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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$190 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
S$190
includes taxes & fees
14 Apr - 15 Apr
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! (670 reviews)
"Convenient"

Reviewed on 27 Mar,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 6 Apr to 7 Apr
S$252
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,337 reviews)
"The location of the hotel was do convenient to public transportation, to shopping, to food choices."

Reviewed on 29 Mar,2025

Carlton City Hotel Singapore
Carlton Hotel Singapore
Carlton Hotel Singapore
4.5 out of 5
76 Bras Basah Road, Singapore
The price is S$273 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
S$273
includes taxes & fees
16 Apr - 17 Apr
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,489 reviews)
"Good"

Reviewed on 30 Mar,2025

Carlton Hotel Singapore
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$316 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
S$316
includes taxes & fees
22 Apr - 23 Apr
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. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,056 reviews)
"The room was amazing with a balcony overlooking Clarke Quay"

Reviewed on 31 Mar,2025

Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay
Furama RiverFront
Furama RiverFront
4 out of 5
405 Havelock Road, Singapore
The price is S$154 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
S$154
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,151 reviews)
"very nice hotel and close to everything...safe to walk...restaurants close..and mrt metro at 5 minutes walk.... room was perfect...would defenetly go there again"

Reviewed on 24 Mar,2025

Furama RiverFront
YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road
YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road
4 out of 5
366 Orchard Road, Singapore
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$192 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
S$192
includes taxes & fees
14 Apr - 15 Apr
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! (1,424 reviews)
Fantastic location to food
"Loved the view from the toilet and the local of the hotel to fantastic food courts made the stay worry free"

Reviewed on 25 Mar,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 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 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)

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
Default Image

Downtown Core

While you're in Downtown Core, take in top sights like Marina Bay Sands Casino or Asian Civilisations Museum, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Raffles Place Station or Downtown Station.

Downtown Core


Chinatown