7 Fascinating Sights: What to Do in Chinatown
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No trip to Singapore is complete without paying a visit to Chinatown’s iconic location. It is a national heritage treasure of the country. That’s why, what to do in Chinatown has a lot to offer to its visitors. It ranges from jaw-dropping architecture and historical sites to a food-lovers paradise.
The multi-ethnic characteristic of Chinatown welcomes you to a trip of a lifetime. Here, you will find narrow roads bustling with people. Also, you will smell the tantalising aromas of the markets and food stalls.
Shop to your heart’s content at the modern shopping centres. Plus, wrap up your day with a relaxing visit to a spa.
Are you ready to explore Chinatown? Let’s plan your itinerary with the activities on this list of what to do in Chinatown.
Make sure to carry your camera with you! There are many things to see and do. It will look good in your Instagram post.
So if you’re ready to explore Chinatown, this is the list for you.
Top Recommendations: What to Do in Chinatown, Singapore
In this guide, you will find exciting places to visit on your trip to Chinatown, Singapore.
Here’s what you can expect to see and do in this historical and multi-ethnic location:
- Navigate the Chinatown using the MRT
- Shop until you drop at Chinatown Point
- Experience shopping at OG Chinatown
- Feast to your heart’s content at Chinatown Complex
- Indulge your sweet-tooth with Chinatown desserts
- Had a long day? Relax and de-stress with a Chinatown massage
Chinatown is a beautiful place for all kinds of visitors. It is an excellent location for families, friends, and even business trips.
There’s more to learn in this guide. But first, read it all the way through. Then, follow the list of what to do in Chinatown. For sure, you’ll find it enjoyable!
What to Ride When you Don’t Have a Car? Try the MRT
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If you’re travelling around on foot, you can use the MRT to move around the city fast.
Singapore’s public transport system is fast, reliable, and secure. Its high-tech transit system will get you from point A to point B in record time.
Chinatown MRT Subway
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This network has extensive lines across the island. It makes one of the best options to go around Singapore.
Also, travelling by train is the fastest way to zip around the city. A lot of tourist attractions are nearby the MRT stations too.
Hop on the subway with a unique travel card called the Singapore Tourist Pass (STP). This card allows you unlimited travel depending on the amount you top-up.
Here’s a breakdown of the travel options available:
- One day – (S$10)
- Two days – (S$16)
- Three days – (S$20)
You can buy the pass at most MRT stations.
MRT Bus
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Another way to get around the city is by catching a ride on the bus system! It is a more affordable way to commute. Also, you will enjoy air-conditioned travel and capture some stunning views of the landscape.
Plus, riding the bus gives you the chance to snap videos and post on social media! It’s like hitting two birds with one stone when exploring what to do in Chinatown.
Once you board the bus, you can pay for the ride using any of the following:
- Singapore Tourist Pass
- Foreign-issued Mastercard and Visa contactless bank cards
- Cash in the exact amount
Chinatown Point: After Parking
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Shop and dine at Chinatown Point – a mall located at the heart of Chinatown. It is a multi-story building with 25 floors hosting offices and 6 floors dedicated to the mall.
Chinatown Point is one of the biggest malls. It has a modern and fresh look and everything you would expect from a modern mall. Also, the mall has a diverse range of stores, eateries, a Chinese-themed library and more.
It is near the Chinatown MRT station, right at New Bridge Road and Upper Cross Street. There’s no way you’d miss finding this mall as it’s prominent from the outside.
If you’re travelling in a car, you can park at the mall and then enjoy shopping and dining!
Here’s a breakdown of the mall’s parking rates:
Daily (rates are the same on weekdays and weekends)
Car
7 AM – 5 PM: $1.20* for every 30 mins
5 PM – 7 AM: $2.50 per entry
Motorcycle
Daily (including Public Holidays)
All-day (24 hours): $0.70* per entry
*Prices are subject to GST
Grace period: 10 minutes
Chinatown Point: Browse the Directory
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Chinatown Point has over 220 outlets ranging from entertainment, dining, and shopping options.
Visitors have endless choices of what to do in Chinatown. However, if they need to ask for recommendations, the mall’s concierge at level 2 will be happy to assist.
Here’s an overview of the mall’s directory:
- Fashion & Accessories
- Grab & Go
- Health, Beauty & Wellness
- Jewellery, Watches & Optical
- Lifestyle & Services
- Restaurant
- Service Machines
- Supermarket & Specialty
- Travel
Address: 133 New Bridge Rd, Singapore 059413
Chinatown Point’s operating hours: 10:00 AM — 10:00 PM
OG Chinatown
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OG Chinatown is a well-known department store in Singapore. It has 3 branches across the island, and its first branch is the one nestled in the district.
Plus, it’s a one-stop shopping destination. There are so many things to buy here like clothes, housewares, toys, supplements and more!
Also, this place is excellent if you are travelling with your family. It is also friendly for mothers because it has several nursing stations. In addition, the store has a membership card with exclusive benefits for its members. It’s a must-try when exploring what to do in Chinatown.
Address: 100 Upper Cross St, Singapore 058360
OG Chinatown’s operating hours: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Daily)
What to do in Chinatown Complex: Food Paradise
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It used to be The Kreta Ayer Complex. Now it is the Chinatown Complex Market and Food Center and it houses over 700 stalls.
Visitors have a lot of choices here. At Chinatown Complex you can find the following:
- food centre
- wet market
- sundry shops (shops that sell Chinese foodstuffs)
Moreover, these are only some of the things you can find at Chinatown Complex! If you explore further, you will see different kinds of shops available.
Did you know that Chinatown Complex is also the largest hawker centre in Singapore? People from all over the globe come here because it is a foodie’s paradise.
All the stalls come with a massive array of options to choose from at affordable prices! That’s why your visit to Chinatown is not complete without having a meal here at Chinatown Complex.
Address: 335 Smith St, S 050335
Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Daily)
What to do in Chinatown: Find Desserts
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Fancy a dessert after having savoury dishes at Chinatown Complex? Try having something sweet and special. Having a dessert can change things up and complete a satisfying meal.
So, cool down from a day of touring and site hopping with any of these delicious desserts:
Mei Heong Yuen Dessert
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This café is close to the nearest MRT station. Here at Mei Heong Yuen Dessert, you can choose from many options and flavours. Plus, the menu offers delights like shaved ice dessert, mochi, puddings and more!
Diners can enjoy snapping pictures and posting on social media. Meet your cravings in the comfort of strong air-conditioning. So, beat the heat as you go along with your itinerary of what to do in Chinatown.
Also, it is an ideal escape from the humid and hot weather. So stop by this café and enjoy a break.
Service options: Takeout and Dine-in
Address: 67 Temple Street, Singapore 058611
Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM (Tuesday – Sunday)
Closed on Monday
Poh Guan Cake House
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It is an old-school bakery located in Chinatown. Poh Guan Cake House is a great place to stop by and buy authentic Chinese foodstuffs.
Come here to buy delicious treats like moon cakes, salted egg fish skins, potato chips, and more!
Also, you can grab pre-packaged goodies great to share with friends and families and terrific for gift-giving too!
Service options: Takeout · No dine-in
Address: 531 Upper Cross Street Hong Lim Complex, Singapore 050531
Operating hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Daily)
Tong Heng Delicacies
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It is a traditional pastry shop with a rich history. Residents, both young and old, love treats from Tong Heng Delicacies!
Plus, the shop is famous for its delectable pastries such as egg tarts, pork buns, lotus pastry, and more!
Service options: Takeout · No dine-in
Address: 285 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058833 Singapore
Its daily operating hours are 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
What to do in Chinatown After a Tiring Day? Have a Massage!
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What better way to end a long day than to relax and get pampered, right?
Great news for you, Chinatown is home to some of the best massage parlours.
Treat yourself to any of the selections we’ve curated below:
Healthland Pte Ltd: Traditional Thai Massage
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The establishment is famous for its authentic and professional services. Healthland Pte Ltd has been in business for over 20 years.
Their loyal clientele raves about the care and expertise of the staff. So if you’re looking for excellent Thai massages, then give this place a visit!
Located in: Chinatown Point
Address: 252A South Bridge Rd, 02-01, Singapore 058801
Its daily operating hours are 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
Chinese Acupressure Centre 中華指壓推拿中心
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The establishment has many regulars who often come here to treat body aches and pains.
The Chinese Acupressure Centre 中華指壓推拿中心 is famous for treating sprains and injuries.
Located in: Chinatown Point
Address: 71-A Pagoda St, Singapore 059230
Operating hours: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Monday – Friday)
Weekend hours: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM (Saturday)
Weekend hours: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Sunday)
Lyna Viet Massage & Spa
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If you’re looking for a Vietnamese-style massage, visit Lyna Viet Massage & Spa.
Here you’ll find it’s a very private place complete with hot stones, warm pillows, foot reflexology and more.
It is one of the recommended places for great Vietnamese massages. Also, the regular customers love the ambience of this spa, too.
Located in: Chinatown Point
Address: 33 Erskine Rd, #01-07 The Scarlet Hotel, Singapore 069333
Operating hours: 9:30 AM – 10:30 PM (Daily)
Ticking off your bucket list of what to do in Chinatown is indeed fun! But, of course, you’ll never run out of activities for your entire stay. But what stands out among its exciting places is the trusted Cash Mart Singapore.
It is a licensed money lender that strictly abides by the Moneylenders Act. Plus, it approves an online loan service without much tedious paperwork. So you can accomplish all you need to do in Chinatown.
Related Article: What to eat in Chinatown: 7 Delicious Food to try