Teens’ Top 10

1 HOLLAND VILLAGE

One of the most popular ’hoods among teenagers is “Holland V”, conveniently located near an MRT station and bus stops. It’s calm by day, but once the sun goes down it gets packed with teens and young adults. Grab a vegan-friendly bowl at Project Acai, or make your own burger at Fat Boy’s Burger Bar – or just hang out on the main street, which is closed off for pedestrians at night.

2 ORCHARD ROAD

From start to end, this well-known street boasts shopping malls full of all the well-known brands, as well as some independent cult favourites. Whatever you’re looking for, from clothes to shoes and makeup, Orchard will likely have it. Try Brandy Melville, Pull & Bear, Forever 21 and H&M, or some of the independent, locally-owned stores. Food-wise there’s Marmalade Pantry, Wild Honey and Din Tai Fung.

3 SENTOSA ISLAND

We’re always grateful when teenagers do internships with Expat Living, not only for the helping hand they give us, but because they share a different perspective on the current cool things to do in Singapore! Here’s a handful of spots recommended by our recent interns.

Singapore’s best beach day is undoubtedly had at Sentosa. Take a cable car from VivoCity to enjoy the views along the way, or stretch your legs and get there via the Sentosa boardwalk. There are three beaches: Siloso, Tanjong and Palawan – and with swimming, water sports and eats and drinks. And don’t miss a fun session at the Luge!

4 CLARKE QUAY

In you’re on the older side of the teen ledger and looking for an awesome night out, Clarke Quay has plenty of bars and restaurants. But there’s lots for younger ones too. A new Slingshot ride is currently being built where the old GX-5 Extreme Swing once stood – keep an eye out for that. Want a more mellow ride? Take a river taxi along the Singapore River. Nearby Fort Canning Park is great for a picnic.

5 EAST COAST

For teens craving physical activity, head to East Coast Park. This breezy coastal haven has great sea views, and you can stroll the beach or hire a wide variety of bikes, in-line skates, segways and skateboards for a ride on the designated pathways. If it’s hot, cool down with ice cream or have a bite in a food court. For knick-knack shopping, check out Cat Socrates and Egg3 in the area.

6 ARAB QUARTER

If you’re after a side of culture with your shopping, head to the Arab Quarter. The impressive Sultan’s Mosque and the traditional shophouses make for some beautiful photos, and independent and unique vintage clothing stores are sprinkled along the little alleys – finding a bargain is easy. Haji Lane is a highlight; keep an eye out for Modparade, a little lifestyle shop with a cool Scandinavian design; and Hygge for its café and homeware.

7 GARDENS BY THE BAY

A favourite among both adults and teens, Gardens by the Bay is home to a stunning variety of plants from around the world. Its two conservatories – the Flower Dome, the world’s largest greenhouse, and the Cloud Forest – are not just amazing but amazingly air-conditioned! Nearby Satay by the Bay is great for hawker food.

8 TIONG BAHRU

Tiong Bahru is well known as a “hipster paradise” – think street murals and cute Art Deco shophouses – and has grown massively in recent years. Don’t miss Curated Records, which sells a wide variety of records from Taylor Swift to Metallica, and strongly supporters local artists. Plain Vanilla Bakery and 40 Hands Coffee are both sweet places to have a bite.

9 MARINA BARRAGE

Marina Barrage is a fab spot to sit and admire the Singapore skyline, or to have an active day out. Bring friends, a picnic, a ball to throw around and a kite, and you’re set. If you’re lucky, you might catch some stars at night, despite the bright lights of the busy city. Walk over to Gardens by the Bay, or a little further to Marina Bay Sands, to make a full day out.

10 BUGIS

Bugis Street Market, right next to the MRT, is a fun spot to browse or buy cheap souvenirs, clothes and accessories. For slightly pricier (and more airconditioned!) shopping, head to Bugis+ and Bugis Junction shopping malls. Carry on walking down Victoria Street to Chijmes, with great grassy areas and loads of eats and drinks.