Things to do in Bencoolen
Recently, Bencoolen snagged the title of Singapore’s coolest neighbourhood, placing 20th on British media publication Time Out’s 8th annual World’s Coolest Neighbourhoods list. Having spent my tertiary years along Bencoolen Street, I can’t help but feel nostalgic thinking about the countless memories made there.
With a mix of arts galleries, heritage buildings, religious spaces, strata malls, and cafes, here are the best things to do in Bencoolen.
Table of Contents
- Things to do in Bencoolen
- Where is Bencoolen?
- – Visit museums & exhibitions –
- 1. Objectifs
- 2. National Museum of Singapore
- 3. NAFA & LASALLE College of the Arts
- 4. National Design Centre
- 5. Stamford Arts Centre
- – Get into niche hobbies –
- 6. Knuckles & Notch
- 7. Triple D Minilab Centre
- 8. Hear Records
- 9. New2U
- 10. Basheer Graphic Books
- – Unwind & hang out at chill spots –
- 11. Mama Diam
- 12. Resurrack
- 13. Kurasu
- 14. Nickel
- 15. CozyPlace
- 16. Al-Jilani Restaurant
- – Check out old-school malls –
- 17. Sim Lim Square
- 18. Fortune Centre
- 19. Parklane Shopping Mall
- How to get to Bencoolen?
Where is Bencoolen?
Tucked within the Bras Basah-Bugis precinct, Bencoolen has often flown under the radar. It sits quietly among its flashier neighbours, such as Bugis, City Hall, and Dhoby Ghaut. Because of its location, it also often gets lumped into the wider Bras Basah-Bugis precinct.
But don’t worry – the spots on our list that aren’t directly on Bencoolen Street are all no more than a 5-minute walk away.
We’ve also put together a handy Google My Maps with all the locations pinned, so you can plan your Bencoolen adventure with ease.
– Visit museums & exhibitions –
1. Objectifs
Exhibitions on film & photography
Image credit: @objectifscentre via Instagram
Located along Middle Road, Objectifs is a non-profit visual arts space dedicated to film and photography. Its 3 galleries, Chapel Gallery, Lower Gallery 1, and Lower Gallery 2, are known for hosting exhibitions with a focus on storytelling, and some of them even come with free entry.
Bookbinding workshop.
Image credit: Objectifs
Other reasons to swing by include Saturdate, a pop-up event with vendors that happens once every 2 months, and hands-on workshops like bookbinding ($80/pax) and photowalks (from $60/pax) – both redeemable using your SG Culture Pass credits.
Before you head out, don’t forget to visit the gift shop for books, DVDs, and prints to take a little piece of Objectifs home with you.
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2. National Museum of Singapore
2 new permanent exhibitions
A Whale of a Tale.
Image credit: @baeyyamkeng via Instagram
Look down Bencoolen Road and you’ll see the grand colonial facade of the National Museum of Singapore. And just in case you forgot, most of the exhibitions are free for Singaporeans and PRs. There are 2 new permanent exhibitions to catch: A Whale of a Tale and Singapore Odyssea.
Singapore Odyssea.
A Whale of a Tale reimagines the blue whale skeleton that was once displayed at the museum from the early 1900s, turning it into a playground for everyone of all ages. It features senior-friendly workout areas, sensory play features, and picnic benches.
Meanwhile, Singapore Odyssea brings you through 700 years of maritime history, complete with immersive light and sound experiences, and of course, plenty of backdrops for your Instagram pics.
3. NAFA & LASALLE College of the Arts
Galleries & exhibitions open to the public
LASALLE College of the Arts.
Image credit: Stuart Bradshaw via Google Maps
If you spot folks sporting bold outfits or rocking brightly-coloured hair, there’s a high chance they’re from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) or LASALLE College of the Arts. While these places are art institutions, both campuses also host galleries and free exhibitions open to the public.
We Made This Monster exhibition at NAFA.
Image credit: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
Some of the ongoing exhibitions include Singapore: A Design Thesis in the Making at LASALLE and We Made This Monster at NAFA, both running until 28th and 29th October 2025, respectively.
Singapore: A Design Thesis in the Making looks at how our little island nation serves as the backdrop for stories and inspiration that shape design, while We Made This Monster celebrates the beauty of self-indulgent creation, like passion projects free from client briefs and deadlines.
4. National Design Centre
Pop-up exhibitions
Image credit: kota m. via Google Maps
The Unnatural History Museum of Singapore exhibition will end its run at the National Design Centre on 26th October 2025. While there isn’t a permanent exhibition happening all the time, you’ll always find something new and refreshing on display there.
Image credit: @uas.sg via Instagram
But if you’re looking for some quiet time, head to the 2nd floor, where you’ll find a curated collection of art and design books at the Central Arts Library at UAS, which you can borrow as well.
5. Stamford Arts Centre
Arts centre with a focus on traditional art
Image credit: Mandy Ng via Google Maps
Stamford Arts Centre is an art space with a focus on traditional arts in all forms – from visual arts to performing arts. Currently, there are no ongoing exhibitions or shows, but you can always check the Stamford Arts Centre website for upcoming exhibitions.
Cheerful Goat Cafe (left) & Tipo Pasta Bar (right).
Image adapted from: @wander_and_nom via Instagram, jean ho via Google Maps
That said, visitors are always welcome to pop by for a meal at Cheerful Goat Cafe or Tipo Pasta Bar. Enjoy a refreshing Orchard Sunset ($13.60) drink and pair it with a Sourcream Cheese Cake ($11.80) at Cheerful Goat Cafe, or Build Your Own Pasta (from $9.90) with all your fave ingredients at Tipo Pasta Bar.
– Get into niche hobbies –
6. Knuckles & Notch
Buy unique risograph prints & zines
Image credit: @knucklesandnotch via Instagram
Knuckles & Notch is a risograph studio where you can buy risograph-printed prints and zines. For the uninitiated, risograph printing uses powder to create vibrant colours on paper – think bright neon pinks and yellows – something that can’t be achieved with a regular printer.
Image credit: @chaosbyknn via Instagram
Head over to their studio and pick up a print (from $7) or join a risograph workshop ($88/pax), where you’ll be able to bring home a keepsake. Every now and then, they also host small exhibitions in their studio space, so it’s worth checking Knuckles & Notch’s Instagram for updates.
7. Triple D Minilab Centre
Develop film at affordable prices
Image credit: remi k via Google Maps
With the film photography revival in full swing, Triple D Minilab Centre has become one of the go-to places to develop film in Singapore. Its central location makes it a convenient choice for many, as it’s located just a 5-minute walk away from Bugis MRT Station.
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: Joshua Tsu via Unsplash
Film developing and scanning start from $10.50, and you’ll be able to receive your photos on the same day if you drop your film off before 2pm. It’s also one of the last few places in Singapore that still develops 110 film, compared to the popular 35mm and 120 film. While you’re there, stock up on film essentials, including the Portra 400 film ($30/roll) and a Kodak disposable camera (from $30).
8. Hear Records
Purchase new & pre-loved vinyl records
Image credit: Hear Records via Facebook
There are many places to buy vinyl records in Singapore, but along Bencoolen Street, Hear Records is the place to go. Tucked inside Burlington Square, it’s the kind of place you’d probably only discover if you happened to stumble into this mall and office complex.
Image credit: Hear Records via Facebook
They regularly order and bring in new vinyl records – recent arrivals include The Life of a Showgirl by Taylor Swift – alongside classic second-hand records. If you’re looking to upgrade your turntable set or accessories, Hear Records is also the local distributor for Music Hall turntables & Electronics and Art Vinyl.
9. New2U
Thrift store that’s actually cheap
Image credit: Mei YuHan (hannie) via Google Maps
Hidden inside the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations is New2U, a thrift store with a wide range of items from clothes to kitchenware. It’s known for its short opening hours, from 10.30am to 2.30pm on weekdays, so once you miss the opening window, there’s a high chance that you’ll miss out on good finds.
Image credit: 茶柱タツ子 via Google Maps
You can even create a whole outfit here for under $20, with options ranging from tops to bottoms and even shoes. They also stock a collection of luxury and designer pieces, from dresses to bags. Besides thrifting, show your support by donating your pre-loved clothes.
10. Basheer Graphic Books
Unique art & design books
Image credit: Bras Basah.Bugis via Facebook
Basheer Graphic Books is every artist’s and designer’s one-stop shop for design and art books. While it might seem like any other niche bookstore, the store actually carries an extensive collection of books on fashion, graphic design, drawing, and photography.
Image credit: Bras Basah.Bugis via Facebook
Decked out with floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books and that iconic tiled floor, the vibes at Basheer Graphic Books are unmatched. And if you’re looking for a specific book, just let the store owner know – he’ll get your contact, order the books, and let you know when they’re here.
– Unwind & hang out at chill spots –
11. Mama Diam
Hidden bar with a menu featuring local flavours
Mama Diam storefront (left) and interior (right).
Image adapted from: Cheen the Curious, Aileen Tan via Google Maps
Hidden behind a fake mamashop, Mama Diam is a speakeasy bar offering modern dishes with locally inspired flavours. While the concept might seem like a gimmick, the food says otherwise. Enjoy a sharing plate of Singapore Chilli Soft Shell Crab Bao ($20.90) and a glass of Pandan Colada Fizz ($12).
Image credit: Cheen the Curious via Google Maps
Whether you’re here with your local friends or bringing a foreign visitor here, Mama Diam is the right place to catch up with them. Do note that the restaurant is only open for dinner service.
Mama Diam also has a sister restaurant, the HDB corridor-themed Lou Shang, on the 2nd floor that opens for lunch.
12. Resurrack
Weekend market with retro finds
Image credit: @resurrack via Instagram
Resurrack is a weekend market that happens at the alley behind Bugis Street, sometimes known as Bugis Street Art Lane. With the Y2K aesthetic back in trend, it’s a great spot to find a curated selection of retro clothes and accessories.
Image credit: @resurrack via Instagram
Aside from apparel, there are also many vendors selling handmade items such as jewellery and key chains. You’ll also meet a few uncles selling their collections of vinyl records, toys, and vintage watches.
13. Kurasu
Void deck cafe specialising in Kyoto-style coffee
Image credit: @riandrakhrn via Instagram
Located at the void deck of Waterloo Centre, Kurasu is a cafe that specialises in Kyoto-style coffee. If you’re wondering how it compares, it isn’t as gao as the kopi o kosong from the coffee shop, almost having the lightness of tea.
Image credit: @kurasusg via Instagram
A cup of black coffee will set you back $5.50, but if you’re not a coffee person, you’ll be glad to know that the cafe also serves ceremonial matcha ($8.50). Its clean and bright interior makes it the perfect Instagram story update – just be warned, it can get quite crowded on weekends.
14. Nickel
Minimalist cafe serving desserts & pastries
Image credit: Eatbook
While most cafes are known for their specialty coffees, people flock to Nickel for their desserts and pastries in their chill and intimate space. It’s tucked away from the main junction of Bencoolen Street and Middle Road, so if you didn’t know, now you do.
Image credit: Eatbook
Some fan-favourite desserts are Moka ($12), a flourless chocolate sponge with espresso milk chocolate cream, and Mandu ($12), a mix of Horlicks cream, honey caramel, and cornflakes crumble.
15. CozyPlace
Private movie dates & hangouts
Image credit: CozyPlace
As its name suggests, CozyPlace is all about comfort – it’s a private space for a date or a chill movie session with your friends. Every room comes with a huge L-shaped sofa and no CCTV – great for couples who want to snuggle up in peace.
Image credit: CozyPlace
The TVs give you access to video streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, and even casual YouTube browsing. While they don’t serve food and drinks, they actually encourage you to dabao your own snacks to enjoy. Book the Date Idea room (from $49/2hrs) if it’s just the 2 of you, or the Group room (from $69/2hrs) for up to 4 friends.
16. Al-Jilani Restaurant
Midnight supper place
Image credit: 陳品妍 (史嘉蕾) via Google Maps
Through all the changes along Bencoolen Street, Al-Jilani Restaurant has stood the test of time. The OG supper spot of the area is open 24/7, and serves up favourites such as prata (from $1.60/piece), chicken masala ($5.50), and mee goreng (from $4.50).
Grab a seat by the roadside on its old-school tables and chairs, and soak in the buzz. You’ll often find it mostly packed with students after a long day of assignments. Do note that they only accept cash payment.
– Check out old-school malls –
17. Sim Lim Square
Retro game & audio shop
There’s more to Sim Lim Square than just tech shops for building PCs and repairing your phone. For a dose of nostalgia, visit Retronutz for old-school 8-bit game consoles such as the Game Boy Color.
While you’re there, treat yourself to a unique audio experience at Zepplin & Co – sip on a coffee while trying out a curated selection of headphones and earpieces. And fret not, the knowledgeable staff members will recommend earpieces based on your favourite music genres.
18. Fortune Centre
Plenty of eateries, including vegetarian options
Image credit: Ric G via Google Maps
While Fortune Centre is known for its many vegetarian restaurants, there are other food gems in the mall perfect for lunch or dinner. At level 2, you can enjoy a plate of 15 dumplings ($4) at A9 Noodle Dumplings and have a bowl of Fresh Mango Sago ($7) at Yat Ka Yan.
Image credit: Zac (Zakku) via Google Maps
And if you’ve heard of New Station Snack Bar at Far East Plaza, don’t miss its sister eatery, New Station Rice Bar, tucked away in a corner on level 3. The newer store is opened by the daughter of the owners of New Station Snack Bar, and some must-tries are the Katsu Curry Rice ($9.50) and Mapo Tofu with Rice ($9).
19. Parklane Shopping Mall
Strata mall with retro bubble lifts
Image adapted from: KiM BooN LeE via Google Maps, Gareth Phua via Facebook
Don’t be fooled by its slightly run-down facade – Parklane Shopping Mall hides a secret: one of the last few operating bubble lifts in Singapore. Beyond its retro charm, it’s also a haven for music lovers hunting for their first guitar, with shops like 35 Guitar Avenue and The Guitar Gallery.
Image credit: Matthew Chia via Google Maps
There’s also a 24/7 LAN shop, Clique Gaming Cyber Cafe ($4/hour), where you can pretend you’re in a PC bang in Korea. And if you’re hungry on a budget, pop by Isle Eating House for affordable cai fan and other rice sets.
How to get to Bencoolen?
Hop on the train via the Downtown Line to Bencoolen MRT Station, which is currently the deepest MRT station at 43m below street level. You can also take the train and alight at Bras Basah (CC2), Bugis (EW12/DT14), and Rochor (DT13) MRT Stations. It’s less than a 6-minute walk to get to Bencoolen Street from these stations.
Those taking the bus, board services 56, 64, 65, 131, 139, 147, 166, 857, and 980, and alight anywhere along Bencoolen Street.
Pop by Bencoolen, Singapore’s coolest neighbourhood, next weekend
There’s a reason why Bencoolen was crowned Singapore’s coolest neighbourhood. It’s not because of one or two places, but how heritage, arts, and culture all weave together in one space. The next time you’re in a mall in Bugis, Dhoby Ghaut, or City Hall, remember that you’re less than a 10-minute walk away from Bencoolen.
More things to do in Singapore’s neighbourhoods:
Cover image adapted from: @kurasusg via Instagram, Hear Records via Facebook, CozyPlace