Top Things to do in Chinatown
Top 6 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Chinatown, Singapore
Discover the best top things to do in Chinatown, Singapore including Tea Chapter, Chinatown Heritage Centre, Bath Culture Foot Therapy, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, Sri Mariamman Temple, The Olde Cuban.
Restaurants in Chinatown
1. Tea Chapter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 177 reviews
A 30 year old traditional Chinese tea house located 9 Neil Road is a two-storey shophouse in Second Transitional Shophouse Style and features distinctive decorative wall mouldings on the front façade. It is located within the Tanjong Pagar area of Chinatown Historic District, an area rich in 19th century urban heritage
Reviewed By JeffLeong - Singapore, Singapore
We came to Tea Chapter to look for Zisha teapots manufactured in Yixing, China. The shop has a nice range of Zisha and porcelain teapots to brew Chinese tea leaves. Some of the Zisha teapots have certificates of authenticity from the craftsmen while others do not. Prices vary, depending on the skills of the craftsmen. The shop has a good variety of Chinese tea leaves. Small canisters provide customers with the smell of tea leaves. Staff Angie and May Eng explained the different tea leaves to my wife and me. They also helped us with the teapots. Both were patient with our enquiries. Located along Neil Road, the Peranakan styled shophouse is well designed in complementary traditional decor that suits the old-world charm of Chinese tea trading business. Tea leaves and tea ware are neatly displayed for browsing and purchase.
2. Chinatown Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,098 reviews
The colourful past of Chinatown comes alive within the walls of these three beautifully-restored shophouses on Pagoda Street, comfortably nestled in the midst of Singapore's bustling Chinatown district. Every nook and cranny in the Chinatown Heritage Centre pulsates with the memories of yesteryear, offering an experience like no other as one is transported to Chinatown in the budding years of Singapore's establishment as a seaport. From the desperate hopefulness of the many "Sinkheh" (new migrants) - risking life and limb to embark on an arduous journey from the various Chinese provinces to the promised land of Singapore - to the raw, seedy and underground practices of gambling dens and secret societies, be prepared to experience a sense of nostalgia and sentimentality as you step into the pages of Chinatown's history. The Chinatown Heritage Centre is the only place in Singapore that has recreated the original interiors of its shophouse tenants in the 1950s, offering visitors an honest, revealing glimpse into the lives of Chinatown's early residents.
Reviewed By WorldTravla7 - Cairns, Australia
This place is wonderful. I bought my ticket thinking I would spend an hour and it wasn’t long enough so I came back later the same day after checking out of my hotel and spend another 1 hour+ (ticket is valid for multiple entries on same day only). The Centre has an amazing 3 floors & 6 galleries that take the visitor though a detailed and immersive history of the Chinese experience in Singapore since the first arrival of the “Sinkheh” new migrants in the late 19th century (they sought to escape famine and flood to forge a better life in Singapore). The Centre itself exists within three restored shophouses. You are given an audio & tablet guide at the beginning at it talks you through each of the exhibits in turn and you can decide whether you want to listen to all or some of the commentary. You will, see, hear and learn about: - The rise of Singapore as a major new seaport; - See the homes and workshops of the early migrants – in particular a tailors workshop, living quarters, and first floor rental accommodation which has been reconstructed from first-hand accounts (it is sobering how small and cramped the cubicles of the Sinkheh were); - The population of Singapore depicted in photographs, video and costume The underbelly of Singapore evidenced by underground gambling & opium dens & secret societies; and more Admission is SGD 18 for an adult and is well worth it for such a rich cultural & historical experience.
3. Bath Culture Foot Therapy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 202 reviews
At Bath Culture, the timeless art of inspiring health and inner well-being has been perfected. Warm up your body with a soothing foot bath served in a traditional wooden tub, ideal after a hard day’s work. Followed by an oriental foot massage, feel your muscles being kneaded and the tension seep away from your body as you drift off to soothing oriental music and enter a realm of blissful happiness and total relaxation.
Reviewed By MacDougal2301
My husband & I were searching Singapore's Chinatown for a respectable looking massage outlet. We found Bath Culture Foot Therapy, and after checking their Google Maps reviews were +4 stars, decided to head in. We weren't disappointed. My foot & leg massage was fantastic, and really helped loosen up the blocked lymphatic system and relieve my severely swollen ankles. The young masseuse was firm enough to have a therapeutic effect, but also aware enough to ensure that if anything really hurt, she would back off. My husband was thrilled with his back, neck & shoulder massage which loosened all his knots, and 3 days and 1 seven hour flight later, is still reaping the benefits. It was the best 40 minutes we spent on our Singapore flight stopover. We will return to Bath Culture Foot Therapy when next in Singapore.
4. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,424 reviews
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum (BTRTM) was founded in 2002 by Venerable Shi Fazhao. It was registered by the Registrar of Societies in 20th February 2003, and as a charity under the Charities Act in 8th January 2004. The Temple is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha, which means 'The Compassionate One', and also called 'The Future Buddha'. (A)WEEKLY FREE GUIDED TOUR: BTRTM is pleased to offer a 1 1/2 - 2 hrs long guided tour of the Temple every Saturdays at 2pm. The tour will be conducted free-of-charge in English by the temple's Volunteers guides. Limited slots are available per weekly session. Confirmed registration is based on first-come-first-serve basis. (B)DISCOVERING BUDDHISM: Shakyanmuni Buddha had gained insight into the truth, perfected the qualities of wisdom and compassion over 2560 years ago. His teachings develops clarity in minds, enables abilities to end suffering and finds lasting happiness. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is carrying on the mission in offering "Discovering Buddhism' programme. 'Discovering Buddhism' is a specially designed programme for participants to gain experiential taste of Chinese Mahayana Buddhist etiquette, Basic Buddhist teachings and Basic Meditation within a day. This English taught programme is suitable for both tourists who wish to learn more about Buddhism and experienced learners who needs a refresher. Participants will benefit from the interactive and engaging teaching led by Venerable Wu Xiang and Venerable Ru Zhi who have more than a decade experience teaching Buddhism and Meditation in different cultural settings! [Chinese Mahayana Buddhist Etiquette] Buddhist etiquette is an important part of every Buddhist life. It expresses religious sentiments to the Buddha, the Teacher (Monk or Nun) and promotes gracefulness in social interactions. This is also a mean of training in mindfulness in every action one is taking. [Basic Buddhist teachings] Buddhism has been transmitted over the past centuries because of its timeless and enduring message to the spiritual needs of man in finding true peace, happiness, and well-being. In this part of the programme, learn about the basic essential knowledge of Buddhism. [Basic Meditation] Buddhist have been practicing meditation in cultivating calm, focused and positive states of mind. Introductory of technique will be taught to enable the participants to learn practical tips on how to achieve a clearer state of mind and focus better. Things to take note : * Avoid wearing hats, shorts or revealing tops * The organizer reserves the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such instances, registrants will be notified via their mobile phones.
Reviewed By cl41r3 - Nottingham, United Kingdom
This temple has so much to view. From the main hall where there were prayers being read, to the walkways around the temple showing the history, artefacts, statues, and smaller prayer/ meditation areas. There are many floors and even a roof garden where you can ring the prayer bell. It is an incredible place. I’d highly recommend a visit if visiting Singapore. There is a dress code but if you are not wearing appropriate clothing there is access to sarongs and scarfs to use during the visit
5. Sri Mariamman Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,030 reviews
Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple is also one of the most popular thanks to its proximity to Chinatown and its colorful exterior. Admission is free, though a donation is requested of those taking photographs. An annual fire-walking ceremony is held here every October or November.
Reviewed By CandaceT145 - Singapore, Singapore
This is a beautiful Hindu temple located right outside Chinatown mrt. There are always devotes praying and tourists going in to take a look. Remember to dress modestly and shoes have to be taken off at the entrance.
6. The Olde Cuban
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 48 reviews
