Chinatown

Singapore
Chinatown which includes heritage architecture, night scenes and a city
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

Things to do


Top hotels in Chinatown

Furama RiverFront
Furama RiverFront
4 out of 5
405 Havelock Road, Singapore
The price is RM437 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
RM437
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Central easy access to shopping food train station Enjoyed the lobby area big and lots of seating and phone chargers"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Furama RiverFront
Carlton City Hotel Singapore
Carlton City Hotel Singapore
5 out of 5
1 Gopeng Street, Singapore
The price is RM833 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
RM833
per night
20 Apr - 21 Apr
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,008 reviews)
"Pleasantly very surprised. Very nice club room with great view F26. Very friendly staff at check-in. Recommend to others."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

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 RM568 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
RM568
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast. Popular attractions Universal Studios Singapore and Marina Bay Sands Skypark ...
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
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 RM757 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
RM757
per night
26 Apr - 27 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
Impressive (to an extent)
"Amazing building exterior, and the reception/bar are great. Rooms feel a bit dated decor-wise but are very comfortable (although window between room and bathroom was unnecessary and annoying). Location is great, so easy to get around from. And the team were brilliant."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore by Far East Hospitality
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
4 out of 5
16A DUXTON HILL, Singapore
The price is RM921 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
RM921
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Singapore. Enjoy 4 restaurants, breakfast, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Universal Studios Singapore and Marina Bay ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (96 reviews)
"Staff were very helpful, location was great and very convenient."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Pan Pacific Singapore
Pan Pacific Singapore
5 out of 5
7 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore
The price is RM1,174 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
RM1,174
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,024 reviews)
"Top class hotel"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Pan Pacific 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

Clarke Quay Mall showing shopping, interior views and modern architecture

Downtown Singapore

4.5/5(242 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(81 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 Raffles Place 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

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

Robertson Quay and Clarke Quay Central 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
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Downtown Core

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

Downtown Core
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Singapore Central Business District

Known for its beautiful waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Singapore Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Marina Bay Sands Skypark and Marina Bay Sands Casino, and jump on the metro at Raffles Place Station or Bayfront Station to see more of the city.

Singapore Central Business District


Chinatown