While it might be tempting to spend all your time around Marina Bay Sands and the city centre, Singapore is full of buzzing neighbourhoods that are absolutely worth exploring—even if they’re not typical tourist hotspots.
From vibrant communities and colourful streets to historical buildings and epic restaurants, we’ve rounded up five neighbourhoods you need to get familiar with ASAP.
Cancel your plans for the next few days—these are Singapore’s under the radar hoods that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Tiong Bahru
Home to Singapore’s oldest housing estate, Tiong Bahru is a charming mix of old meets new. Rich in history, this dynamic ‘hood is filled with independent boutiques, record shops, cafes slinging smooth brews and iconic wall murals—making it the place where cool creatives converge.
Kick off your visit with a sun-soaked stroll down the streets of Tiong Bahru and marvel at the architecture. Some of the first government housing here was constructed back in the 1930s and was heavily inspired by the art deco movement at the time—making it uniquely different from neighbouring ‘hoods. On your travels keep an eye out for local artist Yip Yew Chong and Australian artist Mike Makatron’s art murals scattered around the area. Keen for more art? Stop by Grey Projects, a non-profit art space with a roving line-up of thought-provoking artist talks, exhibitions and performances.
When you're ready to feast on local eats head to Tiong Bahru Market, home to nearly 80 stalls. Tuck into chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes topped with pickled radish) at the Michelin-recommended Jian Bo Shui Kueh, slurp lor mee (noodles with thick gravy) at 178 Lor Mee, then cool off with a Milo dinosaur ice kachang (Milo shaved ice topped with Milo powder).
Still hungry? Sweet tooths should head to Plain Vanilla for a matcha white chocolate cupcake, while in the PM, snag a seat at Dirty Supper (just a 10 minute stroll from Tiong Bahru MRT Station), where you can devour seasonal small plates that champion nose-to-tail dining. Read: total flavour bombs.
Holland Village
If you’re looking for a slice of Europe in Singapore, Holland Village is it. Established in the early 1990s, it was the former home of British Army personnel and their families, who left behind a distinct Euro flair with low-rise buildings and colonial estates. These days however, it’s a bohemian enclave with incredible shops, art studios and a vibing food scene.
Start your trip here with a visit to Chip Bee Gardens. Once a military estate, the stunning architecture is now home to shops and galleries. Must visits include, TAKSU gallery, where you’ll discover urban art pieces and contemporary works from Southeast Asian artists. Shop local at Wuhaus (the leather handbags will need to come home with you) or snag 'fits you'll treasure forever at Ong Shunmugam.
A visit to Holland V (as the locals call it) wouldn’t be complete without eating your way around their eclectic food offerings. Start at the Tai Cheong Bakery and order their famous egg tarts. Think a crumbly, biscuit base with eggy, buttery goodness on top. Then, make your way to the award-winning 2am:dessertbar for their next level creations. We’re talking Praline Poprocks Chocolate Cake and Strawberry Caprese (strawberry ice cream topped with raspberry puff, fresh and pickled strawberry, chartreuse jelly, lavender marshmallows and strawberry sauce). If you’re still hungry, head to Holland Drive Market and Food Centre for tasty hawker eats like nasi lemak (coconut milk rice served with dishes) and chicken rice.
Dempsey Hill
Tucked away in a lush, green pocket of the city, Dempsey Hill is Singapore’s go-to spot when you need to slow down and chill out. From its roots as a 19th-century nutmeg plantation to its time as a military camp, this neighbourhood has seen many lives. Today, it’s a serene escape filled with great shops, dining spots, and entertainment.
Get a lay of the land with one of their curated walking trails where you'll stroll past St George’s Church, Central ManPower Base (CMPB) Parade Square and Tanglin Military Hospital. For something a little bit different stop by Open Farm Community, a sprawling outdoor space filled with edible gardens, lawn bowls, sculptures and an on-site restaurant. And be sure to check out the Museum of Ice Cream. The pink-hued wonderland is housed in a 60,000 square foot colonial barracks and comprises 14 multisensory interactive installations filled with sweet treats and plenty of photo opps.
Spend a few hours exploring Loewen by Dempsey Hill—a refurbished colonial building that has been transformed into a creative hub boasting a yoga and pilates studio, spa and art studios. And just like all the best hidden hoods, Dempsey Hill is home to some epic foodie spots. Our picks include RedDot Brewhouse for craft ales; and Michelin Star restaurant eatery Candlenut for authentic Peranakan cuisine.
Joo Chiat And Katong
Once lined with coconut plantations, Joo Chiat and Katong are now the beating heart of Peranakan culture and cuisine—just 10 minutes from the city. Filled with pre-war architecture, the streets here are lined with candy-hued terraces and shop fronts accented with ornate facades and ceramic tiles—the result is a visual feast. Pro tip: Go for a stroll down Koon Seng Road for a serious wow-factor.
Discover more about Peranakan culture with a visit to Katong Antique House. The perfectly preserved house is filled with heirlooms and artefacts like beaded slippers, furniture, crockery and jewellery from the last 100 years. Immerse yourself in Peranakan heritage at Kim Choo Kueh Chang, a beloved spot since 1945 serving up moreish Nyonya rice dumplings and beautifully handcrafted kebayas.
Meander down Joo Chiat Road, where vibrant street art brings the walls of heritage shophouses to life. Don’t miss 95 Joo Chiat Road—home to two murals by Jaxton Su capturing the traditional art of making popiah (a type of spring roll). The mural is next to Kway Guan Huat which has been making popiah “skin” (a soft, thin paper-like crepe) since 1938. Still hungry? Head to 328 Katong Laksa, or Five Star Hainanese Chicken Rice. Then cap off your day by grabbing dessert at Birds Of Paradise for botanical inspired gelato.
Kranji Countryside
Believe it or not, just 30 minutes from Singapore’s buzzing city centre lies Kranji—a peaceful pocket of countryside where lush fields stretch wide and skyscrapers are nowhere in sight.
Kick off your visit here with a bit of farm hopping. There are around 100 in the area, and 20 of them are open to the public. Hays Dairies should go to the top of your list. As Singapore’s only goat farm, you can feed the baby goats before picking up a carton of fresh goat’s milk—there’s even a chocolate variety on offer. Bollywood Veggies is another fave—the farm is the largest producer of bananas in Singapore so trying their homemade banana bread is a must-do. And for something a little different, you have to stop by Jurong Frog Farm where 10,00 American Bullfrogs reside.
Next, explore the natural rugged beauty of Kranji from above at the Kranji Marshes Raptor Tower; go hiking in the stunning Kranji forest and scope out birds and crocodiles at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore’s first heritage park. Next, it’s time to chill out and soak up the views at Kranji Reservoir Park, a lush nine-hectare park that offers glimpses of the Malaysian shoreline. Finally, given the abundance of farms in the area, there are a plethora of excellent farm-to-table restaurants that foodies will absolutely want to eat their way around. Be sure to visit Bistro Gardenasia and the Poison Ivy Bistro.
Ready to explore Singapore’s lesser-known ‘hoods? Singapore is full of stunning places where passions and possibilities meet. Head to Singapore Tourism for more info.