Things to do in Chinatown

More about Chinatown

About Chinatown

You might have realised from the name, but Chinatown is a lively and historical district in Singapore that offers a blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern urban living. The place is also considered to be one of the most popular spots for tourists to visit because of all the beautiful temples, bustling markets, delicious street foods and the rich cultural heritage which can be found within the area. 

Once you take a step within the district, you will be welcomed by the authentic atmosphere of Chinese culture, especially if you come during the Chinese New Year Celebration where the street is transformed and decorated with red colours, complete with festive performances to enjoy. But don’t worry, even if you visit not during the Chinese New Year, you still be able to enjoy the Chinese culture of Singapore, including the cultural performance and heritage trails that are still well-maintained within Chinatown.

Top Things to Do in Chinatown

1. Relax and Rejuvenate with Acupressure Therapy at Jean Yip Loft

Get yourself relaxation and rejuvenation that are good for both your mental and physical health and various kinds of therapy that Jean Yip Loft has for you, including their signature, Acupressure Therapy. 

Acupressure Therapy originally aimed to restore your body’s energy flow and reduce stress. Professional therapists do the therapy by applying gentle pressure to specific points on your body to stimulate healing and relaxation. 

2. Bring Your Friends and Family to Virtual Room Singapore

One of the kind exciting escape rooms, Virtual Room Singapore as the name implies is a unique virtual reality escape room experience that offers a a thrilling and immersive adventure that you hardly get anywhere else. It blends the traditional escape room concept with a full 3D cinematic experience, creating a truly mind-blowing adventure. 

3. Participate in the Perfume Workshop by Maison 21G

Maison 21G is one of the most exceptional perfumeries in Singapore that holds a unique and immersive perfume workshop, where you can create your own personalised fragrance reflecting your personality and preferences. The workshop is designed to give out a fun and engaging atmosphere and give opportunities where visitors could learn more about different fragrance notes and blending techniques. 

4. Book your Exciting Chinatown Murders Game Tour

Be the Sherlock home of the town and solve the mysteries that revolve around you and your friends. Chinatown Murders is a fun game to play, with 2-5 players needed to work together on solving the puzzles. It is a walking tour, escape room, and detective game combined into one fun game, and settee in the real street of Chinatown in Singapore, giving you the feel of realism and adding to your exceptional trip experience in the area. 

5. Chill Under the Beautiful Trees of Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a 165-year-old tropical garden and one of the most exquisite gardens in Singapore, making it honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden itself houses several areas including the National Orchid Garden housing over 1,000 species of orchids, and Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden which is a fun and educational space for children. To enhance your trip experience, you might want to book a guided tour that not only takes you to the Botanic Gardens but also the Chinatown area. 

6. Get to know Perfume Workshop by Oo La Lab

Another options for perfume enthusiasts that allow you to create your own personalised perfume under the guidance of an experienced fragrance expert. By participating in this particular workshop, visitors would be introduced to a variety of fragrance notes including floral, woody, fruity and oriental and learn how to blend different fragrance notes to create your personal scent. 

7. Play the Immersive Tanjong Pagar Outdoor Escape 

Take your friends and family on an exciting outdoor escape with Tanjong Pagar which will take you all together on an adventure through the historic dares of Tanjong Pagar in Singapore. During those events, you will be asked to solve a series of clues and puzzles to uncover hidden secrets and complete the game together.

8. Cook Your Own Meal at Cultural Cooking Class by Food Playground

Another class and skill that you can achieve in Chinatown, Singapore is the Cultural Cooking Class held by Food Playground where you will be able to learn to cook authentic local dishes while enjoying yourself in Singapore’s rich food heritage and culture. Here, you will be guided to cook authentic Singaporean dishes like Laksa, Hainanese Chicken Rice, to Satay under the guidance of the friendly and skillful instructors. 

9. Get Pampered by the Treatments Offered by OD Wellness

Pamper your body on a relaxing therapy given by the exceptional wellness of OD Wellness which is known for its range of therapeutic services for relaxation and pain relief. OD Wellness always gives out the best and greatest services by the professional and experienced therapists working there, who use traditional Chinese techniques to target specific pressure points on the feet and body to promote energy flow and healing.

10. Get Around the Yin-Yang Soul of Chinatown 

Step into the immersive section of Chinatown that is full of surprises, and book your own tour with the Yin Yang Soul of Chinatown Half Day Tour guided by Andros which will take you to the dual soul of Chinatown. From exploring the beautiful murals throughout the way, getting to know the story of Chinatown told by the locals, and getting to know various statues, shops, and delicious soups that only the locals know can only be achieved by participating in this fun and exceptional tour. 

11. Hop on the Smith Street Taps

Smith Street Taps is the popular craft beer bar within the Chinatown Complex, popular because of its diverse selection of craft beers from around the world. It is truly the haven for beer enthusiasts from around the world as well as a unique dining experience in a hawker centre setting that you will not get anywhere else. 

12. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

Be ready to explore the beautiful grounds of a Buddhist temple, The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is a captivating site for Buddhists worldwide and a popular tourist attraction due to its impressive architecture and rich cultural heritage including the sacred relic believed to be the left canine tooth of Buddha, encased in a golden stupa. 

The complex also houses a massive museum showcasing a collection of Buddhist artefacts, including sculptures, paintings and historical relics complete with a Rooftop Garden offering panoramic views of the city skyline and a tranquil space for meditation. 

13. Wander through the Chinatown Streets

Wandering through Chinatown is like stepping back in time while being surrounded by the lively streets of Chinatown. The district itself is one of Singapore’s oldest neighbourhoods, dating back to the 19th century where you will be able to find historic temples, traditional shophouses, and cultural landmarks that tell many kinds of stories of early Chinese immigrants. Not only that but in recent years, you will also find vibrant murals adorning the buildings, along with colourful lanterns and decorations, giving out a breathtaking backdrop for your Instagram.

14. Picnic at Pearl’s Hill City Park

The peaceful ambience of Pearl’s Hill City Park makes it the perfect spot to be laid back and have a quality time by holding a picnic with your friends and family. Bring the most delicious snacks and sandwiches along with refreshing drinks to enjoy with your loved one and create unforgettable moments together at the tranquil park of Pearl’s Hill City Park.

15. Explore Chinatown’s Food Scene

Chinatown is well known for housing diverse culinary experiences, offering a wide range of flavours and dishes from various Chinese Regions. There are so many local dishes that you should try at least once during your trip including the Char Kway Teow which is a stir-fried rice noodle with shrimp, and vegetables, the classical Hainanese Chicken Rice, and Bak Kut Teh the popular flavourful pork rib soup with herb and spices. 

Take your time, and begin your food hunting in various hawkers including Maxwell Food Centre or Chinatown Food Street or restaurants within the area. 

Best Restaurants in Chinatown

If you come to Chinatown, you should not miss getting a taste of their authentic cuisines which will surely satisfy both your palate and stomach with their unrivalled delicacies. Here is a list of the best Restaurants that you need to add to your list if you plan to visit Chinatown. 

1. La Cabane by Bistro Gaston

The classical French Restaurant, La Cabane by Bistro Garden is a popular chain restaurant located in Chinatown in Singapore, known for its cosy and intimate space. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual gathering with friends. 

There are a ton of delicious French cuisine dishes that you can enjoy from charcuterie boards, cheese platters, and hearty mains complete with a range of French wines from affordable everyday bottles to rare and exclusive vintages are available to taste. 

2. Wu Wang Guo Hotpot

For those of you who are looking for warm food to eat, then consider Wu Wang Guo Hotpot on top of your list. The restaurant is particularly known for its high-quality ingredients of seafood, meat, vegetables, flavourful broths ranging from classic options like Sichuan peppercorn to herbal broth, and the unique dining experience the restaurant gives to each of its customers. 

3. Dating Fish Music Theme Restaurant

Couples should visit this unique and exceptional restaurant at least once during their trip to Singapore. Dating Fish Music offers a variety of dining options, including a la carte dishes, dim sum, and even a special menu for couples. Enjoy your dining experience with your loved one, while being accompanied by a live band that plays a variety of music, including Chinese and Western tunes, as well as friendly an attentive staff to make sure you have a memorable dining experience.

4. Heng Ji Chicken Rice at Chinatown Complex

The famous old-school style chicken rice is waiting for you in Heng Ji Chicken Rice at Chinatown Complex, complete with its distinct pale white chicken and fragrant rice. This particular chicken rice stall has maintained a traditional approach to preparing chicken rice, resulting authentic flavour of these iconic meals. The chicken serves are known to be poached to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy meat melting into your mouth.

5. Kuan Zhai Xiao Xiang 

Be ready to savour the authentic Sichuan cuisine served by Kuan Zhai Xiao Xiang will pamper your taste buds for its exceptionally delicious meals, especially if you love spicy foods. The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes cooked in mala sauce, as well as other Sichuan specialities including seafood, meat, and vegetables in bold flavours and cooked with unique cooking techniques. 

Best Hotel Recommendations in Chinatown

Now, let’s talk about the best accommodations/hotels that you can consider on booking through Traveloka, from a luxurious hotel with luxurious amenities and facilities to a more budget hotel that will save your wallet. 

1. Furama City Centre

The first hotel on the list would be Furama City Centre which is situated within a strategic location close to public transportation and popular tourist destinations including Read Crescent Park and Omar Kampong Melaka Mosque within walking distance. The hotel also offers a wide variety of rooms that will cater to all kinds of needs and preferences of visitors from a single bedroom, and family suite, to connecting rooms that are available to book. 

2. Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre

The modern and stylish hotel located within the heart of Chinatown District in Singapore, Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre is known for offering a unique blend of contemporary design and local culture, making it the ideal option for both business and leisure travellers alike. Hop of the facilities they provide from a relaxing swimming pool, well-equipped fitness centre, and an exceptional restaurant that serves international cuisine to local cuisine. 

3. Hotel 81 Chinatown

The favourite for budget-oriented travellers who like to stay in Chinatown, Singapore, Hotel 81 Chinatown is well known for its quite cheap price while still giving out a clean and comfortable accommodation to stay for a few nights. The rooms provided are also equipped with all the essential amenities you’re going to need during the stay including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom with a heater. 

4. M Hotel Singapore City Centre

Conveniently located near Tanjong Pagar MRT station, the location of M Hotel Singapore City Centre allows visitors to have easy access to explore the magnificent city of Singapore. The hotel also offers a variety of well-appointed rooms, all equipped with modern amenities like free wi-fi, flat-screen TV, and comfortable bedding, complete with facilities like a Gala dinner, Bar, Restaurant, Fitness Centre, Outdoor Pool, Spa and many others to make your stay more memorable. 

5. Dorsett Singapore

Dorsett Singapore is a 4-star hotel that is also recommended to book not only for its strategic location located right above Outram Park MRT station but also for well-appointed rooms with contemporary design and essential amenities. If you plan to stay at this specific hotel, don’t forget to enjoy delicious local and international cuisine at the hotel’s restaurants, or their replacing rooftop pool where you can relax and unwind while catching the breathtaking views of the city.

Travel Tips to Chinatown

Here are several lists that you should keep in mind before visiting Chinatown first-hand. 

• Plan your visit, do your research and plan your visit beforehand on the best season and weather that you feel would be the best for you. 
• Make your own MRT card, MRT is the most common transportation used in Singapore, and you need a card to access the transportation. If you plan to use the train often, it is recommended that you purchase the STP or unlimited travel pass based on the number of days you stay in the town. 
• Wear Comfortable Shoes, Singapore often force you to do a lot of walking, because most of the public transportation and places are reachable by walking. So, wearing comfortable footwear would save your legs from getting hurt. 
• Bring a bottle of Water, Singapore can get quite humid, so stay hydrated throughout the day by bringing your own bottle of water which you can refill later at specific areas throughout Chinatown. 
• Check For Promotion, many malls offer discounts and promotions, so make sure to check on their websites and social media before you go. 
• Take a Break, Chinatown sometimes can be overwhelming, so take some breaks at cafes or restaurants to rest your feet and enjoy your meal. 
• Visit during Off-Peak Hour, to avoid crowds, try visiting Chinatown during off-peak hours, such as weekdays or early in the mornings. 
• Explore the Surrounding Areas, Chinatown road is a part of Singapore, so consider exploring nearby attractions like the iconic Gardens by the Bay or Marina Bay Sand to complete your Singapore experience. 
• Budget Wisely, Chinatown can be quite expensive, so set your budget right and control your spending. 
• Enjoy the Street Performers, Chinatown Road often has street performers, so take your time and enjoy the entertainment of the performance’s talents including live music. 

The best time to visit Chinatown

The best time to visit Chinatown would depend on what you are looking for. But in general, the best time to visit would be during the Spring falls from March to May or Autumn from September to November when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its best.

During the Spring, you can enjoy comfortable temperatures and lower humidity compared to summer, complete with the beauty of Singapore’s lush greenery with gardens and parks filled with beautifully blooming flowers. 

During Autumn, the weather is cool and crisp and the leaves of the trees change colour, creating a magical atmosphere making it a great time to enjoy various cultural events and festivals held during the period. 

From relaxing and rejuvenating your body through the wellness nestled in the city, to participating in various workshops, here is the list of things to do in Chinatown that you might want to add to your itinerary. If you would like to book accommodation, services, or flight tickets to Chinatown soon, Traveloka is more than happy to help you in booking those tickets. Besides giving the best price, Traveloka also often gives numerous combos, discounts, and promotions! Get one yours now before you miss them out!