Discovering Orchard Road’s Past

While Orchard Road in Singapore is known as a retail haven, in this locale, you will find a captivating neighbourhood with a rich history and heritage; come find out more on Emerald Hill!

Planning a Visit

As mentioned, this area can be easily accessed from Orchard Road and is only about an eight-minute walk from hotels like Grand Park Orchard. Also nearby is The Centrepoint mall, while the Somerset MRT Station is within easy reach. Ideally, look to combine a day of shopping with a visit to Emerald Hill.

A Bit of History

Before visiting from nearby Orchard Road hotels, it’s good to get an idea of the area’s history. In the 1830s, much like Orchard Road, Emerald Hill was made up of an orchard with fruit and nutmeg; it was later bought over, and soon, the Peranakan community began to build shophouses that can be seen today.

What to Expect

The best way to tour this locale is on foot; on your stroll, you will come across colourful shophouses that feature Straits Chinese-style design including sites like Peranakan Place. You will also get to see traditional terrace houses with a mix of Chinese and European design and Sino-baroque architecture too.

Nightlife Hotspot

Emerald Hill is also one of the best places to enjoy the laidback nightlife in Singapore. Several of the bars here are housed in traditional Peranakan shophouses including No.5 Emerald Hill, a charming pub. Ice Cold Beer and Que Pasa are amongst the other hotspots open for a visit.