The neighbourhood went through major transformations in the last decade – ranging from fabulous shopping possibilities to a cluster of contemporary art and culture. Nowadays modern restaurants and crafty bars have appeared on the scene.
Named after the Buginese people, these seafarers roamed the Singapore Straits before the arrival of the British. The area was home to both the Buginese and the Hainanese people, bringing along their rich culinary traditions. While Beach Road is a constant reminder of Singapore’s original coastline, it is hard to imagine that Bugis used to be a full-blown red-light district, the second after Geylang, with transvestites and prostitutes after the Second World War. Today, Bugis is becoming the home of the arts.
If you want to get a feel for what Bugis Street was like four decades ago, then you should watch this film about the life of Singaporean transvestites that used to live in the area.
This ethnic group from south Sulawesi were the first to settle in the neighbourhood in the beginning of the 19th century.
The Buginese people were extremely skilled seafarers, using their skills in an occasionally unorthodox way. Forget about Hollywood pirates, the Buginese seafarers were traders with a special attitude.
The neighbourhood was dubbed as Boogie Street by the British.
The area of Bugis/ Bras Basah has a total of 12,000 students studying at universities, art schools and the local Starbucks.
We love the fact that the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has plans to turn the neighbourhood into an even bigger arts hub.
Singapore’s only Czech brewery, serving locally brewed beers with character.
180 Albert Street Open daily from 4pm-12am
The exciting Middle Eastern cuisine by Bjorn Shen is a heaven for local foodies.
161 Middle Road, Open Tue-Fri 6:30pm-9:45pm, Sat from 1130am -245pm, 630pm-945pm, Sun from 1130am – 245pm
Deck. By DECK
This independent art space & café is housed in old shipping containers is probably the coolest place to hang out in neighbourhood.
120A Prinsep Street Open Tue-Sat from 12pm-7pm, Sun from 12pm-5pm
Joo Bar. By Joo Bar
This beautiful hotspot is a modern and creative makgeolli bar, serving the sweet alcoholic and fermented drink made from rice and wheat. Experience some of the most exciting Korean food in Singapore and get excited about seafood rapokki with melted cheese, kimchi shrimp pasta, and Korean-inspired craft cocktails – often including makgeolli.
5 Tan Quee Lan Street Open daily from 5:30pm-12am
If you are a dim sum aficionado, you need to try their weekend offering (9pm-2pm) including a SGD$38 all-you-can-eat dim sum. The restaurant is also popular for Peking duck which isone of the best in Singapore.
331 North Bridge Road Open Mon-Sat from 1030am -230pm, 630pm – 1030pm, Open Sun & PH from 10am -2pm, 6pm -1030pm
Curious Palette. By Curious Palette
The extremely stylish café brings gourmet-like food quality to the table. Being passionate about the art of coffee, the café is perfect for a relaxing afternoon break or a prolonged brunch.
64 Prinsep Street Open Mon, Wed-Thu & Sun from 9am to 10pm, Fri-Sat from 9am to 12am Closed on Tuesdays
Offering the finer things in life, Gunther’s is serving caviar specialities and modern French fare. Highlights on the menu include the 21-days dry aged Côte de Boeuf and the roasted ruck of black pig.
36 Purvis Street Open Mon-Fri from 12pm to 230pm, 630pm to 10pm, Sat from 630pm to 10pm
The inconspicuous appearance may not evoke a fine dining atmosphere, but the Fortune Centre is a hidden treasure and hot spot for vegetarian cuisine. Try the New Green Pasture Café for veggie burgers, salads, and an organic retail section.
190 Middle Road Open daily from 11am-8pm
Third & Sixth is a quaint little place with great vibes, plenty of booze and good food! Perfect place for a drink after work – they have plenty of promotions too!
36 Seah Street Open Mon-Thu from 5pm to 1am, Fri-Sat from 5pm to 3am and Sun from 5pm to 12am
Shin Gi Tai. By Shin Gi Tai
Expect twists on classic cocktail creations, home-infused spirits, and Japanese-inspired bar bites. Don’t be fooled, as Shi Gi Tai is an Australian café by day.
51 Waterloo Street Open Mon-Sat from 6pm-12am
Loof. By Loof
Awarded as Singapore’s best rooftop bar, this neighbourhood’s superior rooftop at Odeon Towers invites with cocktails, cold beers, and locally-inspire grub food.
331 North Bridge Road Open Mon-Thu from 5pm to 1am, Fri & Sat from 5pm to 2am
A former conservation shophouse now houses a cool, industrial-chic joint that is equally focused on both its drinks and food. With small plates, medium plates and large plates option for sharing, food served is delectable and includes yummy King Prawn Pasta and Angus Prime Rib
38 Seah Street Open Mon-Thu 1130am to 1am, Fri 1130am to 2am and Sat 430pm to 2am
The Raffles Hotel. Photo by Shenghung Lin
This iconic hotel stands strong since 1887 and is home to the Singapore Sling and a floor full of discarded peanut shells to add to the fun. Stroll through its corridors and discover tradition, colonial architecture, and a handful of selected boutique shops alongside Singapore’s original coastline.
1 Beach Road
Singapore Art Museum. Photo by Guo Qi
Filled with curated art from Southeast Asia, SAM is the go-to contemporary art spot in Singapore.
71 Bras Basah Road Open from Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun from 10am to 7pm, Fri from 10am to 9pm
Parkview Square. Photo by Mark
Better known as the Batman building, Park View Square is Singapore’s most beautiful example of Art Deco architecture – although only completed in 2002. Check out the bronze statures on the plaza and the three-storey high wine chiller in the lobby bar.
600 North Bridge Road
Filled with exhibitions, stimulating talks and hands-on workshops, Objectifs is contemporary culture to get involved in.
155 Middle Road Open Tues-Sat from 12pm to 7pm, Sun from 12pm to 4pm
National Library Singapore
The prestige project of the NLB with over 11,000-square metres has also a stunning view over the neighbourhood. Of course it also has books. Standing tall alongside Victoria Street, the National Library Singapore is also home to the Asian Film Archive and several other reference libraries.
If visiting a library is not exactly your cup of tea, here are 5 exciting activities in Singapore!
100 Victoria Street Open daily from 10am-9pm
Trishaw Uncle is the only licensed operator that conducts trishaw tours around Singapore. One of the tours offered is one of Bugis and Little India (we did a neighbourhood guide on Little India too!) or another that includes the Singapore Tour too. Proceed to the Trishaw Park at Albert Centre to kickstart your tour!
270 Queen Street
Bugis Street
It’s a heaven for all who love getting lost shopping clothes. The three floors are filled with very affordable fashion and accessory shops. If you are you planning on doing your nails, head straight for the third floor. Ranging from fresh fruits and sweets to cheap fashionable clothes and nail salons – the bustle of Bugis Street is worth fighting through.
3 New Bugis Street Open daily from 12pm-10pm
Whatever electronic goods you might need, the seven floors of the Sim Lim Square are filled with electronics and repair shops of all kind. Show off your negotiation skills to score a bargain.
1 Rochor Canal Road Open daily from 10:30am- 9pm
Kapok @ NDC. By kapok singapore
The one-stop destination for design enthusiasts comes in the form of café, designer goods-filled shop and design museum.
111 Middle Road Open daily from 11am to 9pm
SPACE Furniture
Feed your creative side and gather inspiration in this beautiful interior design and furniture showroom. Combing a modern glass structure with white classical building style, the building alone is already worth the visit. Get inspired!
77 Bencoolen Street Open daily from 10:30am-8pm
Featured photo by: Mark
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