They say everything is cyclical, and lately, retro culture has re-emerged. Digicams, polaroids, and thrift shopping are back in vogue, and it seems that we Singaporeans are craving the slower, analogue charm of decades past amidst all the constant brain rotting.
So we’ve compiled a list of retro places in Singapore that’ll help you reconnect with the past and disengage from the 21st-century way of life – even if it’s only for a moment.
Table of Contents
Image credit: @ryoami0131 via Instagram
If you’re into vinyl records, drop by the Kapo Factory Building and head to Red Point Record Warehouse. This shop is home to Singapore’s largest vinyl collection with over 10,000 records. They even sell a selection of cassettes and DVDs.
Recordheads swear that the music quality of vinyl records is better than any digital version because there’s less compression, and you can find out whether the statement is true here. It’s hard to miss the shop since there’s a literal vinyl record wall to mark its presence.
The vibes are pretty old-school, but fans of music, young and old, will enjoy browsing here since there’s music from way back in the 50s to modern movie soundtracks.
Image credit: @retro.kulture via Instagram
Retro Kulture Vintage Store sells a quirky collection of knick-knacks, from a ton of eras in the past. They sell home furnishing, antiques, vintage photographs, jewellery and magazines for you to peruse.
They also have a selection of collector’s items if you’d like to splurge a little. Every item is lovingly hand-picked by its owner, Jon, meaning each piece has a bit of history and memory tied to it. Even if you don’t end up purchasing anything, feel free to ask the staff about any interesting pieces you chance upon, and they’ll be happy to share the backstories.
Image credit: @bymyoldschool via Instagram
By My Old School is a family-run vintage shop that can only be visited by making an appointment. Stepping into the store will make you feel like you’ve entered a time capsule, with the shop’s walls lined with vintage treasures.
It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for nostalgic items or one-of-a-kind decorative pieces. The current owner, Rebecca, advocates for the collection of material things in a digital world. If you share her perspective, stop by, and maybe you’ll find something that’ll strike your fancy.
Located in Sim Lim Square is a gem called Retro Nutz, guaranteed to delight gaming enthusiasts who still have a knack for 8-bit games. They stock everything game-related, from the games to the consoles themselves. Here, you can find old gaming consoles like the PS1, Nintendo Game Boy and the Sega Mega Drive 2.
Reviews of the store say that the prices here are on the steeper side, so just be prepared to splurge if you want one of their items for your collection.
Image credit: @thebarbershopmusic via Instagram
You may need to look twice at The Barbershop Music because, despite its collection of records displayed right outside the store, it is also a barbershop where you can get a fresh ‘do. Their vinyl collection is small but mighty, so pop by to browse and enjoy the vibes.
Plus, the shop is also located in Joo Chiat, a lovely heritage neighbourhood that’ll bring plenty of old-school charm to your day.
Image credit: Brunches Cafe
You’ll know you’ve arrived at Brunches Cafe when you see the vintage car parked inside. Aside from it being a cute photo-op, this vintage-themed cafe brings the past into the present with its retro deco.
The cafe is a great place to hang out and have a Western brunch because they have all-day breakfasts with dishes like Brioche French Toast ($16.90) and Deluxe Spanish Omelette ($18.90).
Image credit: Brunches Cafe
Otherwise, unwind with desserts like their Molten Lava Chocolate Cake ($13.90) or a slice of their assorted cakes ($6.90/slice).
Café Colbar is a simple, no-frills colonial-era coffeeshop that shouldn’t be overlooked. Tucked into a quiet corner of Queenstown, the coffeeshop exudes a kampung-esque aura. Despite its appearance, they have an extensive menu of over 130 items that include a variety of cuisines like Chinese, Western and Indian.
Image credit: Eatbook
Here, you can order their Beef Hor Fun ($12) or Chicken Curry Rice ($13) for a hearty lunch. And if you can’t handle the fact that there’s no aircon, a refreshing Iced Milo ($4) makes the heat more bearable.
Image credit: Josephine Tan via Google Maps
Old Chang Kee is a long-standing Singaporean staple, with an outlet found at almost every mall and MRT station. Their outlet at Mackenzie Road, however, is their flagship outlet and the OG. You can expect the usual finger foods here, but since this outlet has a whole seating area, you might as well have a full meal.
You can get the Blue Pea Nasi Lemak with Crispy Chicken and Otah ($9.90) or Dry Laksa Goreng ($9.90). The prices are slightly more expensive than the usual hawker centre prices, but reviews say the portions and taste are worth it.
Image credit: @greatnanyang via Instagram
The Great Nanyang Cafe will have us sighing in relief since it’s air-conditioned. Dining here will give you the usual Asian classics, like Signature Hainanese Chicken Cutlet ($15.90+) and Sambal Petai Prawn ($10.90)
The newly opened Geneo outlet is designed to look like a kopitiam from the early 80s, so you can tuck into yummy meals and snap pictures while you’re here.
Image credit: @sincerelycarmen_ via Instagram
OverEasy Diner in the CBD nails that 50s American diner vibe, from their checkboard tiles to their leather dining booths.
The retro diner has an alfresco area for stunning views of Marina Bay Sands, while the indoor dining lets you indulge in the romantic air of the 50s.
Image credit: @overeasysg via Instagram
Their signature burgers are the “To-Die-For” Burger ($27) and their Portobello Mushroom Burger ($25). Otherwise, they have other classics like Fish and Chips ($27) and Linguine with Prawns ($26).
Image credit: @foorx via Instagram
Old Habits Cafe is a great place to stop by if you’re looking for a light meal and plenty of photo-ops. The place is decorated floor to ceiling with retro decor, and displays a ton of old-school times like Happy Meal toys back in the day.
The coolest part about the cafe is that there are corners that make for a great photo backdrop. Some photo backdrops include an old Mama shop and a vinyl wall.
Image credit: @voyagewithkim_ via Instagram
Their food is pretty affordable too, with their main specials like the Clam Vongole Spaghetti and Teriyaki Sandwich priced from $9.90.
Light bites and desserts are available too, like ice cream or the Old Habits Coconut Kueh ($9.90).
Image credit: @katong.joochiat via Instagram
We can all thank the Hainanese immigrants for introducing Hainanese Chicken Rice to us, which many would agree is Singapore’s unofficial national dish. The rich history and culture of the Hainanese is not necessarily limited to just chicken rice, though, as The Hainan Immigrants, a newly opened cafe-museum in Joo Chiat, will prove.
Image credit: @katong.joochiat via Instagram
Every piece of furniture and item you find here was carefully curated to tell the story of Hainan immigrants and their history, making this cafe an immersive historical experience too.
When you’re done perusing the past, head to their cafe counter, where you can expect fusion dishes and refreshing drinks. Ironically, they don’t serve chicken rice here, but there are other Hainanese dishes to get, like Hainanese Chicken Chop ($18.90). They also have Western dishes like Classic Aglio Olio ($11.90).
Golden Mile Tower auditorium.
Image credit: The Projector
The Projector is, as their tagline goes, not your average cinema. The retro movie theatre screens indie and art-house films in a retro setting at either of their outlets in Golden Mile Tower and Cineleisure.
Aside from movie screenings, cinephiles would be delighted to know that they often host film events – the Italian Film Festival is currently running from 7th to 22nd June 2025. The festival will screen a variety of film genres in celebration of the richness of Italian cinema.
Cineleisure auditoriums.
Image credit: Golden Village x The Projector
Whilst most of their events and films are screened at their Cineleisure outlet, their Golden Mile Tower outpost still hosts live performances like comedy specials or intimate concerts. Either way, both outlets ooze nostalgia and an unmistakable old-timey charm.
The Dragon Playground of Singapore is an unmistakable icon, and no trip down memory lane is complete without visiting it. Once aplenty throughout our island, the dragon playground population has unfortunately dwindled to about 5 islandwide.
Pop on over to the one at Ang Mo Kio for a blast to the past and spend an afternoon reliving your childhood as you slide down its back. We recommend visiting these terrazzo creatures in the early morning or evening, since the stone can get scorchingly hot in the afternoons.
Image credit: Monster Day Tours
If you’re looking for retro experiences, look no further than the Katong Peranakan Street. The multi-coloured Peranakan shophouses are stunning, making for a perfect photo op.
The neighbourhood also offers plenty of heritage and history to be found in its nooks and crannies, like the Katong Antique House or shopping at A Vintage Tale, a store with vintage fashion pieces.
Singapore might be an urban city known for futuristic designs like Jewel Changi, but we do a pretty good job of remembering the past and preserving our history. Retro things are cool again, so drop by any of these places for a taste of the past.
Other historical activities to check out:
Cover image adapted from: Michael T via TripAdvisor, @bymyoldschool & @thebarbershopmusic via Instagram
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