Singapore with its multi-ethnic society has preserved the historic legacy of all ethnic communities. Visitors can witness the ethnic culture and heritage by visiting the various ethnic townships in Singapore, that are well preserved even today.

Chinatown

Singapore's Chinatown is an ethnic neighborhood featuring distinctly Chinese cultural elements and a historically concentrated ethnic Chinese population. Chinatown is located within the larger district of Outram. As the largest ethnic group in Singapore is Chinese, composing approximately 75% of the population, Chinatown is considerably less of an enclave than it once was. However, the district does retain significant historical and cultural significance. Large sections of it have been declared national heritage sites officially designated for conservation by the Urban Redevelopment Authority. The street architecture of Chinatown's buildings, the shophouses especially, combines different elements of baroque architecture and Victorian architecture and do not have a single classification. Many of them were built in the style of painted ladies, and have been restored in that fashion. These styles result in a variety of different colours of which pastel is most dominant. Trengganu Street, Pagoda Street and Temple Street are such examples of this architecture, as well as development in Upper Cross Street and the houses in Club Street. Boat Quay was once a slave market along the Singapore River, Boat Quay has the most mixed-style shophouses on the island. A distinct landmark in the Chinatown is the Sri Mariamman Temple belonging to the hindu religion. Chinatown can be reached by MRT which is short walk outside the Chinatown MRT.

Little India

Little India is, as the name promises, the center for the large Indian community in Singapore. Little India retains its distinct identity without degenerating into a mere tourist attraction and is one of the most colorful and attractive places to visit in Singapore. Little India's primary attraction is the town itself. Here too you can find the gaily painted shophouses that are an icon of Singapore, but now the Chinese signs (almost) disappear to be replaced with Tamil, Hindi, Bengali and other more exotic Indian scripts. Stores hawk saris and gold bangles, spices and incense waft in from the doorways and Bollywood's latest soundtracks blare from every other alleyway. Serangoon Road is the main commercial thoroughfare in Little India. Along Serangoon Road is the Tekka Centre, the Tekka Mall, the Little India Arcade, Serangoon Plaza, and the Mustafa Centre (on a side-road). Among the tourist attractions are the several Hindu temples, mosques, and other place of worship such as Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Angullia Mosque and Sri Srinivas Perumal Temple. The nearby Abdul Gafoor Mosque built in 1859 features Arabian- and Renaissance-style architecture. One of the must do in Little India is to eat. Both southern and northern cuisines are well represented, food is cheap even by Singaporean standards, portions are generous and vegetarians in particular will have a field day.

Peranakan District

The pernakan township belongs the early Chinese community settled in Malaysia or South East Asian countries. They have distinct culture which is an amalgamation of original Chinese and local Malay culture with some colonial influences. So are the residential buildings of the peranakan society. The Peranakan retained most of their ethnic and religious origins (such as ancestor worship), but assimilated the language and culture of the Malays. The Nyonya's clothing was identical to that of the native Malay's: baju panjang (long dress), batik sarung (batik wrap-around skirt) and kerongsang (brooch). Beaded slippers called Kasut Manek were a hand-made made with much skill and patience: strung, beaded and sewn onto canvas with tiny faceted glass beads from Bohemia (present-day Czech Republic). Traditional kasut manek design often has European floral subjects, with colors influenced by Peranakan porcelain and batik sarongs. They were made onto flats or bedroom slippers. One of the tourist attractions is the Pernakan Museum showcasing the peranakan culture and heritage.

Geylang Serai

The district of Geylang Serai showcases the malay heritage in Singapore. After the British rule, ethnic malay’s migrated from neighboring Malayisa and settled around Geylang. The Malay village is tlocated in the heart of Geylang Serai. Visitors can witness traditional Malay arts and crafts such as batik painting, kite-making etc. One of the major attractions in Geylang Serai is the Malay Heritage Museum that showcases the rich culture and heritage of Malay community in Singapore. The Cultural Museum features a fascinating collection of artifacts like weaving tools, musical instruments and an extensive display of a traditional Malay wedding complete with hand-sewn garments, accessories, and a Bridal Chamber. There is a shopping opportunity around Arab Street that sells silk clothes and hand loom materials. During the month of Ramadan, the streets are beautifully which is a must see.