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

Carlton City Hotel Singapore
Carlton City Hotel Singapore
5 out of 5
1 Gopeng Street, Singapore
The price is AU$295 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$295
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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! (1,509 reviews)
"Great Hotel. Great location. Great Service."

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Carlton City Hotel Singapore
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
4 out of 5
8 Club Street, Singapore
The price is AU$277 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
AU$277
12 Aug - 13 Aug
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! (860 reviews)
Great hotel, Nice room, Awesome pool!
"I loved it here! The rooms were small- but just enough. They were comfortable and efficient. The pool on the 2nd floor had an awesome view of the city, and the hotel was centrally located with a lot going on around it. I would totally recommend this hotel and stay here again if I am ever back in ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
4 out of 5
16A DUXTON HILL, Singapore
The price is AU$381 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
AU$381
12 Aug - 13 Aug
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! (312 reviews)
Kid free friends getaway
"Girls trip away from the kids. Choose this hotel for its location, pool and feeling it would have few kids. Great location in Chinatown with no shortage of restaurants and cafes. Newly renovated but rooms are small. Hotel breakfast is your standard hotel buffet, only did it once. Great rooftop pool ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jun. 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
The price is AU$285 per night from 20 July to 21 July
AU$285
20 July - 21 July
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Stayed 3 nights in June 2025 as a couple. Location of hotel is good for accessing Marina Bay Sands/Gardens by the Bay and is walking distance to some nice hawker markets. Hotel was in nice but is more dated than the photos made it out to be."

Reviewed on 4 Jul. 2025

Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore by Far East Hospitality
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$343 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
AU$343
5 Aug - 6 Aug
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 pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,179 reviews)
"The property is modern, efficient and convenient to the MRT and Clarke Quay. Service at the hotel is exemplary."

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay
YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road
YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road
4 out of 5
366 Orchard Road, Singapore
The price is AU$263 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
AU$263
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,525 reviews)
"Excellent location and property! All positives for this hotel - an ideal choice for family or business."

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road
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 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 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
Default Image

Tanjong Pagar

While you're in Tanjong Pagar, take in top sights like Shenton Way and jump on the metro at Tanjong Pagar Station to see more of the city.

Tanjong Pagar
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


Chinatown Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: