Cheryl Sekkappan

Analogue is making a comeback in 2026, and cafés and bars in Singapore are fully embracing the movement. Across the city, there's been a growing number of listening lounges that pair curated soundtracks with speciality coffee and cocktails. Granted, that number is smaller than we'd like, but there are still a handful of spots that guarantee a good time when you visit. These sonic sanctuaries that we've shortlisted come equipped with impressive vinyl collections, turntables and state-of-the-art sound systems that put the listening experience front and centre, while serving up a solid food and drink menu to boot. If you're a self-professed audiophile, these are the cafés and bars in Singapore you should definitely have on your list. July 2026: We've noted closures of old haunts like Vertigo 26 and Simply Analog by Tin Box, while expanding our previous bars-only list to include cafés like Muro Coffee, Slow Boat and Swee Lee Clarke Quay. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best bars in Singapore and The best record stores in Singapore

It's that time of year when we hang up our national flags and brush up on classic National Day songs like Home and Where I Belong. On August 9, the nation will congregate at the historic National Stadium to celebrate how far we've come together and pledge to unite on the path ahead.This year’s parade is slightly different from the past. It will not include segments like the mobile column, Red Lions and aerial displays. Instead, you can expect an indoor drone show, aerial performances, and special effects. The presidential gun salute will also take place at Kallang Basin for the first time as well. And no National Day is complete without the iconic fireworks. Keen to catch the spectacular display? Here are the best places to catch the NDP 2026 fireworks in Singapore. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Singapore newsletter for the best of the city straight to your inbox. RECOMMENDED: NDP Rehearsal Fireworks 2025: Dates and schedules and The best National Day songs of all time

Singapore's culture scene is wildly underrated, more so than most would think. This is especially true since it's home to some of the best museums and galleries in the region. This July, get out of your comfort zone and fill your free time getting reacquainted with Singapore's art and culture scene. Head to a museum to learn more about the untold stories and history that have shaped our identity. The best part? It makes for a great activity for two. If you're not sure where to start, we've curated a list of essential museums to visit. But for something more than the usual arts-focused spaces, scroll on down for our round-up of a broad spectrum of other funky collections: toys, musical boxes, optical illusions and more. RECOMMENDED: The best reading spots in Singapore and the best things to do in Singapore in groups of two 

Nothing's better than a cool drink in Singapore's tropical weather. Or how about a refreshing dip instead? When temperatures are high, take the kids out to cool down at these free aqua playgrounds around the island (though in one case, it's a steamy warm bath for the feet). We've checked out where to go for the best sprinklers, bubblers and water fountains that are great for kids (and adults). Best of all, they are all in public spaces and have absolutely no admission fees.  RECOMMENDED:  The best public pools in Singapore and The best indoor playgrounds in Singapore

Break out the pink shirts and rainbow flags because it's Pride Month in Singapore. LGBTQ+ communities all over the world are celebrating – and we've got a whole buffet of parties, pop-ups, film events, and comedy nights to look forward to, culminating in the annual Pink Dot. Here's what Pride Month is all about, how we celebrate in Singapore, and the absolute best events to head out for.  RECOMMENDED: 10 ways to support the local LGBTQ+ community    

Dragon Boat Festival or Duan Wu Jie is one of the biggest celebrations for the Chinese. Typically held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, it originates from southern China –beginning as a way to worship the river dragons and evolving into a commemoration of the celebrated 'people's poet' Qu Yuan.  In Singapore, you know you're in the thick of Dragon Boat Festival when Chinese relatives start preparing rice dumplings. This is also the time when dragon boaters take to our rivers and channels for epic races set to the beat of drums. Dragon Boat Festival will likely be a more muted affair once again this year, but we take the time to look back on its origins and traditions.  RECOMMENDED: Where to buy rice dumplings for delivery and takeaway in Singapore

Gone are the days when cafés mostly offered the same eggs benny or tired rainbow cakes. Singapore’s café scene today is bursting with creativity, character, and caffeine-fulled ambition. Whether you’re after a quiet café for remote work, an aesthetic brunch spot for the ‘gram, or an under-the-radar coffee hideout, this city delivers, and more.  This guide isn’t just for the coffee snobs (though we love you, too). It’s for anyone who loves discovering great food, thoughtful design, warm service, maybe even a surprise or two – like a latte made with cereal milk or excellent sourdoughs right beside a lake in Yishun. From minimalist nooks in the heartlands to buzzing bakeries in the city, these 50 cafés have all been handpicked by our editors and contributors, and are places we’d happily revisit any day of the week.  We’ve included everything from enduring favourites and cult-status cornerstones, to low-key gems you’ll wish you found out about sooner. And if you’re after a more specific vibe – say, pet-friendly spots or dessert-first cafés, we’ve got separate guides for those too. RECOMMENDED: Discover new cafés in Singapore here and here

The fashion thrifting movement has really kicked off in Singapore over the past few years, and people are now shopping for clothes differently. While our plethora of malls continue to offer the usual trusty line-up of big chain brands, a growing pool of style seekers favours the thrill of scoring pre-loved gems that you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere. Not only is it easier on the wallet, it’s also a more sustainable way of giving your wardrobe a refresh. We’ve dug through the racks ourselves, and here are some of our favourite thrift stores in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: Six cool indie stores in Singapore and 10 places to shop on a budget in Singapore  

Most tourists to Singapore know where the good stuff is: Gardens by the Bay, Mandai Wildlife Reserve, and Sentosa are just some. But once you’ve ticked these headline attractions off your bucket list, it’s worth going off the usual trail and discovering where Singaporeans actually hang out. In 2026, locals are exploring regional art at the National Gallery, eating their way through Little India's banana leaf restaurants, and shopping vintage finds at Far East Plaza instead of the glossy Orchard malls. Here's how to experience Singapore like a local – starting with where to stay.

As much as we enjoy hitting up some of Singapore’s best cafés and trendy dessert spots, we all have a soft spot for traditional Chinese dessert shops. A refreshing bowl of shaved ice or a heartwarming black sesame paste – we like it all. From popular spots like Ah Chew Desserts to lesser-known stores like Wan Mei Dessert, head over to these nine traditional Chinese dessert shops for a range of hot and cold desserts. RECOMMENDED: Where to eat local desserts in Singapore and the best bakeries in Singapore

Embrace the great outdoors with these treks and trails that keep you on your feet for hours. Catch some culture on a civic district walk that covers some of the best museums or square up for a gruelling 36km hike that connects Punggol in the northeast to Jurong Lake out in the west. It’s a big world out there, and there’s more to it than tall buildings and ERP gantries. Let’s see it on foot. RECOMMENDED: The best parks for kids in Singapore and the best hidden parks in Singapore

There’s nothing like taking a pause from the daily grind to spend some time with the family. Especially if you've been working from home, both you and the kids may need a change in environment. From farm visits to skydiving, Singapore has a myriad of things you can do with your toddlers, tykes and teens. And why not complete it with a stay at some of the city’s best fam-friendly hotels and resorts? We pick up some of the best kid-friendly hotels in Singapore. With interconnecting rooms, themed lodgings, cool toys and fun activities for the little ones, it'll make for great bonding time for the whole family.  RECOMMENDED: The best kid-friendly activities in Singapore and the best free activities for kids

Acclaimed Chinese contemporary artist Ma Dongmin brings his vivid equine portraits to the Leica Store South Beach Quarter with his major solo exhibition, Fire Horse – The Decisive Moment. It features over 20 oil-on-canvas masterpieces from his celebrated Blue Fire Horse Collection 2026, alongside brand-new paintings such as Twilight Ascension, Radiant Storm, Velvet Thunder and Celestial Pulse. Among the showcase highlights is the Singapore premiere of Registered Kiss, Ma’s interpretation of Alfred Eisenstaedt’s legendary 1945 photograph, V-J Day in Times Square. Beyond just a display of his artistry, the exhibition also offers insight into Ma’s practice, how he combines photography with painting, and his fascination with horses and the colour blue. Using a Leica Q camera to study the creature’s graceful movements, he transforms these delicate moments into energetic, surreal cerulean artworks filled with motion and emotion. RSVP for a complimentary pass here – tickets are limited. 

Tai Seng gets a bad rep as a boring industrial town, but Kapo Factory Building proves that the neighbourhood has a creative edge. This 1970s industrial block just a stone's throw from Tai Seng MRT is a surprising and thriving hub of vinyl record shops, music studios, ceramic workshops, and curated lifestyle good stores. Pick up screen-printed t-shirts and zines at Open Door Store, antique goods at Treasure at Home, vintage vinyl at Red Point Record Warehouse, and so much more. We recommend looking out for block-party weekends so you can explore permanent tenants alongside pop-up F&B and live performances.  Check out our full guide to Kapo Factory Building here. 

It’s a sweet, sweet Christmas this year at The Christmas Atelier. Singapore’s favourite holiday market transforms The Cube @ Asia Square into a Candy Emporium, promising picture-perfect moments with vibrant decor, dazzling installations, and sweet treats at every turn. With 100 local brands gathered in one place, discover handcrafted batik from Yeomama Batik, gourmet cheese from Cheeselads, vegan skincare from Handmade Heroes, and a range of other homegrown favourites in fashion, beauty, F&B and lifestyle. From just $6, grab your ticket for multiple entries throughout the day into this whimsical Candy Emporium, complete with a Yeo’s drink, Cloversoft essentials, and $5 off with a minimum spend of $100 at your favourite brands. The icing on the Christmas cake: stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes worth up to $2,000. Get your tickets to The Christmas Atelier 2025 here. 

The Singapore Oceanarium bursts onto the scene as a dramatic upgrade of its predecessor, now three times bigger, with 22 immersive zones, life-sized animatronics, interactive exhibits, and digital projections working together to bring the story of the ocean and its habitats to life. There's a clearer narrative now as you journey through the oceanarium, starting with a single drop of water and prehistoric marine creatures, progressing through various ocean habitats to the future of our oceans.  Our top tip: set aside at least three hours to explore the Singapore Oceanarium – even more if you're the sort who likes to read every panel and try every activity. And we certainly lost some time zoning out in front of the 36-metre panel full of sharks, rays, and fish in the Open Ocean zone.  However, if you're short on time, here are our top picks from the Singapore Oceanarium.  Ocean Wonders The second zone in the Singapore Oceanarium is simply mesmerising. The darkened room is filled with sea jelly exhibits – Don't miss the fried egg sea jelly (it looks exactly like what its name suggests) and the graceful Pacific sea nettle. But the mother of them all is the 6.8 metre diameter kriesel tank, one of the world's largest. The moon-like circular panel houses thousands of moon jellies, drifting with a gentle current under ever-changing lights.  Ancient Waters Next is Ancient Waters, a zone dedicated to prehistoric sea creatures. Upon entering the zone, you're immediately greeted by a sus

If you find yourself endlessly scrolling, refreshing, and swiping, it might be time to hit pause. StarHub invites everyone to step away from the screen and Find Their Digital Balance at the StarHub 5G Wellness Festival, happening on September 13 and 14, from 10am to 9pm at Capital Outdoor Plaza.  The journey begins with the Digital BMI (Balanced Media Index) Quiz, a quick and eye-opening check-in on your digital habits. Find out if you’re Digitally Detached, Balanced, Overstimulated, or Burnt Out, and get a personalised digital wellbeing prescription matched to StarHub’s five grounding pillars: Gather, Grow, Ground, Glide, and Glow – which will tell you if it's connection, mental enrichment, physical presence, relaxation, or self-care that you need to feel centred again. Get exactly what you need at the festival, which comes alive with activities designed around these pillars to help you find your balance. Journal mindfully with mindful art and positive journaling coach Steph T, flow through silent disco yoga with The Hush Retreats founder Mandi Cheung, or try your hand at leather crafting with Hides & Thread. Need something more social? Gather with friends over free-flow coconut water and all-day DJ beats, or glide into the chillout zone with oversized board games and old-school fun.  Admission is free, but workshop slots are limited – so sign up early, take the Digital BMI Quiz, and get ready to reconnect with what really matters. Show us your quiz results to redeem a free

POP Mart's iconic Mega Space Molly character is getting her time to shine at ION Art Gallery. Mega Space Molly: Hello, Moon exhibition is a whimsical look into the adorable toy's world of exploration and imagination – and an opportunity for die-hard fans to cop some event-exclusive merch too. Some standouts: a 1000% Hello, Moon figurine complete with a glowing moon orb, and a ball-jointed Molly Hello, Moon 1/8 Action Figure wrapped in a furry spacesuit. There are also lifestyle items like lamps, rugs and multi-functional lanyards, all available for pre-order. Don't forget to check out the Space Molly wall art and archival pieces, featuring beloved series like Smitten Love, Jon Burgerman, and Pantone. Of course, buy a blind box home and keep your fingers crossed for a secret figurine. Besides the blind boxes, look forward to a Singapore-exclusive: a Vanda Miss Joaquim-themed Mega Space Molly doll in honour of our national flower. This goes on sale on July 30 at ION Art Gallery. There's also a special anniversary collection dropping on August 1 at ION Art Gallery called the Mega Space Molly 100% Anniversary Series 4 – take a sneak peek here.  See the Hello, Moon exhibition in other parts of Asia  The MEGA SPACE MOLLY: Hello, Moon Exhibition is free and open to walk-ins at ION Art Gallery on Level 4 of ION Orchard. It runs from July 30 until August 24, from 10am to 9pm daily. This same exhibition will also be running in other parts of Asia – here are the dates and locations

Perhaps the cosiest event happening this weekend is A "House Warming" at Chin Swee Neighbourhood Club. Run by the folks at Common Man Coffee Roasters, the weekend pop-up market returns in its third iteration in collaboration with Of Wonder Wander. The space is styled like a home, complete with a living room and kitchen, and filled with brands and activities that invite you to slow down. Craft a sling bag from repurposed fabrics with beckynrosie, or settle into the community living room with Stranger Conversations for some heartfelt sharing. There'll be delicious bites to fill you up as you go: think old-school buns from Eat My Curry Bun and handcrafted pizzas from Pizza Keenway. Roots, a Bangkok-based café, has also made it all the way down to share their crowd-favourite brews, such as Orange Tonic Cold Brew and Cacao Nibs Cold Brew. If this housewarming inspires you to spruce up your own home, then you're in luck – you can shop tastefully picked, secondhand vintage by objects.re or gorgeous flower arrangements by FIBRE.  A "House Warming" at Chin Swee Neighbourhood Club is taking place at CMCR Barista Academy on August 2 and 3, from 10am to 6pm. Entry is free. 

Bali has always had two distinct draws: the sun-drenched coasts with its buzzing beach clubs and the enchanting forests and rice paddies in its interior. If you’re a diehard beach bum, Anantara Ubud Bali Resort will convince you to spare a few days up north. This five-star resort in a quieter neighbourhood of Ubud is the definition of tranquillity, transporting guests back to “Bali as it was 40 years ago”, as a world-weary traveller might say with no little amount of nostalgia. Anantara Ubud cascades down a hillside facing the lush Payangan rainforest in a design that will remind you of the terraced rice fields that Ubud is so famous for. It all originates from the impressive main building, its massive columns holding up the lobby and four dining venues. Every feature of the place calls attention to the outdoors – slatted folding doors in the lobby frame green, waving fronds; floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the excellent signature restaurant Amerta; and alfresco bar Sulang Lounge leads out to one of the hotel’s two heated pools, which itself seems to hang suspended over the treetops. On a clear day, you can even see the conical peaks of Mount Agung and Mount Batur from the afternoon tea spot, Lobby Lounge.  The suites are carved stepwise into the hillside, accessible by an inclined elevator. Connected by an intricate network of stairs are the private villas – ours a one-bedroom abode with a private pool. The villa is spacious yet charmingly cosy: a neutral palette of bei

No need for a scuba diving license to enjoy the treasures of the sea at Koral Restaurants. It’s Bali’s first aquarium restaurant, tucked away in the luxurious Apurve Kempinski Bali. Request for a table under the arched plexiglass of the aquarium to make the most of the unusual setting. It gives you front-row seats to the dance of colourful marine life while you tuck into artistic multi-course menus with Indonesian-inspired dishes like wagyu beef with Maranggi sauce and silken tofu with Kintamani tangerine. 

Bouldering – it's like rock climbing, but scarier since you're scaling the wall sans rope. But the sport has found quite the following in Singapore because it's a true challenge for both the mind and body. Strength, technique, and strategy are a must to excel. It's also just a great bonding activity to have with friends and other enthusiasts.  Lovers of the sport now have a playground at Project Send, a swanky facility that's housed on the second floor of Esplanade Mall. Founded by climbers Kenneth Ng and Sarah Chua, Project Send stands out for its holistic approach to the sport – combining bouldering, strength training, and a dining concept at Beta Café.  Let's talk about the space. Project Send occupies over 5,200 square feet of space at The Esplanade Mall comprising more than 70 routes covering 12 climbing grades. The 14 bouldering walls overlook cityscape and riverfront views for times you need a breather from – quite literally – staring at the wall. Bouldering nerds will also be happy to know that the walls themselves were designed by seasoned Swiss climber Patrick Andrey, who has taken into account the unique features of the space to create an enjoyable spatial flow.  Besides a world-class bouldering wall to climb, gym-goers can also look forward to a holistic set of classes. Expect strength training and mobility sessions to help you conquer that gnarly overhang while protecting your muscles and joints. It all depends on your climbing goals, which Project Send's coaches

There's a new bookstore in the heart of town, and it's a haven for lovers of Chinese culture, literature and art. Taking over the space in Wheelock Place where the Borders flagship used to be is the ZALL Bookstore. It stocks more than 30,000 Chinese literary works for adults and children across two storeys, and has a café and art gallery to boot. Enter on the first floor and be greeted by black and white calligraphic elements that immediately whisk you away to the Jiangnan Watertown. Here is where you'll find childrens' literature, as well as a spacious multi-functional reading and event space. Head to the café on this floor for some quiet reading time with a hot cuppa – they have a variety of coffee blends, Chinese Chu tea and Taiwan tea on the menu.  Adults will want to head up the spiral staircase to do some book hunting. Expect a comprehensive collection across literature, humanities, history and philosophy from China and Taiwan. If that's not enough culture for you, there's always the art gallery on the same floor. ZALL Bookstore will be featuring creative pieces from both local and international talent, as well as stationery collections you can shop from. 

Taiwan-born Draft Land Singapore turns one, and it's throwing an anniversary bash for the ages. From October 10 to 13, its inviting one and all down for a celebration featuring great food, lively music, and of course, its drafted cocktails.  You'll want to swing by on October 10 (4pm till late), when 20 cocktails-on-tap will be going for the absurdly good price of $10. Dance to a diverse selection of R&B, hip hop, top 40s, and disco tunes by DJ Chuin as you sip on cocktail favourites like oolong tea collins and yuzu whisky sour, alongside new concoctions like Red & Stormy and Pornstar bellini. Draft Land is known for its Sample Service – so do ask the friendly 'draft tenders' to recommend a few cocktails to try before you commit.  The next two nights are all about the music, with multiple DJs on rotation. DJ Val starts the party at 6pm on October 11 with house, R&B and party anthems; followed by DJ Dyna with an energetic hip hop set. DJ Zack C, a big name credited for driving Singapore's top LGBT clubs in the 2010s, takes over with DJ Chuin from 10pm to midnight. If you're in your Mandopop era, swing by on October 12 instead, where DJ Pin will be soundtracking the night with beloved Mandarin ballads and jazz-influenced tracks. Draft Land has a satisfying menu of Taiwanese delights to go with its tipples, but October 13 brings something a little different. Chooby Pizza is set to pop-up with its Naples-style pizza, characterised by naturally leavened, light and thin crust overl

Singapore has no shortage of gorgeous hiking trails and secret and hidden parks for times you need a breather. But for an even deeper engagement with nature, there's a new nature immersion trail that could do wonders for your mental health.  The National Parks Board (NParks) launched the Nature Immersion Trail at Saraca Stream in Singapore Botanic Gardens on June 11. It's the first trail in Asia to be formally certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), a US-based organisation that has recognised 27 other forest trails around the world.  Just 150 metres long, the Saraca Stream trail offers a gentle, paved stroll under a lush canopy. It's basically a self-guided forest bathing experience, a Japanese practice of therapeutic relaxation that involves mindfully engaging all your senses while in nature.  Photograph: NParksSaraca Stream Nature Immersion Trail What makes a trail "certified" for nature immersion? A trail can be certified for nature immersion when it meets six ANFT criteria, such as the presence of biodiversity, availability of natural features, and accessibility. These criteria ensure that the trails are relaxing, restorative experiences that can be enjoyed by all.  There are both guided and self-guided certified trails – the Saraca Stream trail is self-guided, with signboards, resting stations and quiet zones to guide visitors independently through the experience.   How is it different from a normal walk in Singapore Botanic Gardens? Most trai

While Singapore’s concert calendar is currently bursting at the seams, the city has sorely lacked a proper, curated electronic music festival since the golden days of Laneway. Enter Rainbow Disco Club. The critically acclaimed Japanese festival is officially landing on our shores this October 3 and 4. Its unofficial George Michael-inspired club motto, "guilty feet have no rhythm", tells you everything. Over its 17-year run, RDC has welcomed a wide range of musical genres from disco to techno, platforming international headliners like Four Tet, Floating Points, as well as Japanese talent like DJ Nobu and Wata Igarashi. In Japan, it's held outdoors on the scenic cross-country course in Higashi-Izu, but it's also been known to take over locations like warehouses, rooftops, and parks.  RDC has since gone global to places like Bali and London. For its Singapore edition, it's partnered up with local collective Ice Cream Sundays for three sessions held over two days. The full line-up has not been revealed, but RDC has dropped a couple of tantalising hints.  The day session on October 3 (Saturday) will be held open-air at Tanjong Pagar Distripark. Expect a live set by one of Japan's electronic maestros, closing with a set by "a legendary digger and label owner". This transitions into the night session at Cargo39, a warehouse session with two Asian techno legends.  To wind down from all that excitement, there will be a recovery session on October 4 (Sunday) at Rasa Space. This intimat

Walk into Singtel Waterfront Theatre and you’ll find a full wedding set-up: florals, banquet chairs, romantic lighting. If the caginess of the best man and registrar didn’t already tip you off, then what happens next shatters the illusion: a state supervisor leaves the room, the wedding party gives you a final chance to leave, and decorations are rolled back under dimming lights to reveal the set of an illegal underground play. You didn’t ask for it, but you’re now an accomplice. Photograph: Crispian ChanA Mirror by Pangdemonium There is a bittersweet irony to this opening trap. A Mirror kicks off Pangdemonium’s closing season, serving as co-founder Tracie Pang’s final directorial outing. For a troupe legendary for its provocative storytelling to take its final bows with Sam Holcroft’s script – a nesting doll of plays about an underground theatre company defying a totalitarian state – well, don’t mind if we read that as a definitive mic-drop.  The show follows a group of rogue artists staging a forbidden play under the nose of “an unnamed totalitarian state”. It plays out as a messy, ideological chess match over what counts as “good” art. Čelik (Ghafir Akbar), the director of the Ministry of Culture, believes art should hold up a patriotic, sanitised mirror to society, while the young writer Adem (Zachary Pang) possesses a mammoth memory and simply wants to transcribe the unvarnished, brutal truth of the world.  Holcroft’s script is undeniably wordy, which means we occasion

Janet Jackson, Zara Larsson, and Cortis are the latest acts confirmed for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2026 — and the loudest name by far is Jackson's. The influential American pop star has not performed in Singapore for 15 years. For her return to Singapore, she will perform at the Wharf Stage in Zone 1 on Sunday, October 11, joining previously announced acts like Mark Ronson, DJ Snake, Major Lazer Soundsystem, and Goo Goo Dolls.  Over at the Padang Stage in Zone 4, expect heavy hitters from the region's biggest music scenes. On Friday, October 9, catch homegrown mandopop legend JJ Lin and the K-pop phenomenon Cortis. Swedish pop darling Zara Larsson takes the same stage with high-energy anthems on Saturday, October 10, while British singer-songwriter James Arthur brings the soul on Sunday, October 11. These new acts join plenty more entertainment acts spread across three days and over 10 stages at the Marina Bay Circuit Park. Catch Split Enz at the Zone 1 Wharf Stage, ZHU and Flight Facilities at the Zone 1 Barge Stage, and Spacey Jane and Lola Armour at the Zone 4 stages. And Singapore GP is not done – more music acts are expected to join the line-up in the coming months.  Get your tickets to Singapore GP 2026 on the official site here or via official resellers here. Not every ticket grants access to every zone; passes to the Sunday race day are also more expensive and sell out faster – so think strategically and act fast.  READ MORE The official Formula 1 Exhibition

British-Albanian popstar Dua Lipa can sure crank out the bangers – but that's not all she has up her sleeve. The avid traveller, who also heads up book club Service 95, recently teamed up with Google Maps to curate lists of her favourite wining, dining, partying, and reading spots around the world. And guess what, a hawker centre in Singapore made the list. Maxwell Food Centre, one of Singapore's most iconic hawker centres, was named in her "Chill Dinners & Snacks" list. In her Google Maps description, the singer describes it as "a true Singaporean haven" – and we couldn't agree more. Sandwiched between Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar, Maxwell Food Centre has good food in spades. Most tourists flock here to try the legendary Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (praised by Gordon Ramsey and Anthony Bourdain, no less), but our other favourites include Alimama for green chilli chicken rice and Zhen Zhen Porridge for comforting bowls of chicken or fish porridge. For snacks, you can't go wrong with Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cake for fritters stuffed with minced meat and diced oysters or Mr. Appam for South Indian fermented rice pancakes with palm sugar and grated coconut.  If we had to take a guess, Dua Lipa likely fell in love with Maxwell Food Centre when she visited in 2024 for two concerts at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Mother Monster, i.e. Lady Gaga, also caused mayhem at the food court while in town for her The Mayhem Ball tour in May 2025.  Maxwell Food Centre sits beside other reco

The Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3 may have just passed, but the next night sky show is already on the calendar. Up next is the annual Lyrids meteor shower – one of the oldest known to science – set to streak across Singapore’s April skies. Here’s your guide, from its origins to the best time to catch the show. What is the Lyrids meteor shower? The Lyrids meteor shower is one of the oldest known meteor showers, with its first recorded sight dating back to 687 BC by the Chinese. Named after the constellation Lyra, the Lyrids are known for its fast and bright meteors which appear as bright flashes – called fireballs – in the sky. According to NASA, heavy showers can produce up to 100 meteors per hour. Typically though, you can expect 10 to 20 meteors per hour during the Lyrids' peak.  When will the Lyrids meteor shower be visible in Singapore? The Lyrids are set to peak between April 21 to 23, 2026. This is your best chance to catch sight of the meteors in Singapore.  Where can I watch the Lyrids meteor shower in Singapore? Find somewhere with a wide, unblocked view of the north-western sky. Earthsky advises skygazers to stay away from anywhere with bright city lights – in Singapore, your best bet would be parks, beaches, and reservoirs. We're close to the full moon on April 24, so the extra brightness of the moon will make it harder to view the meteor shower. Lay under trees or in a place with structures that block the moon for a better chance to see the Lyrids.  Can I see the

The world's biggest music competition is finally coming to Asia. Eurovision Song Contest Asia debuts on November 14, 2026 in Bangkok, bringing together more than 10 countries for the first-ever Asia edition of the iconic competition.  The countries confirmed to be taking part are South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan – coming together for a night of original songs, national pride, and (we hope) plenty of drama. If you've never watched Eurovision, then here's the gist: each country sends an original song performed by a national artist. The grand final is typically a grand spectacle of explosive performances, wild staging, and generous doses of camp energy. In short, it's legendary television. The winner is then decided by a mix of jury votes and public participation. Eurovision has been running in Europe for 70 years now, reaching hundreds of viewers annually. Now, Asia gets its own edition.  How voting works for Eurovision Song Contest Asia Unlike traditional Eurovision, the Asian edition will use ZOOP, a new social platform launching on April 9. With this, fans and viewers like you can vote, engage with artists, and earn rewards for participation. This way, you're not just watching, but an integral part of the show. Why Bangkok for the grand final? Bangkok was chosen for its blend of tradition and modern creative energy, plus its ability to host a massive live event that's expected to draw huge regional and

Singapore has landed at #23 in Time Out's Best Cities in the World for 2026, and if you ask us, the reasons are pretty familiar.  Every year, Time Out surveys more than 24,000 city-dwellers across 150 cities worldwide, asking what they love about their cities and how it actually feels to live there. From food and nightlife to culture, community, and everyday liveability, these reasons are combined with votes from more than 100 Time Out city experts to create our annual list of the world's most exciting places to live in and visit right now. For Singaporeans, the big wins are in the things we rely on every day. Our local survey respondents gave Singapore's public transport system a 93 percent approval rating, the joint-highest of any city on the list. Walkability came in strong at 86 percent, thanks to reliably flat streets and paved roads. Singapore also ranked #13 globally for green spaces, thanks to our ever-growing network of parks and park connectors that make it easy to step away from the high-rises and into greenery. We think that might explain our #9 ranking for overall well-being and quality of life.  But the survey points to some challenges facing the city. Ask most Singaporeans and two things come up quickly: rising costs and a nightlife scene that still trails regional neighbours like Bangkok. In fact, nightlife ranked #90 globally in the Time Out survey results. Photograph: Eliko Picture Books & Collectibles These realities likely played a part in Singapore land

Gardens by the Bay is getting its biggest expansion yet: Wetlands by the Bay, a 5-hectare attraction opening in 2028. The new expansion comes with teamLab's first-ever indoor-outdoor multi-sensory voyage – think pedal kayaks through indoor galleries and wetland spaces – an expanded Kingfisher Wetlands, new dining and community spaces, as well as a bridge to Bay East Garden.   Photograph: Gardens by the Bay   The centrepiece of Wetlands by the Bay is undoubtedly the teamLab's flagship museum. teamLab is an international art collective known for its immersive digital installations (you can visit its shimmering Future World exhibition at ArtScience Museum) and is now taking things outdoors with a 12,000 sqm site at Gardens by the Bay. Here's where you can hop on board custom pedal kayaks and pedal your way through a controlled waterway running through teamLab's indoor galleries and out to living mangrove wetlands. It's a unique opportunity to get up close to semi-aquatic ecosystems and all the fascinating organisms that live within them. Hold your breath – this is slated to open progressively in 2028.  Next, the Kingfisher Wetlands is set to triple in size. When complete, it'll boast more than 600 mangroves and 50,000 coastal plants. The Gardens is introducing a new cantilevered canopy boardwalk right over the water – bonus: it also serves as a linkway between Gardens by the Bay MRT and the main entrance to the gardens. Nearby, Glade Lawn is opening as new spot for community e

We're now three public holidays down, but good news: there are still six glorious long weekends to look forward to in 2026. Good Friday (April 3) and Labour Day (May) are approaching, which means that now is the sweet spot to stop window-shopping for flights and actually lock in those holidays. But if you've already got those all planned out, then there's no harm in looking even further ahead. In particular, we've got our eyes trained on Hari Raya Haji and Vesak Day – falling on May 27 and 31, respectively – these two public holidays are ripe for an extended break.  Here’s the full list of public holidays in Singapore for 2026, with long weekends marked by an asterisk: New Year’s Day: January 1, Thursday Chinese New Year: February 17 and 18, Tuesday and Wednesday Hari Raya Puasa: 21 March, Saturday Good Friday: April 3, Friday* Labour Day: May 1, Friday* Hari Raya Haji: May 27, Wednesday Vesak Day: 31 May, Sunday* National Day: 9 August, Sunday* Deepavali: 8 November, Sunday* Christmas: 25 December, Friday* What does it mean when a public holiday falls on a Sunday? As per MOM’s Employment Act, whenever a public holiday falls on a Sunday, your next working day will be a public holiday in lieu. In other words, if you’re on a standard five-day working schedule from Monday to Friday, then your off days for the three consecutive public holidays that fall on Sundays will be on the following Mondays instead: June 1 for Vesak Day, August 10 for National Day, and November 9 for Deep

They've done it again – local café Apartment Coffee has been crowned Asia's best coffee shop for the second year running by The World's 100 Best Coffee Shops. It ranks sixth globally in 2026, the same as last year. Think of The World's 100 Best Coffee Shops as the Michelin Guide of the coffee world. It only debuted in 2025, but has earned serious coffee credentials through a fair and transparent voting process that involves an expert panel and members of the public. There's a high bar for coffee shops to meet across nine criteria, including coffee quality, barista experience, consistency, and community.   That said, Apartment Coffee has stayed steady in a shifting regional landscape. Just like 2025, it's the only Singaporean coffee shop to rank in the list. It's joined in the top 10 by just one other Asian café, Malaysia's Story of Ono, which moved up one rank to eighth place. 12 other Asian cafés were recognised this year, including South Korea's Momos Coffee Flagship Store (#22) and Japan's Ult Coffee (#24). Where the Philippines and Malaysia dominated in 2025, this year sees a greater mix across Thailand, China, and Taiwan as well.  Why Apartment Coffee keeps winning Coffee is king here. Apartment Coffee's menu features just a handful of coffee and tea to let the care and precision in their sourcing, roasting, and brewing shine. You can follow their travels from Colombia to Rwanda, which the team has personally visited as part of their conscientious selection process.  You

If you've ever locked eyes with a cutie on the MRT, constructed an entire future in your head between Dhoby Ghaut and Bishan, then exited the train without doing a thing...congratulations. You are statistically normal. That's according to our latest Time Out Loud survey, which quizzed 18,500 city-dwellers living in the world's major cities on all things love and romance. We asked how often they see attractive people in their cities, flirt, have a night out which might lead to romance, date, and have sex.  In Singapore, respondents say they see someone attractive an average of 7.8 times a month – that's basically twice a week. So, our city is hardly short of eye candy. But when it comes to taking action? We don't fare so well. Singaporeans report flirting just over three times a month. We're not giving ourselves the chance to meet potential partners, either, clocking just 1.9 nights out that might lead to romance each month – the lowest of any city in Southeast Asia. Meanwhile, Manila residents are giving it their best shot, flirting 6.6 times a month on average. In Bangkok, people are flirting and going out six to seven times a month – and they're having sex 9.1 times a month to show for it. Kuala Lumpur and Hanoi are not far behind, clocking in at least four flirty attempts and going on romantic nights out four to five times a month. In short, our neighbours are seriously (or not-so-seriously) chasing love while we yearn quietly for that mysterious stranger across the hawker