Chinatown

Singapore

Chinatown featuring religious aspects, a temple or place of worship and interior views
Chinatown
Chinatown
Chinatown
Photo provided by Singapore Tourism Board

Take in the pretty architectural character of this area, before tucking into some exquisite Chinese cuisine.

It goes without saying that Singapore's Chinatown is less of an ethnic enclave than most of the world's other Chinatowns. At the same time, this is one of the world's oldest and most evocative Chinatowns. History can be found at every turn, while the eating scene is superb. The inhabitants of Chinatown actually refer to this area as Niu Che Shui. This translates as 'bull water cart', which was the main means of transporting this commodity back in the 19th century.

Take in Chinatown's extraordinary architecture while walking along the historic Pagoda Street. Once rife with slaves and opium dens, this is now a well-preserved stretch of the Chinatown Historic District. Visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre to find out about the first Chinese settlers. Then stroll through Pagoda Street's market, taking note of the Victorian architecture which was introduced by the Raffles Town Plan of 1822. Trengganu Street and Temple Street are further examples of Chinatown's pretty architecture – baroque and Italianate buildings with balconies painted in different pastel hues.

Next, head to the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore's oldest Hindu place of worship, and marvel at its Dravidian-style architecture. The Al-Abrar Mosque is a less imposing, but a nonetheless attractive addition to your itinerary. Another impressive place of worship is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, which often hosts colourful ceremonies within its opulent red and gold walls.

Finding decent food in Chinatown is easy. Smith Street is particularly revered for its cuisine. Take your pick from pork rib soup, fish ball noodles and Char Kway Teow (noodles fried up with fresh cockles). Dine alfresco in the evening for the full effect – fairy lights, traditional Chinese music and locals eating with gusto.

Chinatown is in downtown Singapore and serviced by the Chinatown MRT station. Numerous buses pass through the area as well. Chinatown is open all the time and is free to enter.


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Other neighbourhoods around Chinatown

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

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 showing shopping, modern architecture and interior views

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.

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Boat Quay showing night scenes, street scenes and a house

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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.

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Clarke Quay featuring a river or creek, a bridge 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 featuring a river or creek, a bridge and a city

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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