If you’re wondering which area to explore next, look no further than the bustling neighborhood that makes up New York City’s Chinatown. Just a 20 minute walk from Washington Square Park, there is no excuse not to visit this destination. The journey to Chinatown can also be an opportunity to better learn the intricacies of the city.

Although you would not want to spoil your appetite before you arrive in Chinatown, walking down Mercer Street gives you the option to either pick up a cupcake from the famous Georgetown Cupcakes or swing by Cafe Angelique, on the corner of Prince Street. If anything, grabbing a quick espresso may be necessary for someone who wants to see all that Chinatown has to offer.

One of the main thoroughfares in Chinatown is Canal Street. Vendors and New York City themed gift shops crowd the streets and provide a hectic background to the many people who hustle down Canal Street. If you need to pick up a souvenir for a friend or family member back home, this is the place to do it. Snarky T-shirts and Statue of Liberty keychains lie in organized chaos, and salespeople are quick to offer lower prices if you seem interested in their wares.

Canal Street is also known for its many jewelry stores. Glass windows boast collections of gold jewelry, earrings, necklaces, rings and chains. Although most stores share the same products, Popular Jewelry, located at 255B Canal St., has the added allure of popular musicians as clients. Starting with Wu-Tang member Cappadonna in 1989, the store has created pieces for A$AP Rocky, Travis Scott and Joey Badass, among many others.

After the long walk down Canal Street, you will be happy to stumble upon Chinatown’s limitless eating options. Mott Street, which was the neighborhood center when Chinatown was first settled by migrant miners, is heavily populated with eateries, including The Buddha Bodai, a vegan and kosher Chinese restaurant. For a lighter meal, New Golden Fung Wong Bakery is among the many that sell moon cakes, sweet buns and other sweet treats. If dim sum is your thing, Dim Sum Go Go, located on 5 E. Broadway, is the place to go. At this Zagat-rated and fairly inexpensive joint (three orders of three dumplings each came out to $14), you are given a kettle of hot tea to go with your meal.

After eating, and perhaps heading to Coco’s for Bubble Tea, you can visit the multiple landmarks that contrast the consumer-driven aspect of Chinatown. Mahayana Buddhist Temple, on 133 Canal St.., is open to visitors. At 12 Eldridge St., a historic synagogue-turned-museum can give you an idea of what Chinatown used to be — made up of Eastern European Jews at a time of mass immigration to the U.S.

Don’t forget to check out Columbus Park, where residents play card games over chess tables, and groups of musicians play traditional Chinese instruments.

While you can’t possibly do all you’d like to in one day in Chinatown, consider taking a part of it with you. Mulberry Street is home to markets and convenience stores that sell groceries like Pocky, a variety of mochi and Chinese and Japanese candies. Back on Mott Street, Yunhong Chopsticks shop sells beautifully designed chopsticks ranging from single digit prices to hundreds.

If you decide to walk down Broadway, you can get your shopping done at popular stores like H&M, Uniqlo, Necessary Clothing and Steve Madden. Choosing Mercer Street will lead you past upscale retail shops like Balenciaga and A.P.C.

From its places to shop to its variety of good food and diverse cultures, a trip to Chinatown will certainly not disappoint.

Email Naomi Lichter at [email protected].