Things to do in Boat Quay
Boat Quay is renowned for its stunning riverside views and vibrant nightlife, but many of us tend to steer clear of the area due to its high prices and abundance of tourist traps. Navigating such a hotspot can be daunting, which is why we’ve compiled a list of things to do at Boat Quay that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.
Plus, contrary to popular belief, we locals can have a lot of fun around the area, even if we don’t end up in the touristy areas.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Boat Quay
- – Activities –
- 1. Asian Civilisations Museum
- 2. People of the River statue series
- 3. Singapore Musical Box Museum
- 4. The Arts House
- 5. Kulnari Mystery Golf
- 6. Victoria Concert Hall
- 7. Vcube Scenting
- 8. Aether Athletics
- – Places to eat –
- 9. Dumpling Darlings
- 10. BYD by 1826
- 11. Two Men Bagel House Lorong Telok
- 12. BK Eating House
- 13. Laksa Labo
- 14. Local Coffee People CIMB Plaza
- 15. Hero’s Bar
- Non-tourist trappy things to do in Boat Quay
– Activities –
1. Asian Civilisations Museum
Permanent ACM exhibitions are free for Singaporeans & PRs
Image adapted from: Klook
The Asian Civilisations Museum is Asia’s only museum that is dedicated solely to the vibrant history of Asian heritage. Their permanent exhibitions are free for Singaporeans and PRs – all the more reason for you to drop by.
Walk through their permanent gallery to learn about Indian Ocean maritime trade and ancient religions, customs, and traditions. Their last permanent exhibition is related to scholars of ancient China, showcasing values and beliefs still relevant to Chinese culture today.
Image credit: @juicy.parenting via Instagram
In May 2025, a multi-sensory exhibition, Elegant Sounds, reopened in the museum, exploring the significance of the guqin, a Chinese musical instrument, in shaping Chinese art and culture. Visitors can expect an auditory and tactile experience when walking through this exhibition, making it a perfect experience to reflect and connect with history.
The museum also hosts numerous educational workshops and lectures, often for free. Keep a lookout on the Asian Civilisations Museum website for any upcoming events.
Sign Up with TSL Connect
2. People of the River statue series
Free art installation along the Singapore River
Image credit: TripAdvisor
If you’re taking a walk down the scenic Singapore River, keep an eye out for these bronze statues, formally known as the People of the River. These statues are more than decorative art installations; they represent the people in Singapore’s history, showcasing what life was like before the glitzy development.
The statues can be found all along the river till the Fullerton Hotel, each one depicting a scene of past Singapore, connecting the present to the past.
3. Singapore Musical Box Museum
Exhibitions of unique artefacts – musical boxes
Image credit: @precious.jade.va via Instagram
We bet that if we asked you to think of an artefact, a music box would be the last thing on your mind. Singapore’s Musical Box Museum proves that history can be found in practically anything, considering they specialise in antique musical boxes.
Musical boxes were a symbol of European culture dating from the 19th century, and records have shown that Singapore, in particular, played a vital role in progressing and developing musical boxes in Southeast Asia during that period.
An antique music box that would accompany ships on voyages.
Image credit: @precious.jade.va via Instagram
Here, you can expect a guided tour by in-house curators about the role our little red dot played in the advancement of this technology, and listen to the tunes that the original musical boxes played. This museum is also home to the “Singanam” musical box, a rare musical box of which there are only 5 that exist in the world; one of them is right here.
4. The Arts House
Multi-disciplinary arts & heritage centre
Image adapted from: The Arts House Limited
The Arts House is an art centre that plays host to a variety of creative events like live performances, exhibitions, and musical concerts. It’s said that it’s the oldest surviving building in Singapore, which was built in 1827, with some of its original features remaining unchanged.
Image credit: The Arts House
Most performances will be held in the parliament chambers, which have retained their original seating design, adding an element of uniqueness when catching a performance here. The Arts House is also home to a free, permanent exhibition called Our Cultural Medallion Story, which celebrates the achievements of 135 medallion recipients who have enriched Singapore’s arts and cultural landscape.
Keep updated on upcoming events or performances on The Arts House website.
5. Kulnari Mystery Golf
Mini-golf with a 1920s mystery theme
At Kulnari Mystery Golf, you can expect a mini-golf experience like no other. The entire course is set in the 1920s Boat Quay era – complete with themed holes, decorations and a murder mystery you’ll have to solve. As you make your way through the course, look out for hints and clues that will lead you to the culprit.
Image credit: @kulnarimysterygolf via Instagram
It is an 18-hole golf course, so you can expect to spend around 2 hours here. Whilst you hunt for clues, immerse yourself in the analogue charm of the course. There are plenty of vintage artefacts and exhibits to explore while you enjoy a chill golf game. Reservations are recommended to avoid being disappointed since their walk-ins are subject to availability.
You can beat the crowds by booking during their off-peak periods from Mondays to Thursdays before 5pm.
6. Victoria Concert Hall
Live performances & entertainment
Image credit: @shuehliong via Instagram
Victoria Concert Hall is a must-visit if you’re an enjoyer of Singapore’s performing arts scene. The building is home to numerous event spaces and a main stage area, which can seat up to 600 people.
Image credit: Singapore Symphony Orchestra
An upcoming concert you can look forward to is a choral performance called In Song ‘25 carried out by singers from Victoria Chorale, performing their annual concert on 12th July 2025.
If you’re more into theatre, book tickets for A Tiger Who Came To Tea, a theatrical performance set to take the stage from 12th Sept 2025 to 14th Sept 2025. It’s a musical play adapted from the book by Judith Kerr.
7. Vcube Scenting
Scent-making workshops
When it comes to anything scent-related – think candles, perfumes, diffusers and essential oils – Vcube Scenting has a workshop dedicated to it. At these workshops, you’ll get to learn how to create one-of-a-kind scents that are uniquely yours.
The workshop hosts prioritise the importance of scents and relaxation, making sure that you learn valuable insights on how to use certain fragrances to help reduce stress and calm yourself down.
Image credit: Vcube Blog
Their workshops are priced from $80 and go up to $118. Currently, their reed diffuser workshop has a promo, now priced at $88 (U.P. $118).
8. Aether Athletics
Workout classes inspired by Earth, Water, Fire & Air
Image credit: @aetherathleticssg via Instagram
Peak form could be achieved here at Aether Athletics. Their tagline, Harness the Elements, refers to their group workout curriculum that’s based on the 4 elements of earth, water, fire and air. Each element targets a different aspect of fitness, like endurance, power, mobility, and agility, for a holistic sweat session.
Weight training, cross-training, and conditioning are blended together to improve overall fitness, making their workouts suitable for beginners as well.
– Places to eat –
9. Dumpling Darlings
Cosy eatery specialising in dumplings
Image credit: @dumpling.darlings via Instagram
Dumpling Darlings is an eatery specialising in – yep, you guessed it – dumplings. There are different flavours to try, whether you’d like the classic The Original ($8), which has a pork filling, Prawn & Crab ($10), which is self-explanatory, or their Dessert Dumpling ($12) for a sweet treat.
If you’re worried that the dumplings aren’t filling enough, they also offer carbs like Miso Mushroom Noodles ($9.50) and Sichuan Pork Noodles ($9.50) for a heartier meal.
Image credit: @dumpling.darlings via Instagram
Their restaurant is hard to miss with its walls that are painted a bright fire-engine red. You can choose to dine al fresco; reviews say it’s a quieter experience than dining indoors, which can be packed during peak hours.
10. BYD by 1826
$9.90 set meals
Image adapted from: @eat_jonlove, @charmainedistor via Instagram
BYD by 1826 isn’t the car brand’s new model, but a restaurant franchise you can dine at. Their Boat Quay outlet is designed to mimic a lush urban garden, complemented by riverside views and the skyline of Singapore’s CBD.
In addition to the visual feast, you can get a set meal for only $9.90, which comes with a choice of Basil Minced Pork Rice Bowl, Green Curry Chicken Rice Bowl, or Phad Thai Noodle Bowl. Their set promos are great for those of us on a budget but want a filling meal. Otherwise, feel free to indulge in other dishes like Pulled Lamb Buns ($14) and Sambal Squid ($20)
11. Two Men Bagel House Lorong Telok
Handmade, takeaway bagels under $7
Image credit: Two Men Bagel House
Two Men Bagel House Lorong Telok is the place for loaded bagels. So if you’re craving some light bites, drop by their bayside outlet that’s open from 8am to 3pm daily for bagels you can eat on the go.
They have customisable bagels for under $7, making it a pretty affordable meal while you’re exploring the city centre. All you have to do is choose a bagel flavour ($3) and your preferred toppings (from $1).
Image credit: Eatbook
They also have speciality bagels like the Luxe Bagel ($15), a savoury delight of smoked salmon, cream cheese, and pickled cucumbers. The Fil ‘A’ Chick ($11) is a more affordable version starring spicy chicken katsudon instead.
12. BK Eating House
24-hour eatery for your supper needs
Image credit: J The Jon
BK Eating House is a great spot to quell your supper urges after partying at the nearby Clarke Quay since it’s open 24 hours. But whether you’re exploring Boat Quay midday, early morning, or late at night, you can be guaranteed that you’ll be fed while in the area with yummy and cheap meals.
Image adapted from: @kedandrose via Instagram
There’s a variety of stalls to choose from, each selling a different cuisine like Indian, Chinese, and Thai. Many of the dishes here are priced under $5, and are delicious to boot, making it a simple, but yummy alternative meal-time haunt.
13. Laksa Labo
Features a popular 60s laksa recipe by its OG chef
Image credit: Wild Coco
Laksa Labo serves everything laksa, and foodies will be delighted to know that their signature laksa recipe has withstood the test of time. It was created by Mr Tok, a veteran hawker who used to sell it back in the 60s, and is carried on today by the same folks behind Wild Coco.
Also, their Boat Quay outlet is an air-conditioned, modernised kopitiam despite its old-school recipe.
Eggy Laksa ($9.90).
Image credit: @alainlicious via Instagram
Their signature, of course, is their Classic Laksa ($9.90), and each bowl comes with a tiger prawn, fish cake, and fried tofu. They also sell other dishes like Laksa Goreng ($17.90), Chicken Curry Set ($18.90), and Ayam Masak Merah Set ($18.90).
14. Local Coffee People CIMB Plaza
Local beverages priced under $3.60
Image credit: @giftyghipetz via Instagram
Sometimes, you just need a refreshing teh peng to beat the heat, but finding a cheap coffee shop can sometimes be a challenge in this area. This is where Local Coffee People has your back with their short and sweet menu of local drinks like Kopi (from $1.50) and Milo (from $2.00).
Their signature drinks are a little more fancy, like Gula Melaka Tea (from $2.10) or Honey Yuzu Fizz ($3.60). Rest assured that all of their drinks are priced below $4, which is cheaper than some Kopitiam drink stall prices nowadays.
15. Hero’s Bar
Moonlit by bands like Ruby Rocks & Star Kings
Hero’s Bar is the hangout spot for drinks, good vibes, and music. Fans of live music will be glad to know that entertainment here is live every night, so you can rock out to your heart’s desire.
Many bands moonlight at the bar, like Ruby Rocks and Star Kings. Check out Hero’s Singapore Instagram to find out who’s performing, and make a reservation so you can guarantee a spot during the late-night party hours.
Non-tourist trappy things to do in Boat Quay
It’s no surprise that Boat Quay is always teeming with life. The area promises endless experiences, reasonably-priced food, and fun stuff that appeals to both tourists and locals alike – you just have to know where to look.
Other enjoyable things to do in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: @herosbarsg, @kulnarimysterygolf via Instagram, Vcube Blog