Things to do in Dempsey Hill Singapore

By Dom Bewley
Last updated: August 11, 2026
Things to do in Dempsey Hill Singapore

Heading to Singapore for your vacation and staying in the Dempsey Hill district of the city? Good choice. There are plenty of things to see and do and places to relax and grab a bite. To save you time, we've researched this list of the best things to do in Dempsey Hill, so you don't have to. Read on, and discover why it's one of the best districts in Singapore!

Including:

  • Gardens by the Bay
  • Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen
  • Dover Street Market Singapore
  • Pearl Hill's Park
  • The Museum of Ice Cream
  • and more!

 

Gardens by the Bay

If you're looking for things to do in Dempsey Hill, you cannot miss one of Singapore's most beautiful landmarks. Known across the globe as one of the most extravagant green spaces around, Gardens by the Bay practically demands a visit.

With over a million plants housed within over one hundred hectares of floral delight, the green-thumbed of you will be spoilt for choice. Make sure to visit three of the location's biggest selling points.

The Flower Dome is the world's largest glass greenhouse, with flowers from five continents on display across nine gardens, including thousand-year-old olive trees and unusual Baobab trees.

Cloud Forest featuring Avatar: The Experience is an immersive experience created in conjunction with the hit movie franchise. You'll be transported to the fictional world of Pandora, where you can marvel at its cascading waterfalls, spiraling walkways, and fantastic creatures.

And finally, the Sun Pavillion features over 1000 plants that call the sunnier parts of the world home. Desert species like cacti and succulents are beautifully arranged and will earn a spot on your social media.

 

Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen

Got a hankering for a pampering while visiting Singapore? Is your hair a mess, and are your nails in need of a good seeing to? Then check out Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen, where you can get all that and more at a great price.

They also offer full-body massages, facials, and if you're wrangling a group of unruly, unkempt children, they'll even host a spa party just for them. With manis, pedis, and styling all thrown in, they'll certainly come out the other end looking prim and proper. And when all kids want to do is have fun, styling is the perfect remedy to quash their excitable tendencies.

 

Dover Street Market Singapore

Deal-seekers, rejoice! The world-famous Dover Street Market has now opened its doors in sometimes-sunny Singapore! And, just like its stores in New York, Tokyo, Seoul and London, you'll find tons of deals on brilliant designer attire.

Situated in a disused army barracks, the interior's design somewhat resembles an art installation. But you're not here for the interior; you're here for your exterior. And you'll have plenty to choose from, with Comme des Garçons and Céline just some of the many lauded labels on display throughout. So, if you need some new attire, head to Dover Street Market!

 

Pearl Hill's Park

The awe-inspiring modern metropolis of Singapore is something else, but that doesn't mean you won't be craving any nature during your vacation. So, if you're looking for things to do in Dempsey Hill and want to get your blood pumping, why not take a walk at Pearl Hill's Park?

The Pipeline Trail, at a rather modest six kilometers, isn't necessarily for the faint of heart. Featuring a healthy dose of climbing and even wading through mud, you'll probably want to be a somewhat seasoned hiker if you fancy taking it on. However, if you do choose to do it, it's easily the best hike you'll find around Singapore. Just remember to pack your hiking boots; you don't want to ruin your sneakers and your back simultaneously.

 

The Museum of Ice Cream

Do you like ice cream? Do you ever yearn to enter a world where everything is ice cream, or ice cream-adjacent? Well, we're pleased to let you know that Singapore has made your wish come true, all thanks to the Museum of Ice Cream. Pinch yourselves - it's real, folks.

Featuring real installations like a giant sprinkle 'ball pit', and plenty of other frozen dairy goodness, it's a must-visit for any ice cream fan. Or, anyone who wants to make their followers incredibly jealous.

Plus, every attendee gets a free ice cream cone when they enter, because of course they do.

 

Eat like royalty

Speaking of food, you might be feeling peckish after all those things to do. So, let's explore the best restaurants in Dempsey Hill, Singapore!

Let's start with the Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar. Created by three-Michelin-starred wonder Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar's menu features a brilliant mix of Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine. So, if you're looking for dim sum, dumplings, and other Chinese treats, you've come to the right place.

Or, if you're looking for some authentic Singaporean cuisine, set your sights on Morsels. This Little India mainstay has made its way to Dempsey Hill, where it has tons more space. With a host of sharing plates on offer, you can pick several dishes and try a bit of each. We recommend the Duroc Pulled Pork if you can handle a bit of spice in your life.

 

And drink like one too!

And we'll end today's list with a few beverages. If you need to wet your whistle, these are our picks for the best bars in the district!

Gin lovers will be well taken care of at The Rabbit Hole. This gin joint has plenty of international labels for you to sip, as well as signature gins brewed specifically for the venue. Who knows, you might find your new favorite gin inside.

Amber nectar worshipers can head to the RedDot Brewhouse, where you'll find plenty of national and international beers on tap. They also do bar food and small plates, if you start feeling those session hunger prangs.

And finally, for classy cocktails in a minimalist interior, check out COMO Club @ Dempsey. With a menu longer than your arm, you're sure to find your favorite tipple on tap. Or, if you're feeling daring, as the mixologists to whip you up a unique drink. The world, and the cocktails, are your oyster.

And that's our list of the best things to do in Dempsey Hill.

If you want to make the most of your trip to Singapore, and you're looking for more fun adventures to fill out your vacation, try Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can experience all the best bits of Singapore for one low price!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

Singapore SEA Aquarium
Blog

Things to do in Singapore for Families and Kids

Looking for a holiday destination that’s fun for the whole family? Singapore is basically a giant playground - safe, sunny, and full of fun, all year round. From adventure parks to beautiful beaches, exotic wildlife to mesmerizing light shows, there are plenty of family-friendly sights for you and your children to enjoy. If you’re looking for things to do in Singapore with kids, check out this list of our favorite kid-friendly activities. Cycle with dinosaurs at the Jurassic Mile The fun begins as soon as you touch down at Singapore’s Changi Airport. It’s a magnificent building, housing waterfalls, wildlife exhibits, a swimming pool, movie theater, and much more. It certainly breaks the mold of what an airport can be. But that’s not the really cool part. Connecting Changi Airport to East Coast Park, via a 3km path, is the Jurassic Mile. The largest outdoor display of life-sized dinosaurs! If your kids are dino-lovers, they’ll have a blast here. Take your pick of walking, scooting, or cycling as you pass pterodactyls, velociraptors, an angry T-Rex, and many more. The whole route takes around 30 minutes one-way, depending on how many times you stop for photos. Take a walk on the wild side at Singapore Zoo Welcoming over two million visitors per year, Singapore Zoo aims to showcase how animals behave in their natural habitats. The park is so big there’s a tram to help you get around - always handy if the little ones are getting a little restless. Check the Zoo map and feeding schedule before visiting, so you can see all your favorite animals, and even feed a few too. There are also special events and animal shows, so be sure to factor these in when planning your itinerary. You’ll see a vast array of animals, including kangaroos, pygmy hippos, frogs, sloths, wolverines, and rhinos, to name just a few of the 300 species. There are also plenty of feeding holes for humans, so you can keep your energy levels up as you explore the wilderness. Head below the surface at SEA Aquarium Explore Singapore’s underwater world at SEA Aquarium, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. With over 100,000 aquatic animals of more than 1,000 species in over 45 habitats, SEA Aquarium has one of the largest collections of aquatic life in the region. Standing face to face with a Giant Pacific Octopus is an experience your little ones won’t soon forget. If that sounds a little too scary, how about Bottlenose Dolphins or adorable little seahorses? With a huge central aquarium and immersive shark tunnel, you’ll be loving life under the sea. Slip and slide at Adventure Cove Waterpark If your kids have more energy and like things a little more hands-on, head to Adventure Cove Waterpark. They’ll can snorkel through the rainbow reef and see 20,000 colorful fish up close, or really let loose in the giant wave pool. With rides for all ages, including the Big Bucket Treehouse, Riptide Rocket, and Seahorse Hideaway, the hardest part of the day will be dragging them away when it’s time to leave. For the adults who need a brief moment of peace and quiet, hop in a tube and float down Adventure River where you’ll drift through 14 different environments, including an immersive underwater tunnel filled with marine life. Take it to the next level at Universal Studios Singapore Scream if you want to go faster! Universal Studios Singapore features seriously exciting rides, attractions, and shows. Are you brave enough to ride Battlestar Galactica: HUMAN vs. CYLON? Or take on The Ultimate 3D Battle featuring The Transformers? Don’t worry, if you need to slow things down a little then Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey or Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase are a little easier on the nerves. With seven themed areas to explore: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar, plus plenty of dining options, from fast food to sit-down restaurants, it’s an adventure-packed day for young and old alike. Head to the beach A day at the beach is a must if you’re heading to Singapore, and whether you have teens or tweens, there’s a beach for them. If building sandcastles while you sip on a frosty drink sounds like a dream day out, add Silosa to your itinerary. The restaurants have tables on the sand, meaning you can always keep an eye on the little ones as they splash in the shallows. Silosa also offers watersports for the older ones, with kayak and paddleboard rentals available year-round. If you get bored easily and want a little more action, East Coast Park is the dream destination. Soak in the sun as you explore the abundance of cycle and rollerblading paths. (rental shops are aplenty), or really test your nerves in the Xtreme SkatePark. For the ultimate watersport adventure, Singapore Wake Park offers a safe environment for both beginners and experienced wakeboard riders looking for an adrenaline fix. It’s set in the safety of a lagoon, with rides available for children as young as six years old. Finish the day with a light show The light shows in Singapore are magical, and the perfect end to a long day of exploring. Some are paid, others are free, but all are amazing. With a variety of fireworks, water jets, and lasers choreographed to music, Wings of Time is a stunning, state-of-the-art performance that’s guaranteed to get a “Wow!” from even the most temperamental of teens. Other light shows worth attending include Spectra, which takes place at Marina Bay Sands just before sunset, and Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay. Both are unmissable, jaw-dropping experiences. Save on Admission to Top Singapore Attractions Explore the best things to do with a pass for Singapore by Go City®. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, where you’ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers, and events to help you make the most of your travels.
Adam Fraiel
Cycling Singapore
Blog

Best Cycling Routes in Singapore

By Mia Russell Beautifully green and pristinely clean, Singapore is a city that begs to be explored. And what better way than on two wheels? While there are myriad ways to explore the ‘Garden City,’ hopping on a bike and riding around on its Park Connector Network (PCN) is a great way to experience the city and get active at the same time. Home to spectacular gardens and parks, beautiful beaches, and awe-inspiring architecture, the ‘Lion City’ is packed with incredible places to explore. Feel the wind in your hair as you meander past beaches and wind your way through gardens. You’ll find plenty of places around the city that offer bike rentals. Use your pass to rent a Gogreen Bicycle and hit the road. Remember to keep your pass handy to gain entry to many of the city’s top attractions along the way. Let’s take the road less traveled and discover the city’s hidden secrets on these top cycling routes in Singapore. Southern Ridges Loop Difficulty level: Moderate Distance: 9 km The Southern Ridges are a beautiful part of Singapore and are ideal for exploring by bike. Spanning 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), the Southern Ridges comprise five parks and lovely green spaces crisscrossed with a network of trails. Start at South Buona Vista Road and make your way towards the Alexandra Arch, an 80-meter-long pedestrian bridge known as the ‘Gateway to Nature.’ Meander along the Forest Walk and take in the tranquil beauty of the dense secondary forest of Telok Blangah Hill Park. Stop at the famous Henderson Waves, the architecturally-striking 274-meter-long pedestrian bridge that connects Telok Blangah Hill Park to Mount Faber Park. Keep an eye out for rare birds such as the Drongo and Yellow Oriole. Make your way up to Mount Faber for some spectacular views of the bay and the bustling waterfront district of Harbourfront. Treat yourself to hill-top dining against a backdrop of stunning views and if you don’t feel like riding back, hop on the Singapore Cable Car with your pass and soar over Singapore’s skyline to Sentosa. Mandai Loop Difficulty level: Moderate Distance: 35 km (21 miles) This inner-city cycling route will take you through the Mandai Reserve, home to the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Safari, and past the Old Ford Factory. Start your ride at Rats Corner on Orchard Road and head north towards the Mandai Reserve. The reserve has several renowned mountain bike tracks, including the famous Track 15 (T15), one of the easiest trails in Singapore. Have some fun on the dirt tracks or use your pass to gain free entrance to the Singapore Zoo. Spend a few hours meeting the 300 species that call the zoo home. When you are done at Mandai, complete the loop southwards towards the city, along Bukit Timah Road. Make sure to swing past the Old Ford Factory, the historic site where Singapore surrendered to Japan in 1942, before returning to Rats Corner. Eastern Coastal Loop Difficulty level: Moderate Distance: 20 km (12 miles) to Changi, 27 km (16.7 miles) to Marina Bay Escape the city with an adventure along the East Coast of the island on this fantastic cycling route. Connecting East Coast Park and Pasir Ris Park, the Eastern Coastal Loop will take you past beautiful beaches, dense rainforests, lush wetlands, and awe-inspiring coastal landscapes. Begin your journey at East Coast Park and ride to Changi Beach Park, one of the oldest coastal parks in Singapore. Located at the northern tip of Changi, the 28-hectare beach park still retains the kampung atmosphere of bygone days and is a fantastic place to have a swim and relax. Grab a delicious meal of Goreng Pisang (banana fritters) and nasi lemak (coconut rice) at the Changi Village Hawker Centre. Make your way back to East Coast Park. If you haven’t had enough, continue riding in the opposite direction and wind your way through Gardens by the Bay. Marvel at whimsical sculptures, gigantic high-tech trees, and misty biodomes in this fantastical world of green. Use your pass for admission to the Cloud Forest home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and the Flower Dome. Northern Eastern Riverine Loop Difficulty level: Easy Distance: 26 km (15 miles) This incredible trail meanders for 26 kilometers (15 miles) through the spectacular parks and waterways of Punggol. Start at Punggol Park and make your way toward the Sungei Pinang footbridge and the Coral Plant. Cross the Sungei Pinang footbridge and admire the amazing views of the scarlet-colored Coral Plant. Head towards the Punggol Promenade and enjoy the greenery and biodiversity flourishing along the seafront as you pass by. Ride to the Lorong Halus Wetland, a scenic stretch of land on the eastern banks of the Punggol-Seletar reservoir that is home to shimmering ponds and thick reed beds. Detour past Punggol Waterway Park to see its beautiful reservoirs and impressive suspension bridges. Watch the sunset from Adventure Bridge and soak up some stunning views. Central Urban Loop Difficulty level: Moderate Distance: 36 km (22 miles) Explore the neighborhoods in the heart of Singapore and get a glimpse into the everyday life of Singaporeans. Begin your trip in Toa Payoh Town Park and make your way through Kallang Park and the Whampoa connector. Along the Whampoa Park Connector, stop by Balestier Road to sample some of the amazing food from the street hawkers. When you get to Bishan, take a break in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Set on the banks of the Kallang River, the park is one of the biggest on the island and is the perfect place for a picnic lunch. Northern Explorer Loop Difficulty level: Moderate – Challenging Distance: 11 km (7 miles) Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and venture into Singapore’s Northernmost region to take in the beauty of Woodlands, Yishun, and Sembawang. Start from Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, a natural sanctuary of dense forests and tranquil waterways. Make your way through the five-kilometer (three-mile) Mandai Park Connector that runs alongside the beautiful Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Keep an eye out for cheeky, long-tailed Macaques who call the reserve home. The next stop is Admiralty Park, a lovely hilly park in Woodlands bisected by the Sungei Cina River. The 20-hectare park is home to a myriad of fauna and flora and offers some challenging hills if you are feeling energetic. Ride on to visit Woodlands Waterfront, one of Singapore’s longest coastal jetties, and end your adventure with a swim at the natural sand beach in Sembawang Park. Western Adventure Loop Difficulty level: Moderate – Challenging Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) If you feel like an off-the-beaten-track adventure, then the Western Adventure Loop is perfect! This challenging route takes you through the wild west of Singapore. Start at Choa Chu Kang Park, a lovely green space with old fruit tree plantations, small streams, and an array of bird species. Cycle through the bucolic Pang Sua Park and along the Bukit Panjang Park Connector, keeping your eyes on the tree line to spot birds. Pass by the rugged terrain and untouched vegetation of Zhenghua Nature Park and cycle into the Dairy Farm Nature Park. This park is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and excellent hiking and rock climbing. Ride on to your final destination at Bukit Batok Nature Park where you’ll find a tranquil quarry pond surrounded by high cliffs. It’s the perfect place to end the day with a refreshing swim in the cool quarry waters. Coast-to-Coast (C2C) Trail Difficulty level: Moderate Distance: 36 km (22 miles) Experience all of Singapore’s diverse landscapes on this challenging 36-kilometer (22-mile) trail across the island. Beginning in the Jurong Lake Gardens in the west, you’ll make your way across the island to Coney Island Park in the northeast. The trail takes you through the Lornie Nature Corridor near the center of the island and some of Singapore’s most beautiful parks like Bukit Batok Nature Park and Hindhede. You’ll end your journey on the charming Coney Island.
Cara Merren
Fireworks over Marina Bay in Singapore
Blog

Singapore in December

December heralds the beginning of Singapore’s northeast monsoon season. This, as festive vacation planners will no doubt be delighted to learn, is the season’s ‘wet phase’, when heavy persistent showers are all but guaranteed to sweep in and ruin your stroll in the late afternoons and early evenings. In spite of this, the last month of the year remains a popular time to visit the Garden City, largely thanks to its epic Christmas lights and awesome New Year’s Eve celebrations. Read on for our whistlestop guide to what to expect of Singapore in December. Visiting Singapore in December Temperature: 77–85°F • Average Rainfall: 25 days/month • Average Sunshine: 6 hours/day The temperature in Singapore remains pretty uniform all year round. We’re talking hot days and balmy nights. December brings higher humidity and monsoon downpours into the mix, meaning choosing which outfits to pack can be a little like learning to play the ancient Chinese game of mahjong for the first time. In short: tricky. Light cottons and linens are your friends and Singapore’s proliferation of covered walkways and air-conditioned megamalls probably means you can leave the novelty umbrella hat at home. But do pack a pocket poncho and a light hoodie or sweater to see you through those wetter/cooler moments. If you’ve never experienced a Singapore monsoon before, you’re in for quite the treat. Usually heralded by darkening skies and a brisk breeze, the rains move in fast. And boy, can they be vicious. It’s not unusual to spot newly arrived tourists bounding frantically across rapidly rising puddles like Gene Kelly in Singin’ in the Rain, but without the slick Hollywood moves. If you are planning to visit Singapore during its glittering festive season, we’d recommend you get your flights and accommodation booked as far in advance as possible. In spite of the rains, this is a very popular time of year and booking early can often (if not always) help to beat the December price hikes. Things to do in Singapore in December It’s all about Christmas in Singapore in December. Well, almost. Certainly, you’d be forgiven for thinking the entire planet’s electricity supply is being channeled into the festive light displays here, which are so bright they might well be visible from the planet Zork. See some of the most extravagant Christmas decorations in town on an evening stroll along Orchard Road, Singapore’s most famous luxury shopping thoroughfare. The street’s strangely titled ‘Christmas on A Great Street’ boasts not one but three Christmas villages crammed with carnival rides, games, street food stalls and, of course, pop-up gift stores. There’s even a full-on street party on Christmas Eve, complete with live music and dance, carol singers and a huge Christmas market. The evergreen Gardens by the Bay turns the charm offensive right up to eleven in December with its annual Christmas Wonderland event. Take a romantic stroll along the Walk of Lights which, with somewhere in the region of 75,000 light bulbs, more than lives up to its name. Swap rain for snow at the Blizzard Time exhibit, visit (but please don’t nibble) the life-size gingerbread house in Gingerbread Grove, and try your luck on the carnival game stalls in Frosty’s Fairground. Heck, you can even get your festive kicks at the airport. As anyone who has ever traveled through it will tell you, Changi is no ordinary airport, with attractions such as a butterfly garden, a three-story slide, a Pokémon center and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall making it a tourist destination in its own right. No surprise then that it also hosts one of the city’s finest Christmas villages. We’re talking candy-themed rides and games, a snow house with ice sculptures, and luges and marching bands – it’s the stuff Christmas dreams are made of! What’s on in Singapore in December? Of course, it’s not just Christmas and monsoon-dodging that make Singapore a fun place to visit in December. The island’s other annual end-of-year events are designed to appeal to as broad a church as possible. First up is the Singapore Marathon, which takes place (almost) without fail on the first Sunday of December. The epic route (all 26.1 miles of it) takes in some of the city’s finest sights, including a sprint through Marina Bay, a shuffle past Merlion Park and a shimmy within sight of the famous Sentosa cable car. You’ll need to register (and train) to take part and, for those who prefer their runs a little… shorter, half-marathon, 10km and even 5km routes are also available on the day. The entertainment juggernaut that is Comic Con also rumbles into town during December for two extraordinary days of toy-, game- and comic-based events at Marina Bay Sands. Book your spot for the chance to ogle rare vintage toys and comics, as well as the opportunity to meet your favorite comic book creators, Marvel movie stars and more. Marina Bay is also the location for Singapore’s epic New Year countdown and fireworks. Of course you can see the flamboyant pyrotechnic display from just about anywhere across the city, but Marina Bay is where it's at for ringside seats and the best Insta snaps as the colorful display kicks off and an epic, soul-soaring soundtrack booms out across the water. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.