown sugar milk tea, a fragrant jasmine blend or a refreshing fruit tea packed with chewy tapioca pearls.
With bubble tea specialists scattered throughout the neighbourhood, there's no shortage of places to discover your new favourite flavour. Try Cuppacha for colourful milk teas and fruit blends, or explore the neighbourhood's contemporary tea cafés for more inventive creations.
It's the perfect excuse to slow down, recharge and plan the rest of your evening.
6PM: DINNER IS SERVED
FOUR SEASONS
If you're craving a Chinatown classic, Four Seasons is celebrated for its Cantonese roast duck and sharing tables.
LEONG'S LEGEND
Or head to Dumplings' Legend, where freshly prepared xiao long bao are filled with rich, savoury broth.
SHU XIANG GE
For something interactive, gather around a bubbling hot pot at Shu Xiang Ge, where aromatic broths and fresh ingredients make dinner a shared experience.
8PM - CHINATOWN AFTER DARK
Chinatown takes on a different personality after dark. As the red lanterns glow overhead, neon signs illuminate the streets and the neighbourhood comes alive with a new energy.
Take a stroll along Gerrard Street, discover the smaller alleyways and soak up the atmosphere before heading somewhere unexpected. With theatres, cinemas and late-night entertainment just moments away, there's plenty to keep the evening going.
9PM - BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
HIDDEN BARS OF CHINATOWN
Behind a discreet jade-green door on Gerrard Street, Opium reveals a world of inventive cocktails, intimate drinking rooms and Shanghai-inspired interiors. With three distinctive bars and a menu of handcrafted dim sum, it's an experience that feels a world away from the streets outside.
A few doors away, Experimental Cocktail Club brings expertly crafted cocktails, atmospheric interiors and an eclectic music programme to its hidden upstairs setting.
For something livelier, head to the nearby Speedboat Bar. Inspired by Bangkok's Chinatown, its upstairs bar features a pool table, Thai pop culture and a late-night atmosphere that makes it easy to lose track of time.
11PM: A ROUND OF KARAOKE
The night doesn't have to end with the last cocktail. Chinatown's karaoke culture offers the perfect excuse to keep the party going, whether you're celebrating with friends or simply embracing your inner pop star. Discover private karaoke rooms where you can take control of the playlist, order drinks and sing your way through everything from nostalgic classics to the latest chart hits. It's a side of Chinatown's nightlife that's loud, playful and unapologetically fun.
GERRARD STREET
PLUM VALLEY
Book from their four private karaoke rooms, with dining and drinks available to add on.
GERRARD STREET
PINKBOX KARAOKE
Experience their dedicated karaoke venue with private-room entertainment
GERRARD STREET
DUMPLINGS' LEGEND
Choose from four private karaoke rooms across its three floors, with facilities for groups of different sizes, accommodating up to 10, 20 or 30 guests at a time
1AM - LATE NIGHT NOODLES
Because the best nights always end with food! After an evening of cocktails, karaoke and exploring Chinatown after dark, there's only one thing left to do: find yourself a steaming bowl of noodles. From rich, aromatic broths and fiery Sichuan flavours to comforting Cantonese classics, nothing hits quite like a late-night noodle fix.
Whether you're craving silky wonton noodles, hand-pulled noodles swimming in chilli oil or a generous bowl of beef brisket soup, Chinatown London's noodle scene is the ultimate way to round off an evening in the West End.
Pull up a chair, pick up your chopsticks and make room for one last dish. Because in Chinatown, there's always an excuse for another bite.
Recommendation: Visit Noodle & Beer open until 4AM Thursdays - Saturdays.
