Overview
Established in the 1820s, Singapore's Chinatown is the historic heart of Chinese-Singaporean culture — a colorful heritage district of pastel 19th-century colonial shophouses, temples, and hawker centres. Its centerpiece is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (completed 2007), an ornate four-story Tang-dynasty-style temple housing a tooth relic of the Buddha (free admission). Nearby Sri Mariamman Temple (Singapore's oldest Hindu temple) and the Chinatown Heritage Centre tell the immigrant story. Pagoda and Trengganu Street stalls overflow with souvenirs and street food, and Michelin Bib Gourmand favorites like Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre, and Ya Kun Kaya Toast all call this district home. Chinese New Year (January-February) brings spectacular red-lantern decor and the liveliest atmosphere. Directly accessible from MRT Chinatown Station, Exit A.
Opening Hours
Streets 24 hours (shops and food centres typically 09:00-22:00)
Travel Tips
Chinese New Year (January-February) is the most spectacular season. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell sees 30-minute lunchtime queues. Shoulders and knees must be covered at Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
Hotels near Chinatown
Hotels and guesthouses in Singapore, Outram, Singapore
Other attractions in Singapore
Marina Bay Sands
A world-famous landmark hotel with a SkyPark crowning its three towers.
Gardens by the Bay
Singapore's futuristic park, home to towering Supertrees and massive conservatories.
Universal Studios Singapore
Southeast Asia's largest theme park, packed with attractions based on Hollywood blockbusters.
Merlion Park
Marina Bay's iconic photo spot where the symbolic Merlion statue spouts water into the harbor.
Singapore Zoo & Night Safari
Singapore's top wildlife park at the Mandai Reserve, featuring the world's first nocturnal Night Safari.
Orchard Road
A 2.2 km shopping boulevard with 22 megamalls — Singapore's luxury retail heart.
Jewel Changi Airport
The world's best airport's centerpiece — a 40 m indoor waterfall (Rain Vortex) inside a vast indoor forest.