Experience Singapore Chinatown to the Fullest! A Guide to Walking Around and Key Highlights
Singapore’s Chinatown is a vibrant district where old and new merge. In this bustling area, you’ll find traditional temples, shops, and markets alongside trendy cafés and nightlife spots. Below, we introduce our recommended sightseeing plan for Chinatown—be sure to use it as a reference!
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Experience Singapore Chinatown to the Fullest! A Guide to Walking Around and Key Highlights
1. Visit Pagoda Street!
Pagoda Street is the main thoroughfare of Chinatown and is teeming with tourists.
Located just outside Chinatown MRT station, the street is lined with colorful shophouses, gift shops, and accessory stores—making it the perfect area to pick up souvenirs with an Asian flair. Numerous cafés and restaurants ensure that the street remains lively well into the night. You can also visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre to learn about the history of Singapore’s Chinese community. Be sure to drop by Pagoda Street on your next visit!
2. Explore the Temples!
Chinatown’s attractions wouldn’t be complete without its temples. One key site is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a magnificent Buddhist temple located in the heart of Chinatown that was completed in 2007. It boasts a splendid and luxurious appearance, attracting the devout faith of Singapore’s Chinese community. On the third floor, there's also a free Buddhist museum.
Also, the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, is a must-see. Dedicated to the South Indian Mother Goddess Mariamman, its ornate gateway is adorned with intricately carved deities. You can enter and tour the temple, so make sure to visit.
Additionally, the area is home to the Jamae Mosque, a prayer space for Muslims—a unique sight where different religions coexist in one locale, truly reflective of Singapore’s multi-ethnic society. Add these temples to your sightseeing plan!
3. Enjoy a Meal at the Hawker Centres!
No visit to Singapore is complete without dining at a hawker centre—a vibrant assembly of food stalls that resembles a large food court.
Chinatown Complex: This shopping centre exudes local charm. It sells affordable clothing, accessories, and daily necessities, and its basement hosts a morning market with fresh produce. The hawker centre on the second floor offers a variety of local “B-grade” cuisine at pocket-friendly prices.
Maxwell Food Centre: A popular spot among nearby office workers, Maxwell Food Centre can be crowded during lunchtime. If you go outside peak hours, you can enjoy a more relaxed meal.
4. Get a Massage at the Pipoze Park Complex!
Next on the itinerary is the Pipoze Park Complex—a shopping mall frequented by locals. On its third and fourth floors, you’ll find numerous massage parlours. If you’re tired from walking around, treat yourself to a relaxing massage. A foot massage is especially recommended. Some massage therapists even speak broken visitors, which can be helpful.
Also, within the mall’s hawker centre, you’ll find many dessert stalls. Consider stopping by for a sweet treat and a break!
5. Enjoy the Nightlife on Anxian Road and Club Street!
For your final stop, explore the nightlife just outside Chinatown along Anxian Road and Club Street. These areas are lined with chic cafés, bars, and restaurants—many of which are housed in renovated shophouses that exude an authentic Asian vibe. Popular with expats living in Singapore as well as locals, these spots are also excellent for a date night. Don’t miss the chance to experience the lively atmosphere!
◎ Chinatown Walking and Highlights Summary
Although Chinatown is not a vast area, it offers a wealth of experiences—from visiting a variety of religious temples to shopping for unique Asian souvenirs. You can enjoy local cuisine at hawker centres, relax with a massage, and even dive into the local nightlife. Whether you spend the entire day or come back for multiple visits, there’s plenty to explore in Chinatown. Enjoy your day in this dynamic area from morning till night!
