Singapore’s Fort Canning neighbourhood encompasses the area surrounding Fort Canning Hill, and is within walking distance to Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay and River Valley. The neighbourhood is steeped in heritage, while offering a variety of attractions, dining options and activities for every kind of explorer.
Once serving as the residence to Sir Stamford Raffles’ family and later a key military base, the Fort Canning area has been made even more accessible thanks to the opening of the Fort Canning MRT station in 2017 on the Downtown line.
Today, this central hill is home to the beautifully restored Jubilee Park, conserved colonial architecture, leafy parkland and various historical gems, while only a short walk away from dining hotspots, nightlife and vibrant enclaves.
The recently opened New Bahru, a lifestyle and dining haven for local creativity housed in the restored grounds of Nan Chiau High School, is also within walking distance and offers a wide range of boutique stores, cafés and restaurants.
History and nature intertwine at Fort Canning Park
A landmark rich in history and natural beauty right in the heart of the city, Fort Canning Park, named after Viscount Charles John Canning, the first Viceroy of India, offers history enthusiasts the opportunity to trace Singapore’s past through its ancient artefacts, colonial architecture and storied grounds.
Nature lovers can enjoy the serenity of the trails that wind over the hill, leading to Orchard Road. Kids will love Jubilee Park, the inclusive playground, while fitness fans and nature lovers will appreciate the hiking trails and lush greenery. Don’t miss the Bali-inspired photo spots and Instagram-famous spiral staircase within this 22-hectare park.
Also within Fort Canning Park is the Battlebox, a preserved underground WWII command centre that brings Singapore’s colonial history to life. Located nine metres below ground, this dramatic site was where British commanders made the historic decision to surrender to the Japanese in 1942. A 30-minute guided tour delivers fascinating insights and is best suited for older kids and adults
Enjoy a refreshing, icy dip
The Ice Bath Club, Singapore’s first dedicated ice bath recovery club, offers wellness treatments in the atmosphere of a buzzy, social club. Open to drop-ins, the space features a magnesium salt hot bath, icy plunge pools (chilled to 5–10°C), a social sauna and a café. Bring your swimsuit, book a session and let the endorphins kick in. This wellness hotspot is beloved by the fitness community for good reason, and the café is a great respite from the hot weather with its excellent selection of smoothies and coffee.
Down at the trendy New Bahru, Hideaway on the fifth floor is a new wellness club that offers a range of facilities including ice baths, saunas and spa treatments. A great post-flight experience that addresses jet lag, individual ice baths and saunas can be bundled with a spa session for a totally relaxing experience.
Be inspired by local makers
Discover fashion and accessories at New Bahru from local labels like Beyond The Vines, OM by Ong Shunmugam, and Make by Ginlee, where a lot of the products are customisable, sustainable with intentional storytelling. Add whimsical books to your collection at Woods in the Books, pick up elegant everyday jewellery from Curious Creatures or indulge in the most deliciously scented body care products from Omno a homegrown brand focused on well-being and sustainability.
New Bahru also houses Alma House, a long-stay service apartment designed with a retro-vintage vibe, and a number of fitness studios for you to get your sweat on.
Breakfast options abound with these bakeries
Start your day at Tiong Bahru Bakery Foothills, surrounded by lush greenery in all directions and just a two-minute stroll from the MRT station’s Exit B. Located in the refurbished buildings of the former River Valley Swimming Complex, this bakery turns out crowd-favourite bakes like kouign amanns, ham and butter baguettes and arguably Singapore’s best croissants and pain au chocolats.
A short walk away is UE Square, where you can drop in at Lean & Rich Bakery. It is helmed by a Korean baker from Seoul’s Tartine Bakery, who churns out simple-but-standout offerings, including Morning Platter (sourdough, soft-boiled egg, cheese, fig jam), and an apple-and-brie danish tart with candied pecans and wild rocket.
Sample authentic Asian cuisine for lunch
Lunch at The Coconut Club, tucked away in New Bahru, which delivers elevated nasi lemak (coconut milk-laced rice with a variety of accompaniments), with standout dishes like ayam goreng berempah (spiced, fried chicken) and Australian Wagyu beef cheek rendang. Also in New Bahru, Kotuwa serves refined Sri Lankan cuisine – think smoky mutton rolls, a variety of sambols (fragrant relishes) and hoppers paired with creamy dhal and more.
For something quick and comforting, Moc Quan at UE Square serves Vietnamese favourites like pho bo with wagyu beef, and bun thit nuong (cold rice vermicelli) with grilled Kurobuta pork. They also do a vegetarian menu, as well as strong, sweet Vietnamese iced coffee.
Enjoy riverside vibes for dinner
Unwind after a day of exploring along the riverside restaurants of Robertson Quay. People-watch from the cozy confines of Bella Pasta which offers excellent hearty pasta and delicious pizza. Or head to Super Loco for a fun night of tacos and margaritas. For those craving a true taste of Singapore, Red House Seafood lets you dive into iconic local dishes such as the sweet-spicy chilli crab, punchy black pepper crab and crispy-golden cereal prawns. Publico at the InterContinental Robertson Quay is great for some elevated Italian fare with an outdoor patio ideal for some after-dinner music and cocktails.
Back at New Bahru and giving serious date-night-done-right vibes is Somma, a chic and intimate fine dining concept by chef Mirko Febbrile. Drawing from his Puglian roots, the six-course menu at this elegant 36-seater showcases inventive and elevated renditions of Italian classics – think bold flavours, artful plating and a masterful balance of tradition and creativity.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to Singapore, visit singaporeair.com.
