Bugis: Singapore’s Hidden Hotspot
When you wander down Haji Lane, you’ll swoop into a wall of vibrant murals, and a few minutes later you’ll be scavenging for bargain bargains on Bugis Street—so it’s no wonder locals and tourists alike swoop in here.
Why Bugis Made the Top 40 List
Time Out just rolled out its Top 40 Coolest Neighborhoods list (yes, you read that right—“cool” is a thing even in the 21st century), and guess what? Bugis snagged the 29th spot. Did we get lucky? Not really—this place is legit.
Time Out asked 38,000 city‑lovers worldwide in their classic “Where do you prefer to hang out?” poll. The article says the winners beat out their competition on two main fronts:
- “Balance of local culture, food, and fun.” Think local sips, street eats, and good vibes.
- “Support and kindness for the community during the pandemic.” Because hot spots that care about people are even cooler.
What Makes Bugis Tick
Street Eats 24/7 – From the latest trendy noodle spots to classic rojak spice, you’ll find flavor for everyone. The local flavor is known to keep traffic breath‑less (pun intended).
Art That Pops – Those murals on Haji Lane aren’t just wall‑paintings; they’re the city’s social media take‑away. Snap a pic, share, talk. Boom, viral.
Neighbourly Spirit – Many shop owners stay ahead, assisting tourists with directions, offering samples, and chattering about local legends. Their community focus tips the scale sooner.
Pro Tips for Visiting
1. Arrive Early – Bugis is a magnet, but come before the peak hour so you don’t get stuck in a traffic jam or a long queue for the “just one more coffee.”
2. Dress Comfortably – The streets are bustling; shoes that can get a bit muddy are a plus.
3. Be Polite – The locals appreciate a friendly face. The more respect, the better the camaraderie—and the cheaper the deals.
So, if you want an unforgettable “cool” adventure in Singapore, bug out to Bugis! This district boasts art, commerce, community, and a little dash of swagger that’s hard to resist.
Where else is on the list?
Besides Bugis, other neighbourhoods in Southeast Asia that made it into the list are:
Chula-Samyan, Bangkok
Binh Tanh, Ho Chi Minh City
Taman Paramount, Kuala Lumpur
Banjar Nagi, Ubud
And taking the number one spot is Esquerra de l’Eixample in Barcelona.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGAnXJ_DKTU/
Described as residential and down-to-earth, each block within this particular neighbourhood has its own interior courtyard.
According to Time Out, during Barcelona’s lockdown, the neighbourhood demonstrated great community spirit with initiatives such as the Hidrogel Sessions, where residents dress up in costumes and organise mass dance parties from their balconies.
Here is the full list of neighbourhoods:
Esquerra De L’Eixample, Barcelona
Downtown, LA
Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
Bedford-Stuyvesant, New York
Yarraville, Melbourne
Wedding, Berlin
Shaanxi Bei Lu/Kangding Lu, Shanghai
Dennistoun, Glasgow
Haut-Marais, Paris
Marrickville, Sydney
Verdun, Montreal
Kalamaja, Tallinn
Hannam-dong, Seoul
Bonfim, Porto
Ghosttown, Oakland
Chula-Samyan, Bangkok
Alvalade, Lisbon
Noord, Amsterdam
Centro, São Paulo
Holešovice, Prague
Lavapies, Madrid
Opebi, Lagos
Narvarte, Mexico City
Uptown, Chicago
Little Five Points, Atlanta
Wynwood, Miami
Phibsboro, Dublin
Nørrebro, Copenhagen
Bugis, Singapore
Gongguan, Taipei
Soho, London
Binh Tanh, Ho Chi Minh City
Melville, Johannesburg
Kabutocho, Tokyo
Porta Venezia, Milan
Taman Paramount, Kuala Lumpur
llston, Boston
Bandra West, Mumbai
Arnavutköy, Istanbul
Banjar Nagi, Ubud
ALSO READ: A day out: Discover Bugis, Singapore’s central shopping heaven and art strip
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