CHINATOWN
Chinatown, Singapore, comprises four sub-districts—Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer, Tanjong Pagar, and Ann Siang—each with its distinctive offerings. Plenty of heritage gems to uncover in this historic neighborhood, which sits to the south of the Singapore River.
Famous attractions in Chinatown
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is one of Chinatown’s most striking landmarks and dedicated to Buddhist culture, art and worship. Completed in 2007, the temple houses what devotees regard as a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. Visitors can also explore a Buddhist museum and the beautiful Ten Thousand Buddhas Pavilion and Prayer Wheel.
Good for: culture, places of worship
Nearest MRT station: Maxwell
Suggested Activities: Visit the Buddhist Museum (free admission) on level 4. Take photos of the Tang-dynasty style architecture.
Smith Street
Smith Street is the cultural heart of Chinatown, bringing food, heritage and lifestyle experiences back to one of the district’s most recognisable streets. Once home to Chinatown Food Street, it is now being refreshed with concepts such as kebaya experiences, local dining and accommodation, reflecting Chinatown’s evolving mix of tradition, tourism and contemporary urban life.
Good for: food, cultural experiences
Nearest MRT station: Chinatown, Maxwell
Suggested Activities:
Sri Mariamman Temple
Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, established in 1827 along South Bridge Road in Chinatown. Built for early South Indian immigrants, it remains an active place of worship, drawing locals and visitors from around the world. Its ornate gopuram filled with Hindu deities and mythological figures is a striking architectural feature not to be missed. The temple was gazetted as a National Monument in 1973.
Good for: culture, architecture, places of worship
Nearest MRT station: Chinatown
Nearby: South Bridge Road, Temple Street
PARKROYAL Collection Pickering
Designed by Singapore-based WOHA, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering is one of Singapore’s best-known examples of biophilic architecture. Its layered sky gardens, planted terraces and sculptural podium were inspired by Hong Lim Park and natural landforms, bringing about 15,000 sq m of greenery into the city. More than a hotel, it reflects Singapore’s “city in a garden” ambition through tropical design and urban greenery.
Good for: architecture, photography
Nearest MRT station: Clarke Quay, Chinatown
Nearby: South Bridge Road, Clarke Quay
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Hidden Gems in Chinatown
Go off the beaten path and explore our guide to the hidden gems in Chinatown.
Fuk Tak Chi Museum
Fuk Tak Chi began as a Tua Pek Kong shrine set up by Cantonese and Hakka immigrants between 1820 and 1824, where new arrivals gave thanks for surviving the sea journey to Singapore. Rebuilt in brick in 1825 and renovated in 1869 with support from Cheang Hong Lim, it later served both religious and community functions. Today, the former temple is preserved as a mini museum (part of AMOY hote), offering a rare glimpse into the lives of early Chinese migrants in Telok Ayer.
Good for: culture, heritage, architecture
Nearest MRT station: Telok Ayer
Nearby: Telok Ayer Road
SILK Tea Bar
Retreat into SILK Tea Bar, a meditative space dedicated to contemporary tea appreciation, conveniently located in front of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Researvations required for hosted tea flights. Ala carte menu available for walk-ins from Tuesdays to Sundays.
Good for: culture
Nearest MRT station: Maxwell
Nearby: South Bridge Road
Book Bar
An advocate of Singapore’s literary scene, Book Bar is an independent bookstore-cafe that stocks a comprehensive collection of titles by local authors.
Good for: culture, Singapore literature
Nearest MRT station: Tanjong Pagar
Nearby: Duxton Road, Tanjong Pagar Road
East Inspirations
Our guests' favourite heritage store for a delightful selection of trinkets and souvenirs of Singapore, ranging from Peranakan cutleries to small antiques, ornaments, and postcards of historical Singapore. Be sure to check out the collection of cultural bric-a-brac by the entrance of the shop—souvenirs that won’t break the bank!
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Good for: small gifts and souvenirs, Chinese antiques and ornaments
Nearest MRT station: Tanjong Pagar
Nearby: Duxton Road, Tanjong Pagar Road
Where to Eat in Chinatown
Lian Xin Vegetarian Food Court
Good for: lunch, breads and pastries
Nearest MRT station: Maxwell
Nearby: South Bridge Road
Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre
It’s no secret that hawker centres are a microcosm of Singapore’s diverse communities. For first-time visitors, navigating a maze of food stalls can feel daunting. Our Guide to Eating in Hawker Centres introduces the what, why and how of Singapore’s street food culture, helping you order with confidence and appreciate the local dining experience.
Good for: street food, culture and local life
Nearest MRT station: Maxwell
Nearby: Smith Street, South Bridge Road
Trying durian, Singapore’s famous “King of Fruits,” is one of the city’s most distinctive local food experiences. While Geylang is often seen as the home ground for durian, 99 Old Trees in Chinatown offers a quality selection in a more central setting, making it a convenient stop for adventurous travellers. For a gentler introduction to the pungent fruit, go for durian pastries or desserts instead.
Good for: durian tasting, durian pastries and desserts
Nearest MRT station: Outram
Nearby: New Bridge Road, Cantonment Road
Where to Stay in Chinatown
Chinatown is well placed for travellers who want heritage streets, hawker food, temples and easy MRT access. For accomodation, many visitors choose hotels in Chinatown, Tanjong Pagar, Telok Ayer or the Civic District depending on budget and travel preference.
For a broader comparison of central neighbourhoods, see our guide to the best hotels to stay in Singapore.
Mondrian Singapore
Mondrian Singapore Duxton is a 5-star hotel offers a stylish stay on the edge of Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar, pairing bold contemporary design with easy access to heritage streets, restaurants, bars and MRT connections.
Oasia Downtown Singapore
Oasia Hotel Downtown is a 4-star hotel that offers a greenery-filled stay near Tanjong Pagar and Chinatown, with striking vertical gardens, convenient MRT access and a calm retreat from the surrounding city bustle.
Bliss Hotel Singapore
Bliss Hotel Singapore is a 3-star hotel centrally located option in Chinatown, well suited for travellers who want easy access to heritage streets, hawker food, temples and public transport.
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