New York City: Chinatown

No vacation to New York City is complete without an excursion to Chinatown (the largest in the U.S. and one of Manhattan's oldest neighborhoods). Chinese immigrants first began settling in Manhattan in the 1870s, and since then, Chinatown has become a historical and cultural phenomenon.

The streets of Chinatown overflow with unique stores, restaurants, bakeries and street vendors. Mott Street and Canal Street form the thriving center of Chinatown. These busy streets are home to the Eastern States Buddhist Temple of America, the Church of the Transfiguration (historically, one of the oldest churches in Manhattan), the Chinese Community Center and a number of jewelry and discount stores. Mott Street's martial arts superstore, Bok Lei Po Trading, is another point of interest.

Some of the best farmer's markets and Asian groceries line Grand Street and Mott Street. As you wander through Chinatown, you'll find carts with fresh vegetables and fish and seafood on ice. The "Zabar's of Chinatown," Deluxe Food Market, has entrances on Elizabeth Street and Mott Street.

Doyers Street has an unusual feature - a sharp 90-degree turn. According to popular folklore, the merchants did this intentionally to keep the "straight-flying ghosts" from coming near their shops. Doyers Street is home to many teahouses, barbershops, a post office and one of Chinatown's original dim sum restaurants. Conveniently located right between Pell Street and Chatham Square, Doyers Street has many cute boutiques and charming restaurants.

For a delicious taste of the Vietnamese community, you should head over to Baxter Street between Canal and Bayard. Numerous Vietnamese sub shops and noodle houses line the row, plus you can get sweet treats at one of the numerous bakeries, include Dragon Land Bakery.

East Broadway is where most of Chinatown's newest immigrants live, including the Fujianese. If you're looking for a bargain, this is where to find it. Small Chinese barbecues, street markets, bakeries and dim sum restaurants all offer amazing food for a fraction of the cost of your average Manhattan meal. Chatham Square houses the landmark Kim Lau Memorial Arch, a tribute built in 1962 to honor Chinese Americans who died in the Second World War.

Chinatown has hundred of unique restaurants to entice an adventurous visitor. Get a taste of Malaysian and Thai cuisines, as well. For a real treat, try some of the modern Asian-fusion restaurants. Vegetarians can also find plenty to eat in Chinatown.

For shopping, Chinatown is an incredible experience. Just keep in mind that many stores only accept cash. You may even have the chance to barter with a street vendor! Unique finds in Asian art, antiques and jewelry make Chinatown one of Manhattan's best shopping districts.

Chinatown has plenty to offer in terms of culture and entertainment, from the Museum of Chinese in the Americas to hip nightspots. You can see authentic Chinese music and dance performances at H.T. Chen and Dancers or you can sing karaoke into the wee hours of the night at one of many bars and lounges.

Next time you visit New York City, plan to spend some time wandering the busy streets of Chinatown. You'll be guaranteed an experience like no other.