City: Chinatown
Top Things to do in Chinatown
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The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Chinatown, Singapore
The Singapore cityscape looks like it was ripped from the pages of a science fiction comic book. If you’re hungry for a true Singapore experience, sample the myriad street foods or take a cultural cooking class. The Botanic Gardens and the Gardens By the Bay offer a slice of horticultural heaven, and the observation deck of the Sands SkyPark makes you feel like you’re high above the clouds. The banks and walkways along the Singapore River bustle with local activity.
Restaurants in Singapore
1. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,424 reviews
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum (BTRTM) was founded in 2002 by Venerable Shi Fazhao. It was registered by the Registrar of Societies in 20th February 2003, and as a charity under the Charities Act in 8th January 2004. The Temple is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha, which means 'The Compassionate One', and also called 'The Future Buddha'. (A)WEEKLY FREE GUIDED TOUR: BTRTM is pleased to offer a 1 1/2 - 2 hrs long guided tour of the Temple every Saturdays at 2pm. The tour will be conducted free-of-charge in English by the temple's Volunteers guides. Limited slots are available per weekly session. Confirmed registration is based on first-come-first-serve basis. (B)DISCOVERING BUDDHISM: Shakyanmuni Buddha had gained insight into the truth, perfected the qualities of wisdom and compassion over 2560 years ago. His teachings develops clarity in minds, enables abilities to end suffering and finds lasting happiness. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is carrying on the mission in offering "Discovering Buddhism' programme. 'Discovering Buddhism' is a specially designed programme for participants to gain experiential taste of Chinese Mahayana Buddhist etiquette, Basic Buddhist teachings and Basic Meditation within a day. This English taught programme is suitable for both tourists who wish to learn more about Buddhism and experienced learners who needs a refresher. Participants will benefit from the interactive and engaging teaching led by Venerable Wu Xiang and Venerable Ru Zhi who have more than a decade experience teaching Buddhism and Meditation in different cultural settings! [Chinese Mahayana Buddhist Etiquette] Buddhist etiquette is an important part of every Buddhist life. It expresses religious sentiments to the Buddha, the Teacher (Monk or Nun) and promotes gracefulness in social interactions. This is also a mean of training in mindfulness in every action one is taking. [Basic Buddhist teachings] Buddhism has been transmitted over the past centuries because of its timeless and enduring message to the spiritual needs of man in finding true peace, happiness, and well-being. In this part of the programme, learn about the basic essential knowledge of Buddhism. [Basic Meditation] Buddhist have been practicing meditation in cultivating calm, focused and positive states of mind. Introductory of technique will be taught to enable the participants to learn practical tips on how to achieve a clearer state of mind and focus better. Things to take note : * Avoid wearing hats, shorts or revealing tops * The organizer reserves the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such instances, registrants will be notified via their mobile phones.
Reviewed By cl41r3 - Nottingham, United Kingdom
This temple has so much to view. From the main hall where there were prayers being read, to the walkways around the temple showing the history, artefacts, statues, and smaller prayer/ meditation areas. There are many floors and even a roof garden where you can ring the prayer bell. It is an incredible place. I’d highly recommend a visit if visiting Singapore. There is a dress code but if you are not wearing appropriate clothing there is access to sarongs and scarfs to use during the visit
2. Mohamed Ali Lane
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By KylieIsTravelling - Perth, Australia
I discovered Mohamed Ali Lane through the Singapore Tourist site and am glad I did. There’s a beautiful set of murals on Mohamed Ali Lane on the cross street to South Bridge Road, and further murals along to Chinatown Food Centre. It’s worth wandering along South Bridge Road to see murals like that seen in Mohamed Ali Lane, visible all hours and it’s free.
3. Chinatown
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 14,401 reviews
For a fascinating peek into Singapore’s Chinese culture and history, Chinatown is good place to start. Here, you’ll enjoy a mix of heritage visits to museums, shopping as well as a good variety of food options, sure to leave a traveller happy and satisfied at the end of the day.
Reviewed By 190joannb - Portadown, United Kingdom
What an array of traditional Chinese food on offer!! Every thing you imagine Chinese cuisine is and MORE!!!! Also the vendors along the strip are interesting and you can pick up a great few bargains
4. Sri Mariamman Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,030 reviews
Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple is also one of the most popular thanks to its proximity to Chinatown and its colorful exterior. Admission is free, though a donation is requested of those taking photographs. An annual fire-walking ceremony is held here every October or November.
Reviewed By CandaceT145 - Singapore, Singapore
This is a beautiful Hindu temple located right outside Chinatown mrt. There are always devotes praying and tourists going in to take a look. Remember to dress modestly and shoes have to be taken off at the entrance.
5. Heading Home (Rickshaw)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
6. Tanjong Pagar
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Kim025Singapore - Singapore, Singapore
Chinatown comprises four precincts-Telok Ayer, Kreta Ayer, Bukit Pasoh and Tanjong Pagar. Tanjong Pagar MRT station is a very convenient starting point for exploration of Tanjong Pagar precinct. This station has a great varieties of cafes and restaurants. My favourite coffee break stop is at the Guzman Y Gomez where most kinds of barista coffee costs $2 with a large public seating space just outside the cafe. Tanjong Pagar Food Centre offers a cheap option for local food. A walk here include admiring the shophouses along Tras Street, Tangjong Pagar Road, Craig Road, Duxton Road and Duxton Hill. Duxton Road used to be popular for its opium and gambling dens and cheap brothels due to its proximity to Jinrikisha Station. However nowadays it is popular for its restaurants and hotels. A lovely bookshop, Littered with Books, is also worth a look here. Duxton Hill is a tranquil, cobblestoned road lined with restaurants located in lovely conserved shophouses with its gorgeous gardens. There is a well-known second hand shop in Craig Road which claims to "buy junks & sell antiques". Ballad of Anna May, located at 42 Craig Road, is the first coffee specialty shop in Singapore to bring in Proud Mary beans. The most outstanding building along Tanjong Pagar Road is Jinrikisha Station which was built in 1903. In 2007, Hong Kong movie superstar, Jackie Chan, bought this property for $11 million. A short street linking Tanjong Pagar Road and Tras Street is Cook Street. At the junction is a four-storey apartment block built in 1937 in the Modernism style. It was designed by HR Arbenz who has an engineering background. Another short parallel street is Murray Street with the Murray Terrace, an Art Deco streetblock with exposed brickwork and unique lion head rain spouts. It was built in 1929 and consists of 14 shophouses.
7. Pagoda Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By BigHugh51 - Adelaide, Australia
Chinatown is one of our "must visit" locations whenever we are in Singapore. Our most recent stay in Singapore saw us once again heading to Chinatown to soak up the atmosphere. Pagoda Street is home to a pedestrian mall which houses a plethora of shops and stalls selling all sorts of souvenirs, "knick-knacks", clothing, jewellery, electronics goods and cameras. There are also a number of cafes and eateries located along the street. We had a great time wandering amongst the stalls, dodging crowds of people and enjoying the ambience of the street. Sure enough, many of the goods on offer are cheap and nasty and most of the eateries are not necessarily top quality but it is still a fun place to spend a couple of hours even if the weather is particularly hot and steamy!
8. Temple Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By Kim025Singapore - Singapore, Singapore
Temple street is famous for its shops supplying professional kitchen tools and crockery. Another interesting shop is Peranakan Tiles Gallery at No 36. There is an outstanding mural here by Yip Yew Chong, "Cantonese Opera". The artist often watched Cantonese operas as a boy because they were staged frequently in Chinatown during the various Chinese festivals. He even brought his girlfriend to watch the operas on dates. The backdrop, props, lighting and the fighting scenes fascinated him and he has fond memories of all these which probably inspired his style of art. As for this mural, notice 1) the actors' and actresses' costumes 2) the various backstage activities 3) the spectators' postures and expressions 4) the mobile food stalls taking the opportunity of the crowd for businesses. The artist has done a great credit in enhancing Chinatown culturally and making the streets more beautiful. These murals have delighted both locals and tourists alike.
