What’s happening in Singapore
The latest news
Have you ventured out recently to a new restaurant? Or dined at one of your go-to cafes? Each month, we get out readers to share their favourite experiences...
What's Taiwanese street food culture without some bubble tea? Gong Cha and Tokidoki are taking things to the next level at the upcoming Shilin Night Market...
The futuristic and asymmetrical towers that make up Marina Bay Sands are already an iconic part of the Singapore city skyline. But soon, there's going to be...
According to the Department of Statistics, about 2,500 restaurants open in Singapore every year. That’s an average of 6.8 new joints to check out every day...
We know IKEA for being the one-stop shop for all things home and decor with their fun and functional designs, smart space-saving options, pretty prints and...
Before the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards makes its way to Singapore on June 25, the festivities get started at Macau's Wynn Palace with Asia’s 50 Best...
Backstreet's back, alright! 2019 is looking up to be a year of nostalgic pop as boybands reunite to delight their loyal fans. British boyband Blue recently...
Last year, when the result of the Time Out City Life Index was released, Singapore had to face a hard truth. The survey quizzed over 15,000 people about the...
Have you gone on a nature trail recently? Or had a picnic in the park? Each month, we get our readers to share their favourite experiences in the city by...
The latest features
Taking the meaning of long, luxurious brunches to another level, W Singapore is kicking off a series of brunch parties till June that you'll want to be a part of. Combining pool parties, live entertainment, bottomless brunches and gastronomical feasts, Bubbles Brunch Beats is the essential party experience of the W brand. Starting from noon, the party spreads over three key venues at W Singapore Sentosa Cove – the kitchen table, WET® and WOOBAR and lasts throughout the day. Popular local drag queen Mona Kee Kee plays host as you sip on cocktails and try dishes like braised short ribs, grilled lobster, chilli crab and desserts. Tickets start from $350 for a long afternoon of socialising, frolicking, sipping and dining on the idyllic grounds of W Singapore Sentosa Cove. Slots are limited and if you book by April 18, you enjoy 20 percent off the full price and 10 percent off if you get your tickets by April 25. This event is catered to adults above 21 years of age. Time Out Singapore in partnership with W Singapore
Back for its third year in the city, the Michelin Guide has unveiled its curated list of the best places to have a meal in Singapore. This year, a total of 39 restaurants have been conferred that elusive star – or, as the French call it, 'macaroon' – by the epicurean manual. The guide uses five criteria to assess these restaurants: mastery of technique; quality of ingredients; chef's personality; value for money; and consistency. The list leans towards fine-dining restaurants that offer degustation menus that often cost upwards of $100, however, it also names some hawkers and casual spots like Putien if you don't want to break the bank. Alternatively, head over to this list of restaurants that earned a Bib Gourmand award, Michelin-recommended meals that cost less than $45. RECOMMENDED Read our guide on the 50 best restaurants and 50 best bars in Singapore
After years of anticipation, the majestic Jewel Changi Airport opens its doors to the first visitors this week. The $1.7 billion project began in 2014 and was helmed by Safdie Architects, the same folks behind the iconic Marina Bay Sands. The result is a stunning glass and steel dome development which blends gardens, attractions, activity areas, retail, dining and more. As if Changi Airport couldn't be more impressive, Jewel is set to be a coveted stopover destination for travellers coming to Singapore. Real talk, you don't even have to leave the airport because you can get all you need in this gem. As expected, queues for the eateries and shops can get a little bit out of control so before you drop by the spanking new Jewel Changi Airport – whether you got some early bird passes or heading down on the official opening day on April 17 – here's a guide to what to check out, what to eat, and also where to queue. RECOMMENDED: 50 best shops in Singapore and 7 cross-country treks in Singapore to do
There’s a brand new club for night owls to give a hoot. Make space in your late-night party schedule for MARQUEE Singapore. Helmed by the brains behind some of the biggest nightclubs in the world, TAO Group, the one-stop entertainment destination is set to take Singapore’s nightlife scene to new heights – quite literally. Known for its signature rollers in New York, Las Vegas and Sydney, MARQUEE makes its Asia debut at the iconic Marina Bay Sands on the weekend of April 12 and 13 with a grand opening soirée from 10pm until late. The red carpet affair is backed by an exhilarating line-up of internationally-acclaimed guest DJs to give revellers a taste of its world-famous parties. The swanky adult carnival occupies three storeys at Marina Bay Sands – making it the biggest nightclub in Singapore – and features a massive indoor Ferris wheel at its beating heart. Before you shake your way to MARQUEE Singapore, here’s everything you need to know about this brand new ultimate nightlife experience.
If you're up for a challenge, the National Parks Board recently launched a 36km trail linking northeast to the west side, which means you can pretty much walk from Jurong Lake Gardens to Coney Island in Punggol. And if you didn't already know, Singapore has got some pretty hardcore trails you can take on – we're talking cross-country treks that would take up more than half a day and probably some training. Need to go on a long trek? Walk, run or cycle through these challenging trails. RECOMMENDED: The best nature trails in Singapore and the best hidden trails in Singapore
If your evenings consist of enjoying live sets at these music venues, you're in for a treat. This year's concert lineup is looking mega with plenty of mainstream, underground, and downright nostalgic acts to catch. Here are the hottest upcoming concerts we're booking tickets for. RECOMMENDED: Upcoming performing arts events in Singapore and best live jazz venues in Singapore
You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream in this unforgiving tropical heat. With an abundance of ice cream shops that sell a wonderful variety of flavours, Singapore is a lot of bearable when you treat yourself to an artisanal cup or a classic cone. Not including the $1 ice cream stand uncles, here is a list of 17 of the best ice cream shops in Singapore. Get your lickers ready and prepare for a brain freeze. Cross your sticky fingers that they still have your favourite flavours left! RECOMMENDED The best guilt-free ice cream in Singapore and the best soft-serve ice creams in Singapore
April is a month of huge savings with Singapore's biggest restaurant reservations app, eatigo. With discounts up to 50% at over 700 restaurants in town, there's a reason to get out and dine out. Handy for both customers and restaurant owners, you can depend on the app if you're feeling overwhelmed at the choices to get suggestions, reviews and even directions to the restaurants. Restaurant owners on the app can set discounts for potential diners to tap on. Present in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, India and Indonesia, eatigo is the app to use if you're serious about dining out – the discounts are just the bonus. On top of daily time-based discounts, here are some attractive April perks you can't refuse. Kick off with Wow Wednesday (April 3 and 24) where you can get 50 percent off all day at over 30 restaurants like DC Super Heroes Cafe and Ellenborough Market Cafe @ Swissotel Merchant Court. On Almost Friday Lunch (April 4), users get 50 percent off lunch at restaurants like The Square at Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay and Escape at One Farrer Hotel, from 11am to 2pm and on Friday it's TGIF (April 12) with 30-50 percent off for early dinner at spots like 1864 at Sofitel Singapore City Centre and Glasshouse by DHM between 5pm to 7.30pm. Rejoice with the Weekend Brunch O' Munch (April 13-14) with 50 percent discounts at restaurants like Food For Thought at the National Museum of Singapore from 10.30am to 1pm. It's also going to be Good Friday as
Singapore's bar scene has blossomed tremendously in the past couple of years. Not only do we have the best bar in Asia, we have plenty of local talent flying our flag high as well as big overseas names landing on our shores. We take a look at some of the big new bar openings in town. RECOMMENDED: The best arcade and games bars in Singapore and the cheapest happy hours in Singapore
There's more to vegan and vegetarian grub than a boring uninspiring mountain of leafy greens and raw vegetables. Whether you have dietary restrictions or just prefer to eat more greens and grains, these restaurant kitchens in Singapore are churning out wholesome meals that are completely meat-free without compromising on taste. Far from sad salads and countless carbs, these spots in town pack flavour and character into plant-based dishes. With cuisines ranging from from Korean and Peranakan to Japanese and Italian, vegans and vegetarians have tons to choose from. Time to ditch the bland salad life! RECOMMENDED: The best vegetarian local food in Singapore and the best healthy restaurants in Singapore
What's on in Singapore this week
Find me a date
They've gone for their blind date – here's what the couples have to say about each other
These city kids ditched Tinder and let us play matchmaker. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of their blind date...
Game, set, match – we played matchmaker in a blindfolded, speed-dating event and managed to pair up some lovebirds
These city kids ditched Tinder and let us play matchmaker. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of their blind date...
Let Time Out and GaiGai play matchmaker as we bring our popular Find Me A Date series to real life – with a blinding twist
These city kids ditched Tinder and let us play matchmaker. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of their blind date
Every month, we set up two readers on a blind date at one of our favourite restaurants or bars – and it's on us!
These city kids ditched Tinder and let us play matchmaker. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of their blind date
These city kids ditched Tinder and let us play matchmaker. Here’s a blow-by-blow account of their blind date
The best of Singapore
December 2018: Up to number one on our list is Esora – a new Japanese restaurant at Mohamed Sultan Road serving Kappo-style cuisine with a twist. Other new entries include Preludio, a restaurant that turns fine dining on its head and Thevar, a contemporary Indian restaurant with delectably spicy plates. Welcome to the Time Out EAT List, our handpicked best of Singapore’s food scene. These are the tastiest places to eat in this city right now: the freshest, most inventive and most memorable, ranked by expert local editors. You don't have to look very far to stumble upon an amazing nosh in Singapore. The city is packed with boundary-pushing restaurants run by star-studded chefs as well as humble hawker finds that'll satiate your appetite for cheap. Narrowing down the best restaurants in town to a list of 50 is no easy feat – that's why we have separate lists for the best Japanese, French and Spanish restaurants among others – but these are the places we think are worth a visit for unbeatable food, electrifying ambiance and genial service to boot. Eaten somewhere on this list and loved it? Know of a restaurant that should be on here instead? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutEatList Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants.
December 2018: Up to number one in our list is Junior – a cosy pocket bar highlighting the drinking culture of New Orleans. It's due to change its concept once again soon so head there quick before yet another refresh. New at number 15 is The Other Roof. Brought to you by the same people behind The Other Room (number 9), this rooftop establishment is fun, breezy and chock full of addictive tea-infused tipples. Welcome to the Time Out DRINK List, our handpicked ‘best of’ Singapore’s drinking scene. These are the most buzzing bars in this city right now: the most inventive and most memorable watering holes, all ranked by expert local editors. Drinking in Singapore is expensive so we did all the hard work for you – scouring the city every night in search of amazing drinks, visiting incognito and footing the bill. That’s how you know that if it’s on this list, it’s awesome. Whether you sip or quaff, these are the city's top bars for a boozy night out. We've got joints stocked with quality vino, speakeasies hidden behind unmarked doors, dens devoted to whisky, craft beer breweries and much more in our roundup. We guarantee you won't be able to stop at one drink – just make sure you have a safe ride home. Drank somewhere on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDrinkList. You can also find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews bars here.
Neighbourhood guides
Once a prominent red-light district, you’d think it would take loads to eradicate the impression of Keong Saik Road being littered with brothels in the 1960s. Well, you’re right – and it has. Now, this bustling neighborhood has somehow seamlessly fused the traditional with modern to offer some of the most unique (and delicious) places to visit whether you’re a tourist or a local lifestyle enthusiast. From gourmet restaurants to trendy bars and even bespoke tailors, you’ll be filled with an endless array of activities as you traverse along the streets of shophouses. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants in Singapore and the best bars to try out in Singapore
Busy, noisy, filled with people, that’s the general consensus of the Chinatowns of the world. Singapore’s is no different, but ours (perhaps we’re biased) has a charming air about it that appeals to both tourists and locals. A good mix of hawker fare and swish eateries, history and architecture, here are a few good reasons to head down to Chinatown. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore and guide to getting around Singapore
Joo Chiat and Katong have gained popularity over the years for their blend of Instagram-worthy Peranakan shophouses, delectable cuisine, and indie retail stores. Named after philanthropist, Chew Joo Chiat, this charming corner in the east of Singapore was once a small village of seaside retreats for the wealthy. It's since been revamped into a residential suburb surrounded by shops and eateries. Declared as Singapore’s first Heritage Town in 2011, this East Coast enclave still holds timeless treasures and insight into the rich Peranakan cultural heritage of the 1950s. Today, most of Joo Chiat’s multi-ethnic influences are most evident in its architecture, dining options, and activities. RECOMMENDED Creative spaces in Katong and Joo Chiat and the best restaurants and cafés in Katong
Singapore's glamorous shopping belt dazzles with luxury stores, local boutiques and plenty to eat, see and do.
It’s a given that Little India is colourful, vibrant and a hive of activity – but it’s also changing and gentrifying. There’s never a dull moment on this stretch, here are some of our favourite spots. RECOMMENDED: Where to eat in Little India
What was once Singapore’s sleaze central has smartened up big time thanks to classy new developments like Andaz. While the area is evolving into a mini CBD, it hasn’t gone all business-like just yet. With its mix old-and-new, here are some of our new (and old) favourite haunts. Still can't get enough of what this colourful neighbourhood has to offer? Check out the best cafes in Bugis or go on a bar crawl guide in Bugis when it gets dark out.
Singapore's infamous redlight district is the place to go your craving for the king of fruits and good food at any hour of the night.
Take a one-way (MRT) trip to the far east – you’ll find more than chalets and droves of army boys. Hit up Pasir Ris and Changi for a walk through nature as you explore the mangroves or chug down refreshing brews by the seaside. We round up where to hang out and what to do while you're in these two quaint neighbourhoods.
More than just the neighbourhood with Singapore's first IKEA, Queenstown is also home to plenty of cheap and good eats, outlet malls for a good bargain and more.
Get acquainted: Tampines – named for the large number of ‘tampinis’, or ironwood, trees that used to be in the neighbourhood – is the largest residential area in Singapore. The colourful HDB blocks and smart design of the district earned Tampines the United Nations World Habitat Award for Excellence in Housing Design in 1992. Make a deal: Just outside the MRT exit, bargains abound in 513 Tampines Central 1. Get cheap clothes at CK Discount, then wander around the building clockwise until you hear the carnival soundtrack and come to stall No 152 – Three Stars Buy 1 Free 1. Just like the name says, when you buy one of the household goods on sale, you get one free. Along the way, keep your eyes open for discount underwear and a jewellery pawn shop. Eat: On the third floor of the Tampines Mall (4 Tampines Central 5, and ground zero for mainstream shopping in this area), peek in the window of Din Tai Fung and watch dim sum masters rolling out dough and turning it into divine dumplings… okay, enough watching. Time to grab a seat and eat! For what could possibly be Singapore’s best dining bargain (a major claim), head to block 823A on Tampines Street 81 and find stall No 820 in the Food Park for a plate of $1.30 chicken rice. Get fit: After all that chicken rice (at those prices, you know you’ll get seconds), you’ll need a workout. The Tampines Sports Hall (495 Tampines Ave 5 S) offers 19 badminton and table tennis courts where you can play with your birdies and balls. If that doesn
