Distance from the CBD
The commute from Tiong Bahru to the CBD is about 20 minutes. You could take the MRT which is connected to Tiong Bahru Plaza or take a bus, many of which pass by the mall as well. You could also opt for a Grab or taxi which would save you about 5 to 10 minutes on your commuting time.

Living in Tiong Bahru: Morning, day and night
Tiong Bahru has one of the best wet markets in Singapore. It is big, and it has a popular hawker centre right above the market. The hawker center offers a wide variety of local delights, some of which are famous. If you prefer something more familiar to expats, there are many cafes serving variations of Western-style breakfast and brunch items. There will never be a shortage of visitors flocking to the many cafes for meals and top-notch coffee. Forty Hands is a popular spot for brunch, so try and make reservations if you can.

A major appeal of Tiong Bahru is its historical charm. Some of its buildings are close to a century old. There are many small businesses that have taken over the old shop lots, take a closer look and you’ll find hints of olden day Singapore in its architecture. Those who are looking to populate their Instagram feed will be spending hours here, as there are many spots for stunning snaps.

Dinnertime in Tiong Bahru is always an occasion. There are plenty of choices, with many of the eateries being operated by expats. French, Greek and English cuisine can be found around the vicinity. Try to make reservations if you can as these restaurants can draw a crowd at times. If you are the active sort, you could wind down with some after work yoga at one of the many yoga studios around.

Shop 
For household needs and groceries, most residents of Tiong Bahru head to Tiong Bahru Plaza. As it is connected to the MRT station, those on the way home tend to stop by the supermarket before heading home. Alternatively, fresh meats, seafood and produce is available at the Tiong Bahru market. 

If you’re looking for art, clothes and gift items, there’s a plethora of independently owned shops around the neighbourhood. Many of the items you’ll find are handcrafted and unique.  

Eat 
Tiong Bahru is a paradise for small eats to extravagant meals. Some of the establishments are decades old, well-known around the island. Tiong Bahru bakery is one of the more famous ones. Try their scrumptious croissants and Breton round crusty cake, also known as kouign amann.

See 
Walking around Tiong Bahru gives you a peek into olden day Singapore. Despite being a tourist hotspot, the streets are a lot quieter than areas in the CBD. The buildings here have a distinctive look known as Streamline Moderne, which was introduced in the 1930s. You could also visit the Qi Tian Gong Temple which occasionally holds religious ceremonies. Even though Tiong Bahru attracts many visitors, most of the neighbourhood is relatively quiet, so you can roam around with ease.

The downside
Some of the most popular eateries and cafes can be jam packed during weekends. If you do not have a reservation, you may find yourself hopping from one place to another, just to secure a seat. The mall and wet market can be crowded as well during the weekends, so try to do your groceries during the weekdays if you can. 

Tiong Bahru can also be on the pricier side in terms of rent, mainly for the location. Expats who live here tend to houseshare to cut costs. If you’re moving as a single or a couple, you’ll find that rooms may be available to you. 

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.