Hidden Gems to Discover at Duxton Hill, Singapore's Quaint Neighbourhood

As one of the most thriving cities in Asia, there’s no mistaking that Singapore is the place to visit for intrepid explorers. Beyond the city-state's top attractions, such as Merlion Park and Gardens by the Bay, is a quaint lifestyle haven where those seeking the extraordinary can find something to love.
This is none other than Duxton Hill, downtown Singapore’s charming enclave that is not only picture-perfect but also home to the city’s best-kept secrets. From covert diners to serene galleries, Duxton Hill offers more than just terrace houses and shophouses. Here are some of the neighbourhood’s hidden gems that you should add to your places-to-visit list the next time you’re in the area.
Lucha Loco
If you’re looking for a place to grab a filling dinner or get your drinks on, Lucha Loco is the place to go. This Mexican restaurant and garden bar, located at the heart of Duxton Hill, is all about the good vibes. The tropical-themed place exudes a fresh and festive atmosphere, perfect for hanging out with your amigos.
Indulge in the flavors of classic Mexican cuisine elevated to a world-class level, tantalising your taste buds with mouthwatering dishes like burritos, quesadillas, and tacos. Additionally, savour the exquisite mezcal cocktails that perfectly complement the rich flavors of the food.
Location: Lucha Loco, 15 Duxton Hill, Tanjong Pagar, Singapore
Operating hours: 5 PM-11 PM (Monday to Thursday),11:30 AM-12:30 AM (Friday to Saturday)
Cloud Café
This recently opened café in Duxton Hill will take you to cloud nine: literally and figuratively. Be mesmerised by its unique interior, with the dreamy cloud-inspired art installation on the ceiling serving as a focal point. You’ll also love the equally delightful and Instagram-worthy coffees and teas, plus the fresh pastries that are baked daily. Some of the café's must-tries are the sweet Banana Cake and tangy Strawberry Lemon Cake.
Location: Cloud, 1A Duxton Hill, Singapore
Operating hours: 10 AM-6 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Ju Hua Tai
Another hidden gem up at Duxton Hill’s sleeves is Ju Hua Tai, an oriental-themed bar where “traditional meets modern.” The cocktail bar looks simple from the outside because of its discreet storefront and neon sign, but an exquisite space waits inside where visitors can indulge in a quiet nightlife escapade.
Aside from its intimate vibe, Ju Hua Tai boasts a wide array of carefully concocted cocktails and craft beers. Treat yourself to a feast for the eyes and taste buds with their visually stunning and satisfying dishes. Delight in the exquisite flavors of the Dang Gui Smoked Duck, paired with delectable Foie Gras, and indulge in the combination of the Iberico Taupok and Ngoh Hiang platter. Book your table here.
Location: Ju Hua Tai, 9 Duxton Hill, Singapore
Operating hours: 5 PM-10:30 PM daily
Littered With Books
Duxton Hill also has a paradise for bookworms! Located at one of Duxton Hill’s conservation shophouses, the bookstore has a calm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for curious book lovers. Littered With Books has a library of various genres, from romance, thrillers, science fiction, and fantasy to non-fictitious narratives and testimonials. This is not your ordinary bookshop, though, because it houses carefully curated books, each with captivating stories to tell.
Location: Littered With Books, 20 Duxton Road, Singapore
Operating hours: 12 PM-8 PM (Weekdays), 11 AM-8 PM (Weekends)
Monument Lifestyle
Coffee? Cakes? Clothes? Monument Lifestyle has it, along with lots of other stuff for your retail therapy needs. This part-café-part-shopping space offers a variety of bagels, delicacies, coffee-based drinks, and non-coffee beverages if you’re looking to eat and hang out. If you’re planning to shop, you can also grab some of Monument Lifestyle’s clothing items that are perfect for your OOTDs or get your hands on gift items like scented candles, tumblers, or greeting cards over at its retail section.
Location: Monument Lifestyle, 75 Duxton Road, Singapore
Operating hours: 8 AM-6 PM daily
Huls Gallery
Get mesmerised with Japan’s fine crafts at Huls Gallery’s flagship store at Duxton Hill. The gallery features more than a hundred Japanese artworks, including pottery, glassworks, textiles, ceramics, and lacquerware. You can either marvel at these creations or purchase them to use as home decoration or hand as a gift. If you’re lucky, you can even chance upon exhibits held at Huls Gallery by some of Japan’s craft masters.
Location: Huls Gallery, 24 Duxton Hill, Singapore
Operating hours: 11 AM- 7 PM (Monday to Saturday)
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