Top 10 Things to Do in Chinatown, Singapore

There is no dearth of things to do in Chinatown Singapore as this wonderful place is filled with an interesting mix of food joints, shophouses, places of worship, parks, residential and commercial complexes. Chinatown is the main cultural hotspot of Mainland Singapore and this vibrant area fascinates tourists as well as locals alike.

No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to Chinatown. While it is historically the area of settlement for many Chinese immigrants who arrived in the then-British colony, don’t be surprised to find other cultural gems in this district. With good cheap food in abundance, proximity to tourist hotspots, and some of the hippest neighbourhoods in Singapore, here are some of the top reasons you need to check out Chinatown.

1.Experience the Authentic Food at Chinatown’s Maxwell Food Center

Hawker centres are the best place to experience the authentic flavour of Singapore as locals do, and Maxwell Food Centre is one of the more popular with both Singaporeans and tourists. If there’s one thing you do in Singapore’s Chinatown, it’s grab a meal at this place. The Hainanese Chicken Rice at Tian Tian Chicken Rice is a Michelin Bib-Gourmand recipient and a must-try dish at this hawker centre, but if you’d rather skip the perpetually long queue, there are plenty of other stalls that serve cheap and good food from cultures all around Asia.

Location: 1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184

Timings: Daily 8:00 AM to 2:00 AM

2.Visit Sri Mariamman Temple

Chinatown is home to a multitude of places of worship for many religions, including the Sri Mariamman Temple, the first Hindu temple in Singapore. The temple, which worships the goddess Mariamman, was constructed in the early-19th century by southern Indian immigrants. It is in the architectural style of Dravidian temples, with a towering gopuram(entrance tower) decorated by six tiers filled with ornate sculptures of figures from Hindu mythology and culture. Historically, the temple was a centre of Hindu culture and offered help to immigrants; today, it retains many of its social, cultural and religious significance among the Hindu community. Visit the temple in the evening to see their daily Hindu rituals.

Location: 244 S Bridge Road, Singapore 058793

Timings: Daily 7:00 AM to Midday and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

3.Learn the Peranakan History at NUS Baba House

A visit to NUS Baba House is one of the most interesting things to do in Chinatown Singapore. This magnificent heritage house once belonged to the Wee family of the Peranakan community. The Peranakans go way back to the 15th century when the first Chinese immigrants settled in the Malay Islands and most of these became traders.

The NUS Baba House belonged to one such shipping tycoon, Mr. Wee Lin and it showcases the lifestyle and culture of the Peranakan community of Singapore at the time.

Location: 157 Neil Road, Singapore 088883

Timings: Heritage tours Monday to Friday at 10:00 am

                Self-guided visits on Saturday.

4.Visit Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple stands proudly along South Bridge Road. A relatively young temple first conceived in 1989 and only built in its current form and location in 2007, this traditional Tang-style design with its red lacquered walls is a colourful addition to the architecture in diverse Chinatown. As its name suggests, the temple houses the sacred Buddha tooth relic that the public can view, though only monks can actually enter the relic’s chambers. The temple is also a museum that is home to other revered Buddhist artefacts.

Location: 288 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058840

Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM

5.Explore the Largest Hawker Center - Chinatown Complex

Chinatown Complex is a busy hawker center in the heart of Chinatown and it is a place favored by the locals to eat and socialize as well. The Complex is filled with hawkers serving a variety of dishes and a menu as diverse as one could find in a place like this.

The aromas and scents that float around are enough to whet anyone’s appetite. The dishes are authentic and flavorful. Fusion dishes and Vegan versions of most dishes are also available at the Chinatown Complex. 

Locations: 1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184

Timings: Daily 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM

7.Watch the Sunset at Pinnacle @ Duxton Skybridge

The Pinnacle @ Duxton is Singapore’s tallest public housing estate that towers over the shophouses of the nearby Chinatown district. There are two Sky Bridges connecting the towers, but only the rooftop one on the 50th storey is accessible to the public for a small fee, and with a limit of 200 visitors per day. On a clear day, the panorama from the viewing deck provides a glimpse to the cultural precinct of Chinatown and surrounding residential and office buildings. This spot is particularly popular during National Day and New Year’s Eve, when there are fireworks and other aerial displays.

Location:  1G Cantonment Rd, Singapore 085301

Timings: Daily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Saturdays till 1:00 PM

8.Click Instagrammable Pictures at People's Park

People’s Park is a bustling residential and commercial complex that was the first of its kind in  Southeast Asia when it was started back in 1970. It started as a shopping complex then later the residential tower was added. The 25-floor tower was the tallest residential structure then, and pictures shot here offer panoramic views of the city below.

The bustling atrium of the mall is a perfect place to mark your visit to the place with some random Insta pictures clicked here. Click as many pictures as you can while you shop and dine at People’s Park! The lively pulse of the city is found in every corner of People’s Park. 

Location: People's Park Complex, 1 Park Road, Singapore 059108

Timings: 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM

9.Explore Bars and Restaurants at Ann Siang Hill

This erstwhile spice hill is a popular hangout for many tourists and locals looking for great restaurants and bars to spend some relaxed time. This interesting street is filled with a cornucopia of rooftop bars, cozy restaurants, boutique hotels and entertainment centers.

The variety of restaurants and bars can be daunting but this lane is one of the most fascinating things to do in Chinatown Singapore. The streets are lined with interesting shops and well maintained green spaces The boutique theatre is a great place to cozy up and watch some timeless classics. 

Location: Ann Siang Hill, Outram, Singapore

10.Everton Park

On the edge of the busy Chinatown district is Everton Park, a motley collection of some of the oldest shophouses in Singapore amidst a quiet residential district. This neighbourhood is a favourite for coffee enthusiasts and serious bean lovers, and you will find various hipster cafes and retail outlets popping up amidst the more traditional sundry shops. Also popular in this area are the growing number of heritage murals and other street art.

Location: Everton Park, Bukit Merah, Singapore.