Tan Li AnnAs one of Singapore’s oldest and most culturally layered precincts, Chinatown is full of colour, charm, and character. But beyond its iconic centuries-old temples and famous hawker fare, you’ll find more special experiences waiting to be uncovered. Here’s how to make the most of a 3D2N stay that balances exploration with soulful recharging.
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Tucked just a short stroll from the vibrant heart of Chinatown, Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre offers the ideal blend of energy and ease for solo travellers and young backpackers. The hotel provides direct access to ICON Link@ClubStreet, a new lifestyle and retail hub that connects guests to dining, shopping, and transport options in the heart of the city. With thoughtful amenities and a central yet peaceful location, Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre is a stylish base for those eager to experience the dynamic soul of Chinatown. Ready to plan your Singapore getaway? Discover exclusive offers, including early-bird savings and the Romantic Escapes package at Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre. |
Day 1: Chinatown Complex → Pagoda Street → Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Taste: An authentic hawker feast
Chinatown Complex
Kick off your adventure at Chinatown Complex, where the clatter of woks and aroma of sizzling dishes set the stage for a feast of bold, time-honoured flavours. More than just a local favourite, this iconic hawker centre is home to several stalls recognised in the MICHELIN Guide Singapore 2024, making it a must-visit for food lovers seeking the true taste of Singapore’s street food heritage.
Image credit: Michelin Guide | Official Website
Try the smoky, wok hei-packed noodles at Food Street Fried Kway Teow Mee, or savour rich Hong Kong-style flavours at Fatty Ox HK Kitchen, known for its beef brisket noodles and roast meats. For a lighter bite, don’t miss the kueh pie tee and handmade popiah at Ann Chin, where each wrap is made fresh and generously filled with turnip, egg, and peanuts!
Another gem in the complex is Pan Ji Cooked Food, one of the last places in Singapore where traditional sachima, or honey crackers, are handmade. You might spot the store owner, Poon Sun Hay, skillfully rolling, cutting, and frying dough ribbons, a craft he began at the age of 12 under the guidance of his father. Born without fingers on his left hand, Poon was taught this skill as a way to support himself, and he has been perfecting it for over four decades.
Image credit: Chai Wee Cuttlefish | Official Website
For a truly nostalgic snack that’s fast disappearing from the local food scene, head over to Chai Wee Cuttlefish. Run by a third-generation hawker, this humble stall preserves the heritage of roasted cuttlefish and handmade ear biscuits, a crunchy, ear-shaped treat made from fried flour.
These handcrafted treats are available in pre-packed sets, perfect for gifting or munching on as you explore the rest of Chinatown.
Smell: The spirit of Chinatown
Pagoda Street
Image credit: Diversity Studio via Canva Pro
After lunch, wander over to Pagoda Street, one of Chinatown’s most iconic and photogenic thoroughfares. The air fills with the aroma of street food as you stroll past shophouses painted in vibrant hues. This bustling pedestrian lane is lined with rows of market stalls and souvenir shops selling everything from silk robes and hand-painted fans to fridge magnets and traditional snacks.
Amid the tourist-friendly finds, you’ll also spot heritage signs and plaques offering insights into the street’s past as a hub for early Chinese immigrants.
TripZilla Tip: If time permits, take a stroll down the neighbouring Sago Street! Once ominously dubbed the “Street of the Dead”, the street today has been transformed into a lively stretch that is perfect to extend your afternoon of exploration.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Image credit: Singapore Tourism Board
After your cultural deep dive, wrap up the day at the awe-inspiring Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a cultural landmark in the heart of Chinatown. The scent of sandalwood incense lingers in the air as you step into this tranquil space, instantly shifting the mood from the bustle outside to a calm, contemplative stillness.
Built in the style of China’s Tang Dynasty architecture, the temple houses a sacred relic on the fourth floor and a peaceful rooftop garden adorned with orchids and a prayer wheel. Inside, you’ll also find exhibition halls that shed light on Buddhist art and traditions.
TripZilla Tip: As you step outside the temple, keep an eye out for an old-school “ice cream uncle,” one of the few still selling rainbow bread ice cream from a pushcart. Once a familiar sight, these humble hawkers represent a beloved but disappearing trade in Singapore.
Day 2: Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre → Yip Yew Chong Mural Trail → Tea Chapter → Ann Siang Hill & Club Street → Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
Touch: Ground yourself with a complimentary yoga session
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
Image Credit: Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre | Official Website
Begin your morning at the new activity corner on the Wellness Deck. As the city stirs to life, join the hotel’s morning yoga session to ground your energy for the day ahead. Feel the stretch in your limbs, the cool breeze brushing against your skin, and the warmth of the rising sun settling on your back. Stretch out those travel-weary muscles against the backdrop of the morning skyline, and let gentle guided movements restore balance to both body and mind.
See: Nostalgic murals and green escapes
Yip Yew Chong Mural Trail
Image credit: Yip Yew Chong
Start your day by stepping out into a living canvas as you explore Yip Yew Chong’s mural trail. These larger-than-life artworks breathe nostalgia into the walls of Chinatown, depicting scenes from bygone eras. Look out for the mural of the letter writer on the side wall of New Bridge Centre and the Clog Maker & Kitchenware Shop at 25 Temple Street!
As you follow the trail, you’ll wander past heritage shophouses, age-old medicine halls, and temples with colourful facades. It’s an ideal route for slow travel lovers: with a camera in one hand, kopi peng in the other.
Ann Siang Hill Park
Image credit: NParks | Official Website
From there, make your way towards Ann Siang Hill Park, a hidden gem tucked just behind the main bustle of Chinatown. Once part of a bustling residential area for Chinese merchants, this small park now provides a scenic backdrop to rows of restored pre-colonial shophouses.
It’s the perfect spot for a quiet stroll or a reflective break amid nature and history. Take your time exploring the park’s hidden corners or follow the Pioneers Trail, a self-guided route connecting Ann Siang Hill Park and Telok Ayer Green, where stories of Singapore’s early settlers come alive through heritage landmarks and plant life.
Taste: Afternoon tea and local treats
Tea Chapter
Image Credit: TripZilla
Next, head to Tea Chapter, a heritage teahouse nestled within a beautifully restored shophouse on Neil Road. Established in 1989, this serene space invites guests to experience the art of Chinese tea appreciation amidst traditional furnishings and soft classical music.
Not long after its opening, Tea Chapter was honoured by a royal visit from Queen Elizabeth II, a milestone that cemented its reputation as a cultural gem. The teahouse has since served numerous dignitaries the Imperial Golden Cassia, a delicately oxidised Oolong from Fujian that has since become its signature brew.
Immerse yourself in the nuanced world of Chinese teas with a curated appreciation experience exclusive to Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre’s guests. This guided session features the Aged Narcissus, a roasted Oolong with deep, toasty notes, paired perfectly with soft steamed buns filled with a bold, chilli crab-inspired filling. It’s a surprising fusion of tradition and local flavour that promises to linger long after your last sip.
Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
Image credit: Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre | Official Website
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon to enjoy the other wellness offerings at Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre. Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool with skyline views, check out the new activity corner available at the wellness deck, or squeeze in a light workout at the 24-hour fitness centre, which is equipped with cardio and strength machines.
Imagine waking up to breathtaking views, enjoying world-class golf courses, indulgent wellness retreats, and endless adventures on crystal-clear waters every single day.
Day 3: Chara Brasserie → ICON Link@ClubStreet → Thian Hock Keng Temple → Singapore River
Taste: Hearty buffets and local bites at your doorstep
Chara Brasserie
Image credit: Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre | Official Website
Start your final day with a hearty breakfast at Chara Brasserie, the all-day dining restaurant at Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre. Enjoy a halal-certified Mediterranean-Asian buffet featuring a delicious spread of local and international favourites to fuel your day of exploration.
ICON Link@ClubStreet
Image Credit: TripZilla
After breakfast, step into the connected lifestyle hub, ICON Link@ClubStreet. This chic retail and dining complex is perfect for a leisurely morning stroll, with trendy shops, artisanal cafes, and unique boutiques. For a quick caffeine fix, Luckin Coffee and Amps Tea offer refreshing beverages, while Super Ngon Vietnamese Noodle Cafe serves up hearty meals with bold flavours. Prefer something lighter? Head to Teo Soon for a classic local experience with traditional kopi and crisp kaya toast.
Beyond food, explore charming fashion spots like Katia Verde, where you’ll find elegant cheongsams and modern heritage pieces such as the nyonya kebaya. Whether you’re looking to rent an outfit for a photoshoot or purchase a one-of-a-kind keepsake, this boutique offers a stylish way to immerse yourself in oriental art.
TripZilla Tip: ICON Link@ClubStreet is directly connected to Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre’s basement, offering guests seamless and sheltered access. From the hotel, it’s just a quick 4-minute stroll through ICON Link to Telok Ayer MRT station, your direct link to popular attractions like Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Bugis, and Little India!
Hear: Stories of the city
Thian Hock Keng Temple
Image credit: Singapore Tourism Board
Next, walk over to the nearby Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest and most beautiful Chinese temples. Dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea, the temple showcases exquisite craftsmanship with detailed carvings, mosaic dragons, and a peaceful courtyard.
Despite its central location, the atmosphere inside remains hushed and reverent, a serene contrast to the bustling city outside. You’ll hear the soft chiming of bells at the wishing well, each one symbolising a different type of blessing. Occasionally, a quiet conversation in dialect or the murmur of prayers adds to the soundscape, creating a meditative ambience.
Chinatown Walking Tour
Image credit: Chinatown Singapore | Official Website
Finally, conclude your Chinatown adventure with a guided Chinatown Walking Tour, offered free by Monster Day Tours in partnership with Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre. Wander through the vibrant streets lined with century-old shophouses and iconic temples, as knowledgeable guides share captivating stories of early Chinese immigrants and their struggles.
Along the way, explore hidden gems such as the historic Fuk Tak Chi Museum and soak in the lively atmosphere of Maxwell Food Centre, perfect for a well-deserved break. Discover intriguing sites like the Chinatown Heritage Centre and Smith Street’s Lai Chun Yuan Opera House.
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From cultural landmarks and hidden cafes to sunset yoga and serene tea tastings, every moment is thoughtfully paced for discovery and rest. For a stay that complements the spirit of the neighbourhood, Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre offers the perfect balance of convenience and calm. Book your stay at Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre and enjoy unforgettable city moments coupled with exclusive deals and special savings. |
Chinatown is a place where every corner tells a story and every experience leaves a mark. With its vibrant heritage, peaceful wellness spaces, and ever-evolving dining and retail offerings, this neighbourhood invites travellers to go beyond the surface.
When it’s time to rest and recharge, Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre stands ready as the destination hotel to experience the true pulse of Singapore, combining comfort, convenience, and a gateway to the city’s most captivating sights.
Brought to you by Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre
