A Guide to Sydney’s Chinatown

Sydney is home to Australia's largest Chinatown, and with so many restaurants and activities to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start!     

Located in the Haymarket at the southern end of the Sydney CBD, Chinatown is conveniently located with plenty to see and do, making it an ideal addition to your Sydney itinerary.     

We've created this guide with recommendations on what to do as well as where to eat, shop, and stay so you can explore Chinatown in Sydney like a local.

You'll find Chinatown located in Haymarket in Sydney's CBD. Chinatown in Sydney is a short walk or light rail ride from Central Station, and it's also within walking distance of Darling Square and Darling Harbour. Need directions? Put 'Dixon St' in your Google Maps app and before you know it you'll be in the heart of Chinatown in Sydney!

If you arrive in the Chinatown area for lunch, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here are a few places worth checking out: 

Chinese Noodle House, 8 Quay Street, $

For a quick and tasty feed, this busy Chinese restaurant is a bustling hive of flavour. Their noodles are all handmade, so we recommended giving them a try along with a plate of dumplings with your favourite filling, and if you're looking for something a little different give the braised eggplant a go... we guarantee you'll want to go back for more.

Mamak, 15 Goulburn Street, $

Named after roadside stalls in Malaysia, Mamak started as a market stall and soon became known for its fresh roti, teh tarik and satay skewers. As one of Chinatown’s most popular restaurants, Mamak has a constant flow of customers no matter what time you visit. Expect to stand in a queue, but know your efforts will pay off at this award-winning restaurant.

A short walk from the eateries and shopping of Chinatown is the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour. These gardens are a welcome respite from the busy pace of Sydney.

The Chinese Garden of Friendship was opened during the Bicentenary in 1988 and to this day is a popular place to enjoy the peaceful and scenic surrounds in the heart of Sydney. The garden is open daily, an entry fee applies.

When you’re fuelled up and ready for some exploring you’ll find hundreds of clothing, jewellery, flower and food stalls at Paddy’s Market. Wander through the aisles and grab yourself a bargain. There are so many noteworthy shops in Chinatown, two standout examples for fans of Asian pop culture are:

Kawaii Store, Morning Glory, 68-70 Dixon Street

A wonderland of Hello Kitty, Doraemon, Totoro and a whole bunch of other recognisable characters – a great stop for some last minute gifts.

Online Asian Entertainment, Media Asia, 50 Dixon Street

From anime to Asian music, manga to movies, Media Asia stocks the latest and greatest.

After a day of shopping and exploring you’re bound to have worked up an appetite, here’s two dinner recommendations that will really hit the spot:

Ho Jiak Haymarket, 92 Hay Street, $$

If you’re up for a Malaysian grillhouse and mouth watering char koay teow, Ho Jiak is the place to be. It gets very busy, so booking in advance is recommended.

Golden Century, 393-399 Sussex Street, $$$

Upon seeing the menu at Golden Century you know you’re in for something special. From birds nest soup to abalone sashimi, Golden Century is a seafood lover’s delight.

Try to leave some room after dinner to sample Emperor’s famous cream puffs, perhaps on your way to a nearby cocktail bars.

Emperor' Garden Cake and Bakery, 75 Dixon Street, $

If you're yearning for something quick, cheap, and oozing with sweet custard, the cream puffs at Emperor’s are not to be missed. Just make sure you’re not in a hurry as these little beauties draw a crowd.

Bar Morris, 412 Pitt Street, $$

Imagine a cosy night escaping the chill with friends sipping delicious wine or cocktails in a stylish Sydney small bar. Introducing: Bar Morris. The Italian inspired menu features cocktail classics as well as originals if you're keen to try something new, and the wine list has both local and international drops. If you're staying at Hotel Morris, you'll have a short elevator ride from this lobby bar to your accommodation. 

Entertainment is the last stop on our Chinatown tour. If you’re visiting on a Friday, the night market on Dixon Street is a must-do as the whole area is packed with market stalls to explore. If you’re not around on Friday, here are our two top attractions in Chinatown.

Capitol Theatre, 13 Campbell Street

Hosting world class musicals, ballet, theatre and concerts, this heritage theatre is a worth a visit. Check what’s on at Capitol Theatre and get ready for a truly special evening.
 

Dynasty Karaoke, Level 1, 63 Dixon Street

There are so many karaoke bars to choose from in Chinatown, each with their own quirks, but Dynasty makes the list because it’s gaudy, shiny, over the top and good value. Sing the night away, and if you begin to get peckish their beef noodles are worth a try.

When the sun dips beneath the horizon, the pulsating heart of Sydney's Chinatown transforms into a vibrant night market. The Dixon Street Night Market, held every Friday evening, offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and gastronomic delight.

Brimming with colourful stalls, the market is a sensory feast of enticing aromas, radiant lanterns, and lively chatter. From traditional Chinese crafts to contemporary street fashion, the market’s eclectic array of offerings caters to the tastes of every visitor.

Foodies will relish the opportunity to sample authentic Asian street food, with a tantalising selection of cuisines from China, Malaysia, Thailand, and beyond. Whether you're indulging in steaming dumplings, savouring spicy satay or satisfying your sweet tooth with exotic desserts, the night market offers a culinary adventure like no other.

Ready to experience Chinatown Sydney for yourself? Whether you're travelling solo or with family or if you're after luxury or budget accommodation or something in between, you'll be sure to find Sydney accommodation to suit your travel plans. 

A few excellent Sydney accommodation options near Chinatown including Novotel Darling Square, Hotel Morris, Mercure Sydney, Mantra Sydney Central, and ibis World Square.