Step Into Colour: Exploring Katong & Joo Chiat’s Vibrant Streets

From Peranakan treats to rainbow shophouses, Katong & Joo Chiat is Singapore at its most charming.

Published: May 5, 2026
Colourful Houses in Joo Chiat

Ready to discover a different side of Singapore? In Katong and Joo Chiat, time slows down and every corner tells a story. Think pastel shophouses, family-run bakeries, hidden cafes and artistic hotspots waiting to be explored. Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or a street photography fan, Katong and Joo Chiat promise a day packed with taste, colour and surprises. Here’s our pick of the best things to do. 

Craving culture, good eats and colourful sights? Don’t miss our favourites: 

  • Peranakan Houses on Koon Seng Road 
  • Katong Laksa at 328 Katong Laksa 
  • Art Jamming at Café de Paris 
  • The Red House Bakery 
  • Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour by Let’s Go Tour 
  • Rumah Bebe 
  • Joo Chiat’s Street Art 
  • Cat Socrates 

Peranakan Houses on Koon Seng Road 

There’s no better introduction to Katong and Joo Chiat than a stroll down Koon Seng Road, famous for its rows of candy-coloured Peranakan shophouses. These vibrant homes, decorated with floral tiles, shuttered windows and ornate facades, are a photogenic tribute to Singapore’s multicultural past. The pastel hues change with the light, making every visit (and Instagram post) one of a kind. 

But Koon Seng Road isn’t just about pretty photos—these houses are living memories of the Peranakan community. Imagine families gathering inside for homemade feasts, the scent of Nonya spices wafting onto the street. Nearby info panels tell the story of Peranakan culture, so take your time to explore, snap a few pictures, and soak up the atmosphere that makes this area feel so unique and welcoming. 

Katong Laksa at 328 Katong Laksa 

For anyone interested in Singaporean cuisine, Katong Laksa is a rite of passage, and 328 Katong Laksa is a local legend. You’ll spot the unmissable orange sign and the deliciously spicy aroma from down the street. Pull up a plastic stool, order a bowl and prepare for a flavour bomb: rich coconut curry, slippery noodles (conveniently snipped short—no chopsticks needed), cockles, prawns and fresh herbs. 

The ambiance is no-frills and full of life, buzzing with in-the-know locals and fellow visitors. We love how a humble dish can pack so much history and how food here becomes a social event, crossing generations and cultures. Snap a photo for proof, then dig in while it’s hot! 

Art Jamming at Café de Paris

Woman Painting at Café de Paris

Feeling creative? Café de Paris offers the perfect pit stop: art jamming in an airy, light-filled loft. This unconventional café ditches the laptops and croissants in favour of blank canvases, paints and brushes, all provided. There’s no pressure to be a pro. Instead, let the urban surroundings and colourful neighbourhood inspire your own masterpiece while sipping coffee or Korean-style bingsu. 

The space buzzes with artistic energy—sometimes there are workshops or exhibitions too—and it’s impossible not to get swept up in the friendly, supportive vibe. By the end, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind souvenir (and maybe a new hobby). It’s a fun and meaningful way to connect with Katong’s creative heart. 

The Red House Bakery 

Housed in an unmistakable red-and-white heritage building, The Red House Bakery blends nostalgia with bakery bliss. Once a staple of Katong’s Eurasian community, its elegant arched windows and tiled facade have watched over East Coast Road since the 1920s. Today, the bakery bakes up a storm: go for the signature curry puffs, kueh (bite-sized steamed cakes), or the buttery raisin buns. 

The airy interior is lined with vintage photos and old-school cake displays, giving you a sense of the neighbourhood’s past. Whether you’re in for a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or edible souvenirs, this spot combines hearty flavours with history—reminding you why old favourites never go out of style. 

Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour by Let’s Go Tour 

Ready to dig deeper? Let’s Go Tour’s Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour is an entertaining and effortless way to get curious about the east’s hidden stories. Starting in Kampong Glam (a short ride away), you’ll weave through vibrant streets, past coconut-scented bakeries and mural-splashed alleys, with a local guide unraveling Singapore’s multicultural history. 

The tour takes in all the Katong and Joo Chiat essentials—think colourful houses, historic temples, and lively markets—plus plenty of hidden shortcuts. It’s relaxed, friendly and a fabulous way to see more while covering ground. Bring your camera, wear comfy shoes and get ready to fall in love with Singapore’s heritage hotspots, one pedal at a time. 

Rumah Bebe 

Little blue shophouse Rumah Bebe feels like stepping into Peranakan life, past and present. Part boutique, museum and bakery, it’s packed floor-to-ceiling with traditional nyonya kebayas (embroidered tops and batik sarongs), beadwork shoes and all sorts of eye-catching accessories. 

What’s extra special here? You can watch artisans at work—stitching beadwork or rolling sweet kueh—and browse a wide range of Peranakan snacks and souvenirs. Whether you want a show-stopping outfit or a tin of house-made pineapple tarts, Rumah Bebe is the place to soak up this unique culture and bring a little piece of it home. 

Joo Chiat’s Street Art

Elephant Sculptures on Joo Chiat Road

For fans of urban art and photography, Joo Chiat Road’s colourful walls are a goldmine. You’ll spot everything from pastel murals celebrating local legends to bright pop-art pieces with a distinctly Singaporean twist. Many works are tucked between bakeries and cafes, so turn down alleys, peer around corners and always look up! 

What we love is the blend—old Peranakan tiles frame fresh pop culture, bringing history and new energy together. Every mural has a story (ask a local for the plot behind your favourite!), and new pieces appear regularly. It’s an ever-evolving outdoor gallery, perfect for an afternoon wander and a little visual inspiration. 

Cat Socrates 

This quirky independent store is packed with Singaporean charm. Step inside Cat Socrates to discover shelves lined with books, local design pieces, adorable cat-themed trinkets and indie crafts. There’s always soft music, a community noticeboard and—if you’re lucky—a friendly resident cat willing to pose for a picture. 

We could spend hours browsing for gifts, from vintage postcards to playful tote bags featuring Singaporean icons. There’s a dedicated Singaporean book section, so you can dive into local stories and even pick up guides for further exploring the city. Cat Socrates manages to pack in whimsy, creativity, and the true spirit of the neighbourhood: friendly, offbeat, and unforgettably welcoming. Whether you need a unique souvenir or a quiet spot to relax with some feline company, this store charms every visitor. 

 

Katong and Joo Chiat offer so much more than charming shophouse photo ops—though you’ll certainly get those, too! With every colourful street, delicious bowl of laksa, and friendly shopkeeper, you get a real taste of Singapore’s heritage and creative pulse. There’s nowhere quite like it—so pack your appetite for discovery and enjoy the best of Katong and Joo Chiat! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Bird Paradise vs. Gardens by the Bay or Things to Do with Friends in Singapore  

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Overnight Stopover in Singapore

If your vacation includes an overnight stop in Singapore, there’s a fair chance you’ll have enough time on your hands to venture out and see a little of the Garden City, you lucky thing. This is one of the world’s most-visited cities, so it stands to reason that there are oodles of things to keep tourists entertained. Our advice is to plan your layover carefully: pick one or two things you’d really like to do and book tickets up front if required. With only a few hours to spare, you’ll want to maximize your time enjoying the attractions rather than waiting in ticket booth queues or frantically googling for fun things to do on the hop. Read on for our guide to the perfect Singapore stopover... Singapore Stopover Hints and Tips Singapore’s immigration policies are fairly accommodating for layovers, with many nationalities qualifying for the 96-hour visa free transit facility (VFTF) and others requiring proof of onward travel or easily acquired short-term visas. You can browse a fairly comprehensive summary of requirements here. Avoid sweating your way around downtown Singapore with trolley cases and backpacks in tow by taking advantage of 24-hour left luggage facilities in any one of Changi Airport’s four terminals. Trust us: you don’t want to be carrying a week’s worth of clothes and toiletries around with you in the afternoon heat! Heading downtown? Your best bet from the airport is to take a cab. Sure it’s more expensive than the otherwise super-efficient MRT (Singapore’s mass rapid transit system), but it’s also your fastest way of getting to the heart of the action and, on a layover, every minute you can save on transport and admin is an extra minute being wowed by Singapore’s superlative sights. Note that once you’re actually downtown, the MRT comes into its own and is by far the better method of getting from A to B at speed, while cabs can spend what feels like hours laboring through the often dense city center traffic. Singapore Stopover Highlights for Sightseers Sightseers can have it all on a whirlwind visit to Marina Bay. This is where you’ll find one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks: the towering tree-like structures that make up Supertree Grove in the Gardens by the Bay. Get up close to the lush vertical gardens that cling to these manmade steel monsters on a stroll around the elevated OCBC Skyway platform. Or explore all manner of tropical plantlife (as well as one of the tallest indoor waterfalls in town) in the huge durian-shaped hothouses. Further vertiginous exploits await around the bay,in the shape of the colossal Singapore Flyer observation wheel, inevitably one of the world’s tallest, and the 57th-floor SkyPark atop the futuristic Marina Bay Sands Resort, another instantly recognizable star of the Singapore skyline. If you prefer your entertainment a little more, shall we say, down to earth, you can hit the massive shopping complex on the resort’s ground level, complete with bank balance-sapping luxury brands and cute Venetian-style waterways where you can take a sampan boat ride. Step outside to meet the island’s mascot in statue form. Part mermaid and part lion, the famous Merlion stands sentinel, splashing water into the bay from its roaring mouth. Singapore Stopover Highlights for Families Kids are notorious for their itchy feet, so it’s a good thing Singapore has plenty of great stuff for families to do on a layover. Chief among these is the island playground of Sentosa, where the cable car ride to get there is just the beginning of the fun. We’re not kidding when we say this tiny landmass is absolutely packed with activities and attractions. Universal Studios theme park with white-knuckle and child-friendly rides? Check. Water park? Check. Massive aquarium? You betcha. This is also where you’ll find some of Singapore’s best beaches, complete with Insta-perfect golden sands, emerald-green lagoons and swaying coconut palms. A handy shuttle service serves the sunny Palawan, Tanjong and Siloso beaches, saving you yet more precious time. If you don’t quite have the time required to make the most of a trip to Sentosa, fear not! Help is at hand in the form of Jewel, a cavernous entertainment complex connected (landside) to Changi Airport itself. If anything this is even more ideal than Sentosa, especially if you’re traveling with difficult-to-please teenagers, thanks to its rich mix of high-end shopping, hip restaurants and super-cool attractions that will appeal to any selfie addict worth their salt. We’re talking (another) sky high waterfall or, more accurately, ‘Rain Vortex’ (pictured above), a four-story slide, an indoor forest garden that spans five floors, cinemas, mesmerizing kinetic sculptures, a butterfly garden and, yep, even a Pokémon Center. Just imagine: all that fun without even leaving the airport! Singapore Stopover Highlights for Foodies Foodies rejoice! Singapore’s delicious hotch-potch of Asian cuisines – Indian, Chinese, Malay, Indonesian and more – means you’ll never go short of a new dish (or six) to try. A swift foray into Chinatown or Little India oshould be considered essential on all but the very shortest of layovers. We’re talking steaming grills, heady with the aromas of kung pao chicken and Peking duck and spicy fish head curry served up in the kind of picturesque labyrinthine lanes of which Instagram dreams are made. Want more? Kampong Glam, Singapore’s buzzing Muslim district and bona fide foodie mecca, promises sticky peanut satay, traditional nasi padang and zingy lamb rendang that’s almost as delicious as the neighbourhoods edible-looking Peranakan shop fronts in lime greens, mustard yellows and chili reds. The legendary Old Airport Road Food Centre is a short cab ride from Changi Airport and offers more of the same, with a dizzying array of street food stalls all condensed under one unspeakably tempting roof. Nighttime Singapore Stopover Highlights Staying overnight? Singapore’s flurry of fun nighttime activities will have no trouble enticing you away from an evening spent flicking through cable channels at your airport hotel. Hawker centers like the aforementioned Old Airport Road are great places to wander, soak up the vivid Singaporean culture, take memorable snaps and stuff yourself silly. There are over 100 of these spread out right across the city, meaning whichever part of town you visit you’re never far from a delicious (and surprisingly affordable) feast. Feasts of the visual variety are free to enjoy back down in Marina Bay, where nightly light-and-sound shows are held at both Supertree Grove and in front of Marina Bay Sands. The resort’s Spectra spectacular combines dancing fountains with huge visual projections, mist effects and lasers, backed by a booming orchestral soundtrack. Watch both shows from the SkyPark, 57 floors up, or catch a ride on the Singapore Flyer for sensational nighttime views of the sparkling city skyline. Animal lovers can even take a night safari inside the world’s first park dedicated solely to nocturnal beasts. Meet a cavalcade of crepuscular creatures from the Asian tropics and African savannah, including oddball favorites like fishing cats, slow lorises, giant anteaters and barking deer. 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
The lights of the Singapore skyline reflected in water as multicoloured fireworks explode above
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Singapore in January

Wondering what’s the best time to visit Singapore? Hooray! - there’s no wrong answer! Just 85 miles from the equator this tiny tropical island is balmy all year round - and its multi-ethnic, multi-lingual society comprising Chinese, Malay, Indian and other nationalities, means the welcome is equally warm. That crazy cultural melting pot also means that there’s almost always a festival underway and January is no exception. So whatever time of the month you visit, be ready to be swept up in the colour and joy of celebrations. Whilst January is one of the wettest and windiest months by Singapore standards, there’s definitely no shortage of sunshine, with average temperatures still a far-from-cold 27oC. So, whether you’re looking for nature or nightlife, sights, scenery or city living, pack your shorts (and perhaps a portable umbrella) and bask in the best things to do in Singapore in January, including: • New Year in Singapore • Singapore festivals (Pongal and Thaipusam) • Chinese New Year in Singapore • Gardens by the Bay • Singapore Wildlife Attractions - Bird Paradise - Singapore Zoo - Night Safari • Singapore Indoor Attractions - National Museum of Singapore - Madame Tussauds - Virtual Room Singapore New Year in Singapore Grab your glad rags and pop some corks; there’s no shortage of celebrations for New Year’s Eve in Singapore. As the sky lights up with pyrotechnics and light projections, Marina Bay Sands is a focal point for partying and live performance. An icon of modern Singapore, this luxury hotel, shopping and lifestyle destination is topped by... yes, believe your eyes...a full-size ship, which also happens to be home to the world’s largest infinity pool. You don’t need the excuse of New Year to take a dip there - nor to come aboard to indulge in the luxury of Marina Bay Sands’ premier bar. Book your spot in the VIP area of the CÉ LA VI Skybar and sip your complimentary drink whilst you take in the stunning 360o city panorama. New Year’s Day is also the final day of the Great Bay Fiesta, Marina Bay’s winter playground, complete with snow and ice attractions, breathtaking circus shows, carousels, carnival games, food stalls and loads more. Throw yourself into the fun throughout December, knowing that New Year’s Day is a national holiday in Singapore when you can kick back, make like the locals and celebrate with a foodie feast, champagne brunch or afternoon tea. Pongal Time your visit for the middle of January to join in the joyous celebrations for the Tamil Hindu harvest festival when farmers give thanks to Surya (the Sun God), Mother Nature and the farm animals. Families honor the Sun God by cooking a pot of rice to offer up at dawn and share with family and friends. Pongal means ‘to overflow’ so the rice has to bubble over to symbolize prosperity and abundance.Although it’s a four-day festival, celebrations go on all month so you’ll find the streets are also overflowing with light, color and things to see and do. Hit Little India, the vibrant historic and cultural center of Singapore’s Indian community, for the Pongal Light-up Ceremony and grab all the pics for the ‘gram as a myriad of magical lights welcome in the festival. Visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple - dedicated to Kali a protector goddess and destroyer of evil. Explore the mix of Hindu and Chinese temples on Serangood Road. Shop for everything from spices to unique home decor in the Festive Village. Find flower garland sellers jostling with modern eateries and boutique hotels. Check out the Tekka Centre (Singapore’s largest ‘wet’ market) for a mystifying array of rare produce. Browse open-air goldsmith shops and sari centers. And feast your way along the colorful streets and alleys, discovering South Indian vegetarian food, North Indian tandoori dishes and local treats like prata (round pancakes) and teh tarik (pulled tea). You’re welcome. Thaipusam You may also be around to catch another colorful, but deeply religious, Hindu festival celebrated in Singapore in January or February (according to the timing of the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai). Thaipusam literally brings traffic to a standstill, thanks to its vibrant annual procession in honor of Lord Subramaniam (sometimes known as Lord Murugan), the destroyer of evil and representing virtue, youth and power. Stake out your spot in Little India’s historic streets, as the procession winds its way from the dazzling Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, the roof of which is made from 48 colored and etched glass panels angled to catch the sparkle of the rising and setting sun.Then try not to wince as you watch traditional devotees carry kavadi (literally ‘a sacrifice at every step’) which range from wooden spikes that pierce the tongue and other body parts - to huge heavy frames decorated with flowers and feathers. Less alarmingly others carry pots of milk, symbolizing abundance and fertility. Chinese New Year in Singapore The date of the first full moon of the year also determines the most important date in the Chinese calendar - Chinese, or Lunar, New Year. Whether it falls in January or February, revel in the festive atmosphere in Singapore’s Chinatown as beautiful lanterns blaze for the Chinese New Year Opening Ceremony. Be dazzled by the lights and ornaments that adorn the streets and jostle with tourists and locals among stalls selling everything from pottery, homeware and clothes to delicious sweet and savory treats. On the eve of the new year families hurry home to share a Reunion Dinner with their loved ones, to honour ancestors and traditional deities, a tradition so important to so many people that it is often known as ‘the world’s largest human migration’. Don’t miss the Chingay parade in Marina Bay, as the year is ushered in with floats and performances including stilt walkers and lion dancers. To get a handle on what it’s all about, why not drop by the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Museum, which often hosts exhibitions to help visitors understand Chinese history and culture. It includes an exhibition of Nian Hua, traditional woodblock prints used to decorate homes for Chinese New year. Gardens by the Bay Even though local markets and shops are shut for at least a week, the major malls, tourist areas and entertainment attractions will all be buzzing. Join the crowds for River Hongbao, one of the most popular New Year celebrations, featuring live stage performances and amusement rides. It takes place at Gardens by the Bay, the stunning natural park recognizable around the world as a symbol of Singapore. Make the most of the photo ops whilst the gardens are decorated with good luck symbols, positive messages, giant coin pouches and particularly giant lanterns. But, whatever the time of year, you can Pick up a Gardens by the Bay ticket that also includes access to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest featuring Avatar: The Experience. For New Year the Flower Dome showcases Dahlia Dreams, a breathtaking floral display of over 2000 dahlias, which appear alongside other auspicious New Year blooms like azaleas and chrysanthemums. Chinatown Not just in January but all year long, Singapore’s Chinatown is a heady mix of heritage, culture and architecture, where historic temples sit alongside hip bars and colorful street art. Testament to Singapore’s multi-ethnic society, it is the only Chinatown that is home to a Buddhist temple, a mosque and a Hindu temple along the same street.Share the peace and beauty of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, with its tranquil rooftop garden, pagoda and beautiful interior designed in the form of a mandala.Or compare the architecture of Masjid Jamae (the Big Mosque) with the Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Though Chinatown is not all tradition. After dark the streets come alive with music, so make the most of the bustling bars and food ranging from traditional flavors to modern fusion. Singapore Wildlife Attractions As the holiday season comes to a close and the crowds die down, January can be a peaceful time to enjoy some of Singapore’s main attractions at your own pace. Jurong Bird Park Wing your way to Bird Paradise, Asia's largest bird park, to discover over 3,500 birds, as well as the tallest artificial waterfall in the world. Singapore Zoo Over at the Singapore Zoo you can watch orangutans swing high above their platforms, not to mention sloths, chimpanzees, meerkats, a komodo dragon, white tigers, kangaroos and many more. Over 300 species living amid lush vegetation have ensured the zoo’s reputation as the world’s best rainforest zoo and an important center for conservation. Night Safari When night falls, take the Night Safari; you can’t fail to be fascinated by over 100 species in the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. Follow one of the four walking trails or take the tram to see the natural habitats and learn the secrets of native and endangered species including the Malayan tiger, Malayan tapir and Asian elephant. Singapore Indoor Attractions And you needn’t let the rainy season put a damper on your adventures since Singapore has plenty of undercover attractions too. From culture to family fun, there’s something for every age and taste. Perhaps you’ll choose to get a handle on the country’s rich culture and history via the captivating installations at The National Museum of Singapore. Head over to Madame Tussauds Singapore to pose for a selfie with Taylor Swift, David Beckham and a galaxy of other stars of Hollywood, Bollywood, TV and sport. Your ticket offers an exciting 5-in-1 experience, with other attractions including the Spirit of Singapore Boat Ride and a Marvel 4D Experience. Or escape reality at the unique virtual adventure that is Virtual Room Singapore. Enjoy multi-player fun in the world’s best team-based virtual reality experience, where 3D cinematic effects are combined with an escape room concept. Immerse yourself in high-tech, high definition gameplay as you interact, walk, talk and problem-solve your way through each activity. Phew! It’s only the beginning of the year and there’s already so much to see and do. Whether you choose to throw yourselves into the colourful celebrations, pack in the attractions, or prefer a peaceful natural retreat, remember that picking up an All-Inclusive Pass or an Explorer Pass is the best way to sight-see and save in Singapore. Happy new year and happy adventuring - with Go City.
Jo Cooke
Friends Having a Picnic
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