The Best Things To See and Do in Chinatown, Sydney

Among one of the largest hotpot restaurants in Australia, Spice World always manages to draw a crowd, thanks to its futuristic interior and memorable quirks. Keep an eye out for the roaming robo-waiters, offering fruit and mints to guests who need relief from the spicy soups. “This type of restaurant is known as a Wang Hong Dian which means ‘hot internet place,’’ says Lyons.“People like to come not only for the food but for the atmosphere and little quirky details. It’s something to put on your social media”. The fun doesn’t end there; another showstopper is the kooky wagyu-gowned meat Barbie (think Lady Gaga’s iconic meat dress) served alongside simmering hot pots. Spice World is great for a laugh and a hearty meal; everyone should experience this place at least once.

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, Paddy’s Markets is ideal for an afternoon browse or budget shopping spree. There are over a thousand stalls selling fashion, jewellery and toys, as well as gifts, gadgets, cosmetics and plenty more. It’s also a popular spot for finding fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood at lower than usual prices. Check out Paddy’s traders directory to see what they have in store.

Sydney’s stunning Capital Theatre on the edge of Darling Harbour hosts an array of world-class musicals, plays, ballets and concert performances. It’s the perfect destination for an elegant night out, with its lavish interior design, magnificent bars and multifaceted artistic programs. While the Capitol Theatre showcases acts from all over the world, it’s known for highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Asia, with shows including The Happiest Refugee by Ahn Do and displays from performing arts company Shen Yun. Check the schedule for the full list of offerings.

Open until 4am daily, this popular restaurant has been drawing in Sydneysiders for more than 30 years. Famous for the glass tanks of live lobster, fish and crab that line the window, this Cantonese restaurant is one of the busiest in Chinatown. Classic dishes include the pipis in XO sauce, salt and pepper squid and mud crab with shallots and ginger. “One of the things that I love about coming to Chinatown is you get the amazing Chinese food and authentic flavours but with Australian ingredients,” says Lyons. To match the enormous food menu, there’s an even bigger wine list. All the dishes can be customised too, which is great for picky eaters.

For an eclectic mix of retail brands and factory outlets, look no further than Chinatown’s Market City. The multi-level shopping centre showcases some of the best in Asian trends and emerging designers as well as familiar brands like Dotti, Forcast, Seduce and Esprit. The discount shopping centre is open from 10am to 7pm daily (and to 8pm on Thursday) with 24/7 accessible parking.

Friday night’s market is when Chinatown really comes alive. Starting from 4pm visitors can lose hours browsing the hundreds of stalls selling snacks, knick knacks and to-die-for desserts. The free event can become quite busy, but the intense hustle and bustle really adds to the experience.

Close to 11 metres (36 feet) high, the Golden Water Mouth sculpture stands proudly on the corner of Hay Street and Sussex Street. Made of a eucalyptus tree trunk and dripping in gold, the artwork trickles a continuous stream of water from its high mouth onto its base set in the pavement. Created by Chinese artist Lin Li and installed in 1999, the work is a symbol of good luck and fortune as well as harmony between urban and natural environments.

This cute-as-a-button stationery shop doesn’t stop at pens and paper. Its windows are filled with oversized stuffed animals and characterful goods to satisfy any and every childhood dream. Here, you’ll find all the best in Hello Kitty paraphernalia; there’s also Pikachu lunch boxes and key rings, cute socks and novelty phone cases in a rainbow of pastel shades. Once you’ve taken a look around, stop at the photo booth at the back of the shop where you can get a glittery snap.