No matter how ultra-modern Singapore may be, Chinatown remains a cultural beacon for many people. On a normal day, youâll find plenty of tourists and locals roaming its streetsâa place where modern tastes meet a rich and colourful history.
The area was first fully developed in the late 1800s, with many significant changes made to its offerings and facades over the years. Businesses have come and gone, but there are many reliable names that have planted their operations there for decades.
Given its enduring popularity, Chinatown holds plenty of surprises to this day. To compile the hidden gems and red-hot spots, we list the best places to enjoy Chinatown based on its popularity with locals and tourists alike! From the most captivating places to visit and sights to behold to the exhilarating shopping scene that thrives here, it is about time to explore Chinatown's essence in all its dynamic glory.
The best part? Most of the recommendations are within a 15min walk from Dorsett Singapore, a hotel located right above Outram Park MRT station, at the fringe of the heritage-rich Chinatown and the trendy hip enclave of Keong Saik.
1. Bring home souvenirs and have a taste of local food at Chinatown Street Market
Exploring Singapore's vibrant Chinatown Street Market is an absolute must for both locals and visitors. This lively hub is renowned as one of the city's top attractions, drawing a diverse crowd with its array of shops and stalls.
Letâs start with the OG attraction: Chinatown Street Market. While it is characterised as a bustling night market full of value-item buys, it also gives visitors a flavour of Singaporeâs culture, allowing tourists to sample local delights and take home souvenirs.
If youâre new to Singapore and pressed for time, this placeâwhich stretches from Pagoda Street to Temple Streetâis a must-visit.
Market vendors usually begin operations around 10am, transforming it into the ultimate food street. And, as you can imagine, there is plenty of food to choose from. Whether itâs thick slices of bak kwa (barbequed pork), fresh dim sum or large cups of bubble tea, youâll never go hungry walking around the market looking for collectibles and gifts!
There are many cultural antiques, cute souvenirs and clothing at this marketâsilk scarfs, lanterns, herbal medicine, vintage stamps, pots and vases. You can even take a quick trip to Chinatown Complex (which weâll discuss more in detail later) where there are several outlets on the first floor with other alluring collectibles.
2. Indulge in shopping and bespoke services on Ann Siang Road
Consider Ann Siang and Club Street as the chic, hip sibling of Singapore's lively Clarke Quay. As the night falls, this neighbourhood comes alive with an irresistible energy that appeals to nocturnal souls and those in search of an electrifying nightlife experience.
And just a 5min walk from Chinatown Street Market is Ann Siang Road. Here, expect service and selections that teeter closer to high-end, luxury experiences.
While Ann Siang Road is best known for its generous offerings of boozy bars, there are plenty of thriving local brands and boutiques excelling in artisanal items.
For starters, there is Yumumu, a local fashion brand with a range that will speak to the divine feminine in you. From breathable, stylish jumpsuits to modest dresses, and even hand woven jewellery, there is nothing ordinary about its offerings.
Speaking of jewellery, you can find a greater variety of it at MADLY Gems, which perfectly encapsulates its devotion to jewels. This is the place to go to if youâd prefer something bespoke, as opposed to an off-the-shelf piece, and its in-house designers will be there with you to create the perfect wearable item.
Fancy a haircut and trim by the gods? Truefitt & Hill devotes itself to a lineage of the gentlemanly shave, and you can select from a variety of servicesâregular haircuts, massages, shaves and facial hair groomingâthat will make you feel like a million bucks.
3. Pick out your favourite scent, vinyl records and books along Duxton Hill
If youâve traversed the grounds of Ann Siang empty-handed, fret not. Just a 5min walk away is Duxton Hill, another hideout full of luxurious brands.
Here, alongside a selection of restaurants and bars that come alive at night, you can find perfume maker Maison 21Gâwhere you can craft your own fragrance with its expertiseâalong with activewear giant Lululemon.
Littered with Books is an independent bookstore that houses a range of curated books, situated in one of the shophouses along Duxton Road.
If youâre hankering for some entertainment, next to each other are Retrophonic Records, a record store with plenty of music on vinyl, along with Littered with Books, which offers a curated selection of literature. Nestled within a historic conservation shophouse, this unique independent bookstore boasts a thoughtfully chosen collection that spans literary gems, non-fiction explorations, gripping crime and thriller tales, immersive Sci-Fi and fantasy realms, captivating travel narratives, and an array of award-winning children's books. Their selection is undoubtedly a tribute to diverse tastes and a celebration of the written word.
4. Visit an iconic religious site - Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
Looking for more attractions to visit while in Chinatown? The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum is a five-storey temple along South Bridge Road and welcomes more than 50,000 visitors every month.
In Chinatown, religion and culture are intertwinedâso much of its street sights are rooted in tradition. However, despite its name denoting a large presence of Chinese culture, there is also the legendary Sri Mariamman Temple, one that regularly attracts curious tourists with its holy ceremonies.
The famed Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is another attraction in Chinatown that is hard to miss.
Nestled at the vibrant core of Chinatown, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum stands as a testament to cultural richness and history. With its immersive exhibitions showcasing the journey of Buddhist art and heritage spanning millennia, it unveils tales of ancient wisdom. Replete with golden opulence and a towering presence, this historic temple is an attraction that offers four levels of history and a rooftop garden comprising four sacred pavilions.
It also has a basement food court, which is accessible from a non-descript door at the side of its exterior. This food court only offers vegetarian fare. It also has some of the most budget-friendly offerings in the area, with meals costing less than S$5 each.
5. Modern art and traditional history at Everton Park
At Everton Park, prepare to be inundated with arts and crafts.
Here, you can find plenty of murals by local artists, artisanal cafes where you can ease your mind with a hot cup of coffee, and shophouses that are steeped in Peranakan tradition.
You will find three murals by local artist Yip Yew Chong in the area - Amah (housemaid washing and drying clothes), Barber and Provision Shop - depicting life in a kampung (village) in the old days of Singapore.
The NUS Baba House, which serves as a heritage destination of sorts, and not so much your regular museum, has been fastidiously restored over the years. Itâs the best place to learn more about the history of the Straits Chinese people who have made Singapore what it is today.
6. Cityscape views and fitness to-dos at Duxton
If youâre hankering for a panoramic viewâwhether it is just to clear your head after a long day, or to stage the perfect Instagram shotâlook no further than the skybridge at Pinnacle@Duxton.
While it is primarily a residential building, its sleek skybridge, located at level 50, is open to the public. From here, you can have more than a birdâs eye view of the Chinatown area, the Central Business District and Tanjong Pagar. From this vantage point, you can also easily map out the perfect jogging route within the vicinity if you intend to break a sweat in the afternoon. Be sure to include Ann Siang Hill Park in it!
If youâre looking to work out indoors insteadâwhich we would not blame you for, given our sometimes unforgiving climateâthere is also Cru68 in Chinatown Point at Duxton Hill, which offers members and visitors the facilities for different activities: cycling, HIIT, or even boxing!
Around the corner, Body Fit Training also offers value for money, if youâre a member of Dorsett Your Rewards programme by Dorsett Hospitality International: its members will get to enjoy a 15% discount for the gymâs day passes online.
7. Explore Singaporeâs gastronomic indulgences at Maxwell Food Centre
Maxwell Food Centre, an emblematic hawker haven in Singapore, stands as a culinary gem where delectable treasures await to tantalise your taste buds. From Hainanese Chicken Rice to Fishball Wanton noodles, Maxwell Food Centre is the place to feast.
As with any Singaporean destination, there is always delectable local food that you must try. Affordable local hawker fare can be found at Maxwell Food Centre and Chinatown Complexâjust be sure to prepare yourself for crowds during lunchtime!
At Maxwell, the main attraction is undoubtedly Tian Tian Chicken Rice, which has been endorsed by luminaries like the late Anthony Bourdain and, importantly, countless Singaporeans.
Be sure to try out the famous Mr Appam, which offers sweet Indian delights at a cheap price. Other must-tries at Maxwell Food Centre include Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake, Tong Xin Ju Special Shanghai Tim Sum and Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon.
8. Grab coffee, pastries and so much more along South Bridge Road
Along South Bridge Road, you can find midday hideouts, where you can indulge in coffee with a friend at places like Maxi Coffee Bar and Nanyang Old Coffee.
If youâre looking for a convenient place after lunch at Maxwell, you can head to La Grigne Patisserieâlocated just behind the hawker centreâwhere it serves its signature salmon mentaiko croissants.
Of course, this area turns into something special at night. Come for the coffee, stay for the classy alcoholic drinks, we say! Bars like Potato Head, Esquina, CU Bar and Papa Doble will welcome you with open arms.
9. Stay in comfort (and convenience) at Dorsett Singapore
If Chinatown has sounded irresistible to you, especially if youâre making your first visit here, why not make your stay here? The district has plenty of hotels for you to choose from.
Undoubtedly, youâll want an accommodation thatâs closest to your must-visit places in Chinatown and easily accessible to other tourist attractions. For that, look no further than Dorsett Singapore.
Itâs located right at the heart of Chinatown, and right above Outram Park MRT station. With convenient access to three MRT lines - EastâWest, NorthâEast and ThomsonâEast Coast lines, it is not just Chinatown that is at your disposalâitâs most of Singapore, thanks to our train systemâs ability to bring commuters around the entire island.
Dorsett Singapore was built with the road warriors in mindâthose who intend to spend hours upon hours exploring the area. With a total of 285 guestrooms, it has various thoughtfully-designed rooms offering unique experiences. Ranging from the Deluxe Room with everything available for a comfortable stay to the Balcony Room, Loft Room, and even a Splash Room for tub lovers, you will be able to find a room that suits your preference.
Nestled within the hotel are an array of amenities you will need, encompassing an outdoor swimming pool, a well-equipped gym and a recently added feature â a self-service laundromat.
Moreover, the hotel hosts a Foodie Tour every Sunday morning, designed to introduce guests to beloved local delicacies and to support the local community's small businesses. This exclusive 2.5h tour, limited to 12 guests each time, offers the opportunity to tantalise your taste buds and forge new friendships with fellow guests. If you are up for a culinary adventure, sign up at Dorsett Singaporeâs reception desk when you check in.
For foodies who prefer a free-and-easy experience, you can book a Foodcation with Dorsett Singapore and receive S$60 worth of Dorsett Dollars upon checking in to the hotel. You can spend the Dorsett Dollars at recommended restaurants and eateries in the hood, tasting some of the best local and international cuisine in the area! Book now on Dorsett Singaporeâs website.
Besides that, all guests staying in-house are entitled to exclusive discounts at the F&B partners, which have been personally sampled and recommended by the staff at Dorsett Singapore. Check out the full list of curated F&B partners, ranging from a durian specialty cafe to Japanese restaurants and local eateries:
Attention all food enthusiasts! Embark on a delectable foodcation with Dorsett Singapore in the heart of one of the most vibrant and taste-filled neighbourhoods.
Most importantly, all the destinations weâve mentioned above, all are within walking distance from Dorsett Singapore. How much better can it get?
With so many things to do, there is no doubt that Chinatown attracts countless tourists every day, even during non-holiday periods. However, that should not stop you from spending days in this wonderful and culturally-rich districtânot when there are nearby hotels that ensure youâll be first in line at any spot with its unparalleled convenience!
This story is written in partnership with Dorsett Singapore.
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