Chinatown in Singapore is smaller than one would expect. It's not a huge neighbourhood like Bangkok, nor is it as authentic as Kuala Lumpur or New York.

It does offer what you expect from Chinatown - lanterns, stalls, temples and food - but in a much sleeker and cleaner form than anywhere else in the world.

Singapore's Chinatown feels more like a tourist attraction, but you have to take into account Singapore's distinct culture and strict adherence to order. Then Chinatown's "slick" appearance starts to make a little sense.

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Chinatown is also a unique area of low-rise houses set right in the middle of modern skyscrapers. It stands out especially when viewed from an aerial view or from the Pinnacle@Duxton overlook.

Is Chinatown worth a visit?

✅ Yes, if:

• you want to taste the street food and local atmosphere
• you are interested in temples and culture
• you want to see Singapore's main attractions

❌ Not likely if:

• you only have a few hours in Singapore between flights
• you're looking for modern buildings and iconic

💡 Alternative:
Little India - a more distinct atmosphere and more contrast. For a quick visit on a layover, Marina Bay in particular is a must-see.

How big is Chinatown

Chinatown in Singapore is compact.

• The main part consists of a few streets around the Chinatown MRT station
• the centre is the area around the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Realistically, it's a few blocks, not a big neighbourhood. On the western edge it flows loosely into a small district called Korea Town, which is effectively just 3 streets full of Korean food restaurants.

How much time to set aside

• Quick visit: 45-60 minutes
• with meals and stops: 2-3 hours

What you'll actually see here

Chinatown is a diverse place where you will discover many interesting things.

Hawker Centre (food)

• a large selection of local food
• reasonable prices
• the only truly authentic setting with a mix of Chinese, Indian and Malaysian cuisine

👉 one of the main reasons to come here

We directly visited 3 Hawker Centres in Chinatown, including several stalls mentioned in the Michelin Guide:

• Lau Pa Sat
• Chinatown Comlex Food Center
• Maxwell Food Center

Street with stalls (Pagoda Street and surroundings)

• souvenirs, clothes, trinkets
• very touristy
• very modern and not very authentic

Good for a short walk or shopping for tourist souvenirs.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

• Buddha tooth relic temple (you can see it on the 4th floor)
• distinctive red building
• free entrance
• the main landmark of the whole district

Hindu and Muslim shrines

Next to the Buddhist temple you will also find:

• Sri Mariamman Temple - Hindu Temple
• Jamae Mosque - Islamic Temple

Both are free to enter.

Contrast of old and modern

• low coloured houses
• skyscrapers in the background

This is probably my favourite and it pretty much characterises the whole of downtown Singapore.

What surprised us

• the district is smaller than it looks on the map
• very touristy, but still interesting.
• the best part is the food, not the sights

The cheapest accommodation in Singapore?

Chinatown is a popular area for accommodation thanks to the large number of hostels, capsule hotels and other budget accommodation.

It also has a great central location where many metro lines cross and you can walk to many attractions across the city centre.

I'd recommend, for example, the cheap capsule hotel Wink at Mosque Street.

View all Chinatown hotels

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Singapore.