Singapore , Singapore

Nostalgic Chinatown of Singapore

Active

(4 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Assigned guide was born and raised in Chinatown as a child, and knows every nook and corner of this area. She would be able to provide with a very personal account of her experiences growing up in this area, including her encounters with colourful characters like prostitutes, Samsui women, opium smokers, secret society members and more!

Available options

English

What's included

Light local breakfast

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

You will see one of Singapore’s oldest wet markets, stalls selling sundry goods, and have our local breakfast at the hawker centre in the same complex.

Stop 2

Get a rare glimpse into the lives of Chinatown’s early residents. Located within three beautifully-restored shophouses on Pagoda Street, the Chinatown Heritage Centre is the only place in Singapore with the original interiors of its shophouse tenants in the 1950s recreated.

Stop 3

Take a stroll down the busy thoroughfares in the heart of Chinatown, and imbibe in the pulse of a place that permeates with history. Many of these roads have been pedestrianised so walking through them is a joy.

Stop 4

Hear what we have to say about the street upon which this temple is located. It is “deadly”. I know because I used to stay here as a child in the “bad old days”.

We will take a relaxed walk through elegant, restored shop houses and enjoy the sophisticated interplay of shopping, dining, history and modernity displayed in an eclectic mix. I will also relate to you my exploits here as a child as I was enrolled in a Chinese stream primary school here.

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN YUE EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meet at Chinatown MRT Station EXIT A just after exiting the station. Look for our friendly guide in dark blue hat.

About Singapore

Singapore is a vibrant, multicultural city-state known for its futuristic architecture, lush green spaces, and diverse culinary scene. It's a blend of modernity and tradition, offering everything from ultra-chic shopping districts to historic temples and serene nature reserves.

Top Attractions

Gardens by the Bay

A stunning 101-hectare nature park featuring iconic Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome.

Nature 3-4 hours Moderate

Marina Bay Sands

A world-famous resort with an infinity pool, luxury shopping, and stunning city views.

Architecture 2-3 hours Expensive

Chinatown

A vibrant district with traditional shophouses, temples, and a bustling street market.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free to explore, budget for food and shopping

Singapore Zoo

One of the world's best zoos, known for its open-concept habitats and night safari.

Nature 4-5 hours Moderate to Expensive

Sentosa Island

A resort island with beaches, theme parks, and luxury hotels.

Entertainment Full day Expensive

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, often accompanied by chili sauce and ginger paste.

Lunch/Dinner Contains chicken, gluten, and soy

Chili Crab

A iconic Singapore dish featuring mud crabs stir-fried in a sweet and savory tomato-based chili sauce.

Dinner Contains shellfish, gluten, and soy

Laksa

A spicy noodle soup with a rich, coconut-based curry broth, topped with shrimp, fish cakes, and cockles.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood, gluten, and coconut

Satay

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, typically served with a peanut sauce and ketupat (rice cakes).

Snack/Appetizer Contains peanuts, gluten, and soy

Popular Activities

Kayaking Hiking Ziplining Beach lounging Spa treatments Garden strolls Temple visits Museum tours

Best Time to Visit

February to April, and July to September

These periods offer the best weather with less rainfall and plenty of sunshine. It's also when major events and festivals take place.

26-32°C 79-90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
Widely spoken: English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Singapore Dollar (SGD)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, with low crime rates and strict laws. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.