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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Best Museums in Singapore 

Wandering the galleries and halls of a well-curated museum is a wonderful way to while away the hours. Lucky for museum lovers, Singapore is packed with blockbuster art galleries, top-notch museums, and one-of-a-kind cultural institutions. From contemporary art and natural history to thought-provoking science and technology - whatever your interests, there is a museum in Singapore to explore. Here's our list of the best museums in Singapore. National Museum of Singapore The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest and largest museum in the city and should be your first port of call. Opened in 1887, the museum is housed in a stately 19th-century Neo-Palladium-style building with a beautiful glass rotunda. Take a moment to admire the exquisite architecture – it’s a work of art in itself. The museum houses two main galleries - the Singapore History Gallery and the Singapore Living Galleries. Start in the Singapore History Gallery and learn the intriguing history of Singapore from its humble beginnings in the 14th century to the present day. Interactive and immersive exhibitions highlight Singapore’s development into a global powerhouse. Your next stop is the Singapore Living Galleries where you’ll exhibits themed around food, fashion, film, and photography. Don’t miss the museum's permanent exhibition, Story of the Forest, which brings the treasured William Farquhar Collection to life through a fantastic digital presentation. Use your pass to gain access to this fantastic museum. Opening hours: Daily: 10AM – 7PM Singapore Art Museum If you’re a lover of contemporary Asian art, the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is a treat! The museum exhibits artworks in multiple spaces, including a satellite space at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, and the main building along Bras Basah Road. This is the one you want to visit not only to marvel at the beautiful architecture of the heritage buildings but to see some impressive art, too. The main wing of the museum is housed in the former St Joseph’s Institution – the oldest Catholic boys’ school in Singapore. With a striking design that harkens back to the European Renaissance, you’ll be amazed by its beauty before even seeing any art. The museum’s extraordinary collection of 20th-century Asian art is exhibited in small and unusual gallery spaces. Nooks and crannies hold impressive works across various mediums and around every corner is another delight. While the museum has never presented blockbuster exhibitions due to its size, it does take part in the Singapore Biennale, and if you’re around for that, it’s well worth visiting. Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 10AM – 7PM Fri: 10AM – 9PM Sat - Sun: 10AM – 7PM   National Gallery Singapore Another luminary in Singapore’s art world, the National Gallery Singapore is huge! The largest visual art gallery of its kind in the city, it's packed with the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to the present. And there are interactive installations and exhibits for the kids too, so make a day of exploring this glorious behemoth. Housed in the former Supreme Court and City Hall building, the sprawling museum building is an architectural wonder in itself. Inside, vast galleries display over 8,000 modern Southeast Asian artworks. Wander around the airy exhibition spaces and admire works by pioneer Singaporean artists like Cheong Soo Pieng and Georgette Chen. You’ll need more than a few hours to explore the entire museum. Head to the Keppel Centre for Art Education where the kids can get creative with a range of artful and active learning activities. When you need to re-energize, the museum has several casual cafés and fine dining restaurants. Head up to the rooftop cocktail bar, Smoke and Mirrors, for a quiet drink and spectacular views of the city. Don’t forget to use your pass to get free access to the National Gallery Singapore. Your pass also allows you to join complimentary tours like Highlights of the Gallery and Building Highlights Beyond their exhibitions and programs, National Gallery Singapore houses a range of art-inspired shops and restaurants, including the three MICHELIN-starred Odette, and one MICHELIN-starred Art. Top Tip: Avoid long queues and visit on a weekday and book your tickets in advance. Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 10AM – 7PM Fri: 10AM – 9PM Sat - Sun: 10AM – 7PM   ArtScience Museum No matter what your age, visiting Singapore’s ArtScience Museum is a must! Based in a striking building overlooking Marina Bay, the museum brings together culture and technology in fascinating ways. Wander around internationally acclaimed exhibitions that explore the fusion of art and science with some amazing interactive multimedia. You can’t miss the museum building. Designed by Israeli architect Moshe Safdie, it looks like a gently unfurling lotus flower. Inside, the art continues with a variety of world-class exhibitions. Marvel at works by Eames, Dalí, Warhol, and Van Gogh or travel back in time to the world of dinosaurs and Genghis Khan. You’ll also find film sets and props from blockbuster films like Harry Potter and Titanic. Don’t miss the interactive journey of lights, digital art, and magic show designed by Japanese arts collective teamLab. The ArtScience Museum is part of the luxurious Marina Bay Sands complex. Why not head up to the CÉ LA VI SkyBar on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands for a drink against a backdrop of breathtaking vistas. Use your pass to enjoy a complimentary drink and kick back and enjoy the views. Opening hours: Daily: 10AM – 7PM   Asian Civilisations Museum Singapore is a cultural melting pot and one of the best places to delve into its rich multicultural roots is at the Asian Civilisations Museum. You’ll find the museum at the stunning Empress Place, fittingly located at the mouth of the Singapore River, once the center of global trade. Meander around the galleries boasting thousands of artifacts relating to different cultures from around the continent. Gain an integrated perspective of pan-Asian cultures and civilizations and discover how they have come to define Singapore as it is today. When you are done, relax over a coffee at the museum café and take in the beautiful views of the Singapore River and city skyline. Visit the museum store and pick up a few stylish Singaporean design gifts. Remember to use your pass to gain free access to this museum. Opening hours: Daily: 10AM – 7PM Fri: 10AM – 9PM Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is a treasure trove of natural history and museum that needs a few hours of exploration. An impressive collection of more than 2,000 specimens of Southeast Asian fauna and flora is spread across two floors and 15 zones. You’ll find a wealth of fascinating finds from the skeleton of a sperm whale to 150-million-year-old dinosaur fossils. Apollonia, Prince and Twinky - three humungous dinosaur skeletons greet you in the main atrium of the museum and your journey through the history of the natural world begins. Wander through themed galleries of fungi, plants, and mammals; get up close to dinosaur bones, and see the largest species of turtle ever recorded. Take a stroll through the museum’s beautifully themed gardens from mangroves to dryland swamps and marvel at the cliff-like façade and living museum of local plants on the front of the building. Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10AM – 5PM   The National Design Centre of Singapore A nexus for all things, the National Design Centre of Singapore is a design lover's paradise. Housed in an art décor building in the trendy Bras Basah-Bugis arts and culture district, the center hosts design exhibitions and events that draw Singapore’s coolest crowd. Discover the evolution of Singaporean design at the permanent exhibit, 50 Years of Singapore Design, or attend one of the many art-centric events promoting Singapore’s design scene. Check out Hong Kong-based cult lifestyle and design boutique, kapok NDC for stylish apparel. After all that browsing and shopping, put your feet up and enjoy a cocktail at Tanuki Raw. Opening hours: Daily: 9AM – 9PM   Indian Heritage Centre The Indian Heritage Centre may not be up there with the big guns, but it’s a great little museum that focuses on Indian and South Asian history and is well worth a visit. Located in the heart of the Little India Heritage District, the four-story Heritage Center features chronologically arranged themed galleries that explore the distinctive Indian cultural heritage of Singapore. Activity spaces and interactive displays add an element of fun and special gallery houses touring exhibitions. You can use your pass to visit this fascinating museum, and don’t forget to swing by the museum shop to pick up a souvenir or two after your visit. Opening hours: Tues - Sun: 10AM – 6PM   Madame Tussauds What would a visit to a major international city be without popping into Madame Tussauds? Head to the Singapore outpost at Imbiah Lookout at Sentosa for a few selfies with the stars. Mingle with the usual coterie of international celebrities in the A-List Party section like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. You’ll also see local superstars like Gurmit Singh, Jack Neo, and Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong. Hop on the Spirit of Singapore Boat Ride for a multi-sensory journey through Singapore's rich culture. Sing and dance with some of Bollywood's top celebs and enjoy a 4D experience with your favorite superhero. Bear in mind you can use your pass to gain free entry into the wax museum and enjoy all the extras at no extra cost! Daily: 10AM – 6PM Tues: 10AM – 5:30PM   Of course, there's a lot more to Singapore than just museums. Fancy seeing all the best Singapore attractions without breaking the bank? Pick up a Singapore Pass and save while you sightsee!
Alex Birungi
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Singapore in June

Hot, steamy and sticky, June sees Singapore’s peak season get into full, glorious swing. The streets teem with sightseeing vacationers, the summer shopping season peaks during the Great Singapore Sale and hotel prices rise more sharply than the midday mercury. In short, it’s an expensive but fun time to visit, assuming you can stand the heat. Here’s our expert guide to what to expect when vacationing in Singapore in June. Visiting Singapore in June Temperature: 75–88°F • Average Rainfall: 19 days/month • Average Sunshine: 8 hours/day If you remember to pack just one thing for your June break in Singapore, make sure it’s sunscreen. The sun is hot and relentless at this time of year, even when there’s cloud cover. So do yourself a favor and slap on the factor 50 to avoid the shame (and discomfort) of a ‘Singapore tan’. The heat and humidity also encourage the wearing of light, loose-fitting cotton or linen clothes and broad-brimmed hats. Heck, maybe even stuff a parasol in your backpack along with the water bottle and city map, just to be on the safe side. You’ll also want a proper umbrella: June sees the start of the southwest monsoon season, with regular afternoon downpours that increase in intensity, frequency and duration as the month progresses. Nicknamed the ‘Sumatra squalls’ these sudden, heavy downpours are usually heralded by strong gusty winds and peals of thunder. If you spot the signs in time, we’d advise ducking into the nearest café or mall until the rain passes because, frankly, no umbrella is going to keep you completely dry when torrents of accumulated water begin gushing around your feet, like a miniature version of The River Wild. Hotel prices do also increase at this time, but not crazily so. As always, we advise booking your accommodation as far in advance as possible to lock in the best deals. Things to do in Singapore in June It’s just too damn hot to do most anything other than meandering gently down a lazy river in a giant donut, right? Right! Good news! Singapore is just a hop and a skip from its tiny island sibling of Sentosa, reachable via road, monorail, pedestrian bridge or (hands down the most fun and scenic option) cable car. Once there, you have access to a veritable playground of sunny day activities including, yep, the biggest and best water park in Singapore. Hit up Adventure Cove for the aforementioned lazy river, with 14 different zones that include a verdant jungle garden, a secluded grotto, and a spectacularly trippy underwater tunnel teeming with tropical marine life. Hop over to the park’s Rainbow Reef, where another 20,000 or so watery critters are waiting to say hello to snorkeling tourists. There are fun wave pools for the kids as well as, inevitably, a handful of heart-pounding high-octane flumes for adults. Ever wanted to know what it feels like to be flushed down the loo? The Riptide Rocket and Spiral Washout rides have your name written all over them! Adventure Cove is part of Sentosa’s enormous Resorts World complex, where there are more drinking and dining options than you can shake a stick at, as well as an aquarium, the awesome Universal Studios Singapore theme park, and more. Want beaches? Sentosa has those, too. Whether a history buff, an adrenaline fiend or, you know, simply in the market for sipping cocktails beneath the shady fronds of a coconut palm, the island’s man-made trio of sandy beaches will have something for you. Stroll the elevated walkway through the treetops to Fort Siloso, soar high over Siloso Beach on a giant swing, or strap on your snorkel and flippers for a spot of marine sightseeing in the emerald-green waters that lap the shore. A free shuttle operates along the southwest coast, linking the three beaches. There are plenty more activities to keep outdoor types occupied in Singapore in June. Take to the waters in a kayak around the coastal waters and mangrove forests of Pulau Ubin, a boomerang-shaped island just off the northeast coast. Slap on the sunscreen and hit the 26 kilometers of lush cycling trails around the Northern Eastern Riverine Loop, pausing for breath in wetlands, woodlands and beach parks along the way. Commune with nature at the MacRitchie Reservoir, or meet the ferociously cute inhabitants of the sprawling Singapore Zoo. And if the June heat doesn’t have you scurrying for the nearest air-conditioned building, the afternoon downpours surely will. In fact, they’re as good an excuse as any to while away a few hours browsing the vast collection of Singaporean and Asian art in the National Gallery or indulging in a traditional tea ceremony in Singapore’s biggest and oldest traditional teahouse, a venue once visited by Queen Elizabeth II, no less. And if it’s good enough for Her Majesty... What’s on in Singapore in June? You’ll also want to spend time in the malls. Regardless of what the weather’s doing outside, June is prime time for picking up a bargain as the annual Great Singapore Sale gets into full swing. You might want to pack an empty suitcase for this one, because it’s a whopper. We’re talking hundreds of participating stores offering unheard-of discounts of up to 70% on designer goods, big-brand electronic gadgets, homeware and more. Head to the famous malls along Orchard Street for some of the most sensational bargains in town and a veritable festival atmosphere amongst feverish shopaholics. You’ll also find some fine bargains in and around the atmospheric lanes of Kampong Glam (pictured above), where even the independent boutiques and souvenir stores are getting in on the action. Easily June’s most enjoyable Singapore spectacle, the Dragon Boat Festival has its roots in a tale about ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan. It’s said that when he threw himself into a river in despair after being banished by the king, locals beat the water with oars and threw in rice dumplings to prevent fish from devouring his body. Weird, right? Anyhoo, this annual festival commemorates that legendary event by way of colorful dragon boat races along the island’s rivers, accompanied by a loud beating of drums and the sound of millions of Singaporean’s tucking into those delectable little dumplings – glutinous, sticky blobs of rice warped around any number of delectable sweet and savory fillings. Yum. 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

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