Tanjong Pagar: Neighbourhood Guide
What to do in Tanjong Pagar? We've got recommendations for dining, entertainment and culture. This neighbourhood that’s a part of Singapore’s Central Business District is bursting with things to do, see and eat!
[Note: Although COVID-19 seems to have taken a chill pill in recent weeks and most safe distancing restrictions lifted, some businesses in this article might not be operating at full capacity. Do visit their website or contact them ahead of your visit.]
Tip-toeing into the Central Business District (CBD), Tanjong Pagar is a neighbourhood of counterbalance — old and new, fast and slow, expensive and economical — making it a neighbourhood with something for everyone.
Here are some of our favourite recommendations to make the most of your visit to this eclectic neighbourhood.
What to do in Tanjong Pagar
Bar-hop through Asia's best bars
A whopping five out of the 11 Singaporean bars that made it to 2022's list of Asia's 50 Best Bars are located in Tanjong Pagar. You're in fine company with the likes of Jigger & Pony, Tippling Club and No Sleep Club serving up high quality cocktails in enchanting ambiances.
Get cultured at the NUS Baba House
You can't miss this bright indigo blue three-storey townhouse. As part of NUS Centre for the Arts, NUS Baba House promotes research into architectural conservation, and urban and social history.
157 Neil Road, Singapore 088883
What to see in Tanjong Pagar
Take in the colours of heritage shophouses
Whether you're an architecture nerd or not, the charm of iconic heritage shophouses is irresistible. Each one more colourful and ornate than the next, take a walk along Everton Road, Neil Road and Duxton Hill where you'll be able to feast your eyes on well-preserved Peranakan shophouses.
Take in the Singapore skyline from atop Pinnacle@Duxton
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the CBD and beyond from the rooftop skybridge of Pinnacle@Duxton. This gargantuan public housing project (it's the world's tallest public residential building) is a must-visit and only costs S$6 per entry.
1G Cantonment Rd, Singapore 085301
What to eat & drink in Tanjong Pagar
Everton Park
The residential enclave of Everton Park nestled in Tanjong Pagar is a treasure trove of not-so hidden gems like the legendary Nylon Coffee Roasters, Ji Xiang Confectionery Handmade Ang Ku Kueh and The Better Half to name a few. Weave through the blocks to explore what's on offer and you will be pleasantly surprised.
Keong Saik Road
Keong Saik Road has come a long way from its chequered past as a red light district, but its boisterousness lives on thanks to the multitude of drinking and dining options that draw in crowds. You'll find world-class establishments like Burnt Ends, Thevar and Meta alongside local stalwarts like Kok Sen and Foong Kee Coffee Shop.
Go alfresco at Duxton Hill
Make your way up the gentle incline of Duxton Hill and you'll feel transported to any postcard-pretty European town. Cobblestone walkways and alfresco dining (perfect for people watching) lends a convivial spirit to this little enclave. You'll be hard-pressed to choose from inventive margaritas at Lucha Loco, humble Italian staples at Latteria Mozzarella Bar and hearty Greek fare at Fotia. We say, have it all.
Stuff yourself silly at a hawker centre
While technically sitting slightly over the Tanjong Pagar border, Maxwell Food Centre and Amoy Street Food Centre are gems not to be missed. Collectively, both hawker centres contain a concentration of Michelin recommended stalls that would send any fervent foodie into a tailspin of choice. If you're not one to fawn over titles and accolades, the stalls that have not been anointed with the Michelin touch are extremely worthy contenders in their own right.
Dive into K-pop and K-BBQ
Tanjong Pagar Road is a belt studded with Korean restaurants and watering holes. Find anything and everything like Korean BBQ, Korean Fried Chicken, sojurita and more. The choices can be overwhelming, but we're loyal to the self-proclaimed ‘originators of Korean Fried Chicken in Singapore’ Kko Kko Na Ra, O.BBa Jjajang’s lip smacking jajangmyeon (Korean black bean paste noodles) and Guiga for Korean BBQ. Alternatively, take the time to try them all and form your favourite lineup yourself!
Tantric Bar
The famed ‘Home of The Blue Spin’ and Singapore's most beloved LGBTQIA+ bar. What is a Blue Spin you ask? According to the lore of the land, an errant customer demanded for a cocktail to out-strength the Long Island Iced Tea, to which their bartender rose to the challenge and said cocktail was born. A great spot for cheesy music to dance to, good vibes and all-round warmth and love.
78 Neil Road, Singapore 088841
Living in Tanjong Pagar
We've just touched the tip of the iceberg as far as what to do, see, eat and drink in Tanjong Pagar goes.
Sounds like a neighbourhood you would like to live in? Hmlet just happens to be in the area. From fully-furnished Small rooms to 2-Bedroom (with kitchen) apartments, be sure to check out the swanky Hmlet Cantonment that’s located off Tanjong Pagar.
[Update] Enjoy a free room upgrade when you stay with us during the Singapore F1 Race weekend! Room rates start from S$280/night. Find out more about this offer here.
