Tiong Bahru Heritage and Hip Area Guide | Homejourney

The Definitive Guide to Singapore's Most Charming Heritage and Hipster Neighborhood

Tiong Bahru blends 1930s Art Deco architecture with modern cafes, making it Singapore's premier heritage area and hipster Singapore hotspot. Homejourney's comprehensive guide covers everything from iconic Tiong Bahru cafes to property insights, ensuring you make informed, safe decisions in this trusted neighborhood.[1][2][4]

This pillar resource draws on official sources like URA and HDB, local insights, and Homejourney's verified data to help tourists, locals, buyers, and relocators. With user safety first, we verify details for transparency and confidence.

1. Overview & Quick Facts
2. Things to Do Nearby
3. Food & Dining
4. Shopping
5. Practical Information
6. Property & Living
7. Insider Tips
8. Nearby Attractions
9. FAQ

1. Overview & Quick Facts

Tiong Bahru is a heritage enclave in Singapore's Central Region, famed for pre-war shophouses and a vibrant hip scene. Once called "new cemetery" in Hokkien-Malay (thióng bahru), it transformed into one of Singapore's first public housing estates in the 1930s.[2][4]

Key facts include proximity to the CBD (10-15 minutes by MRT) and a mix of old-world charm with indie shops. Homejourney verifies this as a safe, walkable area ideal for families and young professionals.[1]

MRT Details

Station: Tiong Bahru MRT (TE16 on Thomson-East Coast Line, EW17 on East West Line)
Operating Hours: 5:45 AM - 11:22 PM (weekdays), extended on weekends (official LTA data)
Features: Barrier-free access, bicycle parking, covered linkways
Best Exits: Exit A for Tiong Bahru Market (2-min walk); Exit B for heritage shophouses and cafes (3-min walk)

Table 1: Quick Access Guide

Attraction	MRT Exit	Walking Time
Tiong Bahru Market	A	2 mins
Heritage Shophouses	B	3 mins
Tiong Bahru Plaza	A	1 min
Cafes Cluster	B	5 mins

Homejourney's Property Search lets you explore verified listings near Tiong Bahru MRT safely.

2. Things to Do Nearby (Within 15-Min Walk)

Stroll pre-war flats with geometric Art Deco designs inspired by trains and aeroplanes—low-rise unlike typical HDBs.[4] These 1930s buildings feature curved staircases and air-raid shelters now turned galleries.

Photo spots abound: the "aeroplane building" at Yong Siak Street and bird-singing corners with murals. Parks like Tiong Bahru Park offer green space (5-min walk from Exit A).[1][2]

Top Attractions

Heritage Trail: Self-guided walk via URA plaques; spot renovated vs. original flats (Prince Charles visited!)[1]
Street Art: Boat wall painting and community murals (10-min walk)
Air-Raid Shelter Gallery: Converted WWII bunker with art (near Yong Siak St)
Playgrounds: Large ones visible from Kim Tian Road residences[1]

Instagram-worthy: Spiral staircases at dusk. Combine with a cafe hop for a half-day itinerary.

3. Food & Dining

Tiong Bahru shines with Tiong Bahru cafes and hawker gems. The market's 2nd-floor hawker centre buzzes with energy.[3]

Price range: $ (hawker) to $$$ (cafes). Locals love it for family-friendly vibes beyond just eating.[1]

Must-Try Spots

Spot	Specialty	Price	Location (from Exit B)
Tiong Bahru Market (Blk 30, 302 Tiong Bahru Rd)	Ah Chiang’s Charcoal Fish Congee ($4), Long Ji Zi Char Salted Egg Prawns	$	5-min walk
BooksActually Cafe	Artisan coffee, pastries	$$	4-min walk
Cheng’s @ 27	Local favorites	$$	6-min walk
Little Elephant Thai Bistro	Thai dishes	$$	7-min walk
Bakalaki Greek Taverna	Greek break from Asian fare	$$$	8-min walk

Tip: Weekend mornings at market see Mercedes lines for congee. Explore Japanese sandwiches and desserts in hip cafes.[2] Homejourney users trust our verified dining insights for safe outings.

4. Shopping

Tiong Bahru Plaza (302 Tiong Bahru Rd, since 1994) offers essentials: FairPrice supermarket, salon, food court, cinema.[2] Specialty shops include bookstores, record stores, ice cream parlours.[1]

Boutiques: Cat Socrates for postcards (cozy, local vibe)[2]
Markets: Tiong Bahru Market for fresh produce (daily, early best)
Convenience: FairPrice across from residences[1]

Quaint shops preserve heritage while adding hipster flair. 1-min walk from Exit A.

5. Practical Information

Best Time: Weekday mornings (avoid weekend crowds); mornings for market, evenings for lit-up shophouses.[2]

Getting There:

Changi Airport: MRT East West Line (45 mins)
Orchard: 30 mins via North East Line transfer at Outram Park
Buses: 195, alight Blk 55
Parking: Limited; use mall lots (paid)

Nearby connections: Outram Park (2 stops), Redhill (1 stop). Walkable; prams challenging on old sidewalks—opt for covered paths.[1]

6. Property & Living

Tiong Bahru offers HDBs, pre-war shophouses, and condos like Highline Residences (e.g., 9 Kim Tian Road).[1] Mix of historic estates and modern builds appeals to expats and families.

Price Ranges (2026 est., HDB/URA data): HDB resale $1.2M-$2M; condos $2.5M+ for 3-4 bed. Rentals $4K-$8K/month. Check Projects Directory and Bank Rates for verified insights and financing.

Schools: Cantonment Primary (10-min drive), Gan Eng Seng School
Healthcare: Alexandra Hospital (5-min drive)
Why Live Here: Art Deco charm, playgrounds, markets, CBD access. Family-friendly with dogs and buggies common.[1]

Homejourney's Property Search verifies safe transactions. Post-purchase, explore Aircon Services for maintenance.

Compare with Homejourney Bukit Timah Prime District Transport & Amenities Guide for other districts.

7. Insider Tips

As a frequent visitor, go early to market to beat queues. Respect elderly residents—quiet after 10 PM. Money-saver: Hawker over cafes ($4 meals vs. $15).[1][2]

Walk at different times: Morning kopi shops, dusk murals.
Hidden Gem: Record store near Yong Siak for vinyl hunts.
Avoid pram-unfriendly paths; use linkways.
Combine with Outram Park dim sum (10-min MRT).

Homejourney prioritizes your safety with verified local tips.