Despite Singapore’s polished skyscrapers and gleaming malls, a delightful undercurrent of nostalgia continues to run through the veins of the city. For those yearning for a taste of the past—whether it be the charm of vintage coffee shops, the aesthetics of 80s-inspired arcades, or the architectural grace of shophouses—Singapore is brimming with hidden gems that echo a bygone era. This guide uncovers some of the most evocative retro places in Singapore, offering a charming blend of history, heritage, and whimsy for locals and travellers alike.
The Allure of Retro: Why It Matters
Retro culture resonates strongly in Singapore, perhaps more so because of the city-state’s rapid transformation. In just a few decades, the nation has evolved from humble fishing villages and colonial settlements to a global financial powerhouse. Amid such modernisation, retro spaces offer a refuge—a way to reconnect with memories, traditions, and aesthetics that risk fading into the background.
Whether you’re a nostalgic Gen Xer reminiscing about your childhood, a millennial rediscovering old-school cool, or a curious Gen Zer intrigued by analogue culture, Singapore’s retro attractions provide something for everyone.
1. Tiong Bahru Estate: Singapore’s Original Hip Neighbourhood
One cannot speak of retro Singapore without mentioning Tiong Bahru, one of the oldest housing estates in the country. Built in the 1930s as a modernist experiment by the Singapore Improvement Trust, the area showcases Art Deco architecture, known locally as “Streamline Moderne”.
Strolling through Tiong Bahru feels like stepping into another era. The spiral staircases, curved balconies, and pastel hues make it a photographer’s dream. Complementing the retro vibe are independent bookstores like BooksActually, quaint cafes like Tiong Bahru Bakery, and Nostalgia Hotel, all of which blend modern tastes with old-world charm.
2. Haw Par Villa: Surrealist Morality Playground
Once a must-visit for every local schoolchild, Haw Par Villa is a uniquely Singaporean attraction that has withstood the test of time. Built in 1937 by the Aw brothers—founders of the famous Tiger Balm brand—the park is a sprawling outdoor gallery of Chinese mythology, Taoist philosophy, and Confucian morality.
Its most famous (and eerie) feature is the Ten Courts of Hell, a vividly graphic diorama that depicts traditional beliefs surrounding the afterlife. While the themes may be macabre, the surreal sculptures, technicolour paintwork, and lack of modern digital gimmicks lend the park an unapologetically retro flavour that continues to fascinate and confound.
3. Old-School Coffee Shops (Kopitiams)
For a taste of vintage Singaporean life, nothing beats the charm of a kopitiam, the traditional coffee shop that once formed the social nucleus of every neighbourhood. While many have been replaced by air-conditioned food courts, a few stalwarts remain.
Chin Mee Chin Confectionery in Katong is a prime example. Operating since the 1950s, this East Coast icon recently underwent careful restoration. Famous for its kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and marble cake, the café preserves its mosaic-tiled floors, wooden furniture, and traditional oven. Another standout is Heap Seng Leong on North Bridge Road, where you’ll still find kopi brewed the old-fashioned way, and uncles in singlets enjoying their morning papers.
4. The Projector: Vintage Cinema Culture Reimagined
Singapore’s retro cinema experience has found a bold revival in The Projector, an independent theatre housed within the historic Golden Mile Tower. Opened in 2014 but set in a 1970s cinema hall, The Projector blends retro aesthetics with contemporary cinema culture.
With its mismatched furniture, analogue projectors, and neon signage, this indie venue pays tribute to the golden age of film. Moviegoers can watch everything from foreign arthouse gems to cult classics—all while enjoying craft beer and vintage décor.
5. Retro Gaming Arcades: A Blast from the Past
While most malls today boast high-tech VR arenas, a few pockets of the city have preserved the arcade culture of the 80s and 90s. Head to Timezone at Westgate or Virtualand at Plaza Singapura, where rows of old-school arcade cabinets still draw in gamers with titles like Street Fighter, Dance Dance Revolution, and Daytona USA.
For a more curated vintage experience, RetroCade at Jalan Besar deserves special mention. A private arcade café designed to mimic a 1980s basement hangout, it features working CRT televisions, vintage consoles like the SNES and Sega Genesis, and a cosy vibe that’s perfect for both casual gamers and hardcore nostalgists.
6. Thrift Shops and Vintage Boutiques
Retro fashion and collectibles are also making a strong comeback in Singapore, thanks to a rise in sustainability consciousness and a growing appreciation for vintage aesthetics.
Loop Garms, located at 635 Veerasamy Road, is a streetwear vintage store beloved by retro enthusiasts. The shop carries authentic pieces from the 80s to early 2000s, including graphic tees, windbreakers, and caps.
For those more inclined towards vintage elegance, Dustbunny Vintage in Chinatown offers timeless fashion pieces, accessories, and even furniture from past decades. The store is lovingly curated and feels more like a private collection than a retail outlet.
7. Gillman Barracks: Colonial Military Past Meets Contemporary Art
Though known today as an art enclave, Gillman Barracks was once a British military base established in 1936. Its conserved colonial buildings and black-and-white bungalows offer a quiet reminder of Singapore’s imperial past.
While the galleries focus on contemporary works, the preserved barracks themselves are architectural time capsules. The juxtaposition of minimalist modern art and retro colonial facades makes it one of the city’s more unusual—and underrated—retro destinations.
8. Peranakan Houses in Joo Chiat and Katong
The colourful shophouses of Joo Chiat and Katong are another retro delight. Painted in pastel hues with ornate tiles, wooden shutters, and louvred windows, these architectural gems pay tribute to Singapore’s Peranakan (Straits Chinese) heritage.
Many of these houses date back to the early 20th century and have been carefully restored to preserve their historical beauty. While some remain private residences, others have been turned into heritage boutiques, cafes, and museums, such as the Katong Antique House, which offers a fascinating look into Peranakan culture and domestic life.
9. Record Stores and Analogue Music Culture
In an age of streaming, vinyl has made a surprising resurgence—and Singapore has responded with several excellent record shops for audiophiles.
Red Point Record Warehouse, located in Thomson, is a treasure trove for collectors, with over 10,000 records covering genres from classic rock to Chinese opera. Meanwhile, RetroCrates in Jalan Besar offers a curated experience with an in-house turntable, vintage posters, and a knowledgeable team that’s passionate about preserving analogue music culture.
These shops don’t just sell records—they offer experiences, inviting customers to linger, listen, and reconnect with the joy of flipping through album covers.
10. Changi Chapel and Museum: Wartime Nostalgia and Reflection
Though sombre in tone, the Changi Chapel and Museum provides a crucial retrospective into Singapore’s World War II history. Reopened in 2021 after extensive renovations, the museum houses artefacts, letters, and photographs that convey the resilience of POWs and civilians during the Japanese occupation.
The recreated chapel, vintage typewriters, and sepia-toned photographs add a deeply nostalgic layer, reminding visitors of the harsh yet formative moments that shaped modern Singapore.
Final Thoughts: Keeping the Past Alive in a City of the Future
Singapore may be known for its smart-city ambitions and futuristic architecture, but its soul is deeply rooted in its past. The city’s retro places are more than Instagrammable locations—they are living archives of memory, community, and identity. Whether you’re sipping kopi in an old shophouse or flipping through vintage vinyls, each retro corner tells a story of resilience, reinvention, and enduring charm.
As redevelopment continues and skyscrapers rise, preserving these nostalgic spaces becomes ever more essential. They are reminders that progress does not require erasure—and that the beauty of Singapore lies not just in its gleaming skyline, but also in the quiet echoes of its past.
