North-South Line: MRT Map & Recommendations

While City Hall, Orchard and Somerset have long stolen the limelight on the North-South line, some off-the-beaten paths on Toa Payoh, Newton and Sembawang may very well be a good bet for novel adventures on days you’re not feeling the urban jungle.

You can expect to find leisure and entertainment, art and culture, food, as well as outdoor activities along the North-East Line Mrt Map.

1.Newton (NS21 on MRT Map)

Newton Food Centre

For the late-night supper birdies, Newton Food Centre is a hotspot located a few minutes’ walk away from the MRT. Opened till 2am, whether you’re looking to satisfy your cravings for BBQ stingray, Char Kway Teow, oyster omelette, or a simple bowl of hearty fishball noodles, this place has got you covered.

Leisure and Entertainment

1.Cityhall(NS25 on MRT Map)

Peninsula Shopping Centre

For those who are into the Y2K and vintage fashion trend, Peninsula Shopping Centre is probably a scene you’re familiar with. With retro band tees, polo tees and flared skinny jeans being among the clothing picks here, you can be sure to walk away from here looking fresh and hip.

To top your look off, Peninsula Shopping Centre is also known for its variety of guitar shops if you are looking to start your own jam band.

Funan Mall

The recently refurbished Funan Mall prides itself in going digital with cool features like an urban farm on its roof, cashless payments, and even a smart car parking facility!

Already, you can expect this mall to be an exciting one – it features a variety of food options (Little Caesers Pizza and Ajumma’s are the hot picks here!), as well as many local fashion and lifestyle brands.

Don’t be surprised to see climbers from Climb Central scaling the walls as you shop!

Capitol Plaza

Just a few minutes’ walk away from the MRT, you will see a sleek-looking colonial building. Capitol Plaza is home to many luxury beauty parlours, cafes along The Arcade @ Capitol Kempinsiki, and of course – the Theatre.

Although the picks are not extensive, you can be sure to find some interesting picks like German cuisine at Frieda, or an American diner-style bistro at Broadway American Diner.

During Christmas, head over to Capitol to catch their lively pop-up market and snow at night!

2.Orchard(NS22 on MRT Map)

ION Orchard

ION Orchard needs no introduction for all Singaporeans. It has practically every international brand imaginable – whether you are looking for something as atas as Chanel and Louis Vuitton, or just need a casual outfit from Zara or Pull&Bear, this mall has got you covered.

Rule of thumb in this mall: the higher the level, the more expensive it gets.

Lucky Plaza

If you want to protect your wallet for the weekend but still want to satisfy your shopping appetite, Lucky Plaza is a solid recommendation.

This plaza is populated with many thrift stores – we’re not exaggerating when we say clothes go for as cheap as $1 per piece. Some popular thrifts here are Lucky Plaza Bazaar and Thrifting SG on level 6.

When you are done with shopping, feel free to check out the Filipino delicacies and snacks within the mall!

3.Somerset(NS23 on MRT Map)

313 Somerset

Down the street at Somerset, there’s 313 @ Somerset and Orchard Gateway, which are connected to each other. A myriad of F&B and shopping choices here as well – from local brand such as Love, Bonito and The Editor’s Market to international ones like Zara, F21 and Cotton On.

Although Triple One Somerset isn’t the most frequented mall here, it is also not one to be overlooked. Especially if you are looking for a work or chill space, they have little cafes like Hvala, Glyph Supply Co., So Good Bakery and Poke Theory.

Emerald Hill

Just across the street of 313 Somerset lies the rustically beautiful Emerald Hill. Almost as though you are walking into a scene of Crazy Rich Asians, here you can snap away your OOTDs against the backdrop of Peranakan-style houses. They also have a few bars that you can pop by, especially worth with happy hour deals!

Cuppage Terrace

If you’re looking for a good TGIF, Cuppage Terrace is right around the corner as well. With a whole stretch dedicated to food, drinks and just good energy in general, you will not regret spending your Friday evening over some bubblies here.

Art and Culture

1.Toa Payoh(NS19 on MRT Map)

Dragon Playground

The famous Dragon Playground was designed in 1979, and is one of the last few standing sand-based playgrounds after the concept was disallowed in 1993.

Inspired by the dragon motif in Chinese culture, this dragon playground was designed to resemble a phoenix, with steel round rails as its body.

Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery

Founded in 1898, this monastery completed its construction in 1902. With its long-standing history, it was designated as a world heritage site in 1980.

As a direct translation, Lian Shan Shuang Lin means “Twin Grove of the Lotus Mountain”, making close reference to sala trees found in India, where it is believed it was where Buddha gained enlightenment at.

Keep your eyes peeled for the intricate architecture of the roofs, as well as the peaceful serenity here.

2.City Hall(NS25 on MRT Map)

National Gallery: Southeast Asian Art Museum

Located in the heart of the city, the National Gallery is home to the world’s largest collection of local and Southeast Asian art dated from the 19th century. Best part? Admission is free for all Singaporeans and PRs, so you can head here for your next date if you are not in the mood for digging deep into your wallet!

St. Andrew’s Cathedral

Less than a minute walk away from City Hall MRT Exit B sits the grandeur of this Anglican cathedral. Known for its colonial exterior and beautiful architecture, St. Andrew’s Cathdedral was built in 1836 and still runs regular worship services today. A little known fact about this relic is how it was used as an emergency hospital during WWII.

3.Yio Chu Kang(NS15 on MRT Map)

Japanese Cemetery Park

Asians might think of it as ‘bantang’ to take photos in a cemetery, but the dreamy blooms at Japanese Cemetery Park might be an exception, especially with these bougainvillaea archways drawing close similarities to cherry springtime blossoms.

As the largest Japanese cemetery in Southeast Asia, this park is a bus away from Yio Chu Kang MRT station. As the home ground for 910 tombstones here, remains of the Japanese community belonging to civilians, war criminals, prostitutes and soldiers lay here.

Outdoor

1.Kranji(NS7 on MRT Map)

Gallop Kranji Farm Resort

Needing a getaway from the urban civilisation? Gallop Kranji Farm Resort can be found off the beaten tracks, on Neo Tiew Lane. Think of it as a countryside chalet experience, with different villas available for booking. Soak in the entire experience with novel activities such as a beehive tour, prawning sessions, pony rides and even a relaxing spa.

Bollywood Veggies Farm

Located amidst the Kranji countryside, Bollywood Veggies Farm is an organic farm which plants a variety of edible greens to educate the public about sustainable living. Apart from farm tours, they also have their Poison Ivy Bistro, which showcases a farm-to-table menu serving up Asian dishes.

Singapore Zoo

Hop onto the scheduled buses from Kranji MRT for an adventure at Singapore Zoo, where it is home to over 300 species of animals. Built in a rainforest environment ,you will get to engage and observe with animals in their open enclosures. This unique open-concept allows for wildlife to be free-ranging instead of being kept within cages