The best things to do at the newly opened Thomson East Coast Line stations

Built in the 1930s and located near the sea, Katong Park is the perfect place to bust out the picnic mat for a little picnic session. Find a spot under one of the big trees for extra shade, and munch on sandwiches while reading a good book or gossiping with your friends. If you have a furry pal, there are dog runs available at Katong Park for your pet to mingle with other pets.

Fort Tanjong Katong was built in the 1880s and was initially designed to protect Singapore from potential Russian attacks. The fort was buried in the late 1960s when it was rendered obslete, but was recovered in 2001 and is now preserved as one of Singapore’s historical landmarks. You can learn more about Fort Tanjong Katong’s history and its journey through time here.

We’re not joking when we say that Little Rogue has something for everyone. This spacious café along Tanjong Katong Road not only serves up delicious brews and food, but also has large communal tables that work as study spaces. You can even purchase various ceramics if you like any of the café’s housewares. Cool down in this sweltering heat with one of Little Rogue’s refreshing drinks like the pea pee housemade lemonade ($7.50) and the Dalmatian ($8) – a cold brew black coffee topped with cream foam and crushed Oreos. If you’re hungry, the maple thyme hotcakes ($18) are a must-order: think fluffy and mildly sweet hotcakes smothered in strawberry compote, berries, and nut crumble for that extra crunch. The best part? It comes with a scoop of earl grey lavender ice cream drizzled with miso caramel for the ultimate indulgence. 

Although it’s sad that Little Rogue Coffee will be closing its Tanjong Katong outlet on July 27, 2024, the beloved café will be continuing its journey at Tiong Bahru.

No one is ever too old for playgrounds, especially not Coastal Playgrove, which is home to Singapore’s tallest outdoor slide. Slip down the four-storey-high slide, or get through the vertical net play area with a wide array of rope-based obstacles. Those looking to beat the heat can head over to the water play area, where you and your little ones can splash around in the wading pools and skip through the water jets. Need a break from the energetic tots? Head over to the nearby food court or Old Town White Coffee to relax.

It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re at Cat Socrates, especially since the little shop offers a cornucopia of unique home decor, books, and trinkets – most by local creatives. Whether it’s hand-painted figurines, guidebooks to living your best life in Singapore, or beautifully designed tote bags, you’re sure to leave the store having purchased something. Be careful when you enter Cat Socrates though – resident cat shopkeeper Zoo-zoo might be so eager to greet you that he rushes out the door.

If you’re tired of working at home during your work-from-home days, Monk’s Brew Club is one of the best spots to have a productive session. The café is split into two floors, with the first floor being a space for you to hang out with your friends and the  second floor serving as a communal working space. Instead of having to buy a drink every few hours to ensure you don’t get kicked out by the staff, you can book a seat starting from $10, which comes with a free cup of coffee or tea. Once you’re done with work, head downstairs and sip on bespoke cocktails like Senor Curry ($20 and Eye Opener ($20). After all, you deserve a drink after a hard day’s work.

To say that Katong Antique House is pure living memory is no understatement – this Peranakan house has been well-preserved for a 100-year-old house, and is home to a treasure trove of antiques that date back to the 1800s. Browse through heirlooms and artefacts like traditional Peranakan crockery, beaded slippers, and furniture, or check out the various photographs of Singapore’s Babas and Bibiks. This huge collection is all thanks to 40 years of effort by Mr Peter Wee, a fourth-generation Peranakan who inherited the house in 1966. Although he passed on in 2018, Baba Peter Wee’s collection and love for Peranakan culture and heritage lives on in this private museum.

Check out what we learnt when we visited Katong Antique house here.

There’s a reason why Beach Road Prawn Noodle House draws throngs to its stall the moment it opens – the prawn mee here is so hearty and comforting that you’ll definitely ask for seconds (if they haven’t sold out, that is). Think a robust and flavourful broth paired with perfectly cooked noodles, topped with juicy prawns, beansprouts, and shallots. A bowl of prawn mee starts from $6.50, while the jumbo prawn mee will set you back $13.50. A little on the pricey side, but trust us – and your fellow Singaporeans! – when we say it’s worth every cent.

For days when you wake up later than usual, head over to Five Oars Coffee Roasters and chow down one of its many brunch options. This industrial-chic café offers a variety of dishes, such as fluffy waffles topped with crispy fried chicken thigh ($24), sriracha chicken Benedict ($22), and steak and eggs ($33). However, ask anyone and they’ll say that you have to get the mentaiko mac and cheese ($17) – think gooey cheese and macaroni mixed with fish roe and lots of mentaiko sauce. The top is also baked to perfection, with a light golden-brown crust.

Etna Italian is one of our go-to spots for special celebrations – the food is delicious, and the staff are extremely friendly. If you’re dining at Etna Italian, you have to start with some freshly baked bread. We love the bread on its own with butter ($6), but more indulgent picks include the garlic bread ($8) and bruschetta with tomatoes, garlic and Italian basil ($14). For mains, opt for the umbricella pizza ($34) to share. The crispy but fluffy pizza is topped with mozzarella, fresh black truffle, ham, and stracciatella cheese, and the homemade tagliatelle drenched in a flavourful braised lamb sauce and pecorino cheese ($28). Don’t forget to order dessert – the tiramisu ($16) is a must-try.

This semi-casual waterfront restaurant makes for the perfect date spot – what could be more romantic than delicious Italian cuisine, elegant wines, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore as background noise? Fico changes up its menu according to what’s in season, meaning that no two dining experiences are the same. We enjoyed the cacio e pepe, where the spaghetti is served from a huge pecorino wheel, making it a fun spectacle as you watch your pasta get prepared. Pair your meal with a bottle of wine – don’t worry if you’re not a wine expert as Fico’s staff are more than happy to recommend a wine pairing.

Bust out your skateboards and show off your flips at Xtreme Skatepark. This 1.4-hectare skatepark is one of the largest in Singapore, complete with a 3.6-metre deep bowl. If the vertical bowl is a bit too intimidating, Xtreme Skatepark also has quarter pipe and roll-in ramps that are perfect for beginners, and a combo bowl with a slight overhang for advanced manoeuvres. If you’re not a skater, the park also welcomes BMX enthusiasts and their two-wheelers.