Ethnic Quarters

Chinatown

Weave your way through the network of streets and narrow alleyways in Chinatown and you will find shops selling anything from textiles, jewellery, antiques to Chinese medicinal herbs.

Let your nose lead you to the food hawkers selling thin pieces of mouth-watering barbecued pork or the fruit sellers with rows and rows of tropical fruits like durians and mangosteens on display.

Shops in the Tanjong Pagar area offer an interesting variety of Asian handicrafts and artefacts, Chinese lacquer ware, painted masks and waxed paper umbrellas.

Besides quaint shop houses, large shopping complexes can also be found in Chinatown.

You can often find good bargains on toiletries, electronic goods, cosmetics and handicrafts in shopping complexes such as People's Park Complex, Chinatown Point and Chinatown Complex.

       Nearest MRT Station: Chinatown (NE4)

Immerse yourself in the sights and smells of Arab Street, the centre of the Muslim community.

Charming little shops overflowing with carpets, trinkets, perfumes and rattan goods line the street.

Many visitors flock to the area with one thing in mind - textiles. Colourful displays of luxurious fabrics entice visitors to return for a second visit.

Handmade batik fabric from Malaysia and Indonesia can also be found here. Shops are closed on Sundays.

       Nearest MRT Station: Bugis (EW12)

Spices, spices and more spices. You cannot escape them when you are in Little India.

Besides spices for use in Indian cuisine, the colourful district also offers a treasure trove of silk saris, gold jewellery, silverware, brassware and ethnic jewellery.

After satisfying your shopping needs, drop in on any of the many restaurants around the area for a delicious meal of Indian cuisine.

Little India is also home to Mustafa Centre, a discount departmental store offering some of the lowest prices in Singapore.

       Nearest MRT Station: Little India (NE7)