Quick guide to Chinatown in Singapore

Chinatown, as its name indicates, is the heart of Chinese heritage in Singapore. It was designed during the British occupation in the 19th century as an enclave for the immigrating Chinese population. This is probably the most visited historical place in Singapore by tourists, largely because of its historical importance, shopping opportunities and AMAZING food culture. Its most important cultural attraction is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (which is free to visit), but its real main attraction are the hawker centers at Maxwell, People’s Park or Chinatown Complex.

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Things to do in Chinatown, Singapore

• Get some of the best street food at one of the Hawker Centers (Maxwell, People’s Park or Chinatown Complex).

• Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple or Thian Hock Keng Temple.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

• Watch some Chinese theater at Drama Box.
• Do some shopping in Chinatown Street Market.

Chinatown street market

Streets of Chinatown

• Learn history at Chinatown Heritage Center (TEMPRARILY CLOSED).
• Get some nice views of the city at Pinnacle@Duxton, a public housing skyscrapper with an open sky garden, or at the 6th level parking lot in People’s Park Complex.

Pinnacle @ Duxton

• Go bar hopping at Club street.
• Get some contrast at Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest temple in town and the only Hindu temple in Chinatown, or Masjid Jamae Mosque.

Where to stay in Singapore

Singapore is an expensive city for the standards of Southeast Asia, so you may need a little extra planning when choosing your accommodation if you’re on a budget. However, you can find all kinds of accommodations in the city, so choose depending on your main interests based on the area. Check out this post where I give you recommendations based on the type of trip you’re looking for and the areas in Singapore:

→ Where to stay in Singapore

Or you can use the map below to find where to stay:

Booking.com

Closing statement

Singapore’s Chinatown is one of the most exciting heritage neighbourhoods in the city, and is home to amazing cultural sites, shopping, exciting nightlife and some of the best food in the city, so do not forget Chinatown in your itinerary. Make sure you have a look at the full post about things to do in Singapore:

What to do in Singapore: Top 11 things to do in Singapore

Best Hawker Center food in Singapore: our experience with Singapore’s street food

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