Tiong Bahru guide: Discover Singapore’s hidden gem with best things to do in Tiong Bahru

April 6, 2025

Tiong Bahru Singapore is an old town with countless cute cafes, colorful shops and vibrant street art. So, where to go and what to do in Tiong Bahru? Discover it now with us through this Tiong Bahru guide with best things to do in Tiong Bahru below!

Tiong Bahru is an old neighborhood with fresh colors and European style @shutterstock | things to do in tiong bahru

Side view of Tiong Bahru Bakery – coffee shop. @kathiekin | things to do in tiong bahru

Tiong Bahru market @travelandleisureasia.com | things to do in tiong bahru

In the middle of modern Singapore, Tiong Bahru is like a nostalgic note. Not as flashy as Marina Bay, not as bustling as Orchard, this neighborhood has its own beauty of old shophouses, small cafes and colorful art murals. Not only a place to preserve old memories, Tiong Bahru is also a meeting place for art lovers and sophisticated lifestyles.

So, what’s in this old town? Let’s explore interesting little corners and unmissable experiences in Tiong Bahru!

Overview of Tiong Bahru – The Perfect blend of Old and New

Tiong Bahru, Singapore’s oldest neighbourhood, showcases a unique Art Deco architecture, offering a sense of relaxed living amidst the modern city. Built in the 1920s, it was once the island’s first exemplary residential area, preserving the British colonial era. Today, Tiong Bahru has a new image, a place that subtly combines nostalgia with modernity.

Walking down the small streets, visitors will see low-rise houses, unique round windows, and elegant cafes. This old neighbourhood is an art haven, with impressive galleries and stylish fashion stores. Tiong Bahru offers a sense of tranquility, far from the hustle and bustle of Orchard or Marina Bay.

When visiting Tiong Bahru, visitors can spend time having breakfast at a classic cafe, exploring a private bookstore or a rustic market. Tiong Bahru is a suitable destination for those who love history, art, or want to feel a different perspective of Singapore.

History and Unique Architecture of Tiong Bahru Neighborhood

If Hanoi’s Old Quarter has the quiet beauty of moss-covered tiled roofs, Tiong Bahru is a unique picture that blends the past and the present. As Singapore’s first public housing area, it preserves golden memories, exquisite Art Deco architecture, and a thrilling story about the glorious times.

From a Deserted Cemetery to Streets Full of Nostalgia

Starting from a cemetery, Tiong Bahru – Singapore’s first public housing area, contains many memories, exquisite Art Deco architecture, and a story about the development period. It was converted into a residential area in 1927, with the first apartment building built in 1936. The architecture in Tiong Bahru combines Art Deco style with modernity, showing the cultural exchange between the West and East.

Living Heritage in the Heart of the City

Besides the ancient houses, Tiong Bahru also has a colorful history. The street here was once known as the “beauty nest” because of the lavish past of the upper class. The stairs behind the houses still bear the hurried footsteps of the “pipa girls” of the past.

Coq & Balls | things to do in tiong bahru

Today, Tiong Bahru has become an unmissable destination for tourists who love nostalgia. Vintage cafes, street art and the bustling Tiong Bahru market make this place both classic and full of life. An afternoon stroll along the peaceful streets, admiring the old walls with creative artworks – that is the best way to fully feel the soul of Tiong Bahru.

What and where to eat in Tiong Bahru? Famous Cafes and Restaurants in Tiong Bahru, Singapore

Tiong Bahru is a paradise of many stylish cafes and restaurants. Here are some outstanding destinations that you cannot miss when visiting this area.

Dirty Supper Restaurant

Address: 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-19, Singapore 162078

Step into Dirty Supper, you will immediately feel a cozy space, blending nostalgia and modernity. Head chef Peter Smit brings the art of grilling to the top with a menu that changes daily, always preserving the freshness of the ingredients. If you are a fan of the smoky flavor of grilled food and creativity in cuisine, this is definitely a destination not to be missed!

cre: timeout | things to do in tiong bahru

House of Peranakan Petit Restaurant

Address: 42 Eng Hoon St, Estate 169785

Located on the peaceful Eng Hoon street, House of Peranakan Petit is a place to preserve traditional Peranakan flavors. Dishes such as ayam buah keluak, fish curry or pulot hitam are all imbued with the Nyonya spirit. The small yet cozy space makes diners feel like they are enjoying a loving family meal.

Tiong Bahru Market-best-place-to-enjoy-food-in-singapore2 — | things to do in tiong bahru

Sin Hoi Sai Seafood Restaurant

Address: 55 Tiong Bahru Rd, #01-59, Singapore 160055

Highly rated by Michelin Guide Singapore, Sin Hoi Sai is a must-visit for seafood lovers. Try the salted egg crab or white pepper crab – two “top” dishes of the restaurant. In addition, the crispy prawns and prawn chicken are also perfect choices for a delicious seafood feast.

Tiong Bahru Bakery Restaurant

Address: 56 Eng Hoon St, #01-70, Singapore 160056

When in Tiong Bahru, you can’t miss Tiong Bahru Bakery – home to fragrant buttery croissants and crispy kouign amann. If you love French pastries, this is heaven for you. What could be better than sipping a hot cup of coffee and enjoying a pain au chocolat in a light, classic space?

Micro Bakery (#things to do in tiong bahru)

Address: 10 Jln Serene, #01-05 Serene Centre, Singapore 258748

Tucked away in the quiet streets of Tiong Bahru, Micro Bakery serves the perfect sourdough bread, paired with aromatic coffee. The bread is handmade every day, using natural and healthy ingredients. If you love a light yet nutritious breakfast, stop by here to enjoy.

Plain Vanilla Bakery

Address: 1D Yong Siak St, Singapore 168641

Known for its best cupcakes in Singapore, Plain Vanilla Bakery delights diners with flavors like salted caramel, chocolate hazelnut or white chocolate strawberry. Besides cakes, the shop also sells some lovely kitchen decorations, helping you bring a little “Plain Vanilla flavor” home.

Caffe Pralet

Address: 17 Eng Hoon St, #01-04 Eng Hoon Mansions, Singapore 169767

Being the “child” of Creative Culinaire, Caffe Pralet has delicious coffee and is also a place where countless unique pastries and sandwiches converge. In particular, each donut with a burnt butter honey coating or a sweet and sour lemon filling will make you want to come back many times.

Flock Cafe

Address: 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-25 Tiong Bahru Estate, Singapore 162078

Flock Cafe is one of the oldest cafes in Tiong Bahru, famous for its Western-style breakfast and strong coffee. If you are looking for a place to relax, sip a latte and read a book, this is the perfect stop.

Starter Lab Cafe

Address: 25 Harper Rd, #09-01, Singapore 369683

At Starter Lab, sourdough bread is not only a dish but also an art. The aroma of the baked bread spreads throughout the space, awakening all the senses. Try the coconut butter sandwich or the shredded pork bread – the perfect combination of Asia and Europe.

Lin Rooftop Bar

Address: 50 Tiong Bahru Rd, Singapore 168733

When night falls, Lin Rooftop Bar is the ideal place to relax with a sophisticated cocktail. The airy space, beautiful view and soft music make this place an ideal date spot for a romantic evening or meeting friends.

Tiong Bahru Market and Enjoyable Shopping Experience

Located in the nostalgic old town, Tiong Bahru Market is not just a market, but also a vibrant slice of Singaporean culture. From fresh seafood stalls, lush green vegetables to the famous food court on the second floor, this is the ideal destination to explore the everyday beauty, full of charm of the lion island.

Lovely salesman at Tiong Bahru market. @miatapilouw | tiong bahru guide

Step up to the second floor, diners will feel like they are lost in a paradise of famous street food. Try a plate of rich Char Kway Teow, a blend of chewy noodles, eggs, cockles and a rich sauce. Or order a bowl of Lor Mee 178 – a bowl of golden noodles mixed with fragrant garlic sauce, served with crispy fried fish balls. For something lighter, Jian Bo Shui Kueh will please you with soft rice cakes, served with pickled radish and spicy sambal sauce.

Tiong Bahru Market-best-place-to-enjoy-food-in-singapore6 — | tiong bahru guide

Tiong Bahru Market-best-place-to-enjoy-food-in-singapore4 — | tiong bahru guide

Did you know that Tiong Bahru Market is also a living heritage? Since its inception in 1945, this place has undergone many renovations to become the modern market it is today. To this day, the market still retains its nostalgic features with soft Streamline Moderne architecture and open space to welcome the wind.

Tiong Bahru Market-best-place-to-enjoy-food-in-singapore1 — Tiong Bahru Market | tiong bahru guide

Don’t forget to take a walk around Tiong Bahru, you will come across a small alley winding between ancient Art Deco apartments, creating a harmonious picture of the past and the present. Here, you can easily find many lovely cafes, independent bookstores and unique fashion stores, bringing a surprising and interesting shopping experience.

Check-In Points and Street Art Not to Be Missed in Tiong Bahru

If you love artistic street corners and nostalgic spaces mixed with modernity, Tiong Bahru is the destination not to be missed! Let’s explore some super cool check-in coordinates and creative street art works in this Singapore-inspired neighborhood!

Streamline Moderne Buildings

Tiong Bahru stands out with its Streamline Moderne style houses, a branch of Art Deco with soft curves, rounded corners and long horizontal windows. Walking through this neighborhood, you will see low-rise buildings built in the 1930s, creating a space that is both classic and modern, completely different from Singapore’s high-rise buildings. This architecture not only shows historical imprints but also is a perfect backdrop for countless poetic nostalgic photos.

Impressive Artistic Mural

Photography and street art enthusiasts should not miss the colorful murals in Tiong Bahru. The works of artist Yip Yew Chong recreate images of old Singaporean life, from traditional markets, fortune-telling stalls to familiar street corners. The “Bird Singing Corner” evokes the local bird-watching hobby, while “Home” brings the warm feeling of a classic Singaporean house.

Young people really love posing at this wall. @ria.puspita90 | tiong bahru guide

Side view of Tiong Bahru Bakery – coffee shop. @kathiekin | tiong bahru guide

Qi Tian Gong Temple

In the middle of the bustling neighborhood, Qi Tian Gong Temple is a place to worship Sun Wukong – a legendary character in Journey to the West. The temple is small but sacred with a quiet space, the faint scent of incense and statues depicting Chinese mythology. Locals come here to pray for peace, while tourists are attracted by the ancient architecture and the mysterious story of the famous monkey god.

Gong Park

Located in the heart of Tiong Bahru, Gong Park is a rare green space in the heart of the city. With shady trees, wooden benches and open walkways, this is the perfect place to rest after a day of exploring the old town. The park also has an outdoor fitness area and a small children’s playground, providing a sense of peace amidst the colorful art and history of Tiong Bahru.!

Tiong Bahru Travel Tips and Notes (#tiong bahru guide)

To have a smooth visit to Tiong Bahru, you need to note the following important points:

Come Early to Feel the Local Life

Morning is the best time to explore Tiong Bahru Market – the culinary and cultural heart of the neighborhood. Come from 7am to avoid the crowds and enjoy the fresh, clean air of this traditional market. This is also the time when stalls are full of local specialties, ready to serve the best dishes.

Enjoy a Singaporean-Style Breakfast

A visit to Tiong Bahru will not be complete without trying a Singaporean-style breakfast. Start your day with a plate of fragrant chicken rice, or a delicious portion of kway teow (stir-fried noodles). Don’t forget to sip a cup of kopi (Singaporean-style coffee) or teh tarik (pulled milk tea) to fully experience the culinary quintessence here.

Stroll Around the Art Alleys

Besides cuisine, Tiong Bahru is also famous for its unique, vintage-inspired and creative art murals. Take the time to explore every corner of the neighborhood, where each wall and each alley has its own story.

The famous “Bird Singing Corner” mural. @seeeeeeru | tiong bahru guide

Visit Bookstores and Coffee Shops

Tiong Bahru is a paradise for book and coffee lovers. We recommend BooksActually or Woods in the Books, which will bring you an inspiring world with countless rare books, art books and unique souvenirs. Don’t forget to stop by the boutique-style cafes to enjoy a cup of latte in a peaceful space.

Don’t Forget to “Hunt” for Vintage Items

If you love collecting vintage items, Tiong Bahru will not disappoint you. The vintage shops here sell everything from clothes, accessories to home decorations with a charming retro style.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tiong Bahru Old Town

When is the best time to visit Tiong Bahru?

Early morning (around 7-9am) is the ideal time to fully experience the local life. This is when Tiong Bahru Market is at its busiest, shops serve delicious breakfasts, and the streets still retain a quiet, relaxing atmosphere before the new day becomes bustling.

Where is Tiong Bahru?

Tiong Bahru is a charming old town located in the southwest of Singapore’s central business district, in District 3. It is one of the city’s oldest residential areas, famous for its Art Deco architecture, traditional markets and inspiring boutique cafes.

How to get to Tiong Bahru?

You can get to Tiong Bahru by MRT, East-West Line and alight at Tiong Bahru Station (EW17), then walk for about 10 minutes. In addition, bus routes such as 5, 16, 33, 63, 123 also take you to this area easily.

Should you visit Tiong Bahru at night?

At night, Tiong Bahru takes on a peaceful and somewhat mysterious beauty. Although not as bustling as during the day, you can still enjoy a romantic atmosphere at a cozy cafe, stroll around the quiet streets, or explore the small bars with a nostalgic style.

Are there any shopping places in Tiong Bahru?

Although not a shopping paradise, Tiong Bahru has many unique boutiques such as BooksActually (rare books and souvenirs), Curated Records (vintage vinyl), or Nana & Bird (designer fashion). In addition, Tiong Bahru Market is an ideal place to buy local specialties and fresh food.

Tiong Bahru is not only a nostalgic old town but also a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Tree-lined alleys, impressive Art Deco architecture, inspiring cafes and bustling local markets – all add up to a charm that is uniquely Tiong Bahru. Whether you are a culture lover, foodie or simply looking for a peaceful corner in the heart of Singapore, this place will surely captivate you.

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