Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam: Sights, Food, Etiquette and a Linked Route

How the three quarters differ

Singapore is a multiethnic country, and these three quarters show it most clearly: Chinese, Indian and Malay-Arab districts, each with its own places of worship, food and atmosphere, yet only a short walk or MRT ride apart.

Chinatown

Chinatown packs places of worship of different faiths into a small area. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a large Buddhist temple, while Sri Mariamman Temple is a Hindu temple, among the city's oldest, and both sit near Chinatown station within walking distance of each other.

• Chinatown Complex: a very large hawker centre with plenty of chicken rice, noodle and one-plate stalls.
• Maxwell Food Centre: close by on foot, known for chicken rice and a range of local dishes.
• Wander the lanes of souvenir shops, tea houses and old shophouse buildings.

In the evening Chinatown turns into a street of lanterns and open-air tables, pleasant for a walk after dinner. The main streets get crowded during Lunar New Year and on public holidays, so allow extra walking time and avoid choosing a crowded spot as a meeting point.

Little India

Little India is the liveliest of the three for colour and the smell of spices. Tekka Centre, a market and hawker centre, is a key stop, and Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is a Hindu temple known for its brightly coloured sculpture.

• Tekka Centre: a wet market and hawker centre in one; try roti prata, curries and biryani.
• Mustafa Centre: a large, well-known store selling everyday goods and souvenirs; check its opening hours ahead.

For Thai visitors, a plus of Little India is the number of vegetarian and halal eateries, plus spice shops whose goods you may want to take home. Check with the shop and the rules at home before you buy spices to carry back.

Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam is the historic Malay and Arab quarter. Its centrepiece is the golden-domed Sultan Mosque; nearby are Arab Street, with textile and gift shops, and Haji Lane, a narrow alley of small boutiques and street art. It is a walk from Bugis station.

• Sultan Mosque: the golden-domed landmark of the quarter. Visitors can enter certain parts when dressed modestly; check visiting times in advance.
• Arab Street: a street of fabric, rug, lamp and gift shops, where bargaining customs vary from shop to shop.
• Haji Lane: a narrow alley of boutiques, cafes and street art, best from late afternoon into the evening.

Etiquette at temples and the mosque

• Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees, and avoid sleeveless tops and very short shorts.
• Remove your shoes where signs or staff ask you to, in both Hindu temples and the mosque.
• Keep your voice low, photograph only where allowed, and do not photograph worshippers without asking.
• Some areas of the mosque may be closed to non-Muslim visitors at certain times, especially during prayer; follow the signs and staff.

A walking and MRT plan linking all three

1. 1Morning: ChinatownGet off at Chinatown station, see the Buddha Tooth Relic and Sri Mariamman temples, and eat breakfast at Chinatown Complex before the heat builds.
2. 2Midday: to Little IndiaTake the MRT from Chinatown to Little India on the Downtown or North East line, a short ride. Walk through Tekka Centre, see Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and have lunch.
3. 3Afternoon: to Kampong GlamContinue by MRT to Bugis, or walk if the weather allows. See Sultan Mosque, Arab Street and Haji Lane.
4. 4Evening: rest and eatSettle into a Kampong Glam cafe, or return to Chinatown or Maxwell for dinner.

With only half a day, choose the two quarters that interest you most and check the latest MRT routing in Google Maps. For using maps offline, see the related guides.

Weather, timing and staying online

Afternoons are hot and often rainy, so place outdoor temples in the morning and use the afternoon for malls and covered hawker centres. Some hawker stalls take only cash or PayNow, so carry a little cash.

The old quarters have narrow lanes where GPS can drift, and having your own data keeps maps and Grab working. For choosing a SIM or eSIM, read “Singapore Trip Prep and Internet: eSIM or SIM, Plus a Checklist”.

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