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
Art Jamming 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
Joo Chiat’s Street Art
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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