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Representative view of Chinatown & Tiong Bahru, Singapore
City
🇸🇬 Singapore · Southeast Asia

Chinatown & Tiong Bahru

Temples, shophouse streets and two of the city's best hawker centres.

Budget level
Affordable
Best months
Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Ideal stay
1 days
Best for
Food, Culture

Overview

Historic Chinatown holds Buddhist and Hindu temples side by side and the Maxwell and Chinatown Complex food centres; neighbouring Tiong Bahru adds art deco housing blocks, bakeries and independent shops.

Plan & book

Compare flights, stays, activities and transport for your trip to Chinatown & Tiong Bahru.

Flights

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Why go to Chinatown & Tiong Bahru

  • Hawker centres with Michelin-recognised stalls
  • Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman
  • Tiong Bahru's art deco streets
  • Affordable eating in an expensive city

Budget

Chinatown & Tiong Bahru is affordable by Singapore standards. Across Singapore, mid-range travellers typically spend about $130–$220 per person per day.

Country-level planning estimate, excluding flights. See the full Singapore budget breakdown.

Practical information

Language
English is the main working language, alongside Mandarin, Malay and Tamil
Currency
Singapore dollar (SGD)
Power
Type G, 230V
Entry
Many nationalities enter visa-free for short stays and an electronic arrival card is required before arrival — verify current official requirements before booking.

When to go to Chinatown & Tiong Bahru

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Plan 1 days here. Highlighted months are the best fit for most travellers.

Getting around

  • The MRT metro is fast, cheap, air-conditioned and reaches almost every visitor area including Changi
  • Contactless bank cards or an EZ-Link card work directly on trains and buses

Suggested itineraries

  • Long weekend

    4 days

    Bay, heritage districts and a gardens morning.

    Route: Marina Bay → Chinatown & Tiong Bahru → Kampong Glam & Little India → Singapore Botanic Gardens & Orchard

  • Stopover 48 hours

    2 days

    The essential city in two days between long flights.

    Route: Marina Bay → Chinatown & Tiong Bahru

Singapore guides