8 Unusual Things To Do In Singapore Tourists Don’t Know Of

I say “Singapore,” you think Gardens by the Bay! Splashed across just about every website relating to Singapore, or the first thing promoted by tour operators, there is much more that meets the eye to this creative island than the typical landmarks and sightseeing ventures. 

Home to a diverse cultural makeup, this has a major influence on all aspects of local life. Why not explore this a bit more during your time in Singapore? Learning about new cultural endeavors and traditions is one of my best parts of travelling. 

This city is also one of Southeast Asia’s trendiest, in my opinion. Out-of-the-box concepts are employed for new restaurant openings, cafes, bars, and creative spaces. 

Here are 8 unusual things to do in Singapore, from Hell’s Museum to inspiring neighborhoods. 

1. Taylor Adams: Tailor Shop or Speakeasy? 

Singapore certainly isn’t short on its fair share of speakeasies, however, Taylor Adams has got to be one of the most well-masked — hence, I had to include it in this list of unusual things to do in Singapore. 

If you had to stroll past the “shopfront,” you’d simply mistake this for a men’s tailor shop, with suits hanging in the window and even a dressing room. I will give you a hint on how to find it, though: it’s situated in ​​Raffles Place. 

The bar itself feels like an old gentlemen’s club, and the cocktails are top-notch, showcasing a lot of Southeast Asian ingredients and Singaporean heritage. 

2. Joo Chiat Street: Pastel houses in a row + trendy vibes  

Instead of visiting the typical Singaporean landmarks, like Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa Island, why not choose to explore some of SG’s local neighborhoods and streets? You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what lies in store, offering you a different version of the city. 

Colorful Joo Chiat reminds me a little of Penang’s George Town (in Malaysia). Pastel-colored 1920s shophouses line the roadside, now home to fashion and lifestyle stores, cooler-than-cool cafes (try Hello Arigato), and restaurants (Italian-fiends, dine at award-winning La Bottega Enoteca). For margs and tacos, check out vibey Papi’s Tacos. Beloved Singaporean coffee shops along this road include Common Man Coffee Roasters (a classic) and Humble Origins. Apiary makes some killer ice cream! 

Galleries deluxe; the Heartware Store & Gallery really makes my heart skip a beat! The best way to sightsee Joo Chiat Street is on a leisurely stroll, taking your time as you uncover the ins and outs of this EPIC road. 

Read more: 10 Best Cafes in Singapore for Food and Drinks

3. Absurdities: A theatrical, creative dining experience  

Throughout all of my years of exploring the world, I’ve never quite come across a restaurant like Absurdities. Taking a page out of Japan’s omakase-type eateries, there are six various crazy-themed rooms which you move through as part of the immersive dining experiences, completing your six omakase-style meals. 

You even have to CLIMB and CRAWL to get to one, entering a retro, 50s-style home kitchen (which totally reminds me of an American sitcom). Others include spooky settings and a Business Class flight. 

Completing it all are the staff, who are more like theatre performers, each dressed up accordingly, who are there to guide you through each experience. Be sure to add it to your list of unusual things to do in Singapore. 

4. The Intan: A look into Peranakan culture  

Welcome to a world of weird and wonderful: The Intan. Forget all the usual, clean-cut museums, and instead, dive into this exciting collection of all-things Peranakan culture. 

Peranakan (a term given to descendants of early Chinese, Indian, or Arab immigrants in Singapore) heritage runs strong in Singapore, with many buildings displaying typical Peranakan design or restaurants and bars that celebrate its traditions. 

Designed like a traditional house instead of your typical museum, there are two levels to explore. Nowadays, many local businesses centered around Peranakan culture are showcased at the museum, and work as collaborations. Private tours and dining experiences are available, too. 

It won the award for the ‘Best Overall Museum Experience’ by the National Heritage Board. 

5. Tiong Bahru: Local hipster neighborhood 

Wondering what the city’s most happening neighborhoods are that tourists don’t really know of? Tiong Bahru is a must among the unusual things to do in Singapore. 

Did you know that it’s one of the city’s oldest public housing estates with a distinct Art Deco architectural style? Thanks to this preserved style, it has now converted the area into a super trendy one, yet it retains its old-school charm. 

Things to do and see in Tiong Bahru? Discover hip cafes and local restaurants, like Chinese Hua Bee for kaya toast.  

Visit the Tiong Bahru Market for street food, or treat yourself at the famous Tiong Bahru Bakery. Stumble upon epic galleries and creative boutique shops, like Cat Socrates. The Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail is also a cool activity to embark on, loaded with local history insights. 

6. Haw Par Villa: Wander the Ten Courts of Hell 

When you think of life after death, what pops to mind? Thanks to Hollywood, we’re left with an imprint of a fiery hell and demons all over the show… Haw Par Villa is an outdoor theme park, also known as Tiger Balm Gardens. Behind its gates lies Hell’s Museum and its famous Ten Courts of Hell. 

Not only one of the most unusual things to do in Singapore, but its museum is the first of its kind across the globe. Insightful and intriguing, this activity is a great one for all sorts of travellers, from solo cruisers to families (but I would keep very young kids at bay). 

It shines a light into all things death and afterlife-related for many worldly cultures, religions, and civilisations. Book your tickets here. 

7. Jewel Changi Airport Terminal 2: Latest immersive sections

I often forget that the iconic Jewel Changi Airport only opened in 2019! It’s made so many worldwide waves since, and has been recognized as the best airport in the world year after year. 

Visitors arrive at the airport even if they’re not flying or traveling by air simply to enjoy its facilities or marvel at features like its insane indoor waterfall, most of which are found in and around T1. Undergoing a terminal two revamp in 2023, there is also so much cool stuff going on in T2 that is often overlooked. 

These attractions include the outdoor Bamboo Grove, Dreamscape (look up!), the Enchanted Garden, Sunflower Garden, Jurassic Mile, The Wonderwall (insane), and the Fit&Fun Zone. There’s also a robotic bartender stall that makes complimentary drinks — not even kidding!  

8. New Bahru: An old school reborn 

Not to be confused with Tiong Bahru, New Bahru is completely separate, although it is inspired by Singapore’s oldest neighborhood. In fact, the lifestyle destination is in the place of an old school building, Nan Chiau High School. Different sections house the restaurants, shops, wellness, and kids zone. Walk the former corridors and adventure spaces like the old library. 

The School Block is home to 15 F&B outlets, such as Artichoke Pizza Parlour, Le Clos Wine House, Bar Bon Funk, and The Coconut Club. This section is where to find all of the boutique stores as well (over 20). A handful of my favorites are Woods in the Books, Studio Yono, r y e, and Curious Creatures.  

Forming part of the River Valley district, New Bahru has become a hub for all things art, design, and culture. For example, the Singapore Art Week 2026 is hosted here. 

P.S. I am low-key OBSESSED with the building’s exterior. What an architectural pink-blush moment! 

Now that I’ve covered some of the most unusual things to do in Singapore, let’s go beyond its shores with these incredible day trip options (especially great if you have more time to spare). 

If you need help planning the ultimate 2 days in Singapore, tuck into this insightful itinerary. Traveling on a budget? Singapore is known for its pricey accommodation. Not to worry, here is an epic list of affordable places to stay and free things to do. 

Lastly, night owls and social butterflies, you don’t want to miss out on the city’s BUZZING nightlife scene. 

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