One Day in Singapore’s Chinatown
We’ve efficiently laced together a series of top sites in one of Singapore’s most popular neighborhoods to minimize walking and maximize time, creating the ultimate one-day itinerary.
Breakfast - Plain Vanilla Telok Ayer
Stop 1 - Thian Hock Keng Temple
Tip: As you walk around throughout the day, don’t forget to look around. The neighborhood has an impressive collection of murals and street art, many by renowned artist Yip Yew Chong.
Stop 2 - Singapore City Gallery
Tip: You don’t need to spend too much time at this stop, but it’s worth a quick visit. Also, the restrooms are clean if you need a pit stop!
Stop 3 - Sri Mariamman Temple
Tip: You must remove your shoes before entering the temple. You can safely leave them on the shelves outside.
Tip: You are required to cover your shoulders and your legs to at least the knees. The temple provides shawls for this purpose, or you may wish to bring your own light shawl to use throughout the day.
Tip: This is an active place of worship. While they are welcoming to visitors, remember to be respectful, especially when taking photos.
Stop 4 - Souvenir Shopping/Optional Tea Tasting at East Inspirations Shop
Tip: You may also wish to plan time in your schedule for a tea tasting at East Inspirations (an optional part of this itinerary). If the tea tasting is a high priority, note that you may have to move other stops on this guide to make the day manageable. Contact the shop directly via Whatsapp (+65 9772 1137) to book the tea tasting.
Stop 5 - Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Tip: You must also cover your shoulders and upper legs at this temple. They similarly provide shawls on loan, or you can use your own.
Tip: As with the other temples, this is an active place of worship. Use common sense and respect when taking photos.
Tip: Do not miss the rooftop garden! Accessible via a combination of elevator and stairs to the 4th floor, the rooftop offers a quiet respite for contemplation. The feature is a large prayer wheel.
Lunch - Maxwell Food Centre
Optional Stops: The last part of the day is a choose-your-own-adventure! If you're hot and tired, this is a great time to head back to the hotel for a dip in the pool and a nap in the shade before dinner. If you are keen to keep going or weave more stops into the base itinerary, here are some ideas:
Food & Drinks - Chinatown’s 4 neighborhoods (Telok Ayer, Kreta Ayer, Bukit Pasoh, and Tanjong Pagar) are packed with some of Singapore's best food and drinks. Grab a snack, coffee, or cocktail for a slower-paced afternoon or to fuel your next round of sightseeing. Here are some favorites, but have fun discovering your own:
Nanyang Old Coffee (Try the local Kopi!)
Side Door
33 Bean & Juices
Souvenir Shopping - If you didn’t get your fill at East Inspirations, you will notice that many of the recommendations on our souvenir guide are located in/near the Chinatown neighborhood.
Culture & History -
If you are craving more culture and history, check out the NUS Baba House and stroll around the surrounding neighborhood to see well-preserved Peranakan architecture.
Tip: NUS Baba House has limited visitation hours while undergoing a restoration. If you wish to add this stop to your itinerary and view the interior spaces, modify your itinerary accordingly to accommodate.
Tip: Book ahead for a docent-led tour
Book time to visit the newly renovated Chinatown Heritage Centre
Tip: Reserve your entry time and ticket online ahead of your visit.
Stop in to one of the many Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Medical Halls dotted along your route
