Chinatown Street Market Singapore
A vibrant tapestry of colorful shophouses, bustling markets, and delicious hawker food, offering a taste of Singapore's rich Chinese heritage.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Chinatown Street Market Singapore
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant tapestry of colorful shophouses, bustling markets, and delicious hawker food, offering a taste of Singapore's rich Chinese heritage.
"A must-go place in Singapore for shopping, souvenirs, and feeling the warmth of Chinese culture, art, and food."
🎯 Bargain Like a Pro
Don't be afraid to haggle for souvenirs! Many vendors expect it, and you can often get a better price .
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes to explore all the market lanes .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Block 216, Smith Street
Singapore's largest hawker center, offering an overwhelming array of affordable local delights.

Pagoda Street Market
Pagoda Street
Bustling street market filled with souvenirs, traditional crafts, and vibrant street food stalls.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
288 South Bridge Road
A serene sanctuary offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into rich Buddhist heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Finds
Embrace the Hawker Culture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bargain Like a Pro
Don't be afraid to haggle for souvenirs! Many vendors expect it, and you can often get a better price.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes to explore all the market lanes.
📱 Flash for Discounts
Some shops, like vintage camera stores, offer discounts if you mention their TikTok.
🍜 Hawker Food Adventure
Try local favorites like Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow, and dim sum at the food centers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bargain Like a Pro
Don't be afraid to haggle for souvenirs! Many vendors expect it, and you can often get a better price.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Essential
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes to explore all the market lanes.
📱 Flash for Discounts
Some shops, like vintage camera stores, offer discounts if you mention their TikTok.
🍜 Hawker Food Adventure
Try local favorites like Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow, and dim sum at the food centers.
📸 Capture the Colors
Chinatown is incredibly photogenic, especially the colorful shophouses and market stalls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chinatown Street Market is a lively and vibrant destination, praised for its bustling atmosphere, diverse shopping options, and delicious, affordable street food. Visitors enjoy the cultural immersion and the chance to find unique souvenirs. However, some find it quite touristy and can be overwhelming during peak hours.
"Touristy Chinatown market street
A lively place to stroll and soak in the atmosphere.
Plenty of small shops and stalls to browse, with a few historical landmarks and a grand Chinese temple nearby.
Always bustling with visitors, and you’ll find eateries and local snacks at every corner.
Maxwell food centre is a good choice for a quick meal and refreshments.
Worth a visit for the vibrant mix of culture and commerce."
K Tan
"Chinatown street market - a destination for shopping, souvenirs, and feel the warmth of Chinese culture, art and food.
Variety of products with wider range of collections, quality and price to meet your needs and pocket.
Also you may taste the Chinese food with variety and taste."
Deepankar Borgohain
"A must go place in Singapore.
Buddha Tooth Temple - get to soak in the peaceful and serene environment. Most importantly positive energy.
Lots of shops selling delicious and affordable food. If u are searching for souvenirs to bring back to your country, walk around the area and explore yourself.
Take your time to feel the vibes of the locals!"
Kelvin Ong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is via the MRT. Alight at Chinatown MRT Station (DT19/NE4), which is served by the Downtown and North-East lines. From the station, it's a short walk to the main market streets like Pagoda Street and Smith Street.
Parking in Chinatown can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transport like the MRT. If you must drive, there are several multi-storey car parks available, but they can fill up quickly.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are readily available in Singapore and can drop you off at various points within Chinatown. Just specify your destination within the market area.
Several bus services stop along New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street, which are very close to the Chinatown Street Market. Check your preferred transit app for the most convenient bus routes from your location.
While the main streets are generally flat, some market stalls and older shophouses may have steps. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple has accessible facilities. Navigating crowded areas can also be challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Chinatown Street Market itself is free. You only pay for the items you wish to purchase from the shops and food stalls.
Most shops and stalls operate from around 10 AM to 10 PM daily, though some food stalls in the hawker centers may open earlier or close later. It's best to check specific stall hours if you have a particular place in mind.
Entry to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is generally free, though donations are welcome. Some smaller temples might have a small donation box.
Yes, various guided walking tours are available that cover Chinatown's history, culture, and food. These can offer deeper insights than exploring on your own.
Weekday mornings are generally the least crowded. Weekends and evenings, especially during festive periods, can be very busy.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find a wide variety of souvenirs, including traditional Chinese crafts, tea sets, silk clothing, calligraphy items, fans, and novelty items. Pagoda Street is particularly known for its souvenir shops.
Yes, bargaining is common, especially for souvenirs and non-food items. Don't hesitate to politely negotiate for a better price.
Keep an eye out for smaller, independent shops. Some TikTok creators have highlighted vintage stores selling digital cameras and other unique finds.
Most stalls accept cash, but many larger shops and some food stalls also accept credit cards or mobile payment options like PayNow. It's always good to have some cash on hand.
Pagoda Street is famous for souvenirs and trinkets. Smith Street is more about food and dining. Trengganu Street also offers a mix of goods.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
You must try Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow, laksa, and dim sum. Chinatown Complex Food Centre is a treasure trove for authentic hawker dishes. Don't miss out on local desserts and snacks too!
Chinatown Complex Food Centre is a top recommendation for affordable and authentic hawker food. Maxwell Food Centre is also nearby and highly regarded. For specific dishes, Reddit users suggest Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice.
Yes, many hawker stalls offer vegetarian dishes, often indicated by a 'V' symbol. Look for stalls specializing in vegetarian noodles, rice dishes, or mock meats.
You can enjoy a delicious meal for as little as S$5-S$10. Many TikTok videos highlight how affordable and filling the food is.
Absolutely! Look for stalls selling mooncakes, pineapple tarts, bamboo cakes, and other traditional Chinese sweets, especially during festive seasons.
📸 📸 Photography
The colorful shophouses along Pagoda Street and Trengganu Street are iconic. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple offers stunning architecture. The vibrant market stalls themselves are also great subjects.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the essence of the market. Evenings can be atmospheric with neon lights, but can be crowded.
Some creators highlight the unique street art and cultural elements. Henna artists like David on Pagoda Street offer a chance to capture cultural interactions.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both street scenes and details. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the shophouses. However, a smartphone camera is often sufficient for capturing the vibrant atmosphere.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful and ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or inside private establishments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🍜 Food Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Hawker Culture
Beyond the Complex, Maxwell Food Centre is another highly-rated hawker spot nearby, famous for its Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice. Reddit users often share their favorite stalls, recommending hidden gems like Lian He Ben Ji Claypot Rice for a comforting meal. Exploring these food centers is not just about eating; it's about immersing yourself in the local way of life, where delicious, affordable food brings people together.
Shopping for Treasures and Trinkets
For those looking for something a bit different, keep an eye out for smaller, independent stores. Some TikTok creators have highlighted vintage shops selling unique items like old-school digital cameras. Bargaining is part of the experience here, so don't be afraid to negotiate politely to get the best deals. Whether you're looking for a memento of your trip or a unique gift, Chinatown's markets offer a treasure trove of possibilities.
A Glimpse into Heritage and Art
Street artists also contribute to the vibrant cultural tapestry. Henna artists like David on Pagoda Street connect with people from all over the world, turning their art into a piece of tradition that customers carry with them. These interactions, along with the colorful shophouses and traditional shops, offer a rich cultural experience that goes beyond mere commerce. The area truly embodies the blend of heritage and modern Singapore.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit