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$227 per night from 5 May to 6 May
AU$227
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
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! (724 reviews)
"The hotel has a beautiful and large swimming pool. Our room was very nice as was the shower/bathroom. It was very near Chinatown and close enough to walk to the Marina Bay Sands overlok and the beautiful gardens there."

Reviewed on 19 Apr. 2025

Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
Carlton City Hotel Singapore
Carlton City Hotel Singapore
5 out of 5
1 Gopeng Street, Singapore
The price is AU$268 per night from 10 May to 11 May
AU$268
includes taxes & fees
10 May - 11 May
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! (1,363 reviews)
"A great hotel for convenient access to both the business district and the older part of Singapore. Very easy check in and check out, with friendly reception staff. Very good breakfast selection with a variety of foods from different cuisines."

Reviewed on 17 Apr. 2025

Carlton City Hotel Singapore
Carlton Hotel Singapore
Carlton Hotel Singapore
4.5 out of 5
76 Bras Basah Road, Singapore
The price is AU$281 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$281
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
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! (1,557 reviews)
"Room was spacious and modern. Very clean. Friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 18 Apr. 2025

Carlton Hotel Singapore
YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport
YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport
3.5 out of 5
78 Airport Boulevard, Changi, #04-280, Singapore
The price is AU$232 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
AU$232
includes taxes & fees
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,012 reviews)
"Nothing to say"

Reviewed on 17 Apr. 2025

YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport by IHG
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport by IHG
5 out of 5
75 Airport Boulevard, Singapore
The price is AU$373 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
AU$373
includes taxes & fees
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,972 reviews)
"Perfect for overnight stay in CHANGI . The rooms are spacious and very clean."

Reviewed on 20 Apr. 2025

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport by IHG
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay
4.5 out of 5
Merchant Road, 20, Singapore, SIN
The price is AU$356 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
AU$356
includes taxes & fees
25 Apr - 26 Apr
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 pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,076 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 16 Apr. 2025

Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay
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 showing interior views, religious elements and a temple or place of worship

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 Sri Mariamman Temple.

Outram
Clarke Quay Mall showing shopping, interior views and modern architecture

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 which includes a house, street scenes 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 Boat Quay or China Square Central while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Raffles Place Station to get around town.

Financial District Singapore
Clarke Quay Mall which includes a city, a bridge and a river or creek

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 which includes a city, a bridge and a river or creek

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

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: