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It's time for some big announcements: Time Out has recently released its sprawling list of coolest neighbourhoods in the world and Singapore has made the cut – Katong sits at number 33 of the list, technically making it the coolest neighbourhood in Singapore. Copenhagen's Nørrebro tops the list for 2021, while Andersonville in Chicago and Jongno 3-ga of Seoul takes 2nd and 3rd place respectively.
We're able to come up with this amazing list thanks to your help – remember when we quizzed 27,000 city-dwellers? – along with local experts and Time Out editors from all over the world. Everybody has their favourite part of the city, and so deciding on a winner wasn't easy!
It's easy to wax lyrical about Katong, our gem in the East. On the surface, Katong has all the charm of a picture-perfect town by the sea. Its pastel-coloured shophouses, close vicinity to East Coast Park and its beaches, buzzy eateries, unique shops are some of the reasons people return to Katong but what makes it most memorable is how heritage and that kampong spirit has persevered over the years. History coexists with the new in this beloved precinct in Singapore.
It's cool to see what matters to Singaporeans – Katong bears many similarities to last year's choice that was Bugis. Besides having quality places to eat and shop, Singaporeans also value history and heritage. Perhaps the only difference is that Katong also ranks higher than Bugis in terms of liveability.
We'll leave you to explore this neighbourhood on your own, but of course, we can't help but give a few recommendations. Start off with a seaside stroll or cycle at East Coast Park before an iconic local breakfast of fresh, hot kaya buns, soft-boiled eggs and milk coffee made with a sock at Chin Mee Chin Confectionery. Spend a lazy afternoon picking up records at Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee or a loaf of sourdough at Micro Bakery, then squeeze in a spot of thrift shopping at A Vintage Tale. For more ideas on what to do in Katong, check out our extensive guide.
Learn about the other neighbourhoods around the world that made the cut and read our full ranking of the 49 coolest neighbourhoods in the world. Where would you like to visit?