From trendy eats and drinks to captivating street murals, there’s more than meets the eye to Club Street in Singapore.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the heritage-rich enclave of Chinatown is a familiar area. Venture deeper and you’ll stumble across Club Street, a sub-precinct in Singapore that has welcomed an influx of trendy restaurants, cafes and bars over the years. Blending colonial charm with urbanism, this cool neighbourhood has slowly climbed the ranks of buzziest destinations in town. A stranger to Club Street? I’ve personally spent a day exploring this underrated area and uncovered many gems, so come along to see why it’s worth a visit.
Why Club Street is one of the hottest spots in Singapore
1. A foodie haven with trendy eats and drinks
What’s a sign of a buzzing neighbourhood in Singapore? Good food, of course! As true blue foodies, we always have our pulse on the trendiest food and drinks – and Club Street’s dining scene sets the bar high. The area boasts its fair share of cafes for daytime indulgence and restaurants for a finer taste in life.
Grab a morning cuppa and brunch at French bistro Merci Marcel, or head to the newly relocated Cafe Gyoen if you’re in the mood for matcha and a well-balanced Japanese teishoku meal. For wining and dining, we’ll point you towards La Table d’Emma for homely and hearty French cuisine, as well as Naples’ pizzeria L’antica Pizzeria da Michele for handcrafted pizzas and vinos. Psst: both restaurants are located at Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre!
2. Take a nostalgic stroll down memory lane
After all that indulgence, there’s no better time to walk off your food baby. Club Street is lined with colourful conserved shophouses, vibrant street art and unique architecture, which means you’ll be well-entertained on your stroll.
But if you’re keen on going on an adventure, good news: the neighbourhood is perfectly placed for a captivating mural walk. In partnership with Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong has curated a mural-hopping trail that’ll bring you around his masterpieces in the neighbourhood.
The mural walk starts from Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre and takes you to 10 street art spots, featuring Cantonese Opera, Chinatown Wet Market and Letter Writer. To beat the heat and humidity, put on comfy walking shoes and clothes, slather sunscreen, and bring along a portable fan or umbrella. We reckon 1 to 1.5 hours will be sufficient, including time to snap your Instagram photos!
3. Home to a cool new underground hangout
Let’s be real; we Singaporeans love our shopping malls and we’ll never turn down a chance to explore a new kid on the block. Club Street now offers another compelling reason to make a trip: ICON Link@ClubStreet. Nestled beneath Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre on 8 Club Street, it is a new underground dining and retail haven spanning nearly 20,000 sq ft.
The perfect place to escape the heat, this hangout spot boasts diverse dining options and cuisines, including brands like Hazukido, Super Ngon and Bao Wei Tang. Meanwhile, fashion and lifestyle boutiques like Katia Verde and Angel Republic will keep you occupied.
And for the cherry on top? ICON Link@Club Street boasts direct access to Telok Ayer MRT station, with access to Chinatown MRT station in the works! Yes, this means you can step off the train and be right in the heart of this underground haven. It doesn’t get more seamless and convenient than this.
4. Say hello to a vibrant after-dark scene
Step aside, Clarke Quay and Tanjong Pagar. Club Street is giving these usual nightlife spots in Singapore a run for their money with a flock of trendy bars and watering holes. Warm and inviting by day, it transforms into a thriving after-dark scene when the sun sets.
On our radar are Nost, a cosy gastrobar reminiscent of the 90s with specialty cocktails; beer bar Upward Taproom at Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre for Chinese craft beers; as well as Hup San Social Club, an intimate 12-seater that feels like home. With an impressive nightlife line-up, it’s the perfect excuse for a boozy night of bar-hopping.
Can’t wait to explore the ins and outs of Club Street in Singapore? We’ve got intel on the perfect base to call home as you explore the neighbourhood: Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre. Located between Chinatown and the CBD, this sleek hotel boasts a stellar location to experience the best of Club Street. Culinary destinations, vibrant city life, and historic sights and sounds are all easily within reach.
Psst: to sweeten your stay, check out Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre’s ongoing offers! As part of the Saver Offer, enjoy up to 12% off the best available rate for bookings made 14 days in advance. Couples can also book a stay under the Romantic Escapes package, inclusive of breakfast and indulgent treats like complimentary sparkling wine and chocolate dragees. (T&Cs apply).
Book yourself a getaway and get ready for day-to-night adventures right at your doorstep!
This post is in partnership with Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre.
