The best things to do in December

Explore the city's secret parks, hidden museums, speakeasy bars and other clandestine shenanigans

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Make the best of your weekend with our top picks of things to do, see and more in Singapore

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