Even if you’re visiting Seattle on a time crunch, setting aside time to explore the Seattle Chinatown-International District is a must. We first stumbled on this fascinating neighborhood almost accidentally, spotting it on a map as we dug into Pioneer Square to the west.
As we walked through the district, home to all of Seattle’s major Asian-American communities, we found everything we expected: trendy sushi restaurants, noodle houses, dim-sum bars, and a smattering of quirky gift shops and Asian-style markets, like Uwajimaya. We spent time watching locals take shelter from the rain in the Taiwanese-style pavilion in Hing Hay Park, and explored the arts & culture of Asian-Pacific Americans in the Wing Luke Museum.
Need a primer for exploring Seattle’s most interesting international enclave? Explore Seattle Chinatown-International District with our complete neighborhood guide, including our recommendations for what to see & do, our favorite restaurants, cafes, and bars, and suggestions for where to stay!
What to see & do in Seattle Chinatown-International District
Wing Luke Museum of the Asian-Pacific American Experience
We can’t think of a better introduction to the Seattle Chinatown-International District than the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian-Pacific American Experience. Located on South King Street, one of the neighborhood’s main drags, the museum is the perfect place to learn more about the art, culture, and history of Asian-Pacific Americans.
Visiting the Wing Luke Museum, we were fascinated by the variety of exhibits that explore the role Asian cultures played in shaping and developing the Pacific Northwest. Meander through collections of over 18,000 artifacts, documents, books, and photographs, and listen to historical accounts at the oral history lab.
Hop onto a Historic Hotel Tour (included in the admission) to explore the museum’s home, the East Kong Yick Building. The historic building, dating back to 1910, once housed the Freeman Hotel, where countless Asian Pacific immigrants first found refuge. On the tour, hear stories of survival, struggle, and success, and how these communities shaped the district as we know it today.
Before departing, browse the museum gift shop for interesting books, art, accessories, and apparel.
Admission to the Wing Luke Museum is $17 for adults and $10 for children. It’s open from 10 am to 5 pm from Wednesday to Sunday.
Getting hungry? In between history lessons, duck out for a quick bite at Jufeng Noodle House (418 8th Ave S), located kitty-corner to the museum. Tuck into beef brisket wonton noodles, chicken chow mein, or sesame chicken to see what the fuss is all about.
PRO TIP: Admission to the Wing Luke Museum is an all-day pass, so you can leave and re-enter while exploring the neighborhood. (The museum intentionally doesn’t have a café, to encourage visitors to get out and experience the district’s vibrant food scene.)
Seattle Pinball Museum
You don’t have to be a pinball whiz to get a kick out of the Seattle Pinball Museum. When we need a break from the streets of the Seattle Chinatown-International District, this fun “museum” on Maynard Avenue is the perfect detour. Inside, we found more than 50 classic pinball machines and arcade games from 1960 to the present day.
With an unlimited all-day pass, smash the paddles and immerse yourself in ringing bells and flashing lights as you play through dozens of games. The machines included retro games we recognized from our local arcades in our younger days, like Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Ms. Pac-Man, The Addams Family, and Creature from the Black Lagoon. We also spotted plenty of newer machines inspired by other pop culture icons like Stranger Things, Lord of the Rings, and Avatar.
If all the gaming action at the Seattle Pinball Museum has got you drained, get a “1-up” by ordering a vintage soda, a local cider, or a craft beer from one of Seattle’s favorite craft breweries.
When you’re all done at the Seattle Pinball Museum, we recommend rounding the corner for a bite at Tai Tung Restaurant (655 S King St). Open for over 75 years, this landmark restaurant is famous for being a favorite dining destination for Bruce Lee.
While we can’t verify if it’s still as good as in Bruce’s Seattle days, grab his two favorite dishes—oyster beef and garlic shrimp—and see if it hits the mark!
Uwajimaya Seattle
Time to eat? There’s no better place in the Seattle Chinatown-International District to get mouthwatering Asian specialties than at the legendary Uwajimaya Seattle. From fish-shaped waffles to Dochi–crafted mochi donuts, this incredible food emporium has it all.
Established in 1928, Uwajimaya Seattle has been the city’s go-to spot for all types of Asian sweets, treats, and handmade delights. Grab a trolley and stroll around the 35,000-square-foot store and marvel at the offerings. Stock up on fresh fruit and veggies, grab some regional delicacies for a picnic, or get a hot snack to go.
If you’re feeling adventurous, we suggest heading to the Uwajimaya Food Hall, where over 10 food vendors showcase delicious dishes. Tuck into Roi Choi’s Kogi Korean BBQ Beef, hit the sushi counter for fresh sashimi, or sip Jardin Tea. (Our top tip: Arrive hungry!)
PRO TIP: Book lovers will find another hidden gem at Uwajimaya Seattle: Kinokuniya. We’ve shopped at this Japanese bookstore many times on our travels throughout Japan and Asia. And, like the others we’ve visited, this isn’t your ordinary American bookshop! Stock up on Japanese stationery, hard-to-find manga, graphic novels, and unique gifts.
Hing Hay Park
Test your martial arts skills or enjoy some gentle meditation at Hing Hay Park. Tucked between 6th Avenue and Maynard Avenue, the small park is a haven for the local community. Residents gather to practice Tai Chi or other martial arts. Flowering trees offer shady spots for quiet reflection and meditation, and local musicians serenade passersby during lunch.
Breaking from the bustle of the Seattle Chinatown-International District, we loved meandering around Hing Hay Park’s plaza dotted with café tables and benches, decorative staircases, and lighted Asian iconic figures.
Check out the artistic lantern designed and created by George Lee. The beautiful lantern projects the words ‘celebrate happiness’ in different languages.
Our favorite feature in Hing Hay Park is the ornate Grand Pavilion. Originally constructed in Taipei, the colorful Grand Pavilion stands on the east side of the park. Follow the locals’ cue and grab a seat to escape the sun or rain.
If you’ve got time, pack a picnic lunch and relax in Hing Hay Park before continuing on your Seattle Chinatown-International District itinerary.
Depending on when you’re visiting Seattle, also watch out for local festivals celebrated in Hing Hay Park, like the annual Lunar New Year and Summer Dragonfest celebrations.
After you’re done visiting the park, the surrounding blocks are a fantastic spot for a culinary adventure. Fill your belly with sweet French and Japanese treats from the CID location of Fuji Bakery (526 S King St #2834). Slink next door to gobble down Cantonese favorites like beef chow fun or seafood mala tang at A+ Hong Kong Kitchen (419 6th Ave S).
PRO TIP: Like many parks in Seattle, Hing Hay Park has attracted its fair share of homeless people in recent years. Although we haven’t had any negative encounters on our trips to Seattle, we would recommend staying vigilant in the area, particularly in the early morning hours or in the evening.
Kobe Terrace
After exploring the busy streets of the Seattle Chinatown-International District, enjoy a quiet moment at Kobe Terrace. Located at the eastern edge of South Main Street, this park covers a terraced hillside and offers lovely views of Seattle, set among groves of Mt. Fuji cherry trees and ground vines.
Wander along winding pathways and take in the views. Admire the 200-year-old Yukimidoro stone lantern, gifted to the city by Seattle’s sister city, Kobe, Japan. Translated to “View of the Snow,” Yukimidoro reminds us to look south on a clear day to spot the snow-capped peak of Mount Rainier.
Kobe Terrace is also home to the Danny Woo International District Community Garden, where community residents lovingly tend small plots of herbs, flowers, and veggies.
As much as we enjoy exploring Kobe Terrace, we should warn visitors that the park hasn’t been well-maintained in recent years. Like other parks in the city center, it’s also attracted its fair share of vagrants. Keep caution when visiting in the early morning and evening hours.
PRO TIP: Although we haven’t caught it, we’ve heard from locals that Kobe Terrace is a great place to marvel at cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom season in Seattle usually runs from late March to mid-April.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Although it’s not technically in the Seattle Chinatown-International District, no itinerary would be complete without digging into the city’s history at the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Located two blocks west of the area proper, this “park” occupies the former Cadillac Hotel, a three-story Victorian Italianate-style building dating back to 1889.
Visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park to browse two floors of self-guided exhibits that detail the stampeders’ journey to the Yukon and how this era brought new prosperity to Seattle. Watch one of the park’s feature films (Gold Fever: Race to the Klondike and Seattle: Gateway to the Gold Fields) to get a more visual interpretation of the events.
One of our favorite Seattle museums, the park also offers free ranger-led walking tours that connect the Gold Rush story to the Asian immigrant experience in Seattle, highlighting how many Chinese and Japanese workers contributed to the city’s growth during this era.
Traveling to Seattle with kids? They’ll love the chance to take on a series of interactive learning activities and earn a Junior Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park badge to bring home.
PRO TIP: At the park’s visitor center, ask for a copy of the Trail to Treasure map. After your visit, follow the map to take a self-guided walking tour through the Pioneer Square neighborhood, hitting up all the main historical attractions.
Where to eat & drink
Seattle Chinatown-International District is packed with fantastic places to eat and drink. From dumplings and dim-sum to noodles and nigiri, we found all sorts of delicious Asian fare and more on our adventures here.
Begin exploring the neighborhood with a strong Vietnamese coffee and a banh mi sandwich. Hello Em Việt Coffee & Roastery (1227 S Weller St) in the Little Saigon neighborhood offers a window into Seattle’s rich Vietnamese culture and history. If you want something extra sweet at this popular Seattle cafe, try the latte flavored with crème brulée. It’s simply divine!
For out-of-this-world dumplings, we recommend the Dough Zone Dumpling House (504 5th Ave S #109). This popular spot serves up delicious potstickers and dumplings with a variety of fillings, as well as yummy noodle dishes. Try the juicy xiao long bao soup dumplings or their modern pan-fried version, Q-bao. Their spicy Szechuan-style dan dan noodles are also a hit.
For a taste of Hong Kong, head to A+ Hong Kong Kitchen (419 6th Ave S), one of the top-rated spots in Seattle to get Hong Kong café eats. We love the beef mala tang, curry beef brisket noodle soup, and pork and black bean stone pot rice. Cool down with an epic mango smoothie with coconut milk and sago.
Take a culinary journey to Japan by grabbing a meal at Maneki Restaurant (304 6th Ave S). This Seattle mainstay is over a century old and serves Japanese classics from hand-rolled sushi to agedashi tofu. Be sure to try the signature dishes like the black cod collar miso while sipping sake.
Another great spot for sake and shochu cocktails is the family-run gastropub Itsumono (610 S Jackson St). Sip on Japanese-inspired cocktails like Sakura Lemonade or the Paper Crane, paired with Japanese fusion plates like tater tot okonomiyaki and tikka tonkatsu don.
PRO TIP: On your way in or out of Itusmono, slide into Nihonmachi Alley next door to check out the street art murals, displays, and memorial plaques for a mini history lesson on the district’s humble beginnings.
One of Seattle’s hidden gems, Gan Bei Eatery & Bar (670 S Weller St) is a favorite among folks in the Seattle restaurant industry. Those in the know flock to the cozy eatery for comforting rice clay pots, fried chicken, and Mongolian beef. Grab a drink like their epic coconut aperol margarita at the intimate bar and catch some local industry gossip.
For something simple, the aptly named Boiling Point (610 5th Ave S) serves steaming bowls of soup with some interesting options such as Korean Bean Paste and Spicy Fermented Tofu.
Where to stay
Although there’s plenty to see & do in the Seattle Chinatown-International District, it’s not one of the most popular areas to stay in Seattle. The accommodation selection in the neighborhood is minimal. If we wanted to stay close by, we’d prefer neighboring Pioneer Square, where there’s a better selection of higher-quality hotels. Here are a couple of options…
citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square
Ideally located on Pioneer Square, citizenM Seattle Pioneer Square is a comfortable hotel with standard air-conditioned rooms and private bathrooms. Tuck into a delicious buffet or vegetarian breakfast before heading out for the day. We enjoy the charming bar here, offering a quiet spot for a drink in the evening.
Courtyard Seattle Downtown / Pioneer Square
The Courtyard Seattle Downtown / Pioneer Square offers an upscale retreat in the heart of Seattle’s historic downtown area. We love unwinding in the stylishly decorated guest rooms with splendid views of the city. Take a dip in the beautiful indoor pool or squeeze in a workout at the gym to sweat out all that dim sum. After a day of sightseeing, relax over drinks and snacks at the hotel’s full-service bar. Pioneer Square Station is just one block away.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square
Set a couple of blocks over in the historic Pioneer Square district, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square is a sophisticated hotel a short walk from King Street Station. We dig the elegantly appointed guest rooms here, featuring deluxe décor and high-end amenities. Enjoy top-notch facilities like an indoor swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and a casual bar and restaurant.
Getting there
On foot
The Seattle Chinatown-International District is within walking distance of Pioneer Square and Downtown Seattle. From Occidental Square in Pioneer Square, it’s less than 15 minutes on foot to the center of the district.
From the Columbia Center in Downtown Seattle, it’s also about a 15-minute walk to the neighborhood.
By tram
The First Hill Line of the convenient Seattle Streetcar system runs through the heart of the district along South Jackson Street. From Broadway & E Howell St in the hip & trendy Capitol Hill neighborhood, it’s a 19-minute ride to the 7th & Jackson Chinatown stop.
By light rail
The neighborhood is served by the International District/Chinatown light rail station. The station connects directly to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in 33 minutes and to Westlake in downtown in just 5 minutes.
By bus
From areas further afield, buses might be the most convenient public transportation option. Route 1 connects Queen Anne (30 minutes), Uptown (20 minutes), Belltown (14 minutes), and Downtown (8 minutes) to the district.
By car
Our usual advice about driving in Seattle applies to this area: If you can avoid driving, do it. Although the traffic down here isn’t as bad as other areas in downtown, parking is (unsurprisingly) not always easy.
Street parking here can be limited, but the neighborhood offers validated parking at several garages when you shop or dine at participating businesses.
If you’re in a rush and trains or trams aren’t cutting it, ride-shares like Uber or Lyft are a good alternative to driving your own car.
Where to next
The natural next stop for a Seattle Chinatown-International District adventure is neighboring Pioneer Square. Check out the area’s namesake square along with Occidental Square, the cobblestoned heart of the district. Venture up to Smith Tower to enjoy some of the finest sunset views we’ve seen in the city from its hip Observatory Bar.
Take the short walk north into Downtown Seattle to see the city from way above at the Sky View Observatory at the Columbia Center. From there, venture east to Waterfront Park to soak up the city’s seaside charms.
Top it off with a visit to the bustling Pike Place Market, exploring its market stalls and shops. End the day with a meal and drinks overlooking Elliott Bay at one of the market’s many excellent restaurants and bars.
