Red Dot's Hottest 'Hoods

We’ve picked out Singapore’s coolest nabes for your ease of exploration.

Tanjong Pagar

Get your caffeine fix at Nylon Coffee Roasters and try to spot nostalgia inducing murals by local artist Yip Yew Chong along Everton Road. At Ji Xiang Confectionery, sample local delicacy – the ang ku kueh (red turtle cake). For stunning (and free) views of the city skyline, head to the skybridge of The Pinnacle@ Duxton. Audiophiles can check out Retrophonic Records for vinyls, record players and other audio accessories. (www.nyloncoffee.sg; www.jixiangconfectionery.com.sg; 40 Everton Rd, 089393; 1G Cantonment Rd, 080001; www.retrophonic.sg)

Chinatown

Taste the legendary Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at Maxwell Food Centre. The Coconut Club also dishes out such a mean nasi lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk). While you should not skip the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple And Museum, the nearby Singapore City Gallery is also worth a visit to view a giant architectural model of downtown Singapore. (1 Kadayanallur St, #01-10/11 Maxwell Food Centre, 069184; www.thecoconutclub.sg; 288 South Bridge Rd, 058840; 45 Maxwell Rd, The URA Centre, 069118)

Singapore River

Both Robertson Quay and Clarke Quay surround the river, with plenty of gems on both banks. Sink into a good book at The Book Café, hit up Fine Spirits by La Maison Du Whisky for its curated range while theatre fans can catch a production at KC Arts Centre. Party animals, don’t miss Zouk – Singapore’s most famous club and home to Mambo Jambo parties that take you back to the 80s. (www.thebookcafe.com.sg; www.whisky.sg; www.srt.com.sg/kc-artscentre; www.zoukclub.com)

Civic and Business Districts