A few years back, Chinatown bagged the title of one of the coolest neighbourhoods on the planet. And still, is hasn’t lost an once of that edge. The culture-rich precinct is home to dozens of temples, a buzzing nightlife, cheap restaurants including $3.50 Michelin eats, stunning street art, exotic hotels, quirky shopping, and other hidden gems. Here’s an updated guide on 14 of best things to do in Chinatown Singapore.
Wander around People’s Park
People’s Park Complex is one of the oldest developments in the Chinatown District first opened in 1973. Located just a few minutes walk from Chinatown MRT station, the old mall has withstood the testament of time with quirky shops, a food centre with delicious global foods, and much more. In recent years, the exterior of the 31-storey brutalist building has become a popular place for young people to capture instagrammable pictures. Its colour was repainted to red and white last year. Did you know this building is facing demolition?
See Chinatown’s famous temple
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is the most popular sight in the Chinatown district. The Buddhist temple and museum is housed in a huge, richly designed red stupa weighing 3,500 kilograms and made from 320 kilograms of gold. First opened in 2007, it features Buddhist art and history to tell stories of culture from centuries ago. Visitors can explore public zones including the exotic rooftop garden—which is the perfect hideaway. Plus, there are other temples in the district to admire if you want more.
Shop along Chinatown Street Market
Chinatown Street Market is another cultural and historical landmark in Singapore. The colourful Chinese shophouses spread across a number of streets, from Pagoda Street to Sago Lane, and offer hundreds of stalls selling street food and souvenirs. Walk along a shaded canopy and bright lanterns to discover several indulgent street food dishes, shop for traditional Chinese clothing and homeware items, and plenty more for a low cost.
Witness Chinatown’s iconic opera
One of the most unique experiences in Chinatown is Peking Opera Ping She on Smith Street. The cool attraction offers a place to see traditional Chinese opera for those with an interest in performing arts. Plus, the venue offers exciting workshops to witness first-hand the essential skills of Peking Opera as well as backstage tours.
Eat your way through Chinatown Complex
No visit to Chinatown is complete without tucking into delicious food at a hawker centre. Particularly, Chinatown Complex is the largest hawker centre in Singapore, boasting more than 260 food stalls, serving everything from chili crab to local desserts, noodles, chicken wings, and more. Otherwise, you can indulge on authentic cheap eats from $1 at Maxwell Food Centre which is home to the famous Tian Tian’s chicken fried rice. Learn more about hawker centres in Singapore.
Admire Sri Mariamman Temple
Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, built in 1827, is the Sri Mariamman Temple located in Chinatown. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman who is known for her healing powers. Visitors are left fascinated by its striking Dravidian-style architecture featuring an iconic ornamental tower, adorned with vibrant sculptures of deities and mythological figures. Definitely, one of the best places to visit in Chinatown.
Be inspired at Chinatown Heritage Centre
Chinatown Heritage Centre is a top-notch attraction near Chinatown Street Market in Singapore. The 3-storey shophouse features six galleries, living spaces, furnishings, and artifacts of early Chinatown settlers. Visitors can learn personal stories of old settlers and step back in time to experience the history of Chinatown through exhibitions and immersive experiences. Additionally, there are interactive workshops and storytelling sessions to take part in.
Take in the view at a sky garden
Another top thing to do near Chinatown is catch a sunset at the Pinnacle Sky Garden’s 50th storey skybridge. It offers 360-degree views of the orange rooftops, the CBD skyline, and beyond during golden hour for a small public fee of $6 per visitor. Be sure to arrive early as entrances are capped at 150 visitors per day.
Enjoy a coffee at the city’s most colourful Starbucks
The world’s first heritage shophouse Starbucks opened this year in Chinatown Singapore. It’s an iconic 2-storey building with striking pastel designs and rich cultural elements, with a modern coffee experience and retail store inside. In fact, it’s one of the most instagrammable spots in Singapore. Learn more about the venue.
Wander around Cobbler’s Square
One of Chinatown’s hidden gems is Cobbler’s Square. It offers a glimpse into the city’s vanishing traditional trades and is home to a small community of elderly uncles who have been repairing shoes for decades. The cobblers work from makeshift booths with basic tools, creates an authentic and nostalgic atmosphere, amid the bustling modernity of Chinatown.
See Chinatown’s stunning street art
The Lion City boasts an iconic collection of street art and wall murals to admire. Particularly, art comes alive in Chinatown through dozens of charming murals, depicting past and present day, hidden amongst shophouses and cultural landmarks. You could easily spend a few hours exploring ig-worthy street art like creations by Yip Yew Chong. For example, admire his colourful Lantern Festival mural near Temple Street, nostalgic scenes at 30 Smith Street of My Chinatown Home, Letter Writer, and quirky scenes of Old Trades, to name a few.
Alternatively, there are a number of striking artworks by group artists such as Ripple Root, Anglo Chinese Schools, and the School of Design. Definitely, one of the best things to do in Chinatown Singapore. Cool down with an ice cream after all the exploring!
Indulge at Hawker Chan
In 2016, Hawker Chan, concepted by Malaysian-born chef Chan Hong Meng in 2009, became an overnight sensation when it was awarded a Michelin star making it the world’s first street food stall to receive one. In fact, it’s one of the world’s cheapest Michelin meals. Although, it has since lost the Michelin star but still has its Bib Gourmand for chicken rice. Plus, there’s now four Singapore outlets and prices begin at just $3.50.
Shop at Née Vintage Store
Chinatown’s Née Vintage Store is famous for its collection of pre-loved luxury vintage items in a charming Victorian-style setting. Expect to find vintage bags and accessories from iconic brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Hermes, and Fendi, to name a few. In fact, many of these items are rare, out-of-production pieces sourced from Japan.
Soak up the vibes along Keong Saik Road
The former famous red-light district Keong Saik Road is filled with a number of quirky bars, delicious cafes, and restaurants. Whether you’re escaping the rain or heat, it’s a superb place to hangout for a few hours in Chinatown. From ig-worthy bars like Papa Doble to picturesque cafes such as Kafe Utu, hearty coffee spots, authentic cuisines like Italian, Japanese, and French, and much more…you’ll be spoilt for choice.
