Nestled in the heart of Haymarket, between Central Station and Darling Harbour, Sydney’s Chinatown is the largest in Australia. Steeped in history and alive with colour, culture and culinary delights, this buzzing precinct has been a cultural anchor for generations of Chinese-Australians, and a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning a longer stay, Sydney’s Chinatown is an unforgettable slice of the city, one that captures the spirit of its past while embracing the energy of its future. Try authentic Cantonese dishes, sing your heart out at one of the famous karaoke lounges, visit one of the precinct’s lively markets or stop and see a show at a heritage-listed theatre.
Chinatown has recently been renovated and is now looking its best.
We’ve crafted the ultimate guide to experiencing Sydney’s Chinatown, from top breakfast spots and buzzing cocktail bars to the best places to stay and must-do activities.
The History of Chinatown
In the 1920s, Chinese migrants began settling in Haymarket following the relocation of a major wholesale fruit and vegetable market to Hay Street. This move created new economic opportunities, as the proximity to the markets allowed Chinese entrepreneurs to establish cook shops and lodging houses along Dixon Street, catering to suburban Chinese market growers who travelled to the city to sell their produce. This fostered a strong sense of mutual support and community, helping to cultivate a sense of belonging and cultural identity for the Chinese population in the area.
When the markets relocated to Flemington in 1968, the area experienced a decline as residents moved out to the suburbs. In an effort to restore the area’s former bustle and prosperity and to support multicultural policies within Sydney, the City of Sydney Council joined forces with the Dixon Street Chinese Committee. They decided to develop Chinatown into a tourist precinct and therefore attract more visitors to the area.
Tributes to Chinese culture and architecture were erected in the area, including traditional Chinese-style arched gates at both ends of Dixon Street, as well as red lanterns, Chinese-style pagodas and stone lions. Multiple properties along Dixon Street were converted to Chinese restaurants, supermarkets and souvenir shops.
Fast forward to 2025, Chinatown has transformed into a vibrant multicultural hub, thriving with a bustling hospitality and retail scene. It continues to be a must-visit destination for tourists exploring Sydney.
Top things to do in Chinatown
1. Chinatown Markets
Every Friday from 4pm to 11pm, Dixon Street lights up for its Friday Night Markets, one of Sydney’s most popular late-night shopping events. Located in Dixon Street Plaza, you’ll find an array of delicious Asian street food, clothing and homeware by local designers and more unique products. Visitors can savour a variety of bold and flavour-packed cuisines, all without leaving Haymarket. With over 50 stalls run by students, emerging designers and local artists of Asian heritage, the market offers a vibrant showcase of authetic, creative and culturally rich designs.
2. Chinatown Street Food and Stories Tour
Local Sauce Tours are known for their engaging, immersive and delicious tours, perfect for any foodie who wants to get a carefully selected overview of the best eats in the area. On this tour, youโll sample a range of street foods and snacks from some of Chinatownโs best restaurants, with a minimum of 4 food samples included. Each snack is designed to be enjoyed on the go, with each street food representing a different region of China. With the tour focusing on Sydney’s long connection with China, the contributions Chinese-Australians have made to the community, this tour is also a great option for those wanting to learn more about the history of Chinatown.
3. Watch a world-class production at the Capitol Theatre
The Capitol Theatre is arguably Sydney’s most iconic entertainment space, hosting a range of incredible musicals, opera performances, plays and premier ballets. The heritage-listed theatre seats over 2000 people, and just this year has put on favourite productions such as Romeo and Juliet, Kitty Flanagan, Annie and The Book of Mormon. The building itself began as a produce market in 1892, before being converted into a hippodrome designed for circus in 1916. Since 1927, the Capitol has been used as a picture palace or theatre, and is the perfect destination to see Australian talent on the stage.
4. Shop at Paddy’s Markets
Paddyโs Marketsโor Paddyโs as itโs knownโdates back to 1834, when the hay and grain traders’ space was established alongside the cattle market on Campbell Street. Since then, Paddyโs has grown to become one of Sydneyโs biggest markets, offering food, fashion, music, books, souvenirs and everything in between. Itโs a true market atmosphere, perfect for those who like to get amongst the action. If you’re feeling peckish, head to Hay St Markets and wander around Sydney’s biggest foodie market, which features 48 traders under one roof and is fully licensed.
5. Explore the Chinese Friendship Garden
The Chinese Friendship Group is a peaceful oasis tucked away in the heart of the city, nestled between Darling Quarter and Square. The 5th-century style Chinese garden design was modelled after ancient private gardens in China and features some Australian characteristics, mimicking the blend of cultures that is found in Haymarket. Take in the beauty of exotic plants and watch koi fish glide through the lake, all while soaking up the tranquil atmosphere of these serene gardens.
6. 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art
Although it’s currently closed for renovations, 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art is set to reopen in November 2025 โ and it’s well worth the visit. This independent, not-for-profit gallery is dedicated to commissioning, exhibiting and researching contemporary art by Asian-Australians. Founded to strengthen cultural ties between Australia and Asia, 4A showcases diverse perspectives on Asian-Australian identity and experience.
7. Darling Quarter
While Darling Quarter isn’t technically within Chinatown, it’s located just next door, nestled between Chinatown and the Darling Harbour waterfront. With its availability of alfresco dining and variety of restaurants, it’s a great place to grab a bite and reflect on your day of exploration. Opt for an Aperol Spritz and pizza at Vesta Italian, or authentic Japanese Izakaya at Ichoume. The mini-precinct also features community green spaces and boasts the largest playground in the Sydney CBD, making it the perfect spot for families to let energetic kids run free.
Where to eat
Brekkie and cafรฉs
Sydney is renowned for its incredible brekkie and brunch culture, and Chinatown is no exception to this.
BOON Cafรฉ, which operates within the Jarern Chai Asian grocer, takes beloved Thai classics and puts its own unique twist on them. Start your day with a Tony’s Estate coffee paired with a BOON omelette, served over rice and drizzled with jalapeรฑo siracha, or indulge in a pandan custard croissant. Alternatively, try one of their expertly made matcha, Goldilocks latte, or a Thai red tea. They even serve Vegemite toast, if you’re after an authentically Aussie brekky.
Chubby Cubby Cafรฉ makes some of the most aesthetically pleasing (and delicious) drinks and bites in Haymarket. The super cute cafรฉ was even a finalist in the best matcha and specialty drinks category in Good Food’s Essential Sydney Cafes and Bakeries of 2025. You’ve probably seen their coconut matcha foam drink floating about on social media, or perhaps their biscoff latte. For other aesthetic eats, head to The Brother’s Cafรฉ for the jiggliest and fluffiest soufflรฉ pancakes in Sydney.
If you’re a coffee fanatic, head to Bohรคus, a popular Sydney institution with locations in Alexandria, Coogee, Matraville, Woolloomooloo, and Haymarket. Their artisan coffees are said to be the best in the area, and they also serve a selection of fresh pastries, toasties and breakfast eats. This cafรฉ is takeaway only, so if you’re looking for an on-the-go bite, pop by their location on Cunningham Street.
Other standout coffee institutions in Haymarket are Edition Roasters, known for its signature silky Uji Matcha Latte and innovative brews, and Haven Coffee, an espresso bar with delicious, indulgent pastries and rich specialty coffee.
Lunch and casual dining
There are plenty of locations in Chinatown to grab a delicious lunch in a casual setting, as plenty of eateries offer up authentic dishes for unpretentious prices.
A cosy local gem, Chinese Noodle House is renowned for its Northern Chinese cuisine, especially its handmade noodles and dumplings, which are the stars of the menu. For home-cooked goodness, order the Braised Beef Soup Noodle or the Xinjiang Fried Noodles for their rich flavours and chewy texture. Chef Chen Dumplings also serves up irresistibly indulgent dumplings, with the pork and chive variety stealing the spotlight, as does Lee’s Dumplings, whose pork wonton soup is the ultimate bowl of comfort.
If you’re hungry and can’t wait a second longer, head to Shabuway, an all-you-can-eat, fully self-serve buffet spot that seats 120 people. With Japanese, Korean and Chinese influences informing the offerings, there’s a DIY bao bun station, a soft serve machine, plenty of hot and cold dishes, homemade soups and hot pot sessions available.
Khao Man Kai claims to serve “the best Thai chicken rice” in all of Sydney, and with plenty of cheap eats for under $20, we can’t complain. Their steamed chicken and rice set and Thai milk tea shaved ice is the perfect combo for something substantial and something sweet. For Malaysian food, try Mamak for their fluffy rotis paired with fragrant curry dips and spicy sambal sauce. The queue out of the door is very indicative of the authentic dishes and reasonable prices.
For those who love soft, cheesy toasties, look no further than Toastie Smith, who elevates this classic comfort sandwich with delicious ingredients. Try their mouthwatering “Shrimp in The Egg” toastie, which features fluffy scrambled egg, roasted sesame flavoured slaw,
and grilled prawns.
If you can’t settle on just one spot for lunch, explore the variety at Hay St Market in Paddy’s home to over 48 different stalls. Or check out the diverse options at Dixon Hotel FoodieVerse and the Market City Food Court, perfect for sampling a bit of everything.
Dinner and date night
Master Cow Hot Pot is famous for its Master Cow Beef Platter, featuring hand-cut beef displayed on a huge golden cow. With individual hot pots for each guest, you can cook your meat exactly the way you like it. If hot pot is your thing, the Dolar Shop is another spot worth visiting, with its array of thinly sliced meats, ready to be cooked to your preference, as well as fresh seafood, flavourful broths and lots of vegetarian options.
Porkfat brings authentic Bangkok dishes to Sydney, capturing the rich culture and flavours of the owners’ hometown, Saraburi. Featuring a constantly evolving menu of shareable family-style and street-style dishes, there’s always something new to discover, including a rotating lineup of standout specials. We’re big fans of their Pork Larb and staple Pad Thai.
Located in a beautiful heritage-listed brick building next to the Capitol Theatre, Ennui offers refined modern French-inspired cuisine. The two-storey restaurant does all the classics right: a delectable steak frites, garlicky, buttery escargot and a smooth chicken liver parfait. The standout dish, however, is the tender Duck ENNUI, with a mushroom and bone sauce.
Cantonese cuisine is the focus at The Eight, with a menu that features time-honoured recipes and local favourite dishes. Their dim sum is made with fresh and seasonal ingredients and features everything from pork dumplings to special beef intestine. XOPP also offers a Cantonese-focused menu, with their wok-fried pippes and XO sauce being a firm favourite among diners.
Royal Palace Seafood Restaurant has the capacity to host a whopping 600 guests over its three levels. Featuring a live seafood tank, its extensive menu includes a signature braised whole abalone, sea cucumber and scallions and even shark’s fine soup.
Bars and Drinks
Cocktail and whisky-focused bar Banchล is a favourite for whisky lovers in Chinatown, known for its large selection of Japanese and Scotch offerings, which includes rare and independent bottlings. Known as Chinatown’s only small bar, the chic space is tucked away on Thomas Lane and is well worth the visit.
For live music, head to Seri Bar and enjoy classic cocktails and cold Thai beers as you dance to the live singers and bands. If you fancy a Guinness, head to Scruffy Murphy’s, a classic Irish pub with four bars, a steady stream of live music and DJs, as well as plenty of live sport. If you’re a backpacker on a budget, dance the night away at Side Bar, which is attached to the Wake Up! Central hostel.
Another laidback bar is Charlie Chan’s, which offers crafted cocktails in a high-energy setting and authentic Thai dishes to go with them. The Covent Garden Hotel is just around the corner, and also serves reasonably priced drinks as well as live music and karaoke.
A night out in Chinatown should include a tone deaf evening of karaoke, with Dynasty Karaoke leading the charge. The sprawling venue has 13 private VIP rooms equipped with state-of-the-art touchscreen karaoke and audio/visual systems, and an open lounge area accommodating more than 100 people. Order from an expansive menu which features dim sum and snacks, as well as a wide selection of fine wine, whisky, champagne and cocktails. Maze Karaoke is also open seven days a week until 4am, offering a massive selection of songs to choose from and a delicious menu that even features cup noodles.
Sweet treats
You can’t call it a day without treating yourself to dessert, and Chinatown is bursting with exciting dessert options to satisfy every craving. Boutique Dessert House Sweet Lu has the most adorable array of decorated cakes, including a Jelly Matcha Yuzu Cake and a Decadent Matcha Basque Cheesecake. Speaking of cheesecake, Uncle Tetsu’s is just a short walk from the Chinatown light rail, and is known for its fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake.
Thai Dessert Bar Homm Dessert is famous in Sydney and Melbourne for its Thai milk tea “Avalanche” bingsu, a show-stopping treat where, once the plastic wrap is lifted, the toppings cascade dramatically down the sides. New dessert haven Fluff’d just opened up on Sussex Street, causing waves with its soufflรฉ sandwich range (think pillowy sweet bread filled with cream and sweet fruits).
Another must-visit dessert spot is MokoMoko Patisserie, celebrated for its irresistible mochi cakes and the viral sensation: its brรปlรฉe puff. Dragon Pastry offers meticulously crafted and freshly-made Chinese pastries, both sweet and savoury, including innovative flavours such as a Jacaranda Coconut pastry and Black Sesame pastry.
Where to stay
A stay in Chinatown is ideal for those who want to be surrounded by local eats and enjoy easy access to public transport, making it a convenient base for exploring the whole city.
Theatre lovers will feel right at home at The Capitol Hotel, perfectly located next to Sydney’s iconic Capitol Theatre. With 95 showstopping rooms, this stylish four-star hotel boasts an in-house eatery and self-check-in kiosks.
Another option is Meriton Suites, which sits conveniently on the corner of Campbell Street and George Street, making it a short walk to the Chinatown Light Rail, Central Station and all of Haymarket’s best eateries. The Great Southern Hotel is also close to Central Station, and combines the old charm of the heritage-listed building with modern conveniences and a spot in one of Sydney’s most vibrant entertainment districts.
For backpackers, Wake Up! Sydney is a popular choice, offering budget accommodation with shared rooms as well as a whole host of social activities, including a free Wine and Cheese night. If you’re a backpacker (but still a bit boujie), you can opt for a private room. There’s also the YHA Sydney Central just down the street, a bit smaller than Wake Up!, but it shares the same great location opposite Central Station and also has affordable nightly rates.
Where boutique charm meets Italian flair, Hotel Morris blends heritage and modernity seamlessly. This heritage-listed gem honours its storied past while embracing contemporary elegance. It also features an intimate Italian wine bar offering a curated pre-theatre menu, perfect for a relaxed drink before heading out to explore the city.
How to get to Chinatown
Several bus routes, including the 100, 324, 325, 343 and 396, pass near Chinatown, making it easy to reach by public transport.
You can also take the train or the metro to Central Station, just a short walk from the heart of Chinatown, or hop on the Light Rail from Circular Quay or Randwick directly to the precinct.
From Sydney Airport, the fastest route is to take the T8 train to Central Station.
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