Singapore Beyond Shopping
The Globe-Trotters Collective
Singapore is famous for its shopping malls, particularly those on Orchard Road. However, the “little red dot,” as Singapore is sometimes called, has a lot more to offer than shopping. If you'd like to explore the city beyond Orchard Road, check out some of our favorite spots.
WHAT TO SEE AND VISIT
Marina Barrage
Marina Barrage
One of our top 3 hang-out spots in Singapore, Marina Barrage is a masterpiece of engineering and urban planning. Functionally, it is a dam that catches rainwater to create a freshwater reservoir, and architecturally, it is one of Singapore’s best public spaces. On the weekend, locals go to Marina Barrage to have a picnic and relax, enjoying the panoramic views of Singapore’s impressive skyline. It is one of the few places in the city where there always is a nice breeze, which is why it's a prime spot for kiting. Also, if you’re interested in learning about the history of Singapore’s development and its careful planning for the future, visit the Sustainable Singapore Gallery - it's fun and very well done (the Gallery is open daily from 9am to 9pm except Tuesday, and admission is free).
Address: 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951
Getting There: You can always take a cab to Marina Barrage. Alternatively, you can take the MRT to the Marina Bay Station where you can catch Bus 400 at Exit B or walk from the Marina Bay MRT Station Exit A (about a 30 min walk)
Garden Rhapsody @ the Supertree Grove
Gardens by the Bay
Built on reclaimed land and located next to Marina Barrage, Gardens by the Bay are one of Singapore’s latest attractions. If you’re pressed for time, skip the greenhouses and go straight to the Supertree Grove to take a walk along the Skyway. A great time to go to the Supertrees is at sunset. You’ll get a beautiful view of the city’s skyline and when night falls, the Supertrees become alive with a light and sound show called Garden Rhapsody (the show starts daily at 7:45pm). If you’re hungry, stop by the nearby Satay by the Bay and have some satays (grilled meat on skewers) while enjoying the waterfront. Note: the satays are a bit pricey but still worth a try...
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Nearest MRT Station: Bayfront or Marina Bay
Tiong Bahru
If you’ve had enough of skyscrapers, get a change of scenery by going to Tiong Bahru. Built in the 1930s, the neighborhood has managed to preserve its authenticity while becoming a hip spot with small cafés, bakeries, boutiques and indie bookstores. Make sure you stop by Books Actually, one of our favorite bookstores where you can find anything from best sellers to locally published authors, and a back room filled with vintage toys!
Books Actually
Address: 9 Yong Siak St, Singapore 168645
Tel: +65 6222 9195
Nearest MRT Station: Tiong Bahru (10 min walk to Yong Siak St)
Books Actually Bookstore in Tiong Bahru
The Henderson Waves (photo courtesy of National Parks Board)
The Henderson Waves
If you enjoy hiking, go for a walk at the Henderson Waves, Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge. Suspended above the trees, you’ll walk through lush tropical trees, stroll by colonial Black and White houses, and wander along architecturally unique pedestrian bridges. We recommend walking from the Henderson Waves at Henderson Rd to the Alexandra Arch at Alexandra Rd, which takes approximately 1 hr. When you arrive at Alexandra Rd, cross the street and head over to Hort Park. There, you can have a coffee and/or snack at the quirky Garden Café where you’ll be surrounded by flowers and plants of different varieties.
Note: this is a very easy hike.
Getting There: Take a cab to Henderson Road or take the MRT to Harbour Front Station Exit D. Then take Bus # 131, 145, 176, 408*, or 648 and alight at the bus stop along Henderson Road, and take the staircase up to Mount Faber Park
WHERE TO EAT
Maxwell Hawker Center (Tanjong Pagar)
Located in Chinatown, Maxwell is one the most famous food courts – aka Hawker Centers – in Singapore. You'll find lots of different food stalls, where you can have delicious local food for less than S$10. We recommend trying out Chicken Rice and/or Fish Balls, two of Singapore’s local dishes. Typically, the most popular stalls have the longest line.
Note: a small pack of paper tissue on a table means that the table is “reserved” (or choped in local slang). In fact, make sure you bring your own paper tissue, not only to reserve your table but also because there are no paper napkins at Hawker Centers! Address: 1 Kadayanallur St (@ Maxwell Rd), Singapore 069184
Closest MRT Station: Tanjong Pagar or Chinatown
The Loft (photo courtesy of The Loft)
The Loft (Chinatown)
Tucked on the 1st floor of a traditional Chinese shophouse, The Loft makes great coffee and serves delicious waffles. Nice spot for late breakfast or brunch. The staff is very friendly and they have free WIFI. As a pointer, The Loft is across the street from Maxwell.
Address: 268A South Bridge Rd (@ Smith St), Singapore 058817
Tel: +65 6221 2103
Closest MRT Station: Chinatown
Artistry (Bugis)
Located near Arab Street, Artistry is one of our favorite cafes/restaurants. The small cafe/bar/restaurant has a nice terrace where you can have dinner and/or drinks. They feature art exhibitions and sometimes host live music events inside. Nice place for a drink or a light lunch/brunch.
Address: 17 Jalan Pinang (@ Victoria St), Singapore 199149
Tel: +65 6298 2420
Closest MRT Station: Bugis Junction
PS Café @ Harding Road (photo courtesy of PS Café)
PS Café at Harding Road (Dempsey)
Located at the heart of Dempsey Hill and surrounded by lush greenery, PS Café serves delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere. Dempsey Hill used to be known as former British army barracks and the Central Manpower Base of Singapore (“CMPB”) but has since then been turned into a retail and lifestyle destination. PS Café can be a good spot to go to after visiting the Botanic Garden, which is located across from Dempsey Hill (on the other side of Holland Road).
Address: 28b Harding Rd, Singapore 249549
Tel / SMS: +65 9070 8782
Em by the River (Robertson Quay)
Nice place for brunch with good food and an interesting décor (the furniture is made out of concrete or carved out of logs). The restaurant has a great outdoor space where you can enjoy your meal or drinks by the river. There are no MRT stations nearby so take a cab to get there.
Address: 1 Nanson Rd #01-05 of Gallery Hotel, Singapore 238909
Tel: +65 6836 9691
Strangers Reunion (Kampong Bahru)
Always bustling, Strangers Reunions is an eclectic café/restaurant mostly known for its waffles but also serving eggs and other dishes. Nice spot for a late breakfast or lunch. Expect a wait on weekends…
Address: 37 Kampong Bahru Rd, Singapore 169356
Tel: +65 6222 4869
Closest MRT Station: Outram Park
WHERE TO HAVE A COFFEE
Hand-drip coffee @ Just Want Coffee
Just Want Coffee Everton
Just Want Coffee – aka JWC – is a great hang out spot for a lazy Saturday afternoon and one of our favorite cafés. It is located on the ground level of the Everton Park HDB, right across the street from The Pinnacle. We recommend trying their Ethiopian hand-drip coffee, which is really tasty. They also make delicious iced coco and pastries!
Address: 1 Everton Park (@ Neil Rd & Cantonment Rd), Singapore 081001
Tel: +65 6225 8115
Closest MRT Station: Outram Park
Nylon Coffee
If you’re a coffee lover, definitely stop by Nylon where coffee beans are freshly roasted at the back of the micro-roastery. They just recently added a standing bar so you can enjoy your coffee in the AC! The café is hidden at the back of the Everton Park HDB. To get there, go around Block 4 and look for the moustache: Nylon Coffee Roasters’ avatar.
Address: 4 Everton Park #01-40, Singapore 081001
Tel: +65 6220 2330
Closest MRT Station: Outram Park
Nylon Coffee Roasters (photo courtesy of Nylon Coffee blog)
WHERE TO HAVE DRINKS
Bar Stories (Arab Street)
Bespoke cocktails are en vogue and Bar Stories may have started the trend in Singapore. Instead of handing you a drink menu, the waiter will ask you to reveal your favorite ingredients or the type of cocktail you’re in the mood for. The result: a special concoction served in a funky martini glass or a smoking tea-jar. A fun and delicious experience!
Address: 57A Haji Lane, Singapore 189250
Tel: +65 6298 0838
Closest MRT Station: Bugis Junction
The Screening Room Rooftop Bar (Ann Siang Hill)
Enjoy rooftop views of the hip and historic Ann Siang Hill and Club Street, once the home ground of traditional Chinese clan associations. The bar is at the top of a beautiful heritage house.
Address: 12 Ann Siang Rd, Singapore 069692
Tel: +65 6221 1694
Closest MRT Station: Chinatown
View from Level 33
Level 33 (CBD)
Located on the 33rd floor of the Standard Chartered tower in the Central Business District (aka CBD), the bar has one of the most stunning views of the Marina Bay. Make sure you arrive early because it can get a bit crowded, especially on weekends. Otherwise, make a reservation and ask for a table at the terrace.
Address: 8 Marina Blvd, #33-01, MBFC Tower 1, Singapore 018981
Tel: +65 6834 3133
Ku Dé Ta (Marina Bay)
If you’re in the mood for clubbing, go to Ku Dé Ta for late night drinks and dancing. From the top of the Marina Bay Sands, you’ll get an amazing view of Singapore by night.
Address: 1 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, Singapore 018956
Tel: +65 6688 7688
Globe-Trotting Contributors
Marie-Adélaïde & Rafael Fernández
Previously based in Singapore, currently living in Panama City
