Top Things to Do in Chinatown Singapore (2026 Guide)

Singapore’s Chinatown is a captivating blend of centuries-old traditions and chic modernity. If you are planning a visit in 2026, here is a comprehensive guide to the best spots that deserve a place on your itinerary.

Top Cultural & Historic Sites

Exploring the spiritual and historical side of Chinatown is the best way to understand Singapore’s cultural roots.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum (Photo by chinatown.sg)

This magnificent Tang-style temple houses what is believed to be a sacred relic of the Buddha. Don’t miss the rooftop garden for a moment of quiet meditation amidst the city bustle.

Sri Mariamman Temple

Sri Mariamman Temple (Photo by chinatown.sg)

Located just steps away from the Buddhist temple, this is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. Its vibrant facade, adorned with intricate carvings of deities, makes it an iconic photographic landmark.

Chinatown Heritage Centre

Chinatown Heritage Centre (Photo by chinatown.sg)

Set within authentic restored shophouses, this museum recreates the lives of early immigrants. You can explore replicas of the cramped living quarters where they once resided.

Thian Hock Keng Temple

Thian Hock Keng Temple (Photo by chinatown.sg)

The oldest Chinese temple in Singapore, dedicated to Mazu (Goddess of the Sea). A marvel of traditional craftsmanship, the entire structure was built without using a single nail.

Shopping & Walking Areas

From affordable souvenirs to local designer boutiques, these areas are a pedestrian’s paradise.

Pagoda & Trengganu Street

Pagoda & Trengganu Street (Photo by EdgeProp)

The heart of the Chinatown Street Market. Here, you can hunt for traditional souvenirs, silk clothing, and antiques—haggling is often part of the fun.

Ann Siang Hill & Club Street

Ann Siang Hill & Club Street (Photo by Visit Singapore)

A trendier, quieter enclave. These streets are lined with beautifully restored shophouses housing independent boutiques, quirky bookstores, and upscale bars. It is perfect for a scenic afternoon stroll.

Chinatown Complex

Chinatown Complex (Photo by Hello! Singapore Tours)

For a local shopping experience, head here. The ground floor sells daily necessities and wet market goods, while the upper floor houses a massive culinary hub.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Chinatown is a premier destination for foodies, ranging from Michelin-starred street food to contemporary cafes.

Maxwell Food Centre

Maxwell Food Centre (Photo by Wikipedia)

Home to the legendary Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice. Be sure to also try the Oyster Cake from Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake—a rare traditional snack that is increasingly hard to find.

Liao Fan Hawker Chan

Liao Fan Hawker Chan (Photo by liaofanhawkerchan.com)

Famous for being the world’s first Michelin-starred soy sauce chicken rice stall. While it has since expanded into a restaurant, the succulent chicken remains a consistent and affordable favorite.

Amoy Street Food Centre

Amoy Street Food Centre (Photo by Visit Singapore)

A favorite among CBD professionals. Try the J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff (Michelin Bib Gourmand) or explore the various artisanal coffee stalls nearby.

Tong Heng Traditional Cantonese Pastry

Tong Heng Traditional Cantonese Pastry (Photo by Facebook/Dolby Thx)

A must-visit for their iconic diamond-shaped egg tarts, known for their incredibly flaky crust and silky custard filling.

Views & Art

For those seeking visual inspiration or artistic tranquility, these corners are not to be missed.

Yip Yew Chong Murals

Yip Yew Chong Murals (Photo by Secret Singapore)

Scattered across various alleys (such as Smith Street and Temple Street), these murals by a local artist vividly depict scenes of daily life in old Singapore.

People’s Park Complex (Rooftop)

People’s Park Complex (Rooftop) (Photo by scribblinggeek.com)

A popular spot for urban photographers. From the upper parking deck, you can capture the striking contrast between the iconic yellow apartment block and the soaring skyscrapers in the background.

Singapore City Gallery

Singapore City Gallery (Photo by ura.gov.sg)

Located near Maxwell, this gallery features an incredibly detailed scale model of the city. It offers a fascinating look at how Singapore was planned from the past into its future projections.

If you visit in early 2026, Chinatown will be at its most vibrant with Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse) decorations starting from mid-January.