Is your love light dimming? Wondering how to break the tragic news? We're here to recommend you breakup places in the city.
Love can either make or break you. If you’re leaning towards the latter, the idea of a breakup has probably been gnawing at the back of your mind. We’ve all been there before; it’s not the most enjoyable thing to do. But hey, we say it’s time to blast your favourite anti-love tune (may we suggest Taylor Swift?) and nip your relationship in the bud. Whether you’re looking to get back in the dating game or escape to a faraway city, first you need to, in the wise words of the legendary ice queen Elsa of Arendelle, let it go. To make the painful process a little easier, we’ve crafted a guide to the best places for you and your partner to break up.
Disclaimer: we’re not responsible for any after-effects, just like how we don’t hold Rose responsible for letting Jack freeze to death in the saddest love story of all time – Titanic.
Places to break up in Singapore
1. The rollercoaster
What better way to break free from an emotional rollercoaster of a relationship than by breaking up on the actual rollercoaster? You can do it before taking off and scream your heads off to process the shock (or happiness). Or, break the news during the tight turns and steep slopes. Your partner – and no one else, for that matter – will or will not be able to hear you loud and clear. Even though the only rollercoaster rides we have are at Universal Studios Singapore, at least you’ll have some fun while you’re at it.
2. The Fragment Room
It’s normal to feel sad, angry, and a little overwhelmed at the end of your relationship. Break the bad news at The Fragment Room, then put on protective jumpsuits and release all your frustrations. It’s all about smashing and breaking things to your heart’s content. Pretty apt for newcomers to the broken hearts club. Warning: you should probably pick this spot only if it’s an amicable breakup. Safety first!
3. An ice cream cafe
There’s no better place to eat your feelings than at an ice cream cafe. Make peace with the end of your relationship by guzzling a few pints of thick, creamy ice cream together. Our top picks include Birds of Paradise, Burnt Cones, and Creamier. These frozen dessert joints won’t disappoint you (unlike your ex-partner). We guess you can call it a sweet ending after all.
4. Museums and galleries
Reminisce your relationship silently while gazing at the artefacts on display at quiet museums. This is an ideal spot for a fuss-free, amicable breakup – an added bonus if you’re an art lover. Calmly break the news at the beginning of the date and spend the rest of the time distracting yourself with your surroundings and coming to terms with the inevitable. The National Gallery Singapore, National Museum of Singapore, ArtScience Museum, and Asian Civilisations Museum are all excellent options to explore. Best of all, your partner can’t make a scene without being shushed.
5. East Coast Park
This east-side beach is perfect for cycling, rollerblading, jogging, kite flying… and breaking up. But hey, if you’re not willing to make the trek out, you can always pick a park closer to home. Picture this: it’s a windy day, with grey skies and rising tides, which makes it almost poetic when you deliver your breakup speech. You can even check the weather report beforehand, and just when it’s about to pour, take your leave in the most dramatic way possible.
6. Helix Bridge
What better way to end your relationship with your lover than on a bridge, where you can walk away in the opposite direction – a metaphor for going your separate ways – like you’re the leads in a cheesy rom-com. We might not have the most majestic of bridges, so the Helix Bridge will have to do. Plus, it helps that the stunning skyline acts as a picture-worthy backdrop. As you walk away, hold back the tears and listen to “Gotta Go My Own Way” by the high school couple that everyone used to root for, Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron.
7. The library
This is a practical choice, especially if you think your soon-to-be ex is one for creating a scene. Keep the breakup hush-hush (literally) by doing it in a library. It’ll be quick, too, so you can get it over with and move on from the drama. But before you leave, browse through the shelves of self-care books, ‘cos you’re going to need help navigating your way through the first few days of singlehood.
8. In front of a mall
Breakups are tough, even for the ones who initiate them. Speaking from experience, retail therapy can do wonders for a broken heart. Pick your favourite mall to do the dirty deed, and right after you’ve spilt your guts out, you can run straight into the arms of the ones who truly love you: shops. Remember what the prolific shopaholic Rebecca Bloomwood once said? “You see, a man will never love you or treat you as well as a store. If a man doesn’t fit, you can’t exchange him seven days later for a gorgeous cashmere sweater.” Go find that cashmere sweater that will keep you warm on a lonely night.
9. Clarke Quay
Looking to get back into the dating game posthaste? Bid a tearful farewell at the drinking bridge that leads to the party town that is Clarke Quay. Next, duck into the restroom for a quick touch-up, and you’re all ready to paint the town red.
10. Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade
Going for an amicable split? Take one last stroll together at this serene spot for a walk to remember. It’s a three-and-a-half kilometre stretch, so just make sure your journey down memory lane and your subsequent goodbyes are long enough to avoid awkward silences in between. For your final act, catch the sunset for a little razzle-dazzle (and perhaps one last smooch).
11. The airport
This scenario needs a little work but if you live for the drama, it’ll be worth it. Book a ticket to your preferred travel destination and on the day of your flight, send a cryptic text to your partner about an urgent meet-up at the airport. After you’ve said your piece, dash through security and live your well-deserved “Eat, Pray, Love” experience.
So, which place will you pick for your break up?
[This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2024 by Sufyan Saad.]