If you are looking for the best Weekend Activities and Things to Do Near Tiong Bahru Heritage and Hip, you can easily fill a full day (or a whole weekend) within a 5–15 minute walk of Tiong Bahru MRT, combining old-world charm, hipster Singapore vibes, and practical amenities that make daily living convenient and safe.
This focused guide supports Homejourney’s main Tiong Bahru Heritage and Hip Area Guide Tiong Bahru Heritage and Hip Area Guide | Homejourney by zooming in on what it is actually like to spend a weekend here – useful whether you are visiting, considering renting, or shortlisting the area for a home purchase via Homejourney’s property search Property Search .
Overview & Quick Facts: Tiong Bahru MRT & Surrounds
MRT station: Tiong Bahru MRT (East–West Line, station code EW17). The station sits along Jalan Bukit Ho Swee, about a 6–10 minute walk to the heart of the Tiong Bahru heritage area around Seng Poh Road and Yong Siak Street.
Operating hours: First trains generally depart around 5.30–5.45am and the last trains close to midnight, depending on direction and day of week (check latest timings on LTA/SMRT apps before travelling, as schedules can change for maintenance).
Station features: Barrier-free access with lifts and escalators, tactile paving, fare gates wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers, and sheltered connections to Tiong Bahru Plaza and bus stops, which is a plus for families, seniors, and anyone with mobility needs.
Key exits for weekend activities:
- Exit A: For Tiong Bahru Plaza, bus interchange, and walking route to Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre (about 8–10 minutes on foot via Tiong Bahru Road and Seng Poh Road).
- Exit B: For Bukit Ho Swee area and bus stops towards Orchard / River Valley.
Most visitors heading to the Tiong Bahru heritage area and popular Tiong Bahru cafes use Exit A, then follow the sheltered path across the road, continuing along Tiong Bahru Road towards Seng Poh Road. Allow 8–12 minutes on a leisurely weekend stroll.
Things to Do Nearby (Within Walking Distance)
The charm of Tiong Bahru is that you can explore almost everything on foot from the MRT. Here are the main Weekend Activities and Things to Do Near Tiong Bahru Heritage and Hip within roughly a 10–15 minute walk.
1. Explore the Heritage Streets & Art Deco Architecture
The pre-war low-rise blocks along Seng Poh Road, Tiong Poh Road, Moh Guan Terrace, and Eng Hoon Street are some of Singapore’s most photogenic streets, known for curved staircases, rounded balconies, and porthole windows.[1][3]
Walking time: 8–10 minutes from Tiong Bahru MRT Exit A to Seng Poh Road.
Best photo spots:
- The curved corner block at the junction of Moh Guan Terrace and Yong Siak Street.
- The spiral staircases behind some walk-up blocks (please respect residents’ privacy and keep noise levels low).
- Murals by Yip Yew Chong near Tiong Bahru Market and on several side walls, depicting old neighbourhood life.[3]
Insider tip: Go before 9am on weekends for soft light, cooler weather, and fewer crowds. You will also see more of the “real” estate life – residents heading to the market, uncles at the coffee shops, and kids cycling through the courtyards.
2. Visit Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre
Tiong Bahru Market (30 Seng Poh Road) is the social and culinary heart of the area, recently upgraded and one of Singapore’s best-loved hawker centres.[1]
Walking time: Around 9–10 minutes from Tiong Bahru MRT Exit A.
Opening hours: Wet market (ground floor) from about 7am–1pm daily; hawker centre (level 2) stalls generally operate from 7am–3pm, with a smaller dinner crowd from 6pm–9pm depending on stall.
What to do: Browse the wet market downstairs for fresh produce and traditional florists, then head upstairs to refuel (see Food & Dining section for specific stalls and dishes).
Insider tip: If you are shortlisting homes via Homejourney’s projects directory Projects Directory , visit the market on both Saturday morning and a weekday evening to understand noise levels, traffic, and how the estate “feels” at different times.
3. Seng Poh Garden & Dancing Girl Sculpture
Seng Poh Garden is a small neighbourhood park just beside Tiong Bahru Market, featuring the famous “Dancing Girl” sculpture, a popular Instagram spot and meeting point.[3]
Walking time: 2 minutes from Tiong Bahru Market; about 10–12 minutes from Tiong Bahru MRT Exit A.
The park has benches, greenery, and a playground, making it a convenient rest stop for families or elderly relatives while others explore the nearby streets.
4. Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter & Heritage Sites
The Tiong Bahru Air Raid Shelter beneath Block 78 Guan Chuan Street is Singapore’s only remaining pre-war civilian air raid shelter open for guided visits and occasional open houses.[3]
Walking time: 10–12 minutes from Tiong Bahru MRT Exit A.
Note: Access hours vary and are usually by special arrangement or heritage events – check the National Heritage Board or URA websites for the latest schedules. Even from the outside, it is an important reminder of the estate’s World War II history.
5. Qi Tian Gong Temple (Monkey God Temple)
Qi Tian Gong Temple, at 44 Eng Hoon Street, is one of Singapore’s earliest temples dedicated to the Monkey God, dating back to the 1920s.[3]
Walking time: 9–11 minutes from Tiong Bahru MRT Exit A.
Visitor etiquette: Dress modestly, keep voices low, and avoid obstructing worshippers. Photography is usually allowed at the entrance but check for signs or ask politely.
Food & Dining: From Hawker Legends to Tiong Bahru Cafes
Tiong Bahru is a heavyweight in the “hipster Singapore” food scene while still retaining proper old-school comfort food. Weekends can be crowded, so timing and choices matter.
1. Hawker Centres & Local Classics ($)
Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre is the go-to for classic Singapore dishes.[1]
Approximate price range: S$3–S$6 per dish at most stalls.
Must-try dishes and well-known stalls (subject to changes):
- Chwee kueh: Steamed rice cakes with preserved radish – often cited as one of the best versions islandwide.[1]
- Lor mee: Thick gravy noodles with braised meat and fried fish.[1]
- Char kway teow: Fried flat rice noodles with egg, Chinese sausage, and cockles.[1]
- Tiong Bahru Pau: Fluffy steamed buns (char siew, lotus paste) with outlets nearby as well.[1]
Insider tip: For shorter queues, arrive between 7.30–8.30am or around 2–3pm on weekends. Many popular breakfast stalls sell out by late morning.
2. Tiong Bahru Cafes & Brunch Spots ($$–$$$)
The cluster around Yong Siak Street and Eng Hoon Street is where the Tiong Bahru cafes scene thrives, with a mix of roasteries, bakeries, and brunch places.[1]
Examples of cafe options in the area include:
- Popular artisan bakeries known for croissants and sourdough breads.[1]
- Specialty coffee shops tucked into ground-floor shophouse units.
