Singapore is more than just about seeing the iconic Merlion, Sentosa or other famous tourist areas, for the country has a lot of must-explore spots that will unravel its different side and hidden beauty!
1. Lane
Insite of being one of the tapering streets in Singapore, Haji Lane in Kampong Glam offers a vibrant vibe, thanks to the various graffiti works. Also, Haji Lane was used as a warehouse during pre-war, hence the very British colonial architecture.
#Masjid Sultan
Otherwise known as Sultan Mosque, Masjid Sultan is one of the central points for the Muslim community of Singapore. The mosque was first built in 1824 and was rebuilt in 1924, giving its new look of a magnificent golden dome with a spacious prayer room.
#Malay Heritage Centre
Malay Heritage Center built between 1836 and 1843 was once a royal seat of the Malay sultans in Singapore. At present, the heritage center houses a lot of Malay-style relics used for exhibits. People who are interested to know more about the Malay culture can visit the center.
Location: 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501
Hours:
Malay Heritage Centre
Tue-Sun, 10:00am – 6:00pm; Closed on Mondays
Malay Traditional Culture Museum
Tue-Sun, 8:00am – 8:00pm
Fri-Sat, 8:00am – 10:00pm
#Sifr Aromatics
This perfumery with a very Malay retro style hidden in Kampung Glam provides both quality and soothing aroma of perfumes, and a photo-punching spot.
Location: 42 Arab Street, Singapore 199741
Hours: Mon-Sat, 11:00am – 8:00pm; Sun, 11:00am – 5:00pm
2. Chinatown
One of the most distinctive places in Singapore for it was once an enclave for the Chinese immigrant population in the country. Also, the place has a lot of centuries-old shops and a strong Chinese culture, hence the name.
#Golden Scissors Cheongsam
This tailor shop is hidden in Chinatown where you can have a customized cheongsam. The store’s seamstress Madam Li Qiying has been providing superb craftsmanship for more than two decades now, no wonder it has been attracting a lot of customers. In addition to cheongsam, the shop makes a tailor-made suit jacket.
Location: Blk 32 New Market Road #02-1114-1116 People’s Park, Singapore
Hours: 1:00pm – 8:00pm
#Potato Head Singapore
Situated in the iconic heritage building in Chinatown is the first international outpost of Potato Head Singapore. It houses Three Buns which is a gourmet burger shop and Studio 1939, a cocktail bar at the rooftop.
Location: 36 Kepong Saik Road, Singapore
Hours: 11:00am – 12:00mn
#The Working Capitol
As the name tells, The Working Capitol is a common working space for freelancers. Its all-white exterior and retro architectural style is a totally IG-worthy spot that catches the attention of many people.
Location: 1 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089109
Hours: 8:30am – 6:00pm; Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
3. Joo Chiat
A district in Singapore where many wealthy landlords and Peranakans were gathered during the early 20th century. The area features buildings that have gorgeous, exquisite patterns and tiles, thus becoming a photo-punching spot.
#Rumah Bebe
An old shophouse built in 1928, which sells Nyonya aesthetics, embroidered floral patterns of bags, shoes, and accesories.
Location: 113 East Coast Road, Singapore
Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm; Closed on Mondays
#Cat Socrates
A lifestyle shop founded in 2008 which sells a variety of well-designed products including stationery, tableware, CDs, fashion items, sewing accessories, vintage memorabilia, and more.
Location: 231 Bain Street, 02-25 Bras Basah Complex Singapore 180231
Hours: Mon-Sun, 12:00nn – 8:00pm; Sundays and Public Holidays, 1:00pm – 7:00pm
4. Tiong Bahru Market
Derived from the words Tion which means “cemetery” in Fujian and Bahru which is “new” in Malay. Tiong Bahru has gradually developed and established group houses during the British colonial times, and it serves as a reserved area by the Singapore government at present.
#BooksActually
An independent bookstore which has been existing for 10 years. BookActually carefully selects books for the customers and have them updated from time to time. In addition to books, the store features many vintage art products and souvenirs.
Nowadays, it seems hard to see traces of vinyl records, but Curated Records in Singapore has vintage compact discs and modern pop vinyl records!
Location: 55 Tiong Bahru Road, #01-53 Singapore
Hours: 1:00pm – 8:00pm; Closed on Mondays
#Tiong Bahru Bakery
Tiong Bahru Bakery at Eng Hoon is famous for its croissant. As a matter of fact, it is even claimed as not only the best in Singapore but even better than the ones in Paris, France.
Location: 56 Eng Hoon Street #01-70 Singapore
Hours: 8:00am – 8:00pm