Visit Chinatown & Heritage Quarters, Singapore

Chinatown is where Singapore’s older city survives among the towers: rows of painted shophouses, temples of three faiths within a few minutes of each other, and some of the best cheap food in Asia. It’s compact, walkable and easy to reach by MRT, and it’s the best place to see how the city’s communities have lived side by side.

What to see

The temples. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is the large red temple at the heart of Chinatown, with a museum and a rooftop garden. On South Bridge Road, the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, has a tower covered in brightly painted deities. A short walk away on Telok Ayer Street, Thian Hock Keng is one of the oldest Hokkien temples in the city, built by early Chinese immigrants.

The shophouses. Walk the streets around Pagoda Street, Club Street and Ann Siang Hill for restored shophouses, small bars and cafes.

The hawker centers. Singapore’s hawker culture was added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in 2020, and Chinatown is a good place to see why. Maxwell Food Centre and the Chinatown Complex food center are both full of long-running stalls. Go a little before the lunch rush.

Beyond Chinatown

Two other heritage quarters are a short ride away. Kampong Glam, around the golden-domed Sultan Mosque, has the city’s Malay and Arab heritage, along with the boutiques of Haji Lane. Little India, centered on Serangoon Road, is lively with spice shops, flower garlands and South Indian food. A guided half-day can cover all three.

Chinatown is close to Marina Bay, so a good day starts in the heritage quarters and ends at the waterfront after dark.

Planning it with My Way Travel

We plan private Singapore stays with a local guide for the heritage quarters and food, and can add Malaysia, Bali or Vietnam. Have a look at our Singapore tours or tell us your dates.

Sources: UNESCO on Singapore’s hawker culture (2020); Singapore’s heritage temple and museum visitor information. Last checked October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do in Singapore’s Chinatown?

Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, the Sri Mariamman Temple and Thian Hock Keng, walk the shophouse streets, and eat at Maxwell Food Centre or the Chinatown Complex.

How long do you need in Chinatown?

Half a day for the temples, streets and a hawker meal. A full day lets you add Kampong Glam and Little India.

Is Chinatown good for food?

Yes. Its hawker centers are among the best places in Singapore to try local dishes at low prices.

Photo: Bob Tan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.