Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters in Chinatown
Top Things to Do in New York City for Skaters in Chinatown
1. LES Coleman Skatepark
Under the Manhattan Bridge at Pike Street, this concrete plaza is Chinatown’s go-to skatepark with marble ledges, hubbas, banks, rails, and shade from the bridge above. It’s where locals warm up, film lines, and link a session with nearby food runs.
✓ Why Go:
Iconic street-style obstacles in a photogenic setting, constant energy, and a reliable meet-up point a few blocks from Canal Street.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning or late afternoon on weekdays for lighter crowds; summer evenings stay cooler under the bridge.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring skate wax—many ledges slide best when freshly prepped—and stash a small hand broom for gravel that drifts in from Pike Street.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters praise its scene, flowy lines, and pro sightings; beginners appreciate the mix of obstacle sizes and welcoming vibe.
2. Brooklyn Banks
The legendary brick banks beneath the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge remain a pilgrimage spot, with photogenic textures, stair sets, and classic lines tied to skate history.
✓ Why Go:
To roll where generations of edits were filmed and feel the city’s skate DNA a short push from Chinatown.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings on weekends or midday weekdays; avoid wet days as the bricks can stay slick.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring sturdy wheels (52–54mm) for brick texture and keep an eye on posted hours or temporary closures around bridge work.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it a bucket-list NYC session—nostalgic, gritty, and uniquely Manhattan.
3. Manhattan Bridge Walkway Push
Cruise the pedestrian path from Bowery and Canal for skyline views, train rattle ambiance, and a smooth push over the East River—perfect cool-down after a park session.
✓ Why Go:
Big views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan with a steady, skateable grade and iconic photos at the arch and colonnade.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning before 11am for shade and fewer pedestrians; golden hour for film-worthy light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pedestrians use the south side; bikes the north—keep speed in check, and carry your board through crowded pinch points near the arch.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters love the cinematic views and the sense of crossing the city under their own power.
4. Labor Skate Shop
Chinatown’s core skate shop stocks decks, trucks, wheels, shoes, and hardgoods—and doubles as a community hub where sessions start and end.
✓ Why Go:
Expert advice, local brand drops, and quick fixes before you hit the park or street spots nearby.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday to late afternoon; weekends for meeting locals and catching product drops.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask about spare hardware and shop tees; staff often know which Chinatown ledges are running best that week.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Traveling skaters highlight the friendly crew and dialed curation; a must-stop for parts and culture.
5. Columbus Park
A lively neighborhood park off Mulberry Street with smooth open areas, courts, and constant Chinatown life—good for flatground practice and people-watching between spots.
✓ Why Go:
Session flat, stretch out, and soak up community rhythms—mah-jongg clacks, music, and pick-up games.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning weekdays for space; weekend afternoons if you want full neighborhood energy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Keep speed low and be respectful—this is a shared community space; save grinds for designated spots.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the authentic Chinatown vibe and mellow flat areas for warm-ups.
6. Kimlau Square
At historic Chatham Square, the Kimlau Memorial Arch anchors a small plaza that’s a common skater meet point and photo stop at the nexus of Chinatown.
✓ Why Go:
Central location with cultural landmarks—great for regrouping and planning the next line.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Daytime for easy navigation; evenings for illuminated arch photos.
✓ Insider Tip:
Treat the memorial space with care—no grinds on monuments; use it as a respectful pause between sessions.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters appreciate the centrality and cultural context—a quick, meaningful stop.
7. Pier
A waterfront perch just east of Chinatown with swings, terraces, and smooth paths—ideal for cruising, stretching, and sunset cooldowns after a long skate day.
✓ Why Go:
Relaxed riverside atmosphere with bridge-and-skyline vistas minutes from Pike Street.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset for colors and breeze; mornings for quiet and space to roll.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pack a light layer—wind can pick up off the East River; soft wheels feel great on the esplanade.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised as an unexpected, serene cap to a gritty Chinatown skate circuit.
8. Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles
Refuel on knife-cut and hand-pulled noodles a few steps off the curved alley of Doyers Street—fast, filling carbs between sessions.
✓ Why Go:
Affordable, hearty bowls and stir-fries that keep energy up without derailing skate time.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late lunch or early dinner to dodge peak lines; takeout travels well back to the park.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order dry hand-pulled noodles with chili oil for travel-friendly eats; bring cash as backup.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Skaters rave about portion-to-price and quick turnaround near all the spots.
9. Nom Wah Tea Parlor
A century-old dim sum standby on Doyers with vintage charm—perfect for a sit-down regroup with dumplings, buns, and tea.
✓ Why Go:
Classic Chinatown flavors and history in an easy-to-share format for crews.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays late afternoon; weekend waits can be long—put your name in and explore the alley.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a mix of steamed and fried dim sum to share; keep boards stacked by the table to avoid blocking service paths.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for its heritage feel and consistent plates—skaters call it a Chinatown essential.
10. Wo Hop
Basement-level Mott Street institution serving late-hour Cantonese-American comfort—ideal for the post-session feast.
✓ Why Go:
Big portions, quick service, and the kind of neon-lit nostalgia that caps an NYC skate day perfectly.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late night after sessions; expect a line that moves fast.
✓ Insider Tip:
Cash is handy; split plates like lo mein and egg rolls for affordable crew eats.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fans celebrate the unpretentious vibe, dependable classics, and skater-friendly hours.
