Located between Bugis, City Hall, and Bras Basah MRT stations, Bras Basah Complex rather surprisingly remains low on most Singaporeans’ radars. Our parents know it as “Books City”, and it might just seem like an outdated relic strangely tucked in the middle of the city. However, concealed within its old-school exterior are unique shops that are worth exploring.
The next time you’re in the city area, don’t miss out on this novel experience this mall of niche offerings brings.
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Screenshot from Google Maps
Located in the city, getting to Bras Basah Complex, Singapore, is pleasantly convenient. You can take a 5 to 7-minute walk after alighting at either Bras Basah MRT (Circle Line) or Bugis MRT (East-West Line/Downtown Line). There are many bus services that take you right to BBC’s doorstep as well!
Bus: 960, 2, 12, 33, 130
Train: Bugis MRT/ Bras Basah MRT
From lifestyle stores with trinkets to affordable second-hand bookstores, here are some shops to check out at Bras Basah Complex.
Image credit: natalie anne enriquez via Google Maps
Stepping into wheniwasfour (#04-41) feels like being transported back to a simpler time where Good Morning towels hung from kitchen hooks and we were still learning that White Rabbit wrappers can in fact, be eaten.
This lifestyle store seamlessly blends nostalgia with local elements, providing an eclectic catalogue of anything from cushion covers to notebooks. Here you’ll also find merchandise by local brands like Jangandfox tote bags ($27), and Sumoboru pop sockets ($13).
If you’re on the hunt for a birthday gift, you should definitely make a stop here.
Image credit: Music Connoisseur Singapore via Google Maps
Fittingly named Music Connoisseur (#03-35), this musical instrument boutique is one of the best shops in Bras Basah Complex for all things music. Although you’ll find a wide range of instruments here, the store specialises in guitars, so you’ll be spoilt for choice if you happen to be in the market for a new shredder.
The boutique doesn’t shy away from the traditional and modern, and offers a catalogue that features old-school instruments like their MUSO Allegro Acoustic Guitar ($299) and smart instruments like their LAVA GENIE ($519).
Even if you’re not there to splurge, they offer music accessories as well like guitar stands (from $15) and in-ear monitors (from $29).
Image credit: Matthew Lee via Google Maps
In case you weren’t in the know, Bras Basah Complex has its own food court located on the first floor featuring a variety of local and international eats. Night owls looking for a quick bite after dark will be glad to know that Shifu Food Court (#01-79) operates 24/7, which means 1 more supper spot to add to your list.
Truly a place for the people, students from Singapore Management University (SMU), NAFA and LASALLE College of the Arts get a 20% discount for all stalls when they flash their student cards. The place is also equipped with free wifi, great for those late-night studying sessions.
Image credit: Matthew Le via Google Maps
Check out Chun Noodle Bar for their Signature Char Siu Wonton Noodle Soup (from $5.50), Ah Gong KKM, which elevates instant noodles with hearty ingredients like pork balls, prawns, and clams, and Haru-Haru, a Japanese stall with offerings like their Mentai Chicken Katsu Don ($8.90) and Premium Pork Katsu Curry ($14.90).
Image credit: Joe Chan via Google Maps
Sports and music may seem like an odd pair, but Ranking Sports & Music (#03-47) expertly finds a balance between the 2 with its wide variety of both music instruments and sports equipment – all in 1 place.
If you’re looking to beef up your sportsgear, they offer anything from shuttlecocks ($3.50), handwraps ($9), to even punching bags ($280). On the more musical side of things, there are classical guitars from $160 and electric keyboards from $199.
Even if you’re not there to stock up on equipment, the store is still worth checking out especially since it provides both musical instruments and sports equipment maintenance services like racket restringing ($7) and guitar machine heads replacement ($20).
Check out Ranking Sports & Music’s official website for their full catalogue and service offerings.
Image credit: Simon Teo
A watch lover’s paradise, Kwang Guan Watch & Pen (#01-37) specialises in watches, clocks and personalised pens. They also offer repair services like battery and strap replacements if your timepiece is in need of a sprucing up.
Established in 1961, the watch dealer store is one of the oldest shops in Singapore. At this Bras Basah Complex store, you’ll find hardy Casio watches on sale from $89, limited edition Denmark-strand watches from $99, and elegant Citizen L watches for $168/piece.
Image credit: Tan Kenny via Google Maps
Many tenants of Bras Basah Complex easily provide an avenue for you to deepen your interest in Chinese culture. For anyone interested in learning more about clay teapots as a Chinese art form, a visit to Zisha Art Gallery 紫砂艺术 (#02-09) is more than worthwhile.
Zisha, which refers to “purple sand” in Chinese, refers to the unique clay sourced from Yixing, China, famed for its unique texture and is usually used for Zisha teapots.
Fun fact: some of these century-old teapots can even be bought as an investment!
The gallery houses a collection of traditional Zisha teapots and other porcelain products. You can view the full catalogue on Zisha Art Gallery’s official website.
While the likes of Artfriend might boast shelves of art supplies, it might not be the best of shops in Bras Basah Complex to find quality calligraphy materials. Instead, Chen Soon Lee Book Stamp & Coin Centre (#02-31) is the place you’re looking for. Don’t be fooled by the store name, as it offers far more than just stamps and coins, including premium calligraphy items like brushes, inks, and papers. For all budding and skilled calligraphers, this is a place you mustn’t miss out on.
Should you be feeling a little more generous, Fook Hing Trading Co (#01-23) stocks exquisite writing instruments ranging from the everyday Pelikan to the obstinately atas Mont Blanc and Parkers ($20 to $15,000 for limited edition models). They also provide free engraving services for that personalised touch.
From the Fantastic Four to Superman, comic book fans are eating good these days. And apart from marvelling at the characters on the silver screen, you can appreciate every single detail of Sue Storm and other comic book characters at Ink Ink Collectibles (#04-43), an emporium dedicated to the curation of artwork from comic artists.
Ink Ink also showcases rare, original artwork from renowned artists occasionally, just check out their Instagram profile for all the latest exhibits.
Basheer Graphic Books offers first-hand books on all things graphic-related, including architecture, photography, graphic design, movie and comic art.
It keeps its catalogue updated with art books like The Art and Making of Arcane ($78) and behind-the-scenes movie books like Unleashing Oppenheimer ($97.50). You can expect vintage finds here too, like a 1961 edition of a Fantastic Four comic book ($300) and a special 40th anniversary edition of Marvel Comics ($39).
Another book-related highlight is Maha Yu Yi Bookstore (#02-15). As a traditional Chinese bookstore in Bras Basah Complex, they’re responsible for many of the Chinese book fairs we’ve seen during our schooling days. Calling their catalogue range impressive would be an understatement – they have tomes ranging from Traditional Chinese Medicine, history, business, and even children’s books.
Cat Socrates may have shuttered its Bras Basah outlet, but you can still visit them at their 2 other brick-and-mortar stores at Yong Siak Street and Joo Chiat Road. You can also check out Cat Socrates’ official website for their full catalogue.
XM Studios transformed its Bras Basah branch into a creative studio for staff back in 2017. Today, you can find them in Kitchener Complex where they’re still a top destination for premium collectibles.
Visit Bras Basah Complex with a fresh pair of eyes the next time you’re in the city area. This old-school shopping complex has evolved beyond being just a “Books City”, becoming a home to many unique tenants. Don’t be content with just visiting the shops you already know – go explore its many corridors for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
More Singapore guides to check out
Cover image adapted from: natalie anne enriquez, Joe Chan & Peifeng (amzg. com) via Google Maps.
Originally published on 11th November 2016. Last updated by Shannon Chow on 30th July 2025.
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