Chinatown

Home to a dense population of Asian immigrants, Manhattan’s Chinatown is one of NYC's most evocative neighborhoods. Walking its busy, narrow streets reveals surprise after surprise: Chatham Square’s statue of Lin Zexu, a Qing dynasty official who led the fight against Britain’s illegal importation of opium; the odd pagoda-style roof and Buddhist temple; and atmospheric Doyers Street, with its basement bars and a speakeasy among them. Come hungry and work your way through the many dim sum palaces, dumpling dens and inexpensive noodle joints.