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.


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 S$234 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
S$234
5 Aug - 6 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! (848 reviews)
"Very welcoming and helpful staff, fantastic location including a MRT station ( Telok Ayer) in the basement, very clean, comfortable beds and pillows, great views from balcony room....the only downside was the size of the room, shower room/ toilet and separate bathroom basin. Very compact. Only one ..."

Reviewed on 2 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 S$252 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
S$252
2 Aug - 3 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! (1,502 reviews)
"Good size room and convenient location to shopping and dining options. TV in room did not have audio. Shower faucet did not work properly and had to maneuver handle to turn on or off the water."

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Carlton City Hotel Singapore
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
4 out of 5
16A DUXTON HILL, Singapore
The price is S$345 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$345
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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
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 S$290 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
S$290
4 Aug - 5 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! (1,173 reviews)
Très bien
"Le personnel est très accueillant, professionnel et offre un excellent service. L’hôtel est bien situé et facile d’accès. La chambre est confortable et bien aménagé. Le brunch du déjeuner est varié et délicieux. Je recommande."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport by IHG
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport by IHG
5 out of 5
75 Airport Boulevard, Singapore
The price is S$347 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
S$347
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,125 reviews)
"Excellent property at Singapores airport. We stayed for an early morning flight and enjoyed an evening of shopping and dining at The Jewel."

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport by IHG
Carlton Hotel Singapore
Carlton Hotel Singapore
4.5 out of 5
76 Bras Basah Road, Singapore
The price is S$270 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
S$270
12 Jul - 13 Jul
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 helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,715 reviews)
"Had a great time. Everything is close by."

Reviewed on 6 Jul, 2025

Carlton Hotel 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

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(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 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
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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 which includes a city, a bridge and a river or creek

Singapore River

4.5/5(9 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