Joo Chiat is known as a place rich with Peranakan history. Recently, it’s been going viral for a different reason – it’s the next trendy neighbourhood among Singaporeans for exploring cute pop-ups, shopping for local handmade goods and cafe hopping! After seeing it appear constantly on my feed, I finally decided to head down to Joo Chiat to check it out for myself. So here’s a list of things I’d recommend you do in Joo Chiat for a fun, wholesome afternoon!
1. Fuel up at one of Joo Chiat’s trendy cafes: Bored Tacos
Address: 315 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01, S(427566)
Opening hours: Daily, 11am – 8.30pm
Our first stop was to grab lunch at Bored Tacos, a cosy Mexican place that was highly raved about online – and sure enough, it did not disappoint! We opted for the Birria Beef Tacos ($14.50 for 3, $18 for 6) and Cajun Chicken Quesadilla ($12), alongside a serving of their Loaded Nachos ($13.50). What I loved most about this place was the generous servings, where the tacos and quesadillas were filled to the brim with meat and topped with a hearty serving of melted cheese. It’s a value-for-money meal that left me feeling extremely full and satisfied!
Apart from Bored Tacos, there are plenty of other Joo Chiat cafes where you can enjoy a relaxing brunch. Well-known spots like Two Men Bagel House and Hello Arigato have outlets in the area, and if you’re in the mood for something more local, there’s always 328 Katong Laksa: A popular choice among both Singaporeans and tourists alike. It’s even said that this famous hawker stall first originated right here in Joo Chiat!
2. Explore Heartware Store and Gallery
Address: 350B Joo Chiat Road, S(427598)
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm – 7pm
Souvenirs by We Are Out Of Office Exhibition: 24 Oct – 23 Nov 2025
Opened in April 2025, Heartware Store and Gallery is a multi-purpose space that hosts various pop-up art exhibitions and events. It’s an aesthetic, charming space for those who love browsing quirky art pieces and unique knick-knacks. When I was there, the exhibit on display was Souvenirs by the Netherlands-based artist duo We Are Out Of Office. There were many fun pieces to admire, including a multi-storey car park sculpture and even a gachapon machine! With a lineup of creative exhibitions all year round, Heartware Store and Gallery is always a fun spot to visit when you’re in Joo Chiat.
Other than the art exhibits, there’s also a retail space to sell local artists’ merchandise and vintage items. With a distinctively childlike and playful aesthetic, the merchandise will appeal to those who love cute designs. While some of the merchandise can be quite pricey, it’s still enjoyable to browse and admire the creativity on display.
3. Look for Jellycats at Flower Matters
Address: 323 Joo Chiat Road, Level One, S(427580)
Opening hours:
Tue – Fri : 12pm – 7.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 6.30pm
Sun: 1pm – 7.30pm
If you’re a fan of Jellycats, this flower shop at Joo Chiat is a must-visit! With an extensive Jellycat selection, just browsing through the different characters and animals scattered around the shop gives an instant serotonin boost – even if my wallet can’t afford a Jellycat spending spree. When I dropped by, the place was filled with adorable Christmas-themed Jellycats that matched the upcoming festive season perfectly. Whether you’re there to window-shop, admire all the different Jellycat animals, or pick up a preserved flower bouquet, visiting Flower Matters is definitely one of my favourite things to do in Joo Chiat.
4. Browse local goods at Cat Socrates and Gallery+ Katong
Cat Socrates
Address: 448 Joo Chiat Road, S(427661)
Opening Hours:
Mon: 10am – 6pm
Tue – Fri: 10am – 7pm
Sat: 10am – 8pm
Sun: 11am – 7pm
Any frequent visitor to the Joo Chiat neighbourhood is sure to have heard of this store. For those looking for unique, local souvenirs, Cat Socrates is filled with Singaporean-themed knick-knacks in every corner. They carry items from various local brands, ranging from accessories to card games to books, so it’s a great place to visit if you’re big on #supportlocal. There’s also a resident cat who lives in the store, though unfortunately, I didn’t manage to spot it while I was visiting. Exploring unique little shops like Cat Socrates is definitely one of the best things to do in Joo Chiat – it lets you slow down, browse, and stumble upon all sorts of fascinating finds!
Gallery+ Katong
Address: 2 Fowlie Road, S(428505)
Opening Hours:
Tue – Sun: 10am – 5pm
Selling handmade goods from local artists, Gallery+ Katong is another gem in Joo Chiat waiting to be explored. In addition to showcasing locally designed and handmade products, Gallery+ Katong primarily features artisanal soaps by the local brand Soap Craft Singapore. With an entire wall of handcrafted soaps – all of which you can pick up, sniff, and read about – I ended up spending quite a bit of time browsing through everything on display! Even if you’re not someone who uses soap bars, there are plenty of other fun items to explore, from handmade Smiski keychains to adorable fridge magnets.
5. Check out cool concept stores like The Panic Room
Address: 428 Joo Chiat Road, S(427645)
Opening hours:
Mon, Wed – Fri: 11am – 8pm
Sat – Sun: 9.30am – 6.30pm
Beyond the cutesy, handmade goods you’ll find in the Joo Chiat boutiques, the neighbourhood is also home to a handful of quirky, themed shops worth checking out. Take The Panic Room, for instance. At first glance, it’s hard to tell what the place actually is. We wandered in simply because the vintage posters outside caught our eye. Inside, we found a retro, slightly grungy barbershop that also sells an eclectic mix of merchandise. The shelves were filled with everything from old cassette tapes to men’s colognes and shaving products, all adding to its offbeat charm. If you enjoy exploring unique shops with tons of personality, Joo Chiat has plenty of interesting places that you definitely won’t find in places like Orchard Road!
6. Enjoy a coffee break at Same Days Coffee
Address: 292 Joo Chiat Road, S(427544)
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri: 10am – 5pm
Sat – Sun: 10am – 6.30pm
With so many cafes in Joo Chiat, stopping for a mid-day coffee break is a must. We decided to stop by Same Days Coffee, a charming Joo Chiat coffee bar tucked right in the middle of furniture store Grafunkt. The space was tiny, but its cosy vibe made it the perfect spot for people-watching or simply chilling with friends. We opted for the Summer Peach Tea, a refreshing drink that completely revived us after walking around all day. If you’re more of a coffee person, their menu features plenty of tempting options like the Yuzu Espresso and the Orange Cold Brew. They also offer matcha drinks, which seemed to be a popular choice among the customers I saw while I was there.
7. Admire the Joo Chiat murals
Another fun thing to do in Joo Chiat would be to admire and actually look at the many murals found around the neighbourhood. Although most Singaporean estates have a clean and polished look, Joo Chiat stands out with its vibrant street art and creative charm. Take a walk around Joo Chiat and see how many murals you can spot; they’re often painted on the sides of shophouses or tucked away in back alleys.
There’s apparently as many as 27 different street art pieces all around Joo Chiat! I only managed to spot five, and that was without even actively searching for them. It’s definitely something I would recommend doing in Joo Chiat – a mural-hunting adventure sounds like such a fun way to explore the neighbourhood!
8. Bonus: Visit the Peranakan houses and heritage museums
If you’re looking for a weekend activity that goes beyond the typical cafe-hopping agenda, the neighbourhood is filled with heritage sites and museums where you can learn more about Singapore’s diverse cultural history. Apart from visiting the landmark colourful Peranakan houses, you can head to The Intan or the Katong Antique House – both private museums run by passionate curators who offer deeper insights into the traditions of Peranakan culture. There’s also the Eurasian Heritage Gallery, a small museum with three immersive galleries. Exploring these cultural spots is sure to make your list of things to do in Joo Chiat more meaningful!
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Joo Chiat
1. Is Joo Chiat Road worth visiting?
With a mix of historic sites and modern attractions, Joo Chiat is definitely worth visiting. There are plenty of things to do in Joo Chiat, from cafe hopping to exploring unique shops you won’t find anywhere else. The vibrant street murals around the neighbourhood also make it one of the most aesthetic and visually striking areas in Singapore. It’s a place that’s enjoyable for both tourists and locals alike.
Joo Chiat is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Artisanal shops like Cat Socrates showcase the work of local designers and artists, while the cafes in Joo Chiat serve up speciality coffees and delicious pastries. There are also plenty of pop-up stalls, exhibitions and weekend markets that are held frequently around Joo Chiat.
3. How to get to Joo Chiat?
Since Joo Chiat does not have its own MRT station, the closest options are Eunos or Paya Lebar on the East-West Line. Alternatively, you can take the Thomson-East Coast Line and stop at Marine Parade station, where you’ll start from the end of Joo Chiat Road and work your way up to explore all the different spots mentioned.
Things to do in Joo Chiat: Singapore’s next trendy neighbourhood
Spending an afternoon exploring Joo Chiat proved more fruitful than expected. With so many interesting finds, I would definitely want to come back again to explore. If you’re on the hunt for other cool neighbourhoods, check out these things to do in Haji Lane instead. Or if you’re looking for your next cafe-hopping adventure, check out our guide on cafes to spend your CDC vouchers on.
