Have You Been To Toronto’s Chinatown Yet?
If you haven’t visited Toronto’s Chinatown yet, you are missing some serious fun and culture.
Toronto Chinatown offers an enticing and colourful experience to its visitors. As you immerse into this multicultural and unique commercial district, you’ll find yourself in an unforgettable experience that will enhance and excite all your senses.
How Old Is Chinatown?
Want to experience Asia without leaving Toronto? Then, Toronto Chinatown is waiting for you.
This energetic district along Spadina Avenue not only offers Chinese culture and heritage, but has Japanese, Korean, and various Asian cuisines and fashion options as well.
Toronto Chinatown is one of the oldest districts in Toronto, and was established in 1878. Thereafter, it grew into one of the most colourful and festive districts in the city.
10 Reasons You Should Spend A Day In Chinatown ASAP
Toronto Chinatown is bustling with very dynamic food choices, affordable but high-quality shops, and ample fresh produce. For this reason, many people are attracted to visit and spend days in this part of the town. Whether you’re a visiting tourist or a local doing your weekly shopping.
1) Eat Delicious Food
As noted above, again and again, Toronto Chinatown comes through with a wide array of Asian cuisines. On every street and corner, you’ll find stalls and restaurants featuring Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, and other appetizing food choices.
One day will not be enough for you to complete your food journey in Toronto Chinatown. And you’ll always be coming for more… that’s for sure!
2) Stop By Sonic Boom
Not everyone can appreciate the feel of the old ways of playing music, but for those who do, this part of town is a must-visit for you.
Sonic Boom in Toronto Chinatown features a wide selection of new and old vinyls of all genres. Additionally, they also have CDs and DVDs of old and new music releases.
If you enjoy music and records, it’ll be such a fine treat for you to spend your day flipping through their wide selection all day long.
3) Follow The Dumpling Crawl
It isn’t Chinese if there are no dumplings. Yes, that sounds about right!
Because of this, the Dumpling Crawl is a must-experience for you. During these 2 – 3 hours of dumpling-immersive food tours, you’ll be going and eating through dumplings galore. In addition to that, there will also be hand-pulled noodles and Asian desserts to enjoy. Work your way through Asian legend, all around Chinatown, and then come back to your starting point.
This will be a dumpling experience you’ll never forget!
4) Do Some Shopping
Food and fashion are Toronto Chinatown’s popular attractions. In fact, people crowd into this district for the night markets. The shops display affordable yet fashionable and quality clothing, all year round.
You can find a wide selection of fashionable clothing and accessories in this area of the town. Shop from vintage to modern style fashion. Because of this, be sure to prepare your shopping money when you stroll around this eclectic fashion district.
5) Sing Karaoke Like A Star
One of the most popular Asian pastimes is singing karaoke. You’ve probably heard of that, right?
Therefore, it’s not surprising to know that Toronto Chinatown has a lot of karaoke spots all around the district. When you feel like relieving your stress by singing your heart out, come and invite your friends to Toronto Chinatown. Their karaoke scene is second to none!
You can also buy drinks and foods inside the karaoke rooms, for a whole lotta fun!
6) Visit A Festival
The Asian cultures are filled with festive, cultured people and it definitely shows here in Toronto Chinatown.
All year round, there are different cultural festivities celebrated all around town. When you’re visiting during one of these days, you’re in for a treat. Most of the shops, restaurants, and food stalls in the area are all-in for the celebration.
7) Grab Some Fresh Produce & Food For Dinner Tonight
Another reason to visit Toronto Chinatown is its wide selection of fresh and affordable produce.
If you’re near the area, and you’re scheduling your next visit to the market to buy your veggies and fruits, definitely check out this place. Once you experience buying produce here, you may not want to do it elsewhere.
8) Appreciate The Local Street Art
Aside from shopping, dining, and filling yourself up with delicious treats, you can also spend your time strolling around the streets of Toronto Chinatown.
There you will find creative, colorful, and unique street art by local artists. You can also take photos with them as the backdrop for your Instagram or other social media platforms!
9) Catch An Art Gallery
Now if the street arts are not enough to take your breath away, here’s something more to satisfy your artistic thirst.
Inside Toronto Chinatown are museums and art galleries that feature local and international art pieces that you can feast your eyes on. In addition to that, there are also art displays indoors and outdoors during festival seasons.
10) Take A Stroll & Enjoy The Seasons
You don’t have to spend too much money when you visit Toronto Chinatown. If you feel like it, you can stroll around Chinatown, enjoy the dynamic view, the busy streets, and the sights of people happily strolling around and taking in the experience.
No matter what your purpose is, this gorgeous Asian district is worthy of a visit, any season of the year. Enjoy!
Related: Craving for your next Asian food experience? Check out the best pho restaurants in Toronto.
