Chinatown
Chinatown is a compact district in central Singapore where Buddhist and Hindu temples, shophouse streets and hawker centers sit within a short walk of each other.
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Chinatown is a district in central Singapore, in the Outram area just south of the Singapore River. Chinese migrants settled here in the 19th century, and their shophouses, clan associations and temples remain visible on the streets. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple holds a relic that is said to be a tooth of the Buddha, and Sri Mariamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore. Thian Hock Keng, a Hokkien temple on Telok Ayer Street, also dates to the 19th century.
Food is a main reason to come. Hawker centers such as Chinatown Complex Food Centre and Maxwell Food Centre gather many of Singapore's dishes in one place, and Smith Street is lined with food stalls and restaurants. Pagoda Street and Temple Street have restored shophouses to browse. A half day or a full day works here, and the district is close to Marina Bay and Tanjong Pagar. The area is hot and humid all year, so plan walks for the morning or evening. Lunar New Year brings lanterns and decorations to the streets.
Chinatown in five
- Eat at the Chinatown Complex hawker centerThe hawker center on Smith Street is a budget option in the district, and a packet of tissues on a table means the seat is taken. Carry some cash, since some stalls take only cash.
- Tap in with a contactless card at Chinatown stationChinatown is an interchange for the North East and Downtown lines. The same card you tap on the MRT works on buses.Getting around
- Dress modestly for the Buddha Tooth Relic TempleThe temple on South Bridge Road holds a relic that it says is a tooth of the Buddha. Cover shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes where the signs ask.
- Set up an eSIM before you reach ChinatownMaps and transit apps need data in the lanes around Pagoda and Smith Streets. An eSIM set up before you land means you can use maps from the airport.eSIM guide
- Visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre on Pagoda StreetThe small museum in restored shophouses shows how early Chinese immigrants lived and worked in the district. Go in the morning, before the lanes fill with lunch crowds.
Things to do in Chinatown
See all attractions in Chinatown
Need to know
- Currency
- Singapore dollar (SGD)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check yours before booking Read more
- Emergency
- 999 police, 995 fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected; check the bill for a service charge
- Time
- UTC+8, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryWet season
- FebruaryLunar New Year
- MarchDrier, hot
- AprilHot, humid
- MayHot, showers
- JuneHot, humid
- JulyHot, humid
- AugustNational Day
- SeptemberHot, showers
- OctoberHot, showers
- NovemberWet season
- DecemberWet, busy
Right now in Chinatown
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 32°
- Humidity
- 72%
- Wind
- 10 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Sentosa
04:37 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today33°24°100%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed32°24°100%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Thu30°24°98%Thursday: Thunderstorms. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Fri29°22°100%Friday: Rain. High 29°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sat29°24°98%Saturday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Sun30°24°98%Sunday: Rain. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Mon29°23°100%Monday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 100%.
Updated 01:40 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 1.278 SGD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Johor BahruAbout 1 hour by bus, longer at the borderA Malaysian city across the Causeway, for a change of food and street life.
- Pulau UbinAbout 15 min by bumboat from Changi PointA rural island with kampong houses, bicycles and old granite quarries. It is a slow change of pace from the city.
- MalaccaAbout 4 hours by bus, plus border checksA historic port town on the Strait of Malacca, with a colonial old town and Chinese temples.
Before you go to Chinatown
Rules for Chinatown, checked
- Entry rules change, so check whether your passport is visa-free on the ICA site before you book.Source
- Littering and smoking outside designated areas carry fines. Check the National Environment Agency for the current rules.Source
- E-cigarettes and vapes are banned in Singapore, including possession. Leave them at home.
- Drug laws are strict, and penalties can be severe. Carry prescription medicine with its paperwork.
Plan around Chinatown
Districts, transport and money for the whole city
Read the guideGetting aroundFares and cards for MRT, buses and taxis
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules for your passport before you book
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices for food and sights
Read the guideWhere to stayStays near Chinatown and the MRT lines
Read the guideAsia destinationsOther Asian cities for a longer trip
Read the guideChinatown FAQ
Is Chinatown Singapore worth visiting?
Yes, for the temples, the shophouse lanes and the hawker food in a compact area. Half a day covers most of it, and it pairs well with the Marina Bay area.
How many hours do you need in Chinatown Singapore?
Half a day covers the temples, the lanes and a meal at the hawker center. Add time if you visit the museums.
What is the best time to visit Chinatown Singapore?
Mornings are quieter for the temples and shophouses. Evenings suit the hawker center and the lit streets.
Is Chinatown Singapore walkable?
Yes. Most sights lie within a few minutes of each other around Pagoda Street, Smith Street and South Bridge Road.
Can you visit Chinatown Singapore for free?
Walking the streets is free. The Heritage Centre and some other attractions charge admission, so check before you go.
Is Chinatown Singapore safe at night?
Yes. The main streets stay busy into the evening.