Singapore is often seen through the lens of its big-ticket icons—Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa, Marina Bay Sands—but this compact city-state is packed with hidden corners and local gems that even some lifelong residents haven’t explored.
When you're ready to go beyond the typical travel guide, here are 10 unique and underrated things to do in Singapore that’ll help you uncover the island’s creative, quirky, and community-driven soul.
Toa Payoh, Tampines, and Tiong Bahru aren’t just residential areas—they’re vibrant neighbourhoods that showcase local life and evolving architecture. Take a stroll through Toa Payoh’s retro flats, visit the colourful community-designed blocks in Tampines Street 41, or explore Tiong Bahru’s pre-war SIT flats now housing artisan cafés and indie bookshops. It’s Singapore’s everyday life, with a twist of charm and nostalgia.
Our Tampines Hub is Singapore’s largest integrated community hub—and it’s exactly as ambitious as it sounds. Think library, swimming pool, hawker centre, shopping mall, football stadium, running track, and more, all in one sleek urban space. It’s a fascinating window into how Singapore designs for community living and efficient use of space.
Thrift culture is alive and well in Singapore. At Thryft Hub, you’ll find secondhand books, curated vintage clothes, and vinyl records. It’s a sustainable shopper’s dream. For a weekend hunt, head to Fleawhere at Dhoby Ghaut—Singapore’s best-known flea market offering fashion finds for under S$5. The treasure hunt thrill is real.
Tucked inside a former police barracks near Pearl’s Hill, Kult Yard is a cultural sanctuary for creatives. Expect tacos, cocktails, open mic nights, funk DJs, and spontaneous jam sessions. Local musicians, communal drums, and fusion drinks like the Jamu Sour (a turmeric and tamarind whiskey cocktail) set the mood for an unforgettable low-key night out.
New Bahru has transformed an old secondary school into one of Singapore’s coolest lifestyle enclaves. Expect trendy bars, minimalist boutiques, Sri Lankan food, and rotating pop-up art exhibitions. Whether you’re sipping makgeolli or shopping homegrown brands, it’s a perfect blend of heritage and hip.
Reopened in 2024, the Central Public Library now boasts a Singapore Alcove for local literature, a coral-themed Children’s Biodiversity Library, and an AI-powered Immersive Room. With green architecture and art installations from local students, this is no ordinary library—it’s a modern cultural space that invites you to stay all day.
Don Don Donki (Don Quijote) is Japan’s most exciting export to Singapore. With fresh sushi, quirky snacks, skincare, gadgets, and even sake bars (try the Orchard Central branch), it’s a one-stop wonderland of Japanese lifestyle. Budget-friendly, delicious, and open late—what more could you want?
Sim Lim Square is heaven for vintage tech lovers and budget-friendly gadget hunters. Hunt down retro gaming consoles, old-school cameras, or obscure charging cables. And while you’re there, find your way to a hidden local food stall serving one of the best salted egg chicken rice dishes in town.
Located in Little India, Mustafa Centre is open until 2 a.m. and sells everything from gold jewellery and luggage to spices and microwaves. A chaotic, colourful maze of endless goods—and unbeatable prices—it’s a Singapore rite of passage. The vibrant streets around it only add to the experience.
The Projector is Singapore’s most beloved indie cinema. Grab a craft beer from the Intermission Bar, take your prosecco into the screening room, and enjoy arthouse films, documentaries, or cult classics. It’s retro, quirky, and full of soul—a local institution that keeps Singapore’s indie culture thriving.
Singapore’s best-kept secrets aren’t always found in guidebooks. From heartland neighbourhoods to indie art spaces, these unique experiences give you a richer, more colourful view of the city. Whether you’re new to the island or just looking to see it through fresh eyes, these hidden gems will surprise and delight.
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