Chinatown (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Chinatown?
What makes it 80% Couple-Friendly: Illuminated gates, shareable desserts and hidden cocktail bars give a romantic vibe, yet outdoor seating for quiet conversation is limited on busy evenings.
Positives:
- Lantern ambiance: The overhead lanterns create a cozy, intimate setting after dark.
- Food variety: Over 70 restaurants let you share dishes across Chinese, Japanese and Szechuan cuisines.
Challenges:
- Crowded streets: Gerrard Street can be very busy on weekend evenings, making it hard to move quickly.
- Hidden entry: Some bars have secret doors and require a reservation or code to enter.
What is Chinatown?
- An urban enclave in London’s West End centred on Gerrard Street and nearby thoroughfares
- A cluster of Chinese-run restaurants, bakeries, shops and cultural organisations
- Marked by its traditional paifang gates, vibrant lantern displays and pan-Asian architectural accents
What is so special about Chinatown for couple trip?
- Stroll under glowing lanterns for a romantic evening.
- Share a 30-layer mille crêpe cake at a cozy café.
- Enjoy craft cocktails and dim sum in a hidden bar.
- Discover Chinatown’s history on a guided walking tour.
- Taste authentic dishes from over 70 eateries.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can stroll, grab dessert and a drink without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Chinatown
Romantic lantern walk:
Stroll under red lanterns hung between the ornate gates on Wardour and Gerrard Streets.
Tip: Visit after dusk for the best glow and fewer crowds on weekdays.
Mille crêpe cake date:
Share a 30-layer Japanese mille crêpe at Sakurado on Shaftesbury Avenue.
Tip: Arrive mid-afternoon to beat the evening rush and secure a window seat.
Speakeasy cocktails & dim sum:
Enter the hidden Experimental Cocktail Club for craft drinks paired with small dim sum plates.
Tip: Reserve online in advance and look for the unmarked door on Gerrard Street.
Community-led walking tour:
Join the Chinatown Stories tour to uncover local history and secret spots.
Tip: Book ahead online; tours start near Gerrard Street and last about 90 minutes.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Chinatown
- Visit midweek: Weekday evenings offer fewer crowds and faster service in restaurants.
- Reserve in advance: Book tables and tour spots online to guarantee your plans.
When is the best time to visit Chinatown (London, United Kingdom)?
Chinese New Year (mid-Jan to Feb) features free lion dances, pop-up craft stalls and lantern displays.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 30-layer crepe cake | GBP 6 |
| Two speakeasy cocktails | GBP 24 |
| Dim sum plates | GBP 10 |
| Walking tour for two | GBP 54 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 94 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Chinatown
Address: Chinatown, London W1D 5QA, UK
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Chinatown (London)?
About Chinatown
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip
🇺🇸 United States, couple trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities