Chinatown Singapore

Chinatown is definitely one of the must-visit cultural enclaves for visitors who are visiting Singapore.

I love heading there whenever I find myself in Singapore to go in search for low priced and very affordable souvenirs for myself, my friends and family.

It is an amazing plethora of bustling, colourful mix of old and new, from family-run goldsmiths and medicine halls, to stores selling fabrics and Chinese kopi tiams or restaurants. 

I am told that if you’re looking for a unique place to stay in this very fascinating area, you might like to check out these dreamy boutique hotels here. 

The Scarlet is a bold and beautiful hotel located along Erskine Road, and features luxurious and opulent decors. 

Next to it is The Club, a newly white-washed building that dates back to the 1900s, renovated beautifully in stark white colours.  The Club plays on an east-meets-west theme and gives a new perspective on Singapore’s rich history and heritage which leave visitors awestruck...

If you think you might prefer combination of old world architecture and designer interiors, check out the Hotel 1929 and New Majestic Hotel, both housed in shop-houses that have been carefully conserved. Hotel 1929 even features a selection of unusual and classic chairs from the owner’s private collection, as well as 20th century photos of olden Singapore. For a taste of the “New Asia” genre, make sure you check out the New Majestic Hotel. 

From the open concept lobby with vintage Compton fans and furniture, to its dramatic pool that floats above the restaurant, New Majestic Hotel is a stunning and eclectic blend of heritage chic.

I like to stop by at the Chinatown Heritage Centre when ever I am there to check out what I can do as well as get a cultural introduction of this amazing enclave. The Chinatown Heritage Centre is housed in three beautifully restored shophouses along Pagoda Street, which you cannot miss when you come up from the MRT and just walk straight along the road selling all those thrifty souvenirs you can bring home for your friends and family... You definitely can learn more about Chinatown’s history and development via the photographs  and exhibits and more, allowing you to retrace the journeys made by Singapore’s earliest Chinese migrants. 


If you love food, Smith Street, one of the main roads here in Chinatown, is close to vehicles  after dark. You can find the Chinatown Food Street here, where  you can enjoy alfresco dining at this hawker centre that serves up a wide variety of all the best local dishes.

For a shopping experience that blends traditional Chinese heritage with contemporary offerings, the Chinatown stretch is a must-visit on your trip to Singapore. 

How to get there :-
MRT: Chinatown

(Photos via google.com)