Tanjong Pagar - Neighbourhood Guide

Greatly influenced by Korean culture over the past decade, many Korean food eateries can be found within the Tanjong Pagar neighborhood. Other unique streets include Tras Street, which is a thriving night spot featuring many pubs and bars as well as Duxton Hill, now noted for its hip cafes and cool boutiques in colonial shop houses. For local delights, Maxwell Food Center and Amoy Street Food Center provide an authentically Singaporean dining experience. Nearby, the historical Jinrikisha Station and Red Dot Design Museum are famous landmarks in the vicinity. Meanwhile, Keppel Towers, Fuji Xerox Towers and statutory boards such as Monetary Authority of Singapore and Urban Redevelopment Authority are situated here. In addition to The Lumiere, Altez and Icon condominium, future residential options include Clermont Residence, built atop Guoco Tower, an upcoming office building development. Together with lower levels of retail space and a luxury business hotel, Tanjong Pagar Centre is an area with immense potential for growth.

Public transport and amenities in Tanjong Pagar

Tanjong Pagar has always been regarded as the far end of the Central Business District (CBD), which is centred around Raffles Place and stretches along Robinson Road and Cecil Street to Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Nevertheless, Tanjong Pagar remains a quintessential part of the CBD, where old world charm rubs shoulders with gleaming skyscrapers which not only house offices but also homes with jaw-dropping views.

Tanjong Pagar is also famous for its row of wedding gown boutiques housed in colonial shophouses. Every other bride-to-be has likely browsed through the contents with a bored groom in tow before “Saying Yes to the Dress”. In recent years, an increasing number of hip and artisanal cafes and restaurants have decided to call Tanjong Pagar home.

10 Best Things to Do in Tanjong Pagar

1. Visit Thian Hock Keng Temple: The oldest temple in Singapore

Thian Hock Keng Temple stands as a testament to Singapore's rich cultural heritage. Originally built by early Chinese immigrants to worship Mazu, the Goddess of the Seas, this architectural marvel served as a beacon for those seeking safe passage across the treacherous South China Sea. The temple's intricate carvings and structures, constructed without a single nail, showcase the ingenuity and faith of its builders.

Built in 1839, Thian Hock Keng was gazetted as a national monument in 1973. Its restoration project, which spanned decades, earned four architectural awards, including the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage 2001 Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation. Guided tours for organised groups are conducted free of charge.

2. Explore heritage shophouses in Tanjong Pagar

If you're a self-professed architecture geek – especially when it comes to heritage structures – Tanjong Pagar is the district to be. Grab your camera and take a walk along places like Duxton Hill, Peck Seah Street and Neil Road, where you can find one of the oldest conservation shophouses in Singapore. You might just learn a new thing or two about the different shophouse styles that are prevalent in Singapore. 

3. Enjoy Chinese tea at Yixing Xuan Teahouse 怡心轩

Avid Chinese tea drinkers are known to pursue the perfect tea leaf as fervently as connoisseurs of fine wines. At Yixing Xuan Teahouse, you will learn about Chinese culture, arts, and the history of tea. You will also learn to recognise the various kinds of tea leaves and equipment, prepare tea the traditional way, as well as the relationship between tea and your health.

Address: 78 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088499

Opening Hours:

• Mon-Thu: 10 am to 8 pm
• Fri & Sat: 10 am to 9.30 pm
• Sun: 10 am to 7 pm

4. Indulge in the vibrant Nightlife of Club Street

At night, Tanjong Pagar's Club Street transforms into a lively hotspot filled with bars, pubs, and clubs. Whether you're craving craft beers, exotic cocktails, or a glass of fine wine, Club Street has something to satisfy every palate. Explore thematic bars like The Library with its speakeasy vibe, or Bar Stories known for its personalised cocktails. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere and an extensive selection of drinks, making Club Street the perfect destination for night owls to experience the best of Singapore's vibrant nightlife.

5. Visit SAM @ Tanjong Pagar Distripark

Nestled amid the bustling activities of the PSA shipping port, lies an unexpected cultural gem within the industrial setting of Tanjong Pagar Distripark. The Singapore Art Museum (SAM) at Tanjong Pagar Distripark offers a unique art experience far removed from the typical museum environment. Housed in a repurposed warehouse, this innovative venue bridges the gap between contemporary art and the public, featuring exhibitions and installations from both local and international artists.

SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark serves as a dynamic canvas for creative expression, showcasing thought-provoking works that reflect Singapore's diverse cultural landscape and its position within the global art community. This industrial space has been known as an alternative arts hub for over a decade, and with the National Arts Council's plans to further develop it as an arts cluster, its significance is set to grow even more.

6. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Nestled in the heart of Singapore's Chinatown, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a majestic sight to behold. Renowned for housing a sacred relic—a tooth believed to belong to the historical Buddha—this temple and museum complex captivates visitors with its grandeur. The highlight is a giant stupa made from 320 kilograms of gold, where the sacred tooth is enshrined.

As you explore, the architecture and artefacts offer a deep dive into Buddhist culture and art, making your visit both spiritual and educational. The temple hosts weekly guided tours that provide fascinating insights into its illustrious halls, allowing visitors to appreciate the rich tapestry of history and devotion that the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple represents.

7. Spoil your taste buds at Maxwell Food Centre

Savour delicious local hawker fare at this famous food centre. Try iconic Singaporean dishes such as Hainanese chicken rice from Tian Tian Chicken Rice, laksa, and char kway teow. With over 100 food stalls, it’s a food lover’s paradise offering authentic and affordable Singaporean cuisine. Don’t miss the refreshing sugarcane juice to complement your meal.

8. Visit the Red Dot Design Museum

Check out exhibitions showcasing contemporary design and innovation at this unique museum. Located in a striking red building, the museum features products and concepts from designers worldwide. The design shop offers creative and functional products, making it a great place for unique gifts. The museum also hosts workshops and talks that delve into design thinking and creativity.

9. Explore the Pinnacle@Duxton Skybridge

Head up to the skybridge of Pinnacle@Duxton for stunning panoramic views of the city skyline. Located on the 50th floor, this residential building offers one of the best vantage points in the area. Access requires a small fee and is limited to a certain number of visitors per day, so plan ahead to ensure your spot. The view at sunset is particularly breathtaking.

10. Unwind at Telok Ayer Green

Take a relaxing break at Telok Ayer Green, a small urban park surrounded by heritage sites like Thian Hock Keng Temple and the Nagore Dargah Indian Muslim Heritage Centre. The park features sculptures and shaded seating areas, providing an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a bit of greenery amidst the city. It’s a peaceful retreat during your exploration of Tanjong Pagar.

Housing Options in Tanjong Pagar

Tanjong Pagar is an interesting mix of old and new side by side in a Central Business District (CBD) – which is very rare. The neighbourhood has some of the most attractive new high rise condominiums in the CBD which not only allow you to walk to work (you don’t even need an e-scooter) but is also surrounded by food and drinks. Interested parties may check out newly launched condominiums such as TMW Maxwell, Newport Residences, and Skywaters Residences.

Abutting these gleaming high rises are a few rare blocks of HDB flats which are a mere 3 minutes’ walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT. These HDB flats are conveniently located on top of Tanjong Pagar Plaza which has everything one would possibly need - such as a supermarket, banks, hairdressers, optometrists, child care centre and even a hardware store. On the second level, you will find an entire floor devoted to hawker food.

Shopping in Tanjong Pagar

There are a number of shopping malls in the Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood and 99.co has prepared the following list of shopping malls you should visit in the neighbourhood:

Tanjong Pagar Centre (Guoco Tower)

Located at 1 Wallich Street, Tanjong Pagar Centre, also known as Guoco Tower, stands as Singapore's tallest building and integrates commercial, residential, and retail spaces seamlessly. This upscale mall features a range of dining options and wellness facilities. Anchor tenants include Virgin Active, a premier fitness club offering state-of-the-art gym facilities and FairPrice Finest, a supermarket stocked with local and international groceries and household essentials.

100 AM

Situated at 100 Tras Street, 100 AM offers a modern shopping experience with a diverse selection of retail stores, dining options, and essential services. Don Don Donki, a popular Japanese discount store, anchors the mall with its wide array of groceries, cosmetics, and household items. Cold Storage complements the offering with a comprehensive selection of fresh produce, gourmet products, and everyday necessities.

Icon Village

Nestled at 12 Gopeng Street, Icon Village is renowned for its boutique shops, specialty stores, and gourmet food outlets. This mall caters to shoppers looking for trendy fashion, unique gifts, and diverse culinary experiences. Anchor tenants include CS Fresh, known for its premium quality produce and seafood, and Starbucks, providing a wide range of coffee beverages, teas, and light meals in a relaxed setting.

Amara Shopping Centre

Adjacent to Amara Hotel at 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Amara Shopping Centre offers a blend of retail, dining, and lifestyle options. The mall features NTUC FairPrice, a well-known supermarket chain offering groceries and household essentials. Fitness First anchors the wellness aspect with its fully equipped gym, fitness classes, and personalised training services.

Tanjong Pagar Plaza

Located at 1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza, this mall provides a traditional shopping experience with a variety of local shops, services, and food stalls. The plaza is anchored by the Tanjong Pagar Wet Market, where visitors can find fresh produce, meats, seafood, and traditional goods. NTUC FairPrice complements the market with its convenience and grocery offerings, making it a go-to spot for residents and shoppers in the area.

In addition, those with more unique and discriminating tastes can wander into the many quaint little shops located at the shophouses in the Tanjong Pagar and Duxton area – some boutiques contain international brands like lululemon, and you could spend an enjoyable time browsing through these stores.

Dine and Drink in Tanjong Pagar

Renowned for its vibrant dining scene, Tanjong Pagar offers a diverse range of culinary experiences from local favourites to international cuisines. 99.co has listed some of the best food options in Tanjong Pagar.

• Korean BBQ at 2D1N Soju Bang: Experience authentic Korean BBQ with premium cuts of meat grilled at your table. 2D1N Soju Bang is a popular spot known for its quality ingredients and lively atmosphere.
• Japanese Street Food at Don Don Donki: Located at 100 AM, Don Don Donki offers a variety of Japanese street food such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and fresh sushi. It's a must-visit for Japanese food enthusiasts.
• Hainanese Chicken Rice at Tian Tian Chicken Rice: Found in Maxwell Food Centre, Tian Tian Chicken Rice is famous for its succulent chicken and fragrant rice, a beloved Singaporean dish that's consistently delicious.
• Tapas and Spanish Cuisine at Binomio: Binomio is a chic restaurant on Craig Road offering authentic Spanish tapas and hearty mains. Enjoy dishes like paella, Iberico ham, and a selection of fine Spanish wines.
• Dim Sum at Dim Dim Sum Dim Sum Specialty Store: Located in Icon Village, Dim Dim Sum Dim Sum Specialty Store serves up traditional Hong Kong-style dim sum in a casual setting. Don't miss their signature dishes like har gow and custard buns.
• Modern European Dining at Burnt Ends: For a unique culinary experience, head to Burnt Ends on Teck Lim Road. This Michelin-starred restaurant specialises in modern Australian cuisine cooked over open flames, featuring dishes like smoked quail eggs and grilled meats.
• Craft Cocktails at Operation Dagger: Discover innovative cocktails at Operation Dagger, a hidden gem on Ann Siang Hill known for its creative drinks made with house-made ingredients and unique flavour combinations.
• Ramen at Keisuke Ramen: Keisuke Ramen, located in Tanjong Pagar Centre, offers a variety of ramen styles with rich broths and customizable toppings. It's a favourite among ramen aficionados for its quality and authenticity.
• French Patisseries at Tiong Bahru Bakery: Known for its artisanal French pastries and bread, Tiong Bahru Bakery in Tanjong Pagar Centre is perfect for a leisurely brunch or a sweet treat. Try their croissants, quiches, and signature kouign-amann.
• Peranakan Cuisine at Violet Oon Singapore: Located in the historic Chijmes complex, Violet Oon Singapore serves authentic Peranakan dishes in a charming setting. Indulge in flavoursome dishes like ayam buah keluak and beef rendang.

These dining options showcase the diversity and quality of food experiences available in Tanjong Pagar, making it a culinary hotspot in Singapore. Whether you're craving traditional local fare, international flavours, or innovative dishes, Tanjong Pagar has something to satisfy every palate.

Educational Facilities in Tanjong Pagar

Tanjong Pagar is not only known for its vibrant commercial and cultural scene but also for its proximity to several reputable educational institutions. These educational institutions in and around Tanjong Pagar cater to a wide range of needs, from early childhood education to specialised tertiary education, making the area a well-rounded choice for families and students.

Primary and Secondary Schools:

• Cantonment Primary School
• CHIJ (Kellock) Primary School
• Outram Secondary School

International Schools:

• Inspiration Design International School

Tertiary and Specialised Institutions:

• Duke-NUS Medical School
• LASALLE College of the Arts (Winstedt Campus)

Preschool and Childcare Centers:

• MindChamps Preschool @ Tanjong Pagar
• Mulberry Learning Centre @ Tanjong Pagar

Enrichment Centers:

• Kumon Learning Centre
• The Learning Lab

Parks and Gardens in Tanjong Pagar

To ameliorate the harshness of CBD concrete buildings, a little bit of greenery is always needed. If you are residing in the Tanjong Pagar area, 99.co would like to recommend Tanjong Pagar Park for your nearby excellent picnic spot. It has over 1.02 hectares of parkland and serves as a convenient location for people to meet and interact in a colourful and green environment. It has a recreational resource that connects people with nature in an interactive approach. The key features of the Tanjong Pagar Park included landscapes consisting of colourful plants and trellises with climber plants. 

On top of that, Tanjong Pagar Park is also an excellent place for children to exercise their imagination in the exciting playground. Another park in the neighbourhood worth a visit is the Vanda Miss Joaquim Park. Although it is considered one of the smallest parks in Singapore, the park has a unique character that stands out and makes it special. It has its own arched entrance, a red Chinese-style pavilion, a concrete chessboard, and its own landscaping that comes complete with plots of bamboo. There are benches that allow visitors to sit and enjoy while listening to the rustle of leaves when an occasional breeze passes by.

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) - Tanjong Pagar

Tanjong Pagar has 3 MRT stations in its vicinity: Tanjong Pagar MRT, Outram Park MRT, and Telok Ayer MRT. As all these stations run along different lines, the neighbourhood as a whole is considered to be very accessible to all parts of Singapore. Given that it is also located in the CBD, the convenience afforded by Tanjong Pagar cannot be disputed.

Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (EW15)

Line: East-West Line (EWL)

Positioned in the heart of Tanjong Pagar, this station is conveniently located near various office buildings, hotels, and cultural landmarks. It's a key transit point for commuters working in the Central Business District (CBD). Close to iconic sites such as the Tanjong Pagar Centre, Amara Hotel, and the vibrant food and nightlife scene on Duxton Hill and Tras Street. It also offers easy access to the bustling Tanjong Pagar Plaza and Maxwell Food Centre.

Outram Park MRT Station (EW16/NE3/TE17)

Line: East-West Line (EWL), North-East Line (NEL), Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL)

Situated on the fringe of Tanjong Pagar, Outram Park MRT Station is a major interchange station providing connectivity across three lines. Close to the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) campus, Chinatown, and the Tanjong Pagar Conservation Area. This station serves as a critical hub for residents and professionals travelling across different parts of Singapore.

Telok Ayer MRT Station (DT18)

Line: Downtown Line (DTL)

While technically part of the Chinatown district, Telok Ayer MRT Station is just a short walk from Tanjong Pagar and serves the southern end of the CBD. Proximity to cultural sites such as Thian Hock Keng Temple, numerous eateries along Amoy Street and Telok Ayer Street, and a vibrant mix of heritage and modernity.

These MRT stations provide excellent connectivity to and from Tanjong Pagar, making it easy for residents, professionals, and visitors to navigate the area and access other parts of Singapore.