Chinatown & Little India

Chinatown & Little India Travel Guide

Two cultural districts that bring Singapore's multicultural identity to vivid life. In Chinatown, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Pagoda Street's souvenir shops, and in Little India, the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and 24-hour Mustafa Centre shopping are key draws. Enjoy dim sum and bak kut teh in Chinatown, fish head curry and roti prata in Little India — all at great value. Highly recommended for travelers who want a deep dive into Singapore's multi-ethnic culture.

Essential Chinatown & Little India Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Chinatown & Little India

★ 4.6

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Built in 2007 in the heart of Chinatown, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a magnificent Tang dynasty-style Buddhist temple. Its fourth floor houses a golden stupa said to contain a tooth relic of the Buddha. A massive Maitreya Buddha on the first floor, a Buddhist culture museum on the second, and a mandala garden on the rooftop offer plenty to see. Open to all regardless of religion; the lavish gold decor and lotus motifs are unforgettable. Free admission. A 3-minute walk from MRT Chinatown Station.

HoursDaily 07:00-19:00 (relic display 09:00-18:00)

LocationChinatown, Singapore

TipsFree vegetarian lunches (11:30) are offered on some days — check in advance. The rooftop garden offers a nice overview of Chinatown.

View Details→

★ 4.5

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

Founded in 1881, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is Little India's premier Hindu temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali. Dozens of Hindu deity sculptures are intricately carved into the colorful gopuram at the entrance, while inside stand shrines to Kali, Ganesha, and Murugan. During Deepavali the temple is spectacularly illuminated. Visiting during a worship ceremony lets you experience Hindu culture firsthand. Free admission. A 5-minute walk from MRT Little India Station.

HoursDaily 05:30-12:15 and 16:00-21:00

LocationLittle India, Singapore

TipsRemove shoes before entering. Avoid shorts and revealing clothing. Visiting during Deepavali season (October-November) is the most spectacular.

View Details→

★ 4.3

Mustafa Centre

Mustafa Centre is a 24-hour mega-department store in Little India that truly sells everything — gold jewellery, spices, electronics, clothing, and groceries. Gold prices are near duty-free levels, attracting both the Indian community and tourists. It is also a great place to buy Indian spices, tea, and chocolates as souvenirs. The ability to shop late into the night is a major draw. A 3-minute walk from MRT Farrer Park Station.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationLittle India, Singapore

TipsBring your passport when buying gold to claim a GST refund. Weekday mornings are much less crowded than weekend or holiday evenings.

View Details→

Things to Do in Chinatown & Little India

Culture

Little India Henna Experience

Get a traditional Indian henna tattoo from artists in Little India. Intricate patterns on hands that last 1-2 weeks.

Price SGD 5-30 (varies by size)Duration About 15-30 minutes

Culture

Chinatown Dim Sum Tour

Tour traditional dim sum shops and hawker centres in Chinatown, sampling har gow, siu mai, char siu bao, and more. Includes cultural history of the neighbourhood.

Price SGD 50-80 per personDuration About 2-3 hours

Shopping

Mustafa Centre Shopping

Shop 24/7 at Little India mega-store for gold, spices, electronics, Indian tea, and chocolates. Near duty-free gold prices and late-night shopping make it a unique experience.

Price Free entry (individual purchases)Duration About 1-3 hours

Must-Try Food in Chinatown & Little India

Bak Kut Teh

🍱 Traditional

A peppery herbal pork rib broth, a Singaporean comfort classic. About SGD 7-12 per serving. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh in Chinatown holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand listing.

Fish Head Curry

🍱 Traditional

A Little India specialty of a large fish head simmered in rich, spicy curry. About SGD 20-35 for 2-3 servings. Muthu's Curry on Race Course Road is the most famous.

Roti Prata

🍢 Street Food

Crispy Indian flatbread dipped in curry, a beloved Singapore snack. About SGD 1.5-3 per piece. Try it at Tekka Centre in Little India or 24-hour prata shops.

Chinatown & Little India Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Chinatown & Little India?

Visitable year-round. Chinese New Year (January-February) and Deepavali/Diwali (October-November) bring spectacular festive decorations.

How much does it cost to travel in Chinatown & Little India?

Daily budget around KRW 60,000-150,000 (lodging 40,000-80,000; food 10,000-30,000; shopping and sightseeing 10,000-30,000).

How do I get around in Chinatown & Little India?

MRT Chinatown Station (Downtown/North-East lines) connects directly to Chinatown's centre. Little India is at MRT Little India Station (Downtown/North-East lines). The two districts are about 10 minutes apart by MRT. Both are walkable, and Grab is also convenient.

Do I need a visa to visit Chinatown & Little India?

Korean passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.

Is Chinatown & Little India safe for tourists?

All of Singapore is very safe. Streets are well-lit at night with good security, though watch for pickpockets in busy tourist areas.

Explore other cities