Things to Do in Chinatown, Singapore

Things to Do in Chinatown

Chinatown in Singapore offers a blend of history, culture, cuisine, and shopping experiences that make it a captivating destination for both tourists and locals. It’s a place where you can appreciate Singapore’s multicultural identity and enjoy a rich and immersive cultural journey.

I actually enjoyed walking around Chinatown. There are a lot of things to see and to explore. We booked our accommodation in this area because we knew we would be spending more time here. I think this is a great place to stay because aside from it being near MTR, there’s also a hawker center nearby that offers local foods for a much cheaper price.

THINGS TO DO IN CHINATOWN:

Like I said, there are a lot of things to do here. I listed below some that you can choose from and maybe include in your itinerary when you visit Singapore.

Explore the Chinatown Street Market

Stroll through the vibrant Chinatown Street Market on Pagoda Street, where you can shop for souvenirs, clothing, accessories, and traditional Chinese goods. Don’t forget to bargain! This place also has a lively nightlife scene with bars, pubs, and clubs. Enjoy live music, karaoke, and a variety of beverages in the evening.

Visit Chinatown Heritage Centre

Explore the Chinatown Heritage Centre to learn about the history of early Chinese immigrants in Singapore. The museum features detailed exhibits and recreations of old shophouses.

The Thian Hock Keng Temple

Considered one of the oldest temples in the place, the Thian Hock Keng Temple is indeed a place that everyone must visit. The combination of beautiful architecture and ancient ways of building structures was applied to this temple. Thus, making it more unique and worth the visit compared to other nearby temples. The style along with the intricate carvings are just a few of the reasons why you should be here. It is also said that the Thian Hock Keng Temple is dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea.

Sri Mariamman Temple

This Dravidian-inspired temple was built as the first-ever temple of the Hindus in Singapore. The tower and the different symbols and figures associated with Hindu mythology are evident as you go around the temple. This is very near our accommodation so we observed that they are having rituals at night.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

This temple is a sacred temple for the reason that it houses the tooth relic of Buddha. Most people come here to do some reflection and to express their devotion. The architecture design following the Tang style is evident as manifested by the vast red walls. You can come here and get to see the relic, but on the other hand, only the monks are given access to the chambers of the remnant for sacred purposes. This temple is in front of Maxwell Hawker Center and a bus station.

Maxwell Hawker Center

The first advice I received from a friend was to eat at a Hawker center in Singapore. They have a variety of local Singaporean cuisine, along with other Asian dishes at a much more affordable price. This Hainanese chicken rice looks a little pale to me, but I was surprised at how tasty it was. You should also try it.

Chinatown Complex

Another place for affordable local foods here is in the Chinatown Complex. The hawker center is on the second floor. The first floor is full of stalls that sell different souvenirs. Don’t miss out on local favorites like Hainanese chicken rice, dim sum, and chili crab.

Join a Guided Walking Tour

Consider joining a guided walking tour of Chinatown. Knowledgeable guides can provide insights into the history, culture, and traditions of the neighborhood. Below are the Klook deals you can choose from.

Shop for Unique Items

Explore quirky shops and boutiques in Chinatown selling items like medicinal herbs, antiques, Feng Shui products, and traditional Chinese clothing. I would say this is a place to buy “pasalubong” because this is where you will see a lot of different souvenirs. Also, if you are looking for cheaper chocolates and other local goodies look for Value $ store.

How to go to Chinatown in Singapore?

Chinatown is a popular neighborhood in Singapore and is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Here’s how to get to Chinatown:

If you have questions, let me know in the comment section below.