
What’s good in Singapore's Civic District? Museums, cool eateries, fab shops and more.
Located in the crux of downtown Singapore, the Civic District is fondly known as the arts hub thanks to its proximity to museums, heritage buildings and craft shops. Explore the gritty yet remarkable precinct for fine eateries, bars and shopping. Bookmark our guide for the best recommendations!
Guide to the Civic District in Singapore: Things to do, see and shop
1. Asian Civilisations Museum

Otherwise known as ACM, this museum plays host to Asian antiquities and decorative art. It’s the only museum in Asia with a pan-Asian scope, and it’s right here in our humble Civic District. You’ll see masterpieces at groundbreaking exhibitions, which often focus on Asia and its connections to the world. The museum has grown through acquisition, donations, and loans from private collectors, making it one of the most comprehensive in the region. Explore the three floors themed by maritime trade, faith and belief, and materials and design.
Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
2. Peranakan Museum

For a glimpse into rich Peranakan heritage, you gotta drop by this museum. The gallery possesses one of the most comprehensive collections of Peranakan paraphernalia, with each floor covering different aspects of the culture. Begin on the first floor and learn about the origins and roots of the Peranakan people. Next, move to the second and third floors to get a better understanding of ceramics, food culture, community, fashion, and decorative textiles.
Peranakan Museum, 39 Armenian Street, Singapore 179941
3. Children’s Museum Singapore

Make it a family day out and take your tots to the first museum in Singapore dedicated to kids. Your little ones will experience the spark of wonder and the power of play in a child-friendly environment. It’s highly recommended that you book a visiting timeslot because entry to the museum is based on capacity, and you may not get the chance to browse the gallery if you choose to walk in spontaneously. Fun exhibitions include A Voyage Back in Time, Imagine A Garden and Play Pod.
Children’s Museum Singapore, 23B Coleman Street, Singapore 179807
4. National Gallery Singapore
Home to the largest public collection of local and Southeast Asian art in the world, it’s no surprise that our National Gallery is a national treasure. Step into the breathtaking building to explore the interior and its state-of-the-art facilities. When you’re done, rest your legs at one of the F&B establishments including rooftop bar Smoke & Mirrors and Cantonese restaurant Yan.
National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
5. National Museum of Singapore

Dating back to 1887, this sprawling building is our nation’s oldest museum. Inside the 19th-century colonial exterior, you’ll find modern multimedia exhibits that showcase our rich history and culture. We love the annual Singapore Night Festival that brings the museum to life with exciting light displays and art installations.
National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
6. St. Andrew’s Cathedral
The oldest Anglican church is hard to ignore, what with its white Neo-gothic structure amongst modern buildings. Built in 1852, it was also used as an emergency hospital during the Japanese Occupation. If you’re around the vicinity, be sure to step inside to check out the various memorials and dedications.
St. Andrew’s Cathedral, 11 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178959
7. Chijmes

Not only is it a gastropub of notable restaurants, but Chijmes goes way back to the 50s. The neoclassical building used to be a convent school. Today, the place has been declared a national monument. A great dinner spot with charm? Yes, please! Oh, and be sure to check out the lawn that’s bedazzled with dreamy fairy lights.
Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
8. National Library Building

The National Library Building has 16 storeys of reading material and endless collections of Singapore’s literary and publishing heritage. It’s home to a drama centre and exhibition spaces, as well as a function and events space on the 16th-storey rooftop.
National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064
9. Mint Museum of Toys
Relieve your childhood memories through 50,000 vintage playthings and collectables at the Mint Museum of Toys. The toys are brought in from over 40 countries, dating from the 1840s to 1980s. Walk through four thematic levels – Outerspace, Characters, Childhood Favourites and Collectables.
Mint Museum of Toys, 26 Seah Street, Singapore 188382
10. Funan

Funan used to be a mecca for electronics but has since transformed into a lifestyle mall. This isn’t your ordinary shopping centre, though. It inspires learning, creativity and connection by adopting six themes – tech, craft, play, fit, chic and taste. Look out for local brands like Love, Bonito, Green Collective SG and the Wild Rice theatre. There’s also an Urban Farm by Edible Garden City on the seventh floor. Staying true to its farm-to-table concept, Japanese restaurant Noka uses herbs and vegetables from the garden in its dishes.
Funan, 107 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179105
11. Bras Basah Complex
If there’s one place to get crafty, it’s Bras Basah Complex. The old-school five-storey building boasts craft supply shops, printing services and bookstores. No wonder it’s called the book city of Singapore! FYI, it also makes a great spot for your IG shots.
Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street, Singapore 180231
12. Bugis Street
This gritty street takes us back to shopping in Bangkok with hundreds of shops waiting for you. You’ll find it chock full of affordable blogshop-style apparel, piercing and tattoo shops, street food and souvenirs. Expect crowds during weekends and peak hours.
Bugis Street, 3 New Bugis Street, Singapore 188867
13. The Green Collective

So you wanna take the first step in leading a planet-friendly lifestyle? Get yourself acquainted at The Green Collective, an emporium for small sustainable brands. Take home bamboo toothbrushes, gardening and composting pits, plant-based food, beauty products, plastic-free food storage items, sustainable homewares and more.
The Green Collective, #02-18, Funan, 107 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179105
14. The Bike Settlement
Make a pitstop at this bike shop for all your cycling essentials. Featuring brands like Cateye, Factor, Lake and Mint, it houses everything from helmets to bike accessories.
The Bike Settlement, #01-06, Waterloo Centre, 261 Waterloo Street, Singapore 180261
15. Raffles Singapore

An absolute icon, Raffles Singapore opened in 1887 – making it the most storied hotel in the city. Old world romance meets luxury at this colonial-style hotel, which has greeted some of the world’s biggest celebrities and personalities, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Only suites are available here, each offering elegant period furnishings and views of lush tropical gardens within the vicinity. Make sure to try the Singapore Sling which was born right here at Long Bar.
Raffles Singapore, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
16. Street art

Of course, what’s an arts district without fabulous murals and street art to marvel at? Whip out your phones for murals at 222 Arts Club by the 222 Queens Street building and the entrance of 51 Waterloo Street to find artworks by Yip Yew Chong and Yuen Kum Cheong.
Guide to the Civic District in Singapore: Where to eat
17. Nobu-ya
For a great catchup with loved ones, Nobu-Ya is the place to be. The quaint restaurant serves izakaya plates including sashimi, octopus, grilled fish and karaage. There’s just one rule – everyone at the table has to drink booze.
Nobu-ya, #01-05, Fortune Centre, 190 Middle Road, Singapore 188979
18. Artichoke

Helmed by chef Bjorn Shen, Artichoke is known for being the “least authentic Middle Eastern restaurant”. Basically, it’s a modern take on classics. Great for sharing, the menu rotates every now and then, slinging out flavour-packed dishes like jeweled hummus, roasted cauliflower and haloumi, green harissa clams, slow-roasted lamb, and black Angus flank. Enjoy the date pudding with smoked custard, cashew and coffee to end your meal.
Artichoke, 161 Middle Road, Singapore 188978
19. Herbivore
The name says it all – this vegetarian restaurant puts a cool spin on Japanese cuisine using organic ingredients. Tuck into chef Yasui Masa’s vegetarian plates like reimagined sushi, “pork” tonkatsu, ramen and gyoza. The restaurant is located in Fortune Centre, the unofficial haven for vegetarians.
Herbivore, #01-13/14, Fortune Centre, 190 Middle Road, Singapore 188979
20. Kurasu Singapore
Hailing from Kyoto, this cafe doles out house blends and brews from specialty roasters across Japan. Yup, the coffee beans are shipped in every week so you can expect fresh brews every time you visit. The cafe has recently started serving pancakes so come with an appetite.
Kurasu Singapore, #01-24, Waterloo Centre, 261 Waterloo Street, Singapore 180261
21. Tom’s Palette

This ice cream parlour is always sprawling with patrons and for good reason. It’s the best spot in the Civic District to cool down with a scoop. Get signature flavours available every day ranging from Italian dark chocolate to Jamaican rum & raisin. Or check out the rotation of seasonal flavours that change daily.
Tom’s Palette, #01-01, 51 Middle Road, Singapore 188959
22. Hospoda Microbrewery
Say cheers and make merry with an ice cold glass of Czech beer, brewed right here in this brewpub. The humble spot serves up reasonably priced pints with pub grub like Hospoda pork sausage, burgers and BBQ chicken chop.
Hospoda Microbrewery, #01-19, Village Hotel Albert Court, 180 Albert Street, Singapore 189971
Explore the fun and hip arts hub of the Civic District in Singapore with our handy guide!