Chinatown
Heritage shophouses, temples and food streets around Pagoda and Smith Street.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Best time
- Late afternoon into evening
- Cost
- Free to explore
The story
Singapore's Chinatown grew from the early 19th century as the district set aside for Chinese immigrants under the colonial town plan. Its streets of restored shophouses, temples and markets reflect the community's heritage, blending Chinese, and also Indian and Muslim, places of worship side by side. Today it remains a lively heritage quarter of food streets, traditional trades and festive celebrations, especially during Chinese New Year.
What to see & do
- 01The bustling Chinatown Street Market and its souvenir stalls.
- 02The historic Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple.
- 03Traditional shophouses, medicine halls and heritage trades.
- 04The Chinatown Heritage Centre recreating early immigrant life.
- 05Vibrant Chinese New Year decorations and street bazaars in season.
Make the most of your visit
- Explore on foot to discover the side lanes and hidden temples.
- Come hungry, as the food streets and hawker fare are a highlight.
- Wandering the streets is free; markets and temples welcome visitors.
- Visit during Chinese New Year for the most festive atmosphere.
- Dress modestly when entering the temples along the way.
Getting there
Take the MRT to Chinatown station on the North East or Downtown Line, which exits directly into the heritage district. Nearby Maxwell and Telok Ayer stations also serve the area.
Nearest MRT stations- Maxwell MRT Station2.8 min walk
- Dt185.4 min walk
- Chinatown MRT Station5.9 min walk
- Telok Ayer MRT Station6.8 min walk
Walk times are real pedestrian routing (OSRM) from the attraction to each station entrance, not straight-line estimates.
Where to eat nearby — hawker centres
- Chinatown Complex2.2 min
- Maxwell Food Centre3 min
- Mnd Complex (annexe B)5.3 min
- Hong Lim Complex7.1 min
- Hawker Centre8 min
Eat & stay nearby
Top-rated restaurants and hotels within walking distance of Chinatown, pulled live from Google. Tap any to open it in Google Maps.
EV charging nearby
Driving an EV? The nearest public charging points to Chinatown, from Singapore’s LTA charger registry.
- Blk 4 Sago Lane Car ParkStrides Ytl Pte. Ltd.· up to 7.4 kW184 m
- Blk 334 Kreta Ayer Basement Car ParkStrides Ytl Pte. Ltd.· up to 7 kW248 m
- Chinatown PointVolt Singapore Pte. Ltd.· up to 60 kW· DC fast334 m
- IconVolt Singapore Pte. Ltd.· up to 30 kW· DC fast760 m
Distances are straight-line from the attraction. See the full EV charger map →
More to see within walking distance
Itineraries that include Chinatown
See how visitors fit Chinatown into a day — with what to pair it with, when to go and real traveller notes.
Staying in the area
Renting or buying near here? These stations have HDB blocks ranked by walk time and liveability: