Chinatown

Singapore

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

Things to do


Top hotels in Chinatown

Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre

Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre

4 out of 5
8 Club Street, Singapore
The price is RM679 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
RM679
RM814 total
18 Aug - 19 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! (885 reviews)
"Fantastic hotel, yes the rooms are small but we knew that and had a room with a balcony which made all the difference. Excellent location, walking distance to everything with the train station right underneath. The pool is amazing, they let you use this before and after check in/out. Breakfast was ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 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 RM828 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
RM828
RM993 total
22 Aug - 23 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! (1,533 reviews)
"Excellent choice of stay. The bed was great and specious room. Staff was friendly and helpful. Plenty of food vendors around the neighborhood. MRT a few blocks from the property. Swimming pool was decent size and clean. We’re happy with our choice to stay at Carlton City Hotel."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Carlton City Hotel Singapore
Mondrian Singapore Duxton

Mondrian Singapore Duxton

4 out of 5
16A DUXTON HILL, Singapore
The price is RM888 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
RM888
RM1,064 total
24 Aug - 25 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! (320 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM845 per night from 15 Aug to 16 Aug
RM845
RM1,013 total
15 Aug - 16 Aug
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! (1,006 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 RM903 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
RM903
RM1,083 total
14 Aug - 15 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! (1,190 reviews)
Enjoyable Stay
"Excellent location with many restaurants and nice mall nearby. Hotel service was good, clean room, and great gym with 3 stories."

Reviewed on 23 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 RM583 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
RM583
RM699 total
18 Aug - 19 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! (1,542 reviews)
"Very conveniently placed in Orchard. Very funky hotel, good breakfast, lovely pool, good gym facilities. Bar closes early and bathrooms with large windows looking both onto the outside world and into the bedroom won’t be for everybody. But overall, we had a great stay."

Reviewed on 22 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 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 Sri Mariamman Temple.

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

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 street scenes, a house 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 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 featuring night scenes, a river or creek 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
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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 featuring night scenes, a river or creek and a city

Singapore River

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

UE Square and Robertson Quay 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