Hidden among the towering mega malls and glittering skyscrapers of our modern city is a wildly colourful past. And if you wander just a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD, you’ll be greeted by Art Deco architecture in Singapore’s oldest public housing estate. In fact, the beautiful enclave has effortlessly transitioned from a 1930s architectural experiment into the city’s coolest neighbourhood in 2026. But behind the trendy matcha cafes, popular restaurants, and indie bookshops lies a fascinating past you need to know about. Get ready to uncover the secrets of Tiong Bahru below—the oldest neighbourhood in Singapore.
How did Singapore’s oldest estate become the city’s coolest modern hangout?
Tucked away just a stone’s throw from the city centre, Tiong Bahru is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing postcode on the island today. But long before the chic boutiques, artisan bakeries, and million-dollar properties rolled in, the heritage haven had a shockingly scandalous past.
Tiong Bahru was built in the 1930s by the colonial government to clear out a sprawling, swampy burial ground. In fact, it’s very name hints at its origins: Tiong means cemetery in Hokkien, while Bahru means new in Malay. Before World War II, the old estate earned the colloquial nickname of mei ren wo or “den of beauties”—as wealthy businessmen frequently used the stylish apartments to discreetly house their glamorous mistresses. Meanwhile, the era was filled with clandestine romances, high-society gossip, and a little bit of rebellion. However, it quickly attracted a diverse crowd once the striking modern flats were built in the following years.
Today, Tiong Bahru’s iconic Art Deco architecture with sweeping curved balconies, porthole windows, and photogenic spiral staircases has become highly coveted real estate. Interestingly, the heritage flats are priced at a whopping seven-figures in 2026. Despite the neighbourhood’s glow-up, it hasn’t lost its soul by blending the nostalgic with the new.
Wonderfully, Tiong Bahru is a magnet for indie cafe hoppers, heritage lovers, and those who crave a more relaxing weekend vibe. From eating cheap breakfasts at the legendary Tiong Bahru Market to grabbing a specialty coffee from the city’s best coffee cafes, admiring street art, and browsing the slickest hipster shops…you’ll be spoilt for choice. Plus, there are plenty of modern yoga studios, boutique co-living spaces for remote workers, and secret surprises around every corner.
Why is the food scene the highlight of Tiong Bahru?
Additionally, one of the best things to do in Singapore’s oldest neighbourhood is EAT. Start your morning off by tucking into famous pastries and crispy croissants at the iconic flagship Tiong Bahru Bakery on Eng Hoon Street. While just around the corner, Plain Vanilla is known for their slow-living afternoon espresso and legendary Earl Grey Lavender cupcakes. Otherwise, you can snag a seat on a sunlit patio at the very instagrammable Merci Marcel before tucking into delightful brunches.
For dinner, devour mouth-watering Wagyu sandos at Hello Arigato or head to The Butcher’s Wife for a gluten-free feast paired with natural wines, before finishing your evening with a cocktail at a neon-lit speakeasy called Dirty Sips hidden behind a unassuming curtain.
Overall, the oldest neighbourhood in Singapore is still the coolest place to be in 2026. Discover all the best things to do in Tiong Bahru.
