Chaos-free dining in this colourful, compact traditional quarter

Word to the wise: Book a visit to Baba House—this traditional terraced house painted a vivid blue provides a fascinating insight into Peranakan architecture and history.

Despite becoming somewhat gentrified and very tourist-friendly, Chinatown is still one of the most intriguing areas of the city and offers an opportunity to get to the cultural heart of Chinese Singapore.

Take a stroll around the streets and admire the pre-war shophouses, check out the hip bars and art galleries sprinkled near Club Street, then fill up on Singaporean treats in Smith Street, which fills with hawker stands in the evening, selling everything from spicy laksas to steamed buns.

Adventurous? The massive Chinatown Complex, also on Smith Street, houses more than 200 stalls offering some truly exotic Asian dishes. Pork porridge or fish head noodles, anyone?