With your tummy sorted, it is time to explore Chinatown. Take the Chinatown Walking Trail to visit the best of the precinct. To complete the trail with 14 recommended stops, you need to set aside at least six hours—we recommend that you break it up into two days to allow you to fully immerse in each location. 

Included in the trail are the rich murals along the alleyways, and the striking Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, home to an astonishing 3,500-kg giant stupa made from 320 kg of gold. Also on the list is confectionery shopping at one of Singapore’s oldest confectioneries, Tong Heng, which is known for its traditional Cantonese pastries like egg tarts. 

Along the way, you will learn the reason behind why Sago Street was known as “street of the dead,” inspect quirky paper effigies and traditional paper offerings to the dearly departed, and have a cup of coffee at the retro-themed My Awesome Cafe. 

Consider staying at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering on your Chinatown staycation—the perfect base to explore the sights, sounds, tastes and scents of Chinatown. Located at the doorstep of Chinatown, the award-winning eco-friendly hotel comes with its own “hanging gardens”, as well as planet-friendly amenities. 

Check into the Urban Room that comes with a birds-eye view of the bustling Chinatown district. At the end of each adventure-filled day, head back for a relaxing dip in its outdoor infinity pool or chill by the poolside cabanas while soaking in the evening city skyline. 

Get directions to Chinatown Food Street

Get directions to Mei Heong Yuen Dessert

Get directions to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Get directions to Tong Heng

Get directions to My Awesome Cafe

Awaken your five senses and immerse in the vibrancy of Little India, where the streets are filled with fragrant flower vendors, spice shops, saree stores, jewellery specialists and a wide variety of Indian food options.

If you are wondering what to eat at this food paradise, try The Banana Leaf Apolo—a hotspot for those who love fiery Indian cuisine. Serving North and South Indian food since 1974, the eatery is known for its signature fish head curry, which packs a heady punch. Other dishes to try include tandoori chicken, mutton curry and fried fish. 

For something less traditional, try Meatsmith Little India, the first restaurant in Singapore to offer Modern Indian Barbecue. It injects a fresh take on Indian cuisine, with dishes such as soft shell crab curry, Kerala beef short rib, veal brisket chapati, and spiced papadum slapped with smoked creme fraiche. 

Glimpse into Singapore’s rich Indian culture at the Indian Heritage Centre, where the early Indian community share their experiences in Singapore’s nation-building efforts. Gain a better understanding of how India’s rich culture arrived in Southeast Asia in detailed chronologically arranged galleries.  

Among the handful of temples in Little India, Sri Veeramakaliamman Hindu Temple warrants a visit. Erected in 1855 and dedicated to Kali, the Hindu Goddess of power, the intricate and detailed work on its statues makes it one of the most spectacular places of worship in Singapore. 

After that, stroll through the Little India neighbourhood to admire the street murals sprawled along the alleys. Some are whimsical paintings of traditional Indian culture, while others depict nostalgic scenes of the neighbourhood.

Mention Peranakan and the likely images conjured in your head are the delectable and colourful kuehs (bite-size cakes and snacks), and the various nonya curry dishes. But the Peranakan culture is more than just its cuisine. 

The best place to start your journey into Peranakan culture is at the Peranakan Museum, boasting one of the world’s largest collections of Peranakan artefacts. Dive into the fashion styles and furniture of this affluent community in ten galleries spread across three levels. As you do so, you will gain a deep appreciation of how this unique culture comprising Chinese, Malay, Indian, and European influences came about. 

Armed with this new knowledge of Peranakan culture, it is time to appreciate its vivacity by visiting the Instagram-worthy streets of Joo Chiat with their lovingly-conserved Peranakan shophouses. Each unit along Koon Seng Road is a feast for the eyes, vibrantly painted with intricate detailing on its walls, and adorned with the signature Peranakan floral or geometric tiles. 

After that, pay a visit to the Katong Antique House, an antique shop housed in a preserved two-storey shophouse. Inside, you will find Peranakan artefacts dating back to the 1800s, along with the stories behind each item. 

The Joo Chiat enclave is also known as a Peranakan food paradise. One must-visit Peranakan eatery here is the 328 Katong Laksa, which serves thick, rich laksa (noodles in coconut milk-based curry broth) gravy. In 2013, the eatery won the praise of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who lost in the Hawker Heroes cookoff challenge. 

Hungry for more variety? Treat your palate with authentic Peranakan dishes at Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant—one of Singapore’s oldest Peranakan restaurants, the eatery has been open since 1953. The must-tries here include roast pork and Bakwan Kepiting Goreng (fresh crab meat). Save some space for desserts such as Chendol (an iced sweet dessert with green rice flour jelly) and Bubur Cha Cha (Coconut milk dessert).

For your Peranakan culture adventure, consider Pan Pacific Singapore or PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore. Both locations are close to the Peranakan Museum and a short distance away from Katong and Joo Chiat makes the hotel ideal for a Peranakan-themed staycation. Also consider Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Orchard, Singapore, which is a stone throw away from Peranakan Place, six two-storey shophouses along Emerald Hill beautifully restored to showcase the colonial-style architecture with intricate glazed tiles, pastel hues, and quintessential Peranakan touches.

Get directions to the Peranakan Museum

Get directions to the Colourful Houses at Koon Seng Road

Get directions to the Katong Antique House

Get directions to 328 Katong Laksa

Get directions to Guan Hoe Soon Restaurant

Get directions to Peranakan Place

Need more recommendations for your Singapore staycation? Read about what to do in Destination Insights, or get in touch with us. We look forward to hosting you soon.