Chinatown Travel Guide

Discover the rich cultural heritage and vibrant food scene of Chinatown in Singapore with our complete tour guide, including a list of places to visit, best things to do, hiking and biking routes, recommended accommodations, local customs, and more.


Introduction to Chinatown

Chinatown is one of the most vibrant and iconic neighborhoods in Singapore, known for its rich cultural heritage and mouth-watering food scene. Located in the heart of the city, Chinatown is a bustling hub of activity, with colorful streets lined with shops selling traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional Chinese medicine.

List of Places to Visit in Chinatown

If you’re planning a trip to Chinatown, here are some of the must-visit attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum: Home to a stunning collection of Buddhist art and artifacts, including a tooth relic of the Buddha and a stupa containing the ashes of the Buddha, the temple is a marvel of traditional Chinese architecture.
  • Chinatown Heritage Center: Learn about the history and culture of the Chinese community in Singapore through a series of interactive exhibits and multimedia displays.
  • Thian Hock Keng Temple: One of the oldest and most important Hokkien temples in Singapore, this beautiful shrine is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and features intricate carvings and colorful tiles.

Natural Attractions of Chinatown: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Chinatown Street Art: Explore the streets of Chinatown and admire the colorful murals and graffiti created by local artists.
  • Ann Siang Hill Park: A lush green oasis in the heart of Chinatown, Ann Siang Hill Park offers sweeping views of the city skyline and a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle below.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Chinatown

  • Singapore River Walk: Follow the historic Singapore River from Clarke Quay to Boat Quay and admire the stunning mix of old and new architecture along the way.
  • Fort Canning Park: Take a leisurely stroll through this lush green park and learn about the history of Singapore, including the site of Sir Stamford Raffles’ first residence.

Best Things to Do in Chinatown: Activities and Tours

  • Food Tour of Chinatown: Sample some of the best street food and local delicacies that Chinatown has to offer on a guided gastronomic tour.
  • Night Market: Visit the bustling Chinatown Street Market after dark and browse through a vast array of souvenirs, clothing, and traditional crafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Chinatown

Day 1: Visit the Chinatown Heritage Center and explore the historic streets of Chinatown.

Day 2: Take a food tour of Chinatown and sample some of the local delicacies.

Day 3: Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum and explore the historic streets of Tanjong Pagar.

Day 4: Go hiking in Fort Canning Park and visit the National Museum of Singapore.

Day 5: Take a river tour of the Singapore River and admire the city skyline from the water.

Day 6: Visit the Gardens by the Bay and explore the modern architecture of Marina Bay.

Day 7: Relax in Ann Siang Hill Park and indulge in some shopping at the Chinatown Street Market.

Food and Drink Scene of Chinatown

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hainanese Chicken Rice: One of Singapore’s national dishes, this fragrant dish involves poaching chicken in stock and serving it with rice cooked in chicken broth and flavored with ginger and garlic.
  • Char Kway Teow: A simple but delicious dish of stir-fried flat noodles sautéed with egg, soy sauce, and a variety of vegetables and meats.

Local Beverages

  • Kopi: Strong, black coffee made with a blend of coffee beans and sugar.
  • Teh Tarik: A sweet and milky tea made with condensed milk, served piping hot and frothy.

Where to Stay in Chinatown: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Scarlet Singapore: This historic boutique hotel offers a luxurious and stylish base from which to explore Chinatown.
  • 5footway.inn Project Ann Siang: A trendy and affordable hostel located in the heart of Chinatown.
  • The Bohemian Chic Hostel: A cozy and welcoming guesthouse with a friendly and laid-back atmosphere.

What to Buy in Chinatown: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Traditional Handicrafts: From intricately carved jade and ivory sculptures to beautiful silk embroidered tapestries, Chinatown is the perfect place to browse for unique and traditional handicrafts.
  • Local Delicacies: Take home a taste of Singapore with local specialties like kaya jam, pineapple tarts, and bak kwa (dried meat).

Local Culture and Customs of Chinatown

  • Respect the Elders: In Chinese culture, respect for elders is highly valued. As such, it’s important to address older people with titles such as “uncle,” “auntie,” or “grandma” or “grandpa.”
  • Chinatown Festivals: Experience the vibrant culture of Chinatown by attending one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year, such as the Mid-Autumn Festival or the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Best Time to Visit Chinatown

The best time to visit Chinatown is from January to March, when the weather is cool and dry, and the Chinese New Year celebrations take place.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chinatown

Do:

  • Dress conservatively when entering temples or other religious sites.
  • Bargain at street markets and hawker centres.

Don’t:

  • Point with your index finger as it is considered impolite.
  • Use your feet to point at people or objects, as this is considered disrespectful.

Safety and Health

Safety in Chinatown

Chinatown is generally a safe place to visit, although visitors should be aware of pickpockets and street crime, especially in crowded areas. A little common sense and caution should go a long way.

Health in Chinatown

Singapore has an excellent healthcare system and visitors to Chinatown can rest assured that they will receive high-quality medical care if required.

Getting to Chinatown: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Chinatown

  • Changi Airport Changi Airport is located approximately 25 minutes away from Chinatown by taxi. Alternatively, visitors can take the MRT to the city.

Bus Stations Near Chinatown

  • Outram Park Interchange Station: Served by several bus lines, this is one of the main transport hubs in Chinatown.

Other Options

  • MRT: Visitors can take either the North-East or Downtown lines to the Chinatown MRT station.

How to Get Around in Chinatown

The best way to get around Chinatown is on foot, although the area is also well-served by buses and the MRT.

Where to Go Next from Chinatown: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay: Immerse yourself in modern Singapore at Marina Bay Sands, home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
  • Sentosa Island: A tropical paradise with sun, sand, and sea, Sentosa Island is the perfect place to enjoy some rest and relaxation.

Conclusion

Chinatown is a vibrant and fascinating neighborhood that offers a glimpse into the rich culture and heritage of Singapore. Whether you’re a foodie, a culture buff, or an outdoor enthusiast, Chinatown has something to offer everyone. Plan your trip today and get ready to explore one of Singapore’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Fragrant signage for ''bak kwa'', Pagoda St Fragrant signage for ''bak kwa'', Pagoda St Thian Hock Keng Temple Thian Hock Keng Temple Chinese New Year decorations on sale Chinese New Year decorations on sale Pagoda St - trinkets, souvenirs, tailor shops Pagoda St - trinkets, souvenirs, tailor shops People's Park Complex, one of the more well-known malls in Chinatown People's Park Complex, one of the more well-known malls in Chinatown Lunch time at Maxwell Food Centre Lunch time at Maxwell Food Centre Gopura of Sri Mariamman Temple Gopura of Sri Mariamman Temple