Vianne Chia

Nothing beats getting your nose stuck in a paperback. These bookstores line their walls and displays with a wide range of print publications including secondhand gems and specialty books and magazines to niche readers. Besides endless shelves of hard copies, these are also the best spots to check out the works of local authors and the literary scene in Singapore. Time to refresh that reading list and get lost in the pages of your new favourite book! RECOMMENDED: The best independent and alternative cinemas in Singapore and The best hidden cafés in Singapore for a quiet brunch sesh    

There are several factors that make a café Instagrammable: its food, its interior decor, and its surroundings. Out of the hundreds of cafés around the island, we've picked out the most photogenic ones to help you rack up those likes. After all, we come for the food but stick around for the photos. RECOMMENDED: The most Instagram-worthy places in Singapore and the most Instagram-worthy HDB blocks in Singapore

You may or may not binge-watch Korean soap dramas or idolise the Bangtan Boys (that's only the most popular Korean boyband, BTS for you) but chances are, you will be a fan of Korean cuisine. From its famous kimchi to barbecued meat, here are the restaurants to hit when that K-food craving hits.  RECOMMENDED: The best Korean BBQ restaurants in Singapore and the best Korean dessert restaurants and cafes in Singapore  

We’re truly spoiled for choice when it comes to food options in Singapore. And with the spate of new eateries opening here, we won’t even have to travel overseas to dine at famous restaurants from around the world – they’ll come to us. Use our roundup of the best international food chains that have made their way to Singapore to go on a food crawl that takes you all over the globe. Given the anticipation surrounding their openings, there will likely be long lines, but the nosh is sure to be worth the wait. RECOMMENDED: Singapore’s 50 best restaurants and The best cafes in Singapore for brunch and coffee

We’re probably used to seeing cities like London, New York City, and Paris in the movies and TV shows that we watch. But in recent years, Singapore’s iconic skyline and landmarks have also received plenty of screen time – some of our most scenic attractions, like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, have made conspicuous cameos. In celebration of National Day, we look at seven films and TV shows that were filmed in Singapore, as well as the locations featured (including several unexpected ones). Read on to find out more about how you can catch Singapore on the big and small screen.  RECOMMENDED: What Crazy Rich Asians got right and wrong about Singapore and Where to see interesting architecture in Singapore

Travelling is a stressful experience for everyone, but especially so for tourists that identify as part of the LGBTQ community. For them, destinations may not be safe or inclusive – some countries have strict laws and may not be the most accommodating to queer tourists. If you’re an LGBTQ tourist and you’re looking for safe, inclusive destinations with vibrant queer communities, here’s your guide to the best LGBTQ-friendly destinations in the Asia Pacific region, based on the results of a survey by booking.com. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore and 50 best reataurants in Singapore

The City Hall neighbourhood, located in the centre of the Civic District, has seen many significant moments in Singapore’s political history over the past two hundred years. It’s named for the former City Hall building (now home to the National Gallery, along with the former Supreme Court), which served as the seat of the British colonial government in the 1800s. The Civic District’s original layout was planned by Stamford Raffles, who envisioned that the area would become a city centre of sorts. Many of the buildings from the colonial era still exist – they now house museums, restaurants, offices, shops, and theatres. There’s plenty to do and to eat in the neighbourhood. Given the number of museums and colonial-era buildings clustered in the area, City Hall is a great place to learn more about Singapore’s rich culture and heritage. You’ll also be able to find some of Singapore’s best restaurants and eateries in the neighbourhood, including several Michelin-starred options like Odette. Shopping is also plentiful – the area boasts two large malls, Funan and Raffles City, which are situated within walking distance to each other. Read on for our guide to City Hall. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore and Singapore's 50 best restaurants

Sometimes a solo exploration around the city can refresh your love for the places you’ve been to countless times before. Whether you’re out to tick off some must-dos on your bucket list or up to experience something new, here’s how to discover a different side to the city on your own. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore and the best sights and attractions in Singapore

Wind down after the chaos of the Christmas festivities with smooth rhythms at a special Christmas edition of After Hours Jazz at Wildcard bar. From 9pm till late, savour the blissful sounds of soulful melodies, paired with one (or more) of Wildcard’s signature cocktails or a glass of wine. Whether you enjoy jazz or you’re just looking for a quiet evening, it's the perfect way to recharge during the festive season. 

Manage post-Christmas withdrawals at The Sundowner’s Christmas Market on December 28. The Market marks the grand opening of the new Sundowner centre at Old Bukit Timah Fire Station, where it will also be held. After shopping for goods including fresh farm produce, handmade crafts, and ceramics, fuel up on Burnt Cones gelato, cocktails from Santai, and free pizza (while stocks last) from Secret Pizza Club. And that’s not all – take part in 30-min workshops ranging from kombucha brewing and coffee roasting to candle making and bee and ant encounters.

Celebrate the holiday season with AIR CCC’s new festive menus, designed for sharing. Available from December 22 to 31, the menu offers a festive reinterpretation of the restaurant’s signature flavours, infused with Southeast Asian flair. Think pumpkin skin rolls, mahi mahi ceviche, Nice grouper with cassava miso, and lamb ribs glazed with onion koji. Then there’s dessert – an exotic take on the traditional chocolate log cake, featuring cardamom yogurt ice cream and a kenari crumble. And, if you happen to dine at the restaurant on December 27, be sure to save some time for alfresco chess games organised by Aliwal Chess Club on the lawn. Don’t worry if you haven’t brushed up on your chess skills; the games are open to players of all levels.

Singapore’s biggest Japanese pop culture festival is back for its biggest and most exciting edition yet. The festival, which runs from December 27 to 28, promises a plethora of events ranging from J-pop performances, anime showcases, and a cosplay spectacle. Fans of Japanese culture can also look forward to appearances by Japanese guest artistes, a sprawling Creator’s Alley, and fringe activities like crafts and gaming. The best part? You can attend for free by redeeming your tickets using your SG Culture Pass.

How much do you really know about lion dance, apart from the loud drums and colourful costumes? Find out more about the history and heritage behind lion dance at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre’s vibrant exhibition just in time for Chinese New Year. The exhibition showcases over 50 artefacts, including rare lion head designs in Hainan and Fujian styles. You’ll also be able to learn more about different lion dance styles, local lion dance troupes, and lion dance culture in Singapore today. Admission to the exhibition is free.  

This weekend at Holland Village, the spotlight is on pets. The neighbourhood will be transformed into a vibrant pet playground, filled with experiences that will delight pet parents and furkids alike. Look forward to wellness hideouts and creative corners, in addition to activities such as thrifting, pet-friendly workouts, obstacle races, clue hunts, movie screenings, and masterclasses on caring for your furry companions. Festival passes start from $8, and some activities are ticketed. However, ticketholders will be eligible for discounts at selected establishments nearby.

If you’re tired of the usual Christmas tunes playing ad nauseam, the Different Christmas concert might be for you. The evocative concert, which blends themes of memory and renewal, features festive classical works by Bach, Vivaldi, Debussy, Arvo Pärt, and Schubert, but with a contemporary, electronic edge. The concert takes place at Pasir Panjang Power Station and is led by Lionel Tan and Mervin Wong. Tickets start from $35 for students and $65 for adults. 

Enjoy a free outdoor concert and support local artists at Singapura LIVE! & Singa Maksima x Locals Only!, which brings together an exciting lineup of veteran names and rising stars for an eclectic, high-energy celebration of homegrown talent. Highlight acts, including Shazza, Bushmen, and Sezairi, span genres from reggae and rock to pop and soul. You’ll be in for a treat, regardless of whether you’re a longtime fan or just a casual listener.

Step into the world of PAC-MAN at Southeast Asia’s first and largest carnival dedicated to the classic arcade game. The immersive carnival, which celebrates 45 years of the gaming icon, features a record-breaking life-sized PAC-MAN maze where players dodge characters like Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde. And that’s not all – there will also be arcade games, carnival booths, themed rides, free-play zones, exclusive merch, and even a special New Year’s Eve countdown event complete with fireworks. Get your tickets here.

Looking for a family-friendly way to spend the weekend? Look no further – end the year on a high note at the final edition of Twilight: Flea and Feast, which returns this weekend at Suntec City Convention Centre. Visitors can expect over 200 halal food and flea market stalls selling everything from trendy street foods and indulgent sweet treats to crafts and clothing. Adding to the atmosphere are live performances, kid-friendly activities, and family-friendly movie screenings.

Death is a topic that – unsurprisingly – inspires fear and discomfort in most people. The White Book and We Humans seek to change the way we think about death by encouraging honest and candid discussions at an intimate conversation circle. This event invites attendees to make space for a topic we often ignore and provides an opportunity to voice unspoken fears, curiosities, and reflections – not in a morbid way, but as a way to reflect on how we have lived. Through guided dialogue, attendees will explore personal questions around mortality, sharing stories and listening in an open and supportive setting. There is a fee to attend, but each participant will also receive a complimentary copy of White: Behind Mental Health Stigma, worth $58.

Westies loath to make a trip to the city centre for festive activities will be glad to know that they won’t have to go very far to partake in the celebrations. The Jurong Point Christmas Fair brings the season’s festivities to the West, with an array of artisanal pastries, handcrafted drinks, and delectable sweet treats. Among the offerings are matcha and genmaicha lattes from Ichigo by Tea Cottage, frozen custard from Crumble Culture, Korean walnut puff cakes from Kimhodu, and artisanal bakes from The French American Bakery.