Rachel Yohannan

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is

Whether you’re a visitor planning your very first visit to Singapore, or a Singaporean mapping out a special occasion in the city, choosing a hotel in Singapore is an important (and sometimes overwhelming) task. With so many spectacular stays to choose between – from the world-famous Raffles to new boutique stays like 21 Carpenter – it can be challenging to decide which is best for you. To help you determine which hotel to book for your next visit or staycation, our team of local editors (including Time Out Singapore Editor Cheryl Sekkappan, Regional Content Director for Time Out APAC Nicole-Marie Ng and local writer Dewi Nurjuwita) have tried and tested the city’s top-ranking hotels to determine which are worth your time.The list has been overseen by Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC and self-confessed hotel obsessive. Each hotel has been chosen based on amenities, design and proximity to the city’s highlights – with many hotels on the list within walking distance of the best restaurants and bars in Singapore.Read on for our guide to the very best hotels in Singapore right now. RECOMMENDED: The best Singapore attractions to visitThe best rooftop bars in SingaporeAirport hotels in SingaporeThe best luxury hotels in Singapore At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on to

The good thing about working in Singapore’s Central Business District is that you’re never short of food options. And on weekdays, there’s that added perk of set lunches, often at value-for-money prices. Whether you’re bonding with your favourite colleagues during break time or entertaining clients, these CBD restaurants offer some of the best business lunch sets in town – with prices starting from just $18. Even if you’re not planning a meal with work associates, these set lunches are worth taking leave for on a random weekday where you simply feel like treating yourself. RECOMMENDED: The best new restaurants in Singapore and the best happy hour deals in the city

It’s time to live life in the fast lane – the Grand Prix™ Season Singapore (GPSS) is back from September 26 to October 5, revving up with even more thrills beyond the race track. Besides cheering on your favourite speedsters zipping through the circuit, there are also plenty of things to do to immerse yourself in the buzz. With one-of-a-kind experiences that roll out just once a year during race week, you’ve got every reason to explore the city before – and even after – the final checkered flag waves. We’re talking 10 days of exciting experiences covering everything from parties at the hottest clubs to exclusive F&B deals, plus unique retail pop-ups and limited-edition merch drops – there’s bound to be something for everyone, no matter your speed. Here are the best spots to hit up this GPSS 2025, and all the activity highlights you shouldn’t miss. For the full lowdown, download your ultimate guide to the season.

There’s never a bad time for ice cream – especially not in Singapore’s unforgiving tropical heat. An abundance of ice cream parlours are dotted all around the island, and we’ve got the scoop on which are most worth your calories. From a gelato café with tea-based flavours, to a late-night joint that opens till 2am, and a homegrown chain we grew up with and still love dearly – here are the best ice cream stores in Singapore for a cool indulgent treat. RECOMMENDED The best guilt-free ice cream in Singapore and the best soft-serve ice creams in Singapore  

Our mums are superstars all year round, but this is the one time of the year where you have the perfect excuse to show extra appreciation toward her. Other than treating her to a delicious Mother’s Day meal or planning a Mother’s Day outing with fun bonding activities like jewellery workshops or strolling through a flower display, you can add a sweeter note to the occasion by blessing her with a thoughtful treat. These local bakeries and dessert stores in Singapore are whipping up special Mother’s Day treats, ranging from cute macarons to a warabimochi cake and even pistachio mille crepe inspired by the latest Dubai chocolate trend.  RECOMMENDED: The best cake shops in Singapore and The best florists in Singapore for any occasion

As far as local landmarks go, Raffles Hotel Singapore is by far one of the most iconic – and not just for its grand postcard-worthy exteriors. Though impeccably well-maintained, this five-star hotel retains its classic colonial charm harking back to the 1800s, and staying here is a premium experience right from the moment you encounter their unmistakable doormen. Plus, it's just been crowned the 17th best hotel in the World's 50 Best Hotels 2023 list, ranking a few spots above Capella, which gives you all the more reason to check it out. Even if you haven't booked one of their luxury suites, there's still plenty to explore within the hotel's sprawling grounds, from its gorgeous lawn area, to the marvel-worthy architecture, and its in-house lifestyle destination, Raffles Arcade. Read on for our guide on the best of Raffles Hotel.

Whether you're a regular runner or just looking to get moving, Singapore has no shortage of scenic trails that make your time outdoors worth it. From quiet nature trails to breezy coastal paths, we’ve rounded up some of the best running routes across the island. So lace up, head outside and get a dose of fresh air.  If you’re looking to soak in the fresh air and stunning scenery while testing your fitness limits, sign up for Singapore T100 and challenge yourself on April 5 and 6 at Marina Bay. RECOMMENDED: The best nature trails in Singapore and The best hiking trails and spots in Singapore  

People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now🌎 The best things to do in the

You know that the Chinese New Year festivites are starting to get in full swing when you see our island lit up with stunning lanterns and striking red and gold garlands. This year, plenty of serpent-themed decorations are slithering their way across our streets and coiling around every corner to herald the year of the snake. Ready to slide right into the lively bustle of the season? There's no better way than to do so by soaking it all up at these best Chinese New Year light-ups spots for 2025. RECOMMENDED: The best Chinese New Year events in Singapore and Best Chinese New Year 2025 light-ups and displays in Singapore

Vibrant lantern displays are starting to take over our streets, heralding the arrival of another Chinese New Year. Beyond savouring pineapple tarts and reconnecting with loved ones during this time, immerse yourself in the spirit of things with all the festive events across Singapore this season, from stunning illuminations to lion dances and even free firecracker displays. Don your festive finest and slither into the year of the snake with these best Chinese New Year events in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants for Chinese New Year 2025 reunion dinner in Singapore and Local fashion brands with modern cheongsams in Singapore

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, dear gentlemen, and it’s time to find the perfect gift for the special lady in your life. Here’s a pro tip: if she says she doesn’t want a gift, she’s probably not being entirely honest – and even if she is, a thoughtful gesture is certainly always welcome. If you're stumped on shopping and need some inspiration, we’ve got you covered with a curated list of Valentine’s Day 2025 gift ideas in Singapore that are bound to impress, with options to suit every budget.  RECOMMENDED: The best Valentine's Day dinners in Singapore for a romantic meal for two and The most romantic restaurants in Singapore    

If you’re down to get edgy, mark your calendar for DnA Fest – an unexpected collision of different arts disciplines, served with a side of sass. Sit back for a screening of The House of Janus – a modern film take on Henry Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas – starring and directed by Ong Keng Sen who’s also responsible for local comedy hit movie Army Daze. Or, get wild with Dido & The Belindas, a vibrant drag spectacle featuring none other than queen Becca D’Bus. End it off with Afterparty, an underground ballroom event with flashy runway battles and wicked beats. Find out more here.

It’s all things K-culture at Hallyu Weekend, a three-day festival packed with music, dance, and merch. Dance trainer DJ Blink from SM Entertainment will be hosting a free K-pop party with the hottest beats, while Jam Republic’s skilled choreographers will be conducting a dance workshop suitable for all levels. Dreaming of being the next big thing? Try your luck at auditions for KQ Entertainment – the same company responsible for world-famous groups like Ateez. If you’d rather be by the sidelines, watch the finalists of the Dance Dance Hallyu competition battle it out, or simply drop by the K-Culture Market to score some loot featuring your biases. Find out more here.

Thanks to Emerald Hill – a spin-off of popular Mediacorp series The Little Nyonya – Peranakan fever is sweeping over Singapore, and Sentosa is also getting in on the fanfare. From now till the end of August, hop on over to the scenic island and experience a cultural immersion like no other with kebaya rental, Nyonya-inspired afternoon tea, and heritage craft workshops where you’ll learn the art of tile painting and floral embroidery. But the grand highlight? Larger-than-life installations of giant beaded slippers, tingkats and teapots, and a kaleidoscopic replica of a Peranakan shophouse with nightly light shows. Find out more here.

Enjoyed the cute fruit-themed exhibition at Heartware Store & Gallery a couple of months back? The art space at Joo Chiat is now hosting Japanese artist maitoparta’s first solo Singapore showcase titled Itadakimasu! – featuring her signature kooky-looking wooden sculptures all handpainted in bright colours. There will also be exhibition-exclusive posters, plushies, bag charms and more, and pretty much everything you see displayed will be for sale. Be quick, because some of them are one-of-a-kind, with no remakes. Entry is free. Find out more here.

*Scape knows what’s up when it comes to the cool crowd. Its latest youth-centric event, It’s Giving Fest, is turning up the heat with a solid mix of music, food, wellness and games. Groove to live performances by homegrown music talents including Benjamin Kheng, Shye, and Tasha Low, or get your muscles moving with pilates and K-pop workouts – all for absolutely free. Or, team up with your fave local stars like Annette Lee and Zhang Ze Tong in a celebrity telematch showdown for laughs and prizes. Add some new treasures to your collection at the flea market and celebrity charity auction, snap some photo booth keepsakes, and when you’re hungry after all the action, stop by the food truck for burgers and other festival grub. It’s two days of non-stop fun – check out the full event line-up here.

Grab your picnic mats and baskets and make a date for a musical soirée at the Botanic Gardens – because the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is gracing the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage with a free concert. Lounge on the lawn surrounded by lush foliage, and be serenaded with classical tunes composed by the likes of legends Brahms and Mendelssohn, as well as Singapore’s very own Lee Jinjun. Among the mix, look forward to the first movement of Beethoven’s iconic ‘Symphony No. 5’ – a number you should recognise by its grandiose melody, even if not by title. Pets are welcome too. Find out more here.

Get swept up in a fairytale of gallant knights and castle landscapes with Rose Romance at Gardens by the Bay. This year’s edition of the Flower Dome display takes you back in time to old England, paying homage to the legend of King Arthur with scenes of Camelot brought to life. Spot the mythical sword of Excalibur, take your spot at the Round Table, learn about the history of British castles, and stroll through paths lined with thousands of beautiful roses in various species and hues. Also on display are icons of England’s more modern eras – from red telephone boots to mailboxes and royal palace guard uniforms. Find out more and book your tickets here.    

Seen a long queue outside Mandarin Gallery lately? That would be the line for the purchase of Singapore-exclusive blind boxes and other paraphernalia at the ongoing Pop Mart Summer pop-up. Even if you’re not down to splurge on collectible toys, it’s still worth stopping by to check out the larger-than-life installations featuring Dimoo, Labubu, Hirono and the gang. Parked right outside the mall next to the Peranakan-inspired container store are character standees alongside nostalgic local icons like the dragon playground and a rickshaw. But wait, there’s more – head into the mall for even more Pop Mart photo spots, featuring HDB block facades and traditional kueh. Hint: The fun doesn’t just stop on the first floor.

Myth broken: Sensitive skin can be exfoliated – you just have to do it the right way. Learn all about this firsthand at the Cetaphil SkinLabs pop-up, where you’ll get to try the doctor-approved skincare brand’s all-new Gentle Exfoliating SA range. Happening from now till June 29, the experiential event set across two floors of a cosy shophouse includes plenty of interactive highlights like complimentary hand massages and skin analysis, products at 30 percent off, edgy photo spots, denim tote bag customisation, and free travel-sized bottles of skincare. To upgrade your experience, sign up for a yoga session or expert talk during the weekend. These cost $15 to attend, but come with a complimentary Cetaphil goodie bag worth $50 – so that’s more than good bang for your buck. The new Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA range uses an effective yet gentle triple blend of chemical exfoliants to dissolve dead skin cells, treat dullness, and smooth out any unevenness – all without the abrasiveness. This makes it suitable for all skin types, even those with sensitive and irritation-prone skin. There are currently two products in this line: the Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser ($17.25) and Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion ($22.90), both of which come in sizeable 236ml bottles and can be used on both the face and body. The Cetaphil SkinLabs pop-up is located at 265 Beach Road, and is open from now till June 29 from 11am to 8pm. Entry is free. Find out more via Cetaphil’s Instagram page.

You’re probably thinking of the traditional Singaporean toast spread, but don’t be mistaken – this isn’t a mod-Sin establishment. Instead, Kaya is short for ‘izakaya’, so expect Japanese flavours with a bold modern twist. The restobar is located within The Standard, Singapore, a new boutique hotel in Orchard with Hollywood roots and art in every corner. The vibe  Forget the typical gritty smoke-filled izakayas where patrons are crammed in shoulder to shoulder. Kaya at The Standard is roomy and elegant with botanical wallpaper, rattan chairs, and plants cascading from the ceiling – mid-century meets tropical, if you will. For a more casual vibe, opt to sip and dine at the chill outdoor patio that’s shrouded in greenery. The food  Brace your palate for Japanese flavours like you’ve never experienced before. You can’t go wrong by starting with sharing a refreshing pakuchi salad ($14), a simple but addictive poached chicken and cabbage salad topped with cilantro, shiso and ume dressing. The ash karaage ($18), charcoal-grilled oyster-yaki ($32) and burrata no shoyu ($22) with honey shoyu jam and renkon chips are also good choices to split before digging into an indulgent kani meshi nabe ($68) – a stone pot rice dish brimming with snow crab, ikura and uni creme. Don’t leave without trying the sweet potato mont blanc ($16), the perfect autumnal treat of three types of Japanese sweet potato, pistachio sponge and chestnuts. The drink  Creative Japanese-inspired versions of classic coc

Relive the magic of your childhood days with a new Peter Rabbit-themed afternoon tea experience that's hopped its way into Singapore for a limited period of time. In homage to the beloved storybook series by acclaimed children's author Beatrix Potter, each indulgent set comes with sweet and savoury English garden-inspired nibbles – including those shaped like apples, a pot of flowers, and blueberry basket – and adorable themed decor that you can take home as souvenirs. Special care has also been taken to include bunny-friendly ingredients, such as soft seeds, fruits and vegetables. Best of all, you get to enjoy all of this in an elegant lounge on the 70th floor, with sweeping views of Singapore's landmarks and surrounding seas as a backdrop. Find out more about our experience at this Peter Rabbit afternoon tea.

Mainstays like the Singapore Art Museum and ArtScience Museum are probably the first places that come to mind when you’re in the mood for an artsy outing. But take a look in other areas in Singapore, and you’ll discover smaller independent galleries that are also worth a visit – and one of the newer entrants in the scene is Nonage Gallery, located within brooding gothic tower The Mill at Bukit Merah. It’s always something new with each visit – Nonage Gallery keeps things fresh for visitors by switching up its exhibitions every two months or so. This also allows them to rotate the spotlight on their featured artists, thus providing visibility to a wider pool of these underrated creatives from Singapore and around the region throughout the year. One thing that’s constant throughout, though, is the presence of vibrant, whimsical art styles. While quite a handful of different artists’ works have been featured, all of them have a quirky and almost child-like quality – and we mean this in the best way possible. From pop surrealism to manga-inspired paintings and even giant plush carrots sprawled across the floor, everything you’ll discover here can easily be appreciated by all, even if you don’t consider yourself a serious art buff. Once you’re done, pop by coffee roaster Alchemist within the same building for a caffeine fix. This isn't your regular coffee joint either, as its got dark Victorian-style interiors that match the building itself. Keep up to date with Nonage Gallery’s l

Stretch your moon-gazing activity for a day longer past Mid-Autumn festival, because a glowing Harvest Moon will be appearing in our skies a day after the occasion on October 7, 2025. History repeats itself once again in a happy coincidence, as last year’s Harvest Moon also occurred a night after Mid-Autumn festival. This Harvest Moon is the first supermoon of the year, and will soon be followed by the Beaver Moon and Cold Moon in November and December, respectively. It’ll start rising after 7pm, but it should be best seen after 8pm through the night when the sky is fully dark – provided that October’s rainy weather holds off for a bit. Fingers crossed that no cheeky clouds will get in the way of the scene. During these nights, Lights by the Lake at Jurong Lake Gardens and Gardens by the Bay’s annual Mid-Autumn light-up will both still be up and running with their massive lantern sculptures and garden illuminations. We suggest making a whole outing of it and admiring the Harvest Moon with your loved ones at these free-entry events. But that’s not all – we’re in for a double treat over these few days. Keep your eyes open for the Draconid meteor shower from October 7 to 10, with peak viewing on October 8 after 8pm. The Draconids will be slightly harder to spot, so you’ll want to be in a pitch-dark area devoid of bright city lights for that. READ MORE Luxury all-suite resort The Laurus is now open at Sentosa with cushy interiors and refined dining concepts Affordable Art Fair re

This month’s list of restaurant openings reads like a roll-call of big names, and all eyes are on whether they can live up to their hype. Two steakhouses from abroad have chosen Singapore for their very first international outposts – Parisian-style La Vache! from Hong Kong and Japan’s number one beef restaurant, Nikuya Tanaka.  Closer to home, we see some familiar faces like Chef Vincent Pang of private dining outfit Pun Im opening a standalone Thai restaurant, while Chef Drew Nocente of Cenzo debuts Il Toro, an Italian woodfire grill with Australian soul. Meanwhile, the team behind Meadesmoore and Fat Belly introduce modern Asian bistro Yara in a quiet, breezy location near the Botanic Gardens. There’s clearly no shortage of culinary talent this month, but whether these new joints manage to prove their chops, only time will tell. Here are five restaurants worth checking out this month. Explore Singapore’s 2025 restaurant openings by month: New restaurants in September New restaurants in August New restaurants in July New restaurants in June New restaurants in May New restaurants in April New restaurants in March New restaurants in February New restaurants in January Discover the best new restaurants in Singapore this year. 1. La Vache! Photograph: La Vache! You know a restaurant is confident about what it serves when there’s only one thing on the menu. At Parisian-style steakhouse La Vache!, trimmed entrecôte steak is the sole star dish – your only choice in the matter i

Sentosa is shaping up to be pretty bougie lately – Raffles Sentosa Singapore, the world’s first Coach Coffee Shop, and Asia’s first Din Tai Fung with a cocktail-tea bar have all opened on the resort island within this year alone. Joining them is The Laurus, an all-suite resort by The Luxury Collection, which just welcomed its first guests this October 2025. Photograph: Marriott Blending grand colonial charm with tropical flair, the 183-room hotel is decked out in artwork from the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings, orchid arrangements, custom chandeliers with glass laurel leaf designs, and a stunning stained glass piece featuring the Buffy Fish Owl – a bird that’s native to Singapore but now rarely sighted due to its critically endangered status. Photograph: Marriott Eight types of rooms are available, from deluxe twin suites to the grand presidential suite with a pool view. No matter which you pick, all room categories come with freestanding bathtubs, ‘his’ and ‘hers’ vanity sinks, and separate living and dining areas – making for the perfect luxury-steeped home away from home. Minibar goodies pay homage to local brands: Singapore-inspired blends from Ette tea, a Laurus-exclusive seaweed crisp flavour from Notter Nuts, and artisanal chocolate from the sustainable Mr Bucket Chocolaterie.  Photograph: Marriott Along with the hotel’s opening comes an all-new dining concept, Laurus Table, which dishes out coastal Italian nosh, including wood-fired seaf

Move over, Labubu – another adorable character has been stealing our hearts, and it’s not from Pop Mart. With Thai bakery Butterbear’s eponymous mascot growing in popularity, we knew that it would only be a matter of time before brands hopped onto the trend with a cute collab. And one of the first to zero in on this in Singapore is none other than fast food chain KFC, which has just announced a line-up of collectible Butterbear merchandise that you won’t bear to miss out on. This comes after its viral Mofusand launch for Chinese New Year 2025, which included items like plushie keychains, stickers, and cat-laden red packets. Photograph: KFC Given the current blind box craze, it’s unsurprising that the KFC x Butterbear collection includes surprise keychains. There are four designs to collect from October 15 to November 25, 2025 (while stocks last), with each one inspired by a different menu favourite: KFC’s egg tart, Zinger, drumstick, and chicken bucket. Photograph: KFC To get your hands on one of these for $12.95, purchase either the Thai-Thai Saucy Chicken Box ($13.95) or Thai-Thai Saucy Bites Box ($11.95) – new limited-edition food items that are part of the tie-up. The former is a saucy, spicy Thai-inspired version of KFC’s hot and crispy chicken, while the latter comprises boneless chicken pieces with the same sauce drizzled over them. There are also Thai fritters with condensed milk ($4.40 for four pieces) – think of these as the Thai version of you tiao. Photograph

We’ve seen a massive wave of Chinese F&B brands land in Singapore lately. Florist-café Tomacado, viral teahouse Incloud, and Peking duck specialist Siji Miinfu are just some of the many. But we’re also getting our tummies ready for a household name from the Philippines: Mary Grace. With humble roots as a bazaar stall by a mum of five in 1994, the bakery and café chain now has over 140 outlets in its home country – and Singapore’s upcoming store will be its first venture abroad. Mary Grace previously held a pop-up in Singapore over just three days in September this year, and despite being rather low-key in terms of advertising, it was met with sold-out success. If that’s anything to go by, you can probably expect a large throng of hungry fans when the permanent store finally opens. Photograph: Mary Grace Signatures by the brand include cheese rolls and its ensaymada – a fluffy, buttery Filipino pastry adapted from the Spanish ensaïmada. Mary Grace’s classic version is topped with a sprinkling of aged Edam cheese and was sold for $31.50 per box of six during the previous pop-up. It also comes in other flavours, including cinnamon apple and chocolate. Other homely bakes in Mary Grace’s lineup include carrot cake, banana bread, lemon bars, and strawberry shortcake. Hopefully, those will also be brought to Singapore, along with savoury items like sandwiches and Filipino-style all-day breakfast dishes. We’re still awaiting news on Mary Grace Singapore’s exact location and opening

If there’s one thing that the Affordable Art Fair has proven, it’s that you don’t have to have deep pockets to be a purveyor of the scene. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone looking to dress up your home with a piece that speaks to you, this annual art fair keeps things accessible for everyone, with all artworks on display priced below  $15,000 and a majority going for less than $7,500. But it doesn’t matter if you’re not going with the intention of making a purchase – all are welcome to simply browse and appreciate the hundreds of works on display. Treat it as a pop-up museum visit of sorts, and a chance to discover and enjoy different artists’ styles and techniques. Besides, tickets can be purchased using SG Culture Pass credits this time, which essentially means you can enter for free. Photograph: Affordable Art Fair This year’s edition has a special emphasis on Southeast Asian artists, as well as creations by 101 Singaporean artists in celebration of SG60. When you need a breather, the F&B area welcomes you for a sip of wine or a quick bite as you rest your feet before continuing your artsy pursuits. As in previous years, there will also be hands-on craft workshops and activities suitable for all ages, including children. Ticket prices for Singapore’s Affordable Art Fair 2025: Early bird: $19 (till October 5 only) Advanced: $24 (October 6 to November 13) Standard: $28 (November 14 to 16) The Affordable Art Fair will be held at its usual location of the F1

A rainy September in Singapore has segued into an equally wet October. While the Southwest monsoon is coming to an end, the tail end of the season is still wrought with rainy days. Most of the mornings and afternoons of at least the first half of the month will see thundery showers, according to the latest official weather advisory by the National Environment Agency (NEA). Some days might also be windier than others as Sumatra squalls sweep over the island. Despite the waterworks, our hot and humid climate persists. According to the report, daily maximum temperatures are predicted to be between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius on most days during this period, with some days exceeding 34 degrees. Either way, it’ll be a good idea to have an umbrella with you at all times – whether for shelter against the sun or rain. Stay dry with indoor activities over the next few weeks. We recommend visiting Japanese artist Daisuke Kondo’s first solo exhibition in Singapore, or chilling out at some of Singapore’s newest cafés. There’s also Book Bar, a relatively new and underrated bookstore-café at Duxton with titles by local authors. And if you’re a fangirl of K-pop star G-Dragon, you’ll have a real treat at Jewel Changi Airport with G-Dragon Media Exhibition: Übermensch. READ MORE Singapore's Circle Line MRT loop will finally be complete with three new train stations opening in 2026 F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2025: everything you need to know Luxury hotel and residences Aman Singapore to open within

Why is it called the Circle Line when it’s not even a circle? You might have wondered this while looking at Singapore’s train map. Well, here’s your answer: The orange line (or yellow, as many refer to it), is supposed to be a circular loop, but it’s just that its construction is still underway. Photograph: Land Transport Authority (LTA) That’s all set to change soon, with three new train stations along the Circle Line finally closing the gap: Keppel (CC30), Cantonment (CC31), and Prince Edward Road (CC32). These new stations will sit between the HarbourFront and Marina Bay interchanges, offering commuters greater convenience in getting around to and from Singapore’s South. Keppel MRT station will sit right across the road from Keppel Distripark, and is said to be the only train station in Singapore with an underground bicycle park – featuring accessible ramps to promote car-lite living. Photograph: Land Transport Authority (LTA)Keppel MRT Integrated with the old Tanjong Pagar Railway Station – now a conserved monument – Cantonment MRT station is right outside Tanjong Pagar Distripark. This makes for more convenience when visiting the Singapore Art Museum and other galleries within the warehouse building. Then there’s Prince Edward Road MRT station, located along the outer area of Shenton Way in the CBD. Fun fact: part of its design is inspired by a ship’s hull, so see if you can spot such elements once it’s finally open. Photograph: Land Transport Authority (LTA)Prince

Some of you might have rocked up to your go-to Gong Cha joint for your usual brown sugar milk tea or taro beverage – only to find it closed. This was a nationwide event for bubble tea lovers across Singapore on October 2, 2025, as it turns out that the Taiwanese drink chain has shut all its outlets islandwide in a complete exit. Its Singapore website, social media accounts, and delivery platform presence have also been wiped clean.  Now this is one sudden closure we never saw coming, judging by how popular the brand is. But this isn’t the first time Gong Cha has closed down in Singapore. In 2017, Gong Cha pulled out of the country after eight years of operation, only to reemerge as LiHo in the same year. LiHo now has over 80 outlets locally, and is best loved for its cheese tea, brown sugar milk tea, and avocado smoothies. So, for those who were previously unaware: Gong Cha as we know it today isn’t its OG iteration. And it’s only going to evolve even more.  A Gong Cha spokesperson confirmed that this isn’t goodbye – the brand is simply switching franchisees. Come 2026, the beverage chain will be up and running once again, and fans can look forward to exciting new flavours. Now, let’s just hope that prices don’t get a hike after reopening. READ MORE Café hop in October 2025: 5 new cafés in Singapore to visit right now 5 new restaurants in Singapore to check out this October 2025 Bar Cicheti by The Cicheti Group to bid farewell after seven years

It’s seen the birth of over 1.2 million babies – perhaps you might have been one of them. Just yesterday (October 1), on the 101st anniversary of its designation as Singapore’s first and only dedicated free maternity hospital, the former Kadang Kerbau Hospital (KKH) was declared the 76th national monument of our country. But its past harks way back before the year 1924. First built in 1858, KKH was initially a general hospital before it started specialising in women and children. It also served as an emergency hospital during the wartime era. Photograph: Finbarr Fallon With its name directly translating to “buffalo enclosure” from Malay, the site of the old KKH was once home to the pens of buffaloes used to pull carts as a mode of transportation in Singapore’s early days. The hospital relocated to its current site – a neighbouring plot of land at Bukit Timah – in 1997, becoming the KK Women's and Children's Hospital. Today, the former KKH building, which sports a relatively modern architectural style, houses the corporate headquarters of Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA). Photograph: Finbarr Fallon Besides earning bragging rights as a new national gem, the former hospital has also launched a special exhibition titled The Architecture of Care to celebrate its new status. Open on weekdays between 9.30am to 5pm, from now till December 31, 2025, the free-entry exhibition also has free guided tours on selected weekends. Sign up for the tours here. Find out more about

Talk about living the high life – luxury hospitality brand Aman has set its sights on the sunny shores of Singapore, with an upcoming hotel and private residences in the works as we speak. Expected to open sometime in 2028, Aman Singapore will be housed within The Skywaters, a 63-storey skyscraper at Shenton Way that’s shaping up to be Singapore’s tallest building upon completion. The new Aman Singapore property will offer sweeping views of the sky, sea, and Marina Bay area. While little has been revealed at this point, one highlight is a spa that spans an entire floor of the hotel, featuring an infinity pool surrounded by lush greenery. This resort-like area will be accessible only to the hotel’s guests, residents, and club members for tip-top exclusivity and privacy. Photograph: Aman According to Aman’s website, this Singapore outpost will feature architecture inspired by our iconic colonial black-and-white bungalows, while incorporating natural materials and plenty of garden elements. The Skywater itself is also planned to have plenty of relaxing green spaces, like sky terraces and open-air urban gardens. In addition to Aman, The Skywater will be home to office units, retail stores, and dining concepts – all directly linked to Tanjong Pagar MRT station via an underpass. Additionally, it’s within easy walking distance of Shenton Way and Maxwell MRT Stations on the brown Thomson-East Coast Line, as well as the upcoming Prince Edward Station on the Circle Line. Find out mor

Formula 1 fever is bringing the heat to the streets, but before making your way to the circuit to cheer on your favourite race stars, you’ll want to be aware of all the road restrictions within and surrounding Marina Bay for your own drives during this period in October. Here’s the lowdown on all the roads that will be closed during the F1 Grand Prix 2025, along with information on extended public transport hours to aid your journey home. When are the Formula 1 road closures in Singapore? Road closures in light of the F1 Grand Prix in Singapore’s town area will be happening progressively over seven days from October 1 to October 7, 2025. Specifically, certain roads will be closed 5.30am to 10am on October 1, 2, 3, and 6, with additional closures from 5pm to 8.30pm on October 6. Road access will fully resume by October 7, 5.30am. Which roads in Singapore will be closed during F1? As the F1 circuit is located in Marina Bay, most of the road closures are centred around its vicinity, with Nicoll Highway, St. Andrew’s Road, Raffles Boulevard, Esplanade Drive, Stamford Road, and Bras Basah Road being some of the areas to avoid. Visit LTA’s website for info on road access and pedestrian routes around the area. Will there be extended public transport hours during the F1 Grand Prix in Singapore? Yes. To facilitate ease of movement, train and bus services will be ending up to an hour later during the F1 period. For example, the last train at City Hall MRT station departs at 12.30am on