Singapore · Heritage Walks

Singapore: Peranakan Walking Tour Through Katong - Joo Chiat

4 Hours Round trip from Singapore Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Walk through the heritage neighbourhoods of Katong and Joo Chiat
  • 02 See iconic landmarks including the Koon Seng heritage shophouses and The Red House
  • 03 Learn about Peranakan culture, architecture, and community history
  • 04 Visit a Peranakan mansion for a glimpse into traditional household life
  • 05 Sample local favourites such as laksa, Nyonya dumplings, and kueh
  • 06 Pass historic sites including the former Joo Chiat Police Station and maternity hospital

Discover the rich heritage of Singapore’s Peranakan community on a walking tour through Katong and Joo Chiat. Stroll past conserved landmarks, colourful heritage shophouses, and neighbourhood icons as your guide shares the stories behind one of the city’s most characterful districts.

This experience blends architecture, culture, and local flavours, with stops that spotlight beloved specialties such as laksa, Nyonya dumplings, and traditional kueh. Along the way, visit a Peranakan mansion for a closer look at Peranakan household life, with the option to try on a traditional kebaya for a memorable photo opportunity.

Discover the rich heritage of Singapore’s Peranakan community on a walking tour through Katong and Joo Chiat.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
City Singapore
Languages English, Malay

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Former Joo Chiat Police Station - Conserved colonial-era building that was built in 1928. Today it is home to a boutique hotel, and retail and F&B businesses, including Peranakan restaurant Baba Chews.Roxy Square - The former Roxy Cinema, a focal point for social gatherings in the 1930s to 1970s, once stood at this spot.The Red House - An iconic heritage building that was best known as the Red House Bakery — for its hue and delicious bakes.328 Katong Laksa - One of the most popular purveyors of laksa. Think thick noodles doused in an umami-rich, slightly spicy and creamy broth, accompanied by fresh prawns and cockles.Kim Choo Kueh Chang - Take in the sights and smells of earthy Nyonya dumplings, alongside ‘gram-worthy kuehs (traditional cakes) of ondeh-ondeh, kueh salat and many others.Former Joo Chiat Maternity Hospital - Joo Chiat’s former maternity hospital now resides in an enviable spot, in the heart of one of Singapore’s buzziest neighbourhoods.Koon Seng Shophouse - No visit to Joo Chiat is complete without a selfie at the world-famous Koon Seng heritage shophousesPeranakan Mansion - The highlight of the tour: A peek into the lives of Peranakan households in Singapore. For an unforgettable photo opportunity, try on the kebaya — the traditional dress worn by Peranakan women (optional).[Optional Stop] Guan Hoe Soon - Dig into traditional Peranakan fare at this culinary institution. Feast on classics such as chap chye (braised vegetables), babi pongteh (braised pork), and mutton rendang (dry curry), with a generous portion of butterfly pea rice, which comes in an unusual shade of blue.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Singapore 1 city · 4 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Insurance coverage
  • Licensed tour guide
  • Partly customisable itinerary
  • Food samples (for food tours only)

What's Not Included

  • Private transportation
  • Public transportation
  • Full meals
  • Tips for the guide

Know before you go

  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • ANIMALS OR PETS ALLOWED
  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Singapore, SG
Tour start
Singapore, SG
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 4 hours finish where they began, in Singapore.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

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