5 unexpected things to do around City Hall MRT

Combining CHIJMES' striking black and white colonial exterior with raw industrial design, Almost Famous Craft Beer Bar has an aesthetic that’s bound to draw in the Virgil Abloh devotees. Smooth blocks of cement seat people around concrete slab tables and cold metal chairs, while adjustable panel lighting makes sure its pints and bar snacks are always Instagram-ready. It has 16 rotating taps on offer and focuses on beers from around the region. This includes the Hangry Donut ($14) from Hong Kong brewery, Heroes, the rare Iwate Kura Oyster Stout ($16) from Sekinoichi Shuzo and Singapore’s very own Brewlander Love Wild IPA ($14).

If you’re new to craft beer, the well-trained staff confidently give recommendations to ease you into things, making the process a lot less intimidating for people who aren’t hopheads. There’s the spicy Zeffer Apple Crumble ($14), a light cider that smells exactly like how you’d imagine , as well as Pilsner Urquell ($10) in a Milko pour of full-foam if the bitterness of beer doesn’t appeal. 

The CBD isn't the only place to get suit up for work, but also for play. With its red carpet entrance, The NCO Club brings all the cool cats together to the South Beach precinct for a fair share of fine dining and quintessential entertainment. The classy establishment's modern makeover retains its iconic architecture and aesthetics while introducing four eclectic concepts: Cool Cats for live music, Stags' Room for exclusive wines, Madame Fan for fusion delicacies, and Fish Pool for oysters, caviar, champagne and... mermaids. 

While you're in the heart of the city, why not go hiking? Explore the many nooks and crannies of Fort Canning Park and its many colonial-era relics, learn more about the paramount roles it played in the defence of the island and even before the British arrived, when it served as the residence of Malay royalty. Walk through the spice gardens and verdant greenery before settling down on a bench at the top of the hill, under some ancient trees. 

Go straight down to the basement, where dozens of musical instrument stores sit. You’ve got your guitars (Fenders, Gibsons, Ibanezes – they’re all here), pedals, amplifiers, drum kits, synths, accessories and basically anything you’ll need to rock out. While you're at it, pick up some new kicks from the many sneaker stores there, whether you're going for a pair of trusty Vans Old Skool shoes for everyday use or some Adidas running shoes for your HIIT sesh.