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$190 per night from 4 May to 5 May
S$190
includes taxes & fees
4 May - 5 May
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! (722 reviews)
"Really good location, professional staff. Rooms are small but i heard its normal in Singapore."

Reviewed on 18 Apr, 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 26 Apr to 27 Apr
S$252
includes taxes & fees
26 Apr - 27 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! (1,297 reviews)
"Great value for your money. Will go back at this hotel for my future stays"

Reviewed on 18 Apr, 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$250 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
S$250
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,557 reviews)
"Room was spacious and modern. Very clean. Friendly and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 18 Apr, 2025

Carlton Hotel Singapore
YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport
YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport
3.5 out of 5
78 Airport Boulevard, Changi, #04-280, Singapore
The price is S$194 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
S$194
includes taxes & fees
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Singapore. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,012 reviews)
"Nothing to say"

Reviewed on 17 Apr, 2025

YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport by IHG
Crowne Plaza Changi Airport by IHG
5 out of 5
75 Airport Boulevard, Singapore
Fully refundable
The price is S$312 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
S$312
includes taxes & fees
29 Apr - 30 Apr
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! (1,971 reviews)
"Next to shopping free skytrain connection good size room complete facilities room service menu"

Reviewed on 19 Apr, 2025

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport by IHG
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$306 per night from 17 May to 18 May
S$306
includes taxes & fees
17 May - 18 May
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! (1,078 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 16 Apr, 2025

Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay
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 China Square Central 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 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
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