Explore the Lion City and spend a day in colourful Chinatown – one of our fave neighbourhoods in Singapore to take the kids!
Want to explore Singapore with the kids and find activities with lots of local flavour? Regardless of the time of year, Chinatown is always worth visiting with the kids in tow, especially during festivals like Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival! Discover the history behind that trendy and touristy veneer, chow down on some great street eats, and meander along the roads, soaking up the Chinese charm. And don’t forget to use this guide to Chinatown with kids for some happy family exploring opportunities!
How to get to Chinatown
Chinatown’s key attractions are also within walking distance from the MRT station, so we highly recommend hopping over via the Northeast line. Find out how else you can get around and to this heritage neighbourhood here.
Things to do in Chinatown
1. Meander around the museums
Back in the 1800s, Chinatown was full of interesting characters, secret societies and some seedy establishments, with the area populated by merchants and migrants of Hokkien, Teochew and Cantonese descent. It was a melting pot of cultures, and with it came the chance to name your poison – be it gambling, clan association or opium. But it wasn’t just for the poor. The rich frequented the area too, to get their fix and go about their business.
Nowhere else is the evidence of this bygone era more available than at the Chinatown Heritage Centre on 48 Pagoda Street. This informative museum provides a very real window into the lives and living conditions of these early Chinese migrants. The kids will be transported to a whole other era. (Sadly, it’s closed at the moment until further notice).
Another kid-friendly option not to miss out on in Chinatown is the Singapore City Gallery. Telling the story of how Singapore transformed itself over the last 50 years, there are loads of interactive activities for the kids that are not only super-fun but are sure to teach them a thing or two about the place they call home. And the best bit? Admission to the museum is free!
One final place to check out with the kids isn’t strictly about Chinatown, but we love it all the same! Take the kids to the little-known gem: the Singapore Musical Box Museum. Residing beside Thian Hock Keng Temple, you’ll get a lowdown on the history behind the music box and why Singapore played such a key role in developing musical boxes in Southeast Asia. If the kids fancy owning their music box, the museum also has an accompanying shop with many options to pick from. Unfortunately, they are also temporarily closed but keep an eye out on their website for a possible new location in the future!
2. Explore gorgeous temples (and a mosque!)
Don’t forget to dip into the area’s other cultural offerings. And no cultural trip to Chinatown with kids is complete without visiting some of Singapore’s famous temples. Conveniently located across from Maxwell Food Centre is the beautiful Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum on 288 South Bridge Road. The design was based on architectural forms popular during the Tang Dynasty and the Buddhist Mandala (representation of the Buddhist universe). If you want to see the namesake Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic, head to the top floor. It’s encased in an impressive stupa made of 320kg of gold donated by devotees.
Telok Ayer Street is home to the impressive Taoist temple, Thian Hock Keng. You’ll often see school kids here as it’s a popular cultural excursion. Why? Well, this is the oldest and most important of the Hokkien temples in Singapore and has been around since 1842! You can join a temple tour or wander through this colourful cultural gem to marvel at the carvings. Or, you could light some incense and say a prayer together.
Who’d have thought it, but Singapore‘s oldest Hindu temple is located in Chinatown. Sri Mariamman Temple on 244 South Bridge Road was established in 1827 and is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mariamman, known for her power to cure epidemic illnesses and diseases. Figurative sculptures of gods, goddesses, and mythological beasts decorate its exterior. If you’re visiting around October and November, the Theemithi (fire-walking ceremony) is always worth a watch.
Take a few steps down after Sri Mariamman Temple, and you’ll face Masjid Jamae, one of the oldest mosques in Singapore. This national monument stands out along the South Bridge Road stretch for its unique architectural design. Besides facilitating official religious activities, Jamae Mosque also frequently holds seminars and discussions for both Muslims and non-Muslims. Only in Singapore will you see a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple, and a mosque located near each other. That speaks volumes of the country’s multiculturalism!
3. Stock up on books for little readers
It’s time to wind down now and reflect on your Chinatown kid-ventures. Do it in air-conditioned respite at the public library, library@chinatown, on the fourth level of Chinatown Point on 133 New Bridge Road. Here, you’ll find a great Chinese-themed book collection and a fab children’s section. If you’re on the other side of Chinatown, head to Littered with Books on 20 Duxton Road. The kids’ section of this cosy, quaint little bookstore is in the rear of the store. While you’re around the area, check out Duxton Kids at 75 Duxton Road. The sleek retail store stocks a biography series to inspire the little ones. Looking for a bookstore with a great range of local reads for kids? Head to the Book Bar on 57 Duxton Road if you’re in the area. Kiddos can lap up the books while you indulge in the libation of your choice at the “bar” section, which offers coffee, tea, and some booze!
4. Go on a staycation
Who would’ve thought Chinatown would also be where you can go for a sweet staycay? There are a few options that you can consider. Hotel Mono is a chic boutique hotel in the heart of Chinatown with rooms spacious enough to fit a family of five. The hotel’s exterior has managed to convince us to stay there, that’s for sure! Do you prefer somewhere cosy and wallet-friendly? Heritage Collection on Chinatown is your best bet. Plus, it’s within walking distance of the MRT and many food places. If you’re out to impress, then book a stay at The Scarlet Singapore – opulent and one of the finest boutique hotels. Best to leave the kids out of this stay! Also, you might want to check out Mondrian Singapore, a luxe new addition to the Chinatown precinct.
Where to eat in Chinatown
1. Kok Sen Restaurant
After all that exploring, you’ve earned the right to refuel! You’re in the right place because Chinatown is packed with places to try out Singapore’s essential Asian dishes. If you’re seeking a spot for lunch, try the zi char-style food options at Kok Sen Restaurant along Keong Siak Road. This is a classic family-style restaurant with familiar Chinese fare, from sweet and sour fish to stir-fries and more.
Kok Sen Restaurant, 4 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089110
2. The Wizard’s Brew
The Potterheads are in for a real treat at the recently opened The Wizard’s Brew. Your budding witch or wizard will love the Hogwarts-themed cafe and the light bites available and for the older Harry Potter fans, check out what their mixologists have brewing at the bar! Even their desserts are Harry Potter themed – their Baby Root is a strawberry shortcake with a chocolate recreation of the Mandrake. Bet you didn’t expect to find something Harry Potter in Chinatown!
The Wizard’s Brew, 10B Trengganu St, Singapore 058464
3. Potato Head Keong Siak Road
Did you know Singapore’s Potato Head branch along Keong Siak Road has an amazing kid-friendly space on its second floor? Expect the same whimsically painted walls and sculptures, but throw in some fun little burgers on legs, brightly coloured bunting and high chairs, and you’ve got your new weekend hangout with the kids. Check out its brilliant brunch menu: it’ll be hard to tear the kids away from the Dizzy Rascal kids’ burger and a milkshake. We love this restaurant in Chinatown!
Potato Head Keong Siak Road, 36 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089143
4. Tong Heng Confectionary
Feeling like something sweet? Indulge in egg tarts at the uber old-school Tong Heng Confectionery on 285 South Bridge Road. There are no thickeners like custard powder or cornflour in these babies – the pure egg custard is the reason why the egg tarts here are still the best in Singapore.
Tong Heng Confectionery, 285 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058833
5. Mei Heong Yuen
For something icy cool, check out Mei Heong Yuen on 63-67 Temple Street. Aside from their traditional Chinese desserts, they’ve got a cool line of desserts called Snow Ice. They’re similar to the Korean Bingsu and with flavours like milk tea, chocolate, and banana chocolate, it’s gonna be a hit with the kiddos!
Mei Heong Yuen, 63-67 Temple St, #63-67, Singapore 058611
6. Nanyang Old Coffee
Or grab a cup of kopi at Nanyang Old Coffee on 268 South Bridge Road, along with some traditional sweets. They also sell some sweet merch you can take home like saches of their brand of coffee, coffee sets, spreads, and even cooking sauces! Ever wanted to learn how to make kopi the traditional way? They also have workshops so you can learn how to pour yourself a cuppa without having to go to the kopitiam!
Nanyang Old Coffee, 268 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058817
7. East Inspirations Shop
If a traditional Chinese tea party hits the spot for you and the kids, head to East Inspirations at 256 South Bridge Road, where you can book a Yesteryear Tea Experience. Take your pick from teas served from the personal collection of the owner, Mr Cheong. He and his friendly staff will happily share tea, stories and hospitality as part of the experience. Kids welcome!
East Inspirations, 256 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058805
Places to shop in Chinatown: Best malls & shops
First up, head to the famous market on Pagoda Street. This is your go-to for colourful cheongsams, parasols, Chinese lion puppets and gifts with a Singapore twist. It really comes alive in the evening, but you’ll still find plenty of interesting stalls open if you come to Chinatown for a daytime adventure.
Tintin fans will definitely love exploring the collectables and memorabilia scattered about The Tintin Shop on 28 Pagoda Street. From postcards and figurines to tote bags, you can pick up official merch while the kiddos get to watch episodes from the animated series in-store.
For a uniquely Singaporean experience with the kids, try the Chinatown Complex on Smith Street. Filled with small stores selling everything from clothing (including Chinese traditional costumes) to lanterns, this place is too cool for (old) school.
There’s plenty more for kids and families to see in Chinatown, so be sure to come back for another excursion to check out Ann Siang Hill, Bukit Pasoh and Telok Ayer, too!
