Chinatown is one of Singapore’s most beloved precincts. You get culture, good food, and unique experiences – all in one place! 

With so much to see, from temples and shophouses to trendy bars, it can be hard to decide where to begin, especially if you're visiting for the first time.

This is where we come in. Our guide on what to do in Chinatown, Singapore will take you through the experiences everyone has to try when in the area!

Journey into Chinatown’s Heritage

The best way to appreciate Chinatown is to uncover its stories, ones shaped by the lives of Singapore’s early immigrants and the community they built here.

Here are the things to do around Chinatown, Singapore that let you uncover those tales.

1. Chinatown Heritage Centre

The Chinatown Heritage Centre is an ideal place to begin your exploration. It contextualises everything you will see in the area by immersing you in early settlers' life in the 1950s.

Step into meticulously recreated shophouses here, and listen to poignant stories retold by guides. Through these immersive exhibits, you can trace the very beginnings of the district and the people who built it.

2. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum

One of Singapore’s most remarkable landmarks, this temple was inspired by Tang Dynasty architecture and houses a relic said to be the actual tooth of the Buddha himself.

Admission is free, though donations are accepted. Be sure to head to the rooftop for a lovely garden view too!

3. Sri Mariamman Temple

This is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. The stunningly ornate grand tower entrance (called gopuram) is filled with intricate sculptures of Hindu deities and mythological figures.

If you do visit, please bear in mind that this is still an active temple where people come to worship. For a truly memorable experience, try to go during the annual fire-walking festival!

Leap into the Lively Streets and Shops

Chinatown is more than just heritage sites and restored buildings. It’s a pulsing, breathing district with life in its streets at nearly all hours. 

To soak up the atmosphere, here are the top things to do in Chinatown, Singapore. 

4. Pagoda Street & Chinatown Street Market 

The second you exit the Chinatown MRT station (Exit A), you hit Pagoda Street. This is an iconic spot filled with red lanterns and countless stalls. 

For a more comfortable time exploring the area, we recommend visiting in the evening. It’ll be cooler, and the streets are even more vibrant with the evening crowd.

5. Club Street & Ann Siang Hill

Want something a bit quieter but still thrumming with life? Club Street and Ann Siang Hill are the places to be. 

This part of Chinatown is full of beautifully preserved heritage shophouses, many of which have been transformed into chic restaurants, discrete bars, and independent boutiques. 

Many locals consider this ideal for evening strolls or dinner dates. Aside from the more laid-back atmosphere, it is also full of photo opportunities, with most of the shops having beautiful facades that look stunning on camera.

Go on a Culinary Adventure

It should come as no surprise that Chinatown is a paradise for foodies. Globally renowned hawkers bump elbows with traditional dessert shops here.

6. Maxwell Food Centre

Everybody who knows food in Singapore knows Maxwell. Among others, it's home to stalls like the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice – but be prepared for a queue!

7. Chinatown Complex Food Centre

Another one of the big hawker centres in Singapore, this spot has over 200 food stalls.

The best thing about this centre is that you can try some of the most authentic Singaporean food at great prices. We'd recommend looking out for favourites like Char Kway Teow, Laksa, Satay, Tang Yuan, and Claypot Rice.

8. Smith Street (Chinatown Food Street)

Its name says it all. This is the go-to spot if you specifically want to dine out in the open air.

Expect traditional Chinese street food and a lot of local delights here!

Shop Traditional Wares and Modern Finds

Who can talk about Chinatown without talking about shopping? It’s always been one of the best things to do here.

Some of the places we mentioned earlier are already good starting areas. Here’s another one!

9. Chinatown Point 

Chinatown Point is a modern shopping mall where you can shop after a day of exploration as well as escape the heat. 

But more importantly, Chinatown Point is surrounded by a lot of artisanal shops and boutiques! Do a circuit of the area to find unique, locally made products.

Experience the Festivities

Chinatown dresses up for several festivals each year, offering unique experiences to visitors. These are always worth attending if you're in the country during the celebrations!

10. Big Chinatown Festivities

The major festivals to try and attend in Chinatown are arguably Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.

During Chinese New Year, the area erupts into a spectacle of lights, lion dances, and bazaars. The Mid-Autumn Festival sees it transformed with endless rows of lanterns and magical decor. 

Where to Start Your Trip in Chinatown Singapore

The order of activities in this guide should already give you an idea of how best to start your Chinatown journey. We recommend beginning with the Chinatown Heritage Centre since it grounds everything else in its origins and the people who built it.

From that rich foundation, you can then move on to the rest, perhaps even following a natural walking route. Near the Chinatown Heritage Centre are the two temples we mentioned, as well as the Pagoda Street Market.

Aim for cultural site visits in the morning, hawker feasts for lunch, and afternoon and evening explorations of the shops and dining spots. 

If that sounds good to you, then get started on planning your expedition by planning your visit to Chinatown Heritage Centre today!