The mainstream holiday scene, crowded with tourists, may leave you feeling bored. If so, we have some recommendations for visiting offbeat tourist spots that might be just the right answer for you.

For your holiday destination in Singapore, consider Tiong Bahru, the oldest residential area in Singapore. In recent years, Tiong Bahru has transformed into an excellent lifestyle district, with plenty of coffee shops, bookstores, and independent fashion stores.

Did you know that the name "Tiong Bahru" translates to "new cemetery”? While the area was once a burial ground, it has transformed into one of Singapore's most coveted residential neighbourhoods. A captivating blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy, Tiong Bahru offers a unique glimpse into the city's heritage.

Conveniently located just a short MRT ride from Orchard Road, this enchanting enclave invites exploration. From traditional eateries and vintage barbershops to contemporary art galleries housed in a former air raid shelter, Tiong Bahru defies expectations. It's a place where the past and present coexist harmoniously.

Tiong Bahru is a popular hangout spot for Singapore's artists, creative workers, and art lovers. Here are five hidden gems and fun activities in Tiong Bahru!

Tiong Bahru has a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for those interested in a one- or two-day staycation. You can find modern and contemporary places to stay, such as the list of upcoming recommendations we will provide below:

Location: 77 Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore 168727

Phone: +65 6808 1818

Price: starts from AUD181.38 per night

As its name suggests, The Nostalgia Hotel is designed with colonial architecture and is located in a strategic location, making you feel nostalgic as if you've travelled back in time. The unique feature of this hotel is its outside swimming pool that directly faces the Tiong Bahru area, making it suitable for those looking for a place to relax. Additionally, every room in The Nostalgia is decorated with a touch of Tiong Bahru's history.

Address: 231 Outram Road, Singapore 169040

Phone: +65 6595 1388

Price: starts from AUD 205.89 per night

D’Hotel Singapore is managed by The Ascott Limited, located in the midst of Tiong Bahru and surrounded by unique and chic cafes, art galleries and shopping stores. The location will make your staycation moment far from boring, as it is near the Central Business District and the Orchard Road shopping belt is also just a short drive away. D'Hotel also provides facilities such as a fitness centre and bar in the rooftop area, offering a great view of the beautiful city.

Location: 50 Tiong Bahru Rd, #01-01, Singapore 168733

Phone: +65 6622 8585

Price: starts from AUD 251 per night

Another beautiful option for a staycation is staying at Link Hotel Singapore. It’s also safe to say that this 4-star hotel is one of the most populars for tourists visiting Chinatown. Nearby you will find good cafes and markets, and the location is really convenient to get around. Most guests also find it attractive that the hotel offers a bar on the rooftop with delicious local and international food.

Going on a culinary tour is a must-do activity when visiting Tiong Bahru. You'll have the opportunity to try famous dishes from legendary restaurants, Michelin-approved establishments, and hipster cafes that are popular among locals.

Location: 30 Seng Poh Road, 168898

Opening Hours: Daily from 09:00 AM to 08:00 PM

Tiong Bahru Market is one of the best hawker centres in Singapore because it offers a lot of delicious dishes. This landmark is also a living testament to Singapore's rich heritage.

While Singapore's cityscape has evolved dramatically, the heart of Tiong Bahru Market remains unchanged. A bustling hub of activity even on weekdays, it offers an authentically local grocery shopping experience.

The market is more than just a place to buy groceries; it's a community gathering spot. Strong bonds between vendors and patrons create a warm, friendly atmosphere reminiscent of old-school Singapore. Shared laughter, stories about children, and special discounts foster a sense of belonging that's rare in today's fast-paced world.

Many of its vendors have been serving the community for generations, passing down their family businesses to ensure these traditions endure. Here, you can find the Michelin-approved Bib Gourmand Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice, the famous Chwee Kueh from Jian Bo Shui Kueh, and the prawn noodles from Min Nan Prawn Noodles.

Location: 56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-70

Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

The Tiong Bahru Bakery is widely famous among locals. The bakery’s debut in Singapore sent ripples through the city, attracting eager crowds with its innovative pastries and legendary croissants. Often hailed as "Singapore's Best Croissant," their signature pastry has garnered immense acclaim.

Blending the best of both worlds, Tiong Bahru Bakery infuses traditional French pastry-making with bold Asian flavours. Local ingredients like curry, pandan, pineapple, and coconut find their way into their delectable creations. We indulged in their afternoon tea set, a delightful showcase of this East-West fusion.

You will enjoy their classic Singaporean flavours as their cakes evoke nostalgic childhood memories with fillings like Kaya and Ondeh-Ondeh. The coconut cheesecake is a standout, offering a contemporary twist on this local treat.

Tiong Bahru Bakery also delivers on all fronts for anyone who prefers the timeless classics: the original croissant, almond croissant, and kouign-amann are benchmarks of buttery, flaky perfection. Complement your pastry with a rich cup of coffee or their signature Teh Tarik for an unforgettable indulgence.

Location: #01-19, 78 Moh Guan Terrace, 162078

Hua Bee Coffee Shop is more than meets the eye. By day, it's a classic hawker stall serving up beloved mee pok. But as the sun sets, this unassuming eatery transforms into a hidden gem: Bincho, a yakitori bar. Nestled discreetly at the back of the coffee shop, Bincho offers a surprising contrast to its casual surroundings.

This underground izakaya-style bar serves up a delectable array of yakitori skewers and unique dishes like the Hokkaido-shaped tofu. Complement your meal with a refreshing seasonal Yukishibori Sake or a tantalizing Raspberry or Cinnamon cocktail.

Location: 9 Yong Siak St, Singapore 168645

Opening Hours: Sunday to Monday, 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM and Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 08:00 PM

Books Actually - is definitely a place to go for anyone interested in learning more about the history of Singapore, from the Singaporeans. Books Actually is a treasure trove of local literature, offering a fresh perspective on Singaporean culture.

With a vast collection of works by homegrown authors, you'll discover captivating stories without the snooze-inducing monotony. Whether you're a bookworm or simply seeking a unique souvenir, this bookstore is a must-visit.

Can't decide which book to choose? The onsite book vending machine adds an element of surprise. Wrapped books with only brief descriptions create an exciting gamble – will you find your next favourite read?

Tiong Bahru is the only residential area in Singapore that the government has not rebuilt. As a result, each house in this area has a unique design that is worth capturing on camera, especially for those who love architecture.

Skip the pricey Trick-Eye Museum and head to Tiong Bahru for a free, fascinating trip back in time. These murals offer a captivating glimpse into Singapore's 40-year history. Accompanying poems and stories add depth to the experience, making it a cultural immersion.

Continue your trip by photographing the murals created by famous Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong. Yip has created three murals in Tiong Bahru: Birds Singing Corner, Pasar and Fortune Teller, and Home.

One mural (called Home), inspired by artist Yip Yew Chong's childhood home, is filled with personal touches like his father's ashtray and grandmother's cigarettes. But the real surprise lies in the details. Spot Singapore's first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew, gracing the front page of a newspaper. This scene depicts the 1979 Speak Mandarin Campaign, even featuring his friend Margaret Thatcher.

There is a century-old temple in Tiong Bahru called Qi TianGong. At this historical temple, you can see the colourful Taoist prayer site. The temple is dedicated to the Monkey God Sun Wukong, who is famous for his journey to find the scripture in the West.

In addition to the Qi Tian Gong temple, you can visit the Air Raid Shelter, a war bunker built in 1939. This bunker covers an area of 1,500 m3 and has remained unchanged or still in its original shape.

This isn't your typical art gallery. Housed within a WWII air raid shelter, this haunting space offers a raw and visceral connection to Singapore's darkest chapter. Left untouched for decades, the shelter is a time capsule, its walls etched with the stories of those who sought refuge from the Japanese bombings.

In 2018, it was transformed into an art gallery by eight local artists, their works echoing the shelter's sombre history. With pitch-black corridors and haunting remnants of the past, the gallery is a powerful testament to war's destructive force.

Currently, the bunker is not open to the public and is limited to guided tours or special permission from the Tanjong Pagar Town Council. But no worries, there is an explanation about the bunker that you can read!

With its unique design and unbeatable atmosphere, Tiong Bahru is the perfect place to enhance your travel experience and explore Singapore in a new way. Explore Traveloka for great deals on activities, flight and hotels. Plan your trip with Traveloka App and visit your favourite destinations now!