Chinatown Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Chinatown which includes religious elements, interior views and a temple or place of worship
Chinatown
Chinatown
Chinatown
Photo provided by Singapore Tourism Board

The rich cultural history of Singapore's Chinese population is waiting to be discovered, along with some of the finest food in the city.

Since 1330, immigrants from China have made the area around Pagoda Street their first port of call on arrival in Singapore. Indeed, this neighbourhood was the first in the world to gain the name “Chinatown”. While Chinese people are Singapore's main ethnic group, this quarter represents the strongest expression of their identity. Tradition and history can be explored in the China Heritage Centre, in its many markets, and in the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. The interior of the temple is bedecked in opulent reds and golds, and Buddhist ceremonies take place regularly – you are welcome to stay and observe.A guided walking tour is an informative way to delve deeper into the background of the area, or if you prefer, you can follow the Chinatown tour yourself. The beginning point of the tour is the China Heritage Centre, offering a sense of what life was like in the city for early arrivals. The Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, and its design is a very pleasing example of the South Indian style. Other traditional architecture to be found here includes the emblematic Chinese shop-houses, which are still in use to this day.Smith Street, or 'Food Street' to the locals, is the best place in Chinatown to satisfy your hunger. Singapore Noodles have become world famous, and you can check out the real thing here. Bak kut (pork rib soup) is also a big favourite.Chinatown is found in the centre of the city, within easy walking distance of most other central attractions. Parking is available on nearby streets, as well as a range of public transportation, including taking the MRT train to 'Chinatown' station. The area is open daily, and is free to enter.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Chinatown Hotel Deals

Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre

Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre

4 out of 5
8 Club Street, Singapore
The price is AU$244 per night from 25 Oct to 26 Oct
AU$244
25 Oct - 26 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (989 reviews)
"Rooms are small, but modern, clean. Just enough if you are light on luggage. Hotel staff were always very helpful and hotel location is 100% perfect. I will definitely come back"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
Carlton City Hotel Singapore

Carlton City Hotel Singapore

5 out of 5
1 Gopeng Street, Singapore
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$272 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
AU$272
15 Nov - 16 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,677 reviews)
"Clean room"

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Carlton City Hotel Singapore
Mondrian Singapore Duxton

Mondrian Singapore Duxton

4 out of 5
16A DUXTON HILL, Singapore
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$382 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
AU$382
15 Nov - 16 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Singapore. Enjoy 4 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (351 reviews)
"The rooftop pool and bar is a great way to spend the afternoons. It could use more staff at busier times though. Perfect location although everything is close in Singapore. Would recommend."

Reviewed on 11 Oct 2025

Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore by Far East Hospitality

Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore by Far East Hospitality

4.5 out of 5
100 Peck Seah Street, Singapore
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$250 per night from 15 Nov to 16 Nov
AU$250
15 Nov - 16 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Super friendly accommodating staff"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore by Far East Hospitality
Carlton Hotel Singapore

Carlton Hotel Singapore

4.5 out of 5
76 Bras Basah Road, Singapore
The price is AU$278 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
AU$278
1 Nov - 2 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,960 reviews)
"Overall - excellent stay. Very nice staff (special thanks to Fara!); clean comfortable room, great location... Negative - quality of breakfast."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Carlton Hotel Singapore
Shangri-La Singapore

Shangri-La Singapore

5 out of 5
22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore
The price is AU$460 per night from 14 Nov to 15 Nov
AU$460
14 Nov - 15 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"The hotel was very comfortable, the staff were fantastic and the food is excellent. Highly recommend heading to the grill for a meal."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Shangri-La Singapore
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Chinatown

Chinatown featuring religious elements, a temple or place of worship and interior views

Outram

Travellers love Outram for its popular shops, and you can see more of Singapore by jumping on the metro at Chinatown Station or Telok Ayer Station. You might spend time checking out top sights like Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum and Chinatown Heritage Center.

Outram
Clarke Quay Mall which includes modern architecture, shopping and interior views

Downtown Singapore

4.5/5(443 area reviews)

Downtown Singapore is highly notable for its stunning river views, and you might want to visit top sights like Orchard Road and Clarke Quay Central. See more of Singapore by jumping on the metro at Clarke Quay Station or Chinatown Station.

Downtown Singapore
Boat Quay showing street scenes, a house and night scenes

Financial District Singapore

4.5/5(134 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and stunning river views are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by UOB Plaza or Boat Quay while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Raffles Place Station to get around town.

Financial District Singapore
Clarke Quay Mall showing modern architecture, night scenes and a city

Clarke Quay

Known for its ample dining options and beautiful river views, there's plenty to explore in Clarke Quay. You can visit top attractions like Clarke Quay Central and Clarke Quay Mall, and jump on the metro at Clarke Quay Station or Fort Canning MRT station to see more of the city.

Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay Mall showing modern architecture, night scenes and a city

Singapore River

3.5/5(7 area reviews)

UE Square and Robertson Walk are a few top attractions in Singapore River. Hop around the city on the metro at Fort Canning MRT station or Clarke Quay Station and check out the area's fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops.

Singapore River
Default Image

Downtown Core

While you're in Downtown Core, take in top sights like Marina Bay Sands Casino or Asian Civilisations Museum, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Raffles Place Station or Downtown Station.

Downtown Core


Chinatown Travel Guide

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