Singapore’s Little India is a vibrant district centered around Serangoon Road known for its bustling streets, colourful architecture, and rich Indian hertiage. In fact, Little India was once crowned one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world before, so we thought we’d give you the low down on the best things to do in the colourful neighbourhood. Here are 12 of the best things to do in Little India Singapore.
1. Pose outside Tan Teng Niah House
Tan Teng Niah House is one of the most instagrammable places in Singapore, so you can’t miss snapping a photo at this colourful house. It’s the only surviving Chinese villa in Little India that was built in 1900. Rich in history and eye-catching architecture… it’s definitely the perfect backdrop for your feed.
📍 37 Kerbau Rd, Singapore 219168
2. Try out a workshop
Looking for the best workshops in Little India? There’s a diverse range of thrilling workshops to try in this colourful neighbourhood. For instance, you could cook up a storm in an Indian cooking class, learn how to make pottery, or take an interactive art class, to name a few things.
3. Be mesmerised by the street light display
There are annual festivals that take place in Little India such as Deepavali Street Light-Up in October or November. The light-up takes over Serangoon Road with a different theme each year. Visitors can admire exotic installations, alongside cultural performances, decorations, and religious ceremonies. Definitely, one of the best things to do with kids in Little India Singapore.
📍Little India, Singapore
4. Indulge on the best Indian cuisine
Where better to find the best Indian food in Singapore than Little India? From popular curry houses to robust biryanis, tandoori, fragrant dosas, Indian street food and more unique flavours…many restaurants in Little India will transport you to the streets of Mumbai. Think the likes of cheap eats at Zam Zam and Poona Punjabi Dhaba. But you should check out the most authentic Indian restaurants in Singapore.
5. Follow street art trails
Little India’s rich multicultural history is showcased across many colourful wall murals. Highlights include 10 Traditional Trades of Little India boasting a story about age-old traders and merchants who lived in the area as well as Alive @ CLIVE depicting an Indian dancer at Dunlop Street, to name a few. Certainly, the perfect stroll this weekend.
6. Visit a temple
Little India offers a selection of religious sites showcasing the true nature of its culture. For example, Sri Mariamman Temple and Sri Krishnan Temple are both beautiful houses of worship located in the district. Discover the best temples in Singapore here.
7. Shop for low cost designer items at the Mustafa Centre
Mustafa Centre is a huge 6-storey department store, situated on Syed Alwi Road, in Little India. The shopping mall boasts hundreds of stores where you can find almost anything imaginable. From cheap clothes, to designer products at low cost, inexpensive gold jewellery, accessories, electronics, authentic bags on sale, and so much more….you’ll be spoilt for choice. Wonderfully, the mall is open 24/7.
📍145 Syed Alwi Rd, Mustafa Centre, Singapore 207704
8. Explore the Indian Heritage Centre
Why not explore an exhibition at this cultural museum? With permanent galleries exploring five different themes, from 1st century CE to 21st century CE…it’s an ideal place to learn about the history of Indian and South Asian communities, immigration and links with Singapore. Find out what’s on via the Indian Heritage Centre
📍5 Campbell Ln, Singapore 209924
9. Get lost inside Tekka Place
Tekka Place is a revolutionary venue with more than 300 residences, dozens of specialty shops, and quirky food halls. It blends heritage, tradition, and excellence to offer more than 80 retail stores, epic entertainment, events, and more. Particularly, it’s the ultimate place to play and eat, from spicy halal bites, to burgers, global street food, Korean bingsu…there’s much to indulge on. Plus, there are a number of hotels and attractions nearby Tekka Place.
📍2 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218227
10. Go for a drink
Send your tastebuds to India with cultural-themed cocktails at Indian bars such as The Elephant Room. Think The New Mango inspired by the Gujarat State or Punjab’s Indian Lion, to name two. Otherwise, whiskey lovers can choose to sip over 1,0000 types of whiskey in a luxurious red velvet space at The Whiskey Library & Jazz Club.
11. Stop by the historic Masjid Abdul Gafoor
History buffs won’t want to miss a glimpse of the historic Abdul Gafoor Mosque in Little India. Situated at Dunlop Street, the iconic mosque was built in 1907. It features a golden dome crowning a magnificent minaret, with striking architecture and a façade that illustrates a fusion of South Indian and traditional Islamic designs. Certainly, one of the best things to do in Little India in Singapore.
📍41 Dunlop St, Singapore 209369
12. Snap the best bargains at Little India Arcade
Visitors can shop till they drop or eat till their heart’s content at this centre. It’s another incredible shopping hub built inside a 1913 shophouse featuring a vibrant market with new and old authentic eateries and boutique shops. If you’re searching for some cheap but precious cultural garments…this is the place to visit in Little India Singapore.
📍48 Serangoon Rd, #02-07, Singapore 217959
Looking to explore other neighbourhoods in Singapore? Check out these guides:
- The Best Things To Do In Chinatown Singapore
- The Best Things To Do In Tiong Bahru Singapore
- The Best Things To Do Along Orchard Road Singapore