Neighbourhood Guide: Tanjong Pagar

What to do in Tanjong Pagar? We’ve got recommendations for dining, entertainment and culture. This neighbourhood that’s a part of Singapore’s Central Business District is bursting with things to do, see and eat!

Tip-toeing into the Central Business District (CBD), Tanjong Pagar is a neighbourhood of counterbalance — old and new, fast and slow, expensive and economical — making it a neighbourhood with something for everyone.

Here are some of our favourite recommendations to make the most of your visit to this eclectic neighbourhood.

What to do in Tanjong Pagar

Bar-hop through Asia’s best bars

A whopping five out of the 11 Singaporean bars that made it to 2022’s list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars are located in Tanjong Pagar. You’re in fine company with the likes of Jigger & Pony, Tippling Club and No Sleep Club serving up high quality cocktails in enchanting ambiances.

Get cultured at the NUS Baba House
157 Neil Road, Singapore 088883

You can’t miss this bright indigo blue three-storey townhouse. As part of NUS Centre for the Arts, NUS Baba House promotes research into architectural conservation, and urban and social history.

What to see in Tanjong Pagar

Take in the colours of heritage shophouses

Whether you’re an architecture nerd or not, the charm of iconic heritage shophouses is irresistible. Each one more colourful and ornate than the next, take a walk along Everton Road, Neil Road and Duxton Hill where you’ll be able to feast your eyes on well-preserved Peranakan shophouses.

Take in the Singapore skyline from atop Pinnacle@Duxton
1G Cantonment Rd, Singapore 085301

Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the CBD and beyond from the rooftop skybridge of Pinnacle@Duxton. This gargantuan public housing project (it’s the world’s tallest public residential building) is a must-visit and only costs S$6 per entry.

What to eat and drink in Tanjong Pagar

Everton Park

The residential enclave of Everton Park nestled in Tanjong Pagar is a treasure trove of not-so hidden gems like the legendary Nylon Coffee Roasters, Ji Xiang Confectionery Handmade Ang Ku Kueh and The Better Half to name a few. Weave through the blocks to explore what’s on offer and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Keong Saik Road

Keong Saik Road has come a long way from its chequered past as a red light district, but its boisterousness lives on thanks to the multitude of drinking and dining options that draw in crowds. You’ll find world-class establishments like Burnt Ends and Thevar alongside local stalwarts like Kok Sen and Tong Ah Eating House.

Go alfresco at Duxton Hill

Make your way up the gentle incline of Duxton Hill and you’ll feel transported to any postcard-pretty European town. Cobblestone walkways and alfresco dining (perfect for people watching) lends a convivial spirit to this little enclave. You’ll be hard-pressed to choose from inventive margaritas at Lucha Loco, humble Italian staples at Latteria Mozzarella Bar and hearty Greek fare at Fotia. We say, have it all.

Stuff yourself silly at a hawker centre

While technically sitting slightly over the Tanjong Pagar border, Maxwell Food Centre and Amoy Street Food Centre are gems not to be missed. Collectively, both hawker centres contain a concentration of Michelin recommended stalls that would send any fervent foodie into a tailspin of choice. If you’re not one to fawn over titles and accolades, the stalls that have not been anointed with the Michelin touch are extremely worthy contenders in their own right.

Dive into K-pop and K-BBQ

Tanjong Pagar Road is a belt studded with Korean restaurants and watering holes. Find anything and everything like Korean BBQ, Korean Fried Chicken, sojurita and more. The choices can be overwhelming, but we’re loyal to the self-proclaimed ‘originators of Korean Fried Chicken in Singapore’ Kko Kko Na Ra, O.BBa Jjajang’s lip smacking jajangmyeon (Korean black bean paste noodles) and Guiga for Korean BBQ. Alternatively, take the time to try them all and form your favourite lineup yourself!

Tantric Bar
78 Neil Road, Singapore 088841

The famed ‘Home of The Blue Spin’ and Singapore’s most beloved LGBTQIA+ bar. What is a Blue Spin you ask? According to the lore of the land, an errant customer demanded for a cocktail to out-strength the Long Island Iced Tea, to which their bartender rose to the challenge and said cocktail was born. A great spot for cheesy music to dance to, good vibes and all-round warmth and love.

Living in Tanjong Pagar

We’ve just touched the tip of the iceberg as far as what to do, see, eat and drink in Tanjong Pagar goes.

Sounds like a neighbourhood you would like to live in? Habyt just happens to be in the area. From fully-furnished Standard rooms to 2-Bedroom (with kitchen) apartments, be sure to check out the swanky Habyt Cantonment that’s located off Tanjong Pagar.