Living in Outram puts you near Chinatown, a cultural area filled with eclectic shops and street food. It’s especially popular with professionals that want to be close to other parts of Singapore but also affordably experience the culture and food. If you’re into culture and eclectic and historical streetscapes, this is the perfect area for you to begin your Singapore expat life.
There are a few serviced apartments, ultra-modern HDBs, and skyscrapers along this area. With its newer condominium complexes, you’ll have a touch of comfort while being in the vicinity of a vibrant Chinese neighbourhood. There’s also no shortage of food options as there are a plethora of food-focused streets lined with restaurants. Popular trendy nightspots are also just a few minutes away from the area. All in all, Outram is a great neighbourhood that seamlessly melds together both the old and the new.
Distance from the CBD
Outram is situated within the Central Area of the Central Region of Singapore. The nearest MRT Station is Outram Park MRT, and it takes just minutes (two stops to be exact), to reach the CBD. Outram Park MRT will also eventually be linked to the upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line which will connect Outram to Orchard Road, Marina Bay, and Gardens by the Bay. If you’ve got a car, it’s about a 5-minute drive to the CBD area.
Living in Outram: Morning, day and night
Spend your morning hitting up one of the gyms in the Outram area. There’s Cut Gym – a 2,000 square feet boutique personal training gym, CrossFit Urban Edge, and Outram’s Anytime Fitness. Just a short distance away is Chinatown’s Fitness First with its stunning heated swimming pool and group exercise and cycling studio. In the future, Outram will also be located on the Central Area cycling network which will connect the neighbourhood to Queenstown, Bishan, and Marina Bay.
In the afternoon, spend your day wandering around the streets of Chinatown. There’s so much to see from the hawker stalls to the souvenir shops. If you’ve got a bit more time, Outram is also nearby to Tiong Bahru – one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in Singapore, along with Tanjong Pagar.
In the evening, there’s plenty of nightlife around the area, especially in Bukit Pasoh, Club Street, and Keong Saik road. The popular Potato Head Singapore is situated in this neighbourhood, along with Neon Pigeon – a modern Izakaya serving up some delicious cocktails.
Shop
Most of all your shopping needs will be in the Chinatown area. There’s Chinatown Point that’s located in the heart of Chinatown with specialty shops and dining outlets. Other malls include Chinatown Complex, Concorde Shopping Centre, and the Tan Boon Liat Building that’s a treasure trove for unique home accessories. Outram MRT Station itself is also a great spot for you to pick up some basic food items and household needs. While there are supermarkets in the Outram area, head to the Chinatown Complex Wet Market to purchase everything you need from fresh seafood to a range of meats and vegetables.
Eat
Chinatown Complex Food Centre is one of the best places to eat in the Outram area with local traditional dishes with varied menus. You’ll also need to head to Chinatown Food Street for some cheap, tasty, and authentic local food in Singapore. If you’re looking for a delectable cup of coffee, head to Highlander Coffee Espresso Bar and Nylon Coffee Roasters for a great cuppa. Other places around the Outram area include Spanish restaurant Binomio, Fong Kee Coffee Shop, and Restaurant Andre for fine French cuisine. There are all sorts of dining options in the Outram area with different price points so you’re completely spoiled for choice.
See
The Outram area is brimming with culture so there's plenty to see. Start at Pearl’s Hill City Park to take a breather from busy city life before going about your day. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is a great spot to learn about the history and background of Buddhism before heading to Chinatown Heritage Centre to learn more about what life was like in Singapore in the 1950s. Then, head to the oldest mosque in Singapore, James Mosque, before visiting the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, Sri Mariammam Temple.
The downside
Buildings in this area are much older than other neighbourhoods though there are some up and coming new developments. The area is also more commercial than residential, and it can be quite touristy due to its close proximity to Chinatown.
Making the most of your move to Singapore
If you are in the process of planning your move, make sure you read our comprehensive and refreshed 2021 Moving to Singapore Guide to learn more about the real cost of living in Singapore, what you need to prepare for and insights on family and work-life as an expat.
You can also use our free relocation dashboard to discover other areas to live, chat with a community of likeminded people and begin setting up for your new life in Singapore... all before you land.
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