Chinatown

Singapore
Chinatown featuring a city, night scenes and heritage architecture
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

Furama RiverFront
Furama RiverFront
4 out of 5
405 Havelock Road, Singapore
The price is S$135 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
S$135
per night
31 Mar - 1 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! (1,011 reviews)
"Toilet seat didnt really look like it had been cleaned, as soon as I walked in to use the bathroom it looked like dried up pee stains. Other than that it was nice"

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Furama RiverFront
Carlton City Hotel Singapore
Carlton City Hotel Singapore
5 out of 5
1 Gopeng Street, Singapore
The price is S$276 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
S$276
per night
9 Apr - 10 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! (1,011 reviews)
"The staff were very friendly especially the two lovely gentlemen on the concierge section. Lovely hotel and within a 5 min walk to the tube which was really easy to use. Great location and price"

Reviewed on 28 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 S$194 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
S$194
per night
12 Apr - 13 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Popular attractions Marina Bay Sands Skypark and Marina Bay Sands Casino ...
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 S$264 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
S$264
per night
11 Apr - 12 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! (1,006 reviews)
nice hotel with excellent location
"very nice hotel with excellent location. just cross the road from MRT Station. we booked a Club Room. staff were very friendly and helpful. room was clean, big with so comfortable bed. Slightly poor breakfast like for Club access"

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

Oasia Hotel Downtown Singapore by Far East Hospitality
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
4 out of 5
16A DUXTON HILL, Singapore
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$315 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
S$315
per night
31 Mar - 1 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 S$484 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
S$484
per night
9 Apr - 10 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! (1,023 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