Singapore is best known as a bustling, concrete metropolis. There’s always something new to do, to experience, to explore… but for those of us caught up in today’s whirlwind of hustle culture, we may be nostalgic for the peacefulness of days gone by. Is it possible, in today’s day and age, to find pockets of the city where you can actually take a breath?
Turns out… Yes! From timeworn shophouses painted in pastel hues to charming retro boutiques to flavours that have stood the test of time, every corner of Singapore holds echoes of the past waiting to be rediscovered. So where can you visit the past while staying firmly rooted in the present?
Firstly, the neighbourhood of Katong-Joo Chiat has become synonymous with those seeking an immersive experience steeped in Peranakan culture. The blend of traditional and modern elements invites you to experience a chapter of Singapore’s history while enjoying the comforts of today, and for a stay that lets you truly soak in the heritage, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is the ideal spot to rest your head.
Inspired by the history of the surrounding neighbourhood, this hotel beautifully blends modern luxury with local heritage, steeped in vibrant Baba Nyonya-inspired design with a stunning rooftop pool offering panoramic views of the district.
From there, if you get more curious about what traditional Peranakan culture looked like, both Rumah Bebe and the Katong Antique House are perfect places to check out. Here, history isn’t just preserved, but woven into every fabric and ornament, offering a glimpse into a culture rich in craftsmanship and storytelling. You will truly feel like a time traveller, looking at old photographs of generations of Babas and Bibiks while admiring the intricately beaded slippers and delicately crafted crockery of another era.
But what if you want to picture yourself in history, not just look at it? Well, for a gorgeous bespoke kebaya of your very own, Rumah Kim Choo is where you need to go. There, fashion designer Raymond Wong — also a beadwork and embroidery practitioner — creates beautiful traditional clothing and carries on the legacy of the house’s founder, his paternal Peranakan grandmother, Nyonya Lee Kim Choo. Additionally, they also sell homemade savoury rice dumplings alongside nyonya kueh sampling sessions, and host walking trails so you can burn off all the snacks!
Speaking of food… No nostalgic journey is complete without delicious delights that carry history in its flavours. For the afternoon adventurers, at 328 Katong Laksa, you can experience a dish that has been a cornerstone of Singaporean culinary heritage for decades. With each spicy, warm spoonful of thick, white vermicelli noodles, you’ll feel totally transported.
Alternatively, if you’re an early bird, look no further than Chin Mee Chin Confectionery for an old-school breakfast experience. Its Hae bi hiam buns, cream horns, and fluffy chiffon cakes are classic treats from the past that still hit just as hard today.
Singapore’s past isn’t the only place you can explore. In fact, for a trip to the old-school Big Apple, check out Choice Cuts Pizza & Records; while the outlet itself is fairly modern, music aficionados can find a range of classic vinyl records on sale for a soundtrack to life that isn’t via streaming. While you’re at it, why not also grab a cuppa joe and a bagel or a classic slice of New York-style pizza?
Then, for a worldwide glimpse into yesteryear, A Vintage Tale offers an eclectic mix of retro collectibles and nostalgic treasures, each piece with a story to tell. This boutique transports you to the golden eras of style with its carefully curated collection of vintage dresses, accessories, and statement pieces that radiate the beauty of the past.
Meanwhile, a little ways to the west, you can find a blend of culture, creativity, and culinary delights in the Tanjong Pagar area. With its mix of classic charm and contemporary flair, it’s a space that nurtures curiosity and creative thinking. From thought-provoking museums to hidden book nooks, every corner offers opportunities to reignite your passion and use history to reimagine possibilities in your own life.
When it comes to where to stay, Claude Hotel offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, with its rooms carefully designed to celebrate and refresh the typical shophouse architecture. Its prime location also puts you just steps away from the neighbourhood’s best spots, making it the perfect base for the rest of your adventures.
You can start your true tour of Singapore’s history at the Singapore City Gallery; not only can you glimpse a massive model replica of the City Centre, you can also check out Lee Xin Li’s awesome illustrative map that shows exactly how the past and present exist seamlessly.
Then, to see a cornerstone of Singaporean history, visit the Thian Hock Keng Temple. Built in 1839, it has seen the Chinese community through social welfare, marriages, housing arrangements, and funeral services throughout the decades, and — thanks to restoration efforts — still stands almost exactly as it did at its newest.
From there, you can head over to Tong Mern Sern Antiques Arts & Crafts, a well-known antiques spot in a yet-to-be refurbished shophouse on Craig Road. It stands out amongst the modern buildings that surround it, and deep inside at the very back, you’ll also find Art Deco and Peranakan goodies that are being carefully restored by experts.
With all that exploring, you might need a calm, mindful break, and tea connoisseurs will adore the Yixing Xuan Teahouse, where you can learn how to prepare Chinese tea in the traditional manner as well as the culture and history behind it. Each workshop takes a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 25, so if you’re travelling as a couple or in a big group, you can all enjoy the experience.
Finally, you can wrap up your wandering with a literary exploration. Littered with Books is a charming indie bookstore tucked inside a quaint shophouse, offering two cosy floors filled with a curated selection of reads. So while you may not be able to actually travel through time, you may find a book or two that transports you into another age…
Singapore’s past isn’t confined to history books; it lives in its streets, flavours, and the experiences waiting to be uncovered. So as you plan your next journey, don’t just chase new adventures. Rediscover the ones that have been waiting for you all along. Let nostalgia guide you, let culture inspire you, and let the Lion City’s timeless charm remind you why travel is, at its core, about feeling connected to a place, a moment, and a story still unfolding.
