24-Hour Guide: Best Things to Do in Chinatown, Singapore

Chinatown, the cultural gem of progressive Singapore, is recognised as a locality that is the heart and soul of the country's rich heritage. Once a humble haven for early Chinese settlers, Chinatown today shimmers with the glow of modernity, while still holding on to its deeply rooted traditions.

Join us as we embark on an exciting adventure through time and culture, exploring the richly textured tapestry of Chinatown — the pride of Singapore!


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what to do in chinatown singapore
Best Things to Do in Chinatown, Singapore

24-Hour Guide: Best Things to Do in Chinatown, Singapore

Chinatown Street Market

Next to the twinkling lanterns and the scent of mouth-watering delights, Chinatown Street Market is indeed a bustling bazaar of dreams. A delightful blur of colourful stalls, it offers everything from delicious street foods to vintage clothing and handmade crafts. For souvenir hunters, look out for traditional Chinese calligraphy artwork or faux-antique trinkets, a perfect memento to commemorate your Chinatown adventure. Haggling is part of the fun, so put on your bargaining hat and let the games begin!

Address: Pagoda Street and Trengganu Street, Singapore
Opening hours: 9.30am to 8.00pm

Chinatown singapore
Chinatown Street Market, Singapore

Trails of Tan Ah Huat

Swap pavement for pedal and traverse through decades of colourful history with the guided Trails of Tan Ah Huat bicycle tour. This tour takes you on an engaging journey through Chinatown's picturesque lanes, with the stories of Ah Huat keeping you company. Along the way, you'll pedal past old tradesmen, vibrant markets, and historic sites, each narrating a tale as old as time. Listen as these edifices whisper intangible tales of a rich past.

Address: Block 462 Crawford Ln, #01-57, Singapore
Opening hours: 9am to 1pm
Contact number: +65 9004 4332

Trails of Tan Ah Huat
Discover Singapore via the Trails of Tan Ah Huat

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

A spiritual sanctuary nestled amidst the buzz of the city, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a serene oasis. It's an architectural masterpiece, dynamically combining the Tang Dynasty's grandeur with modern-day functionality. Every week, the temple organises free guided tours introducing visitors to Buddhism's profound wisdom. Become a part of this spiritual quest, view the revered Buddha tooth relic and let the tranquillity permeate your soul.

Address: 288 South Bridge Rd, Singapore
Opening hours: 7am to 5pm
Contact number: +65 6220 0220

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple singapore
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Singapore

Chinatown Mural Art

A resurgence of street art has added another vibrant veneer to Chinatown's historic façades thanks to talented artists like Yip Yew Chong. It's impossible to miss the stunning murals depicting wistful scenes from Chinatown's past. The Letter Writer is a particular favourite, illustrating a once common sight of elderly scribes penning letters for illiterate immigrants. Each mural captures a unique facet of Singaporean culture and offers an exquisite photo-op for the avid Instagrammer in you!

Address: Near Chinatown MRT Station

Chinatown Mural Art
Chinatown's Mural Art in Singapore

Tea Traditions at Yixing Xuan Teahouse

A trip to Chinatown is quenching for the spirit and the palate! Wander into the aromatic embrace of Yixing Xuan Teahouse, where the air is scented with the teasing aroma of exquisite Chinese teas. Be sure to participate in their tea appreciation workshops to further deepen your knowledge and love for this serene beverage. Perhaps the brew will captivate your senses so much that you'll end up bringing a bit of that delicious charm back home!

Address: 78 Tg Pagar Rd, Singapore
Opening hours: 10am to 8.00pm
Contact number: +65 6224 6961

Yixing Xuan Teahouse Singapore
Tea Traditions at Yixing Xuan Teahouse, Singapore

Kokedama Class at Little Big Garden

Embrace the joy of nature and become an eco-artist at Little Big Garden. The specialty plant shop regularly holds workshops where you can create your own 'moss ball' — an enchanting green art form from Japan known as Kokedama. Not only is it a soothingly tactile experience, but the gorgeous green orbs also make for unique decorative pieces to bring a little slice of nature into your home!

Address: 32A Sago St, Singapore
Opening hours: 12pm to 7pm (Thursday - Sunday)
Contact number: +65 6222 1081

Little Big Garden Singapore
Chinese Theatre CircleKokedama Class at Little Big Garden, Singapore

Chinese Theatre Circle

Feast your senses on the vibrant spectacle of traditional Chinese Opera at the Chinese Theatre Circle. Whether you're a theatre enthusiast or a curious newbie, this is a flamboyant panorama of music, acrobatics, and dramatic storytelling you wouldn't want to miss — everything blending to keep the audience guessing the gender of the characters!

Address: 5 Smith St, Singapore
Opening hours: 1pm to 5pm (Closed on Monday)
Contact number: +65 6323 4862

Chinese Theatre Circle singapore
Chinese Theatre Circle in Singapore

How to Get to Chinatown, Singapore

Sprawling across the city centre, reaching this buzzing district is a breeze, thanks to the plethora of convenient transportation options at your disposal. Whether you choose the rhythm of the city's veins - the expansive Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system or the scenic route aboard an air-conditioned bus, your destination is closer than you think. Simply find your way to the Chinatown station (NE4/DT19), and you're just hops away from immersing in the intoxicating blend of tradition and modernity. And if you are in for a bargain, remember to snap up the Singapore Tourist Pass - your passport to unlimited travel for up to three days.

Perhaps you crave a bit more flexibility in your travel plans or you're eager to uncover hidden gems sprinkled in corners off the beaten path. That's when Singapore's handy, metered taxis come into the picture. These mobile pals not only serve up a unique slice of life at your convenience, but they also drive you to places inaccessible by bus or MRT. With the meter always ticking, surprises are usually at bay. But before you hop in, it's advisable to get an estimate of your fare from the helpful drivers. Don't hesitate to ask for a receipt for a keepsake of your Singaporean taxi adventure!

Chinatown is a canvas of vibrant colours and contrasting characteristics, waiting to be explored. With this 24-hour guide, dive into the rich cultural heritage, tantalising eats, and lively happenings of this lively locale. One day in Chinatown is an adventure—for a lifetime.

Whether you're an epicurean, a history buff, an art lover or a spirited adventurer, Chinatown remains an alluring tapestry, always ready to reveal its kaleidoscopic charm. With our 24-hour guide, we invite you to experience a slice of this vibrant diversity and promise—an unforgettable trip into the soul of Singapore!

Mirror your travel tales and dining narratives in the global room of Instagram. Turn your experiences into digital memories with @rollinggrace or #RollingGrace. Safe and joyful travels!

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