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Everything You Need to Know about Queenstown in Singapore

When it comes to satellite residential towns in Singapore, Queenstown is arguably one of the most sought-after. Housing estates are aplenty here, and it’s close enough to the downtown core, so you can travel back and forth without much hassle. 

But more than just a great place to live, Queenstown is rife with many attractions. Nature lovers will take delight in green parks like Kent Ridge Park, while foodies and shopaholics will be tempted to splurge at the numerous restaurants and shops!

If this is your first time visiting, here’s an ultimate guide to Queenstown in Singapore.

Where is Queenstown in Singapore?

queenstown-google-maps-locaton

Queenstown is located in the Central Region of Singapore, right on the south-westernmost part. Its borders include Bukit Timah to the north, Tanglin to the northeast, Bukit Merah to the east and southeast, Clementi to the northwest and west, and the Pandan Strait to the south and southwest.

What is the main street of Queenstown?

Queensway/Portsdown Avenue is the main street of Queenstown; it connects the north and south sides of the neighbourhood, and it’s also where many of the commercial establishments are located. 

The Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE) is also a major road in the area. This road connects Queenstown to the rest of Singapore, and it’s home to several bus stops, so travellers and commuters are familiar with it. 

The West Coast Highway is a major arterial road in the southern part of the neighbourhood. This road leads to Pasir Panjang, the Jurong Industrial Estate, and the rest of the Central Area. 

How to Get to Queenstown

By MRT. Riding the MRT is the best way to get to Queenstown because this neighbourhood has 9 MRT stations. If you take the East–West line, you can disembark at these stations: Queenstown, Commonwealth, Buona Vista, and Dover. 

If you take the Circle Line, you can alight at any of the following: Buona Vista, Holland Village, One-North, Kent Ridge, Haw Par Villa, and Pasir Panjang. 

By Bus. You can also take the bus since there are three bus terminals here: Buona Vista Bus Terminal, Ghim Moh Bus Terminal, and Kent Ridge Bus Terminal. The bus services that serve Queenstown are 100, 111, 123, 186, and 198. 

What to Do

Have an adventure at Kent Ridge Park

From: thesmartlocalsg

Address: Along Vigilante Dr

Operating Hours: Open 24 hours

Contact Number: +6518004717300

Website

In the mood for an adventure? Then, Kent Ridge Park should be on your itinerary!

This sprawling green park offers many fun things to do. One of my personal favourite activities here is strolling the Canopy Walk. This trail can be tricky because it takes you uphill, but it’s worth it, thanks to all the greenery. 

Plus, this area is rife with local birds, so keep an eye out for them. You might even spot the iconic brahminy kite and the greater racket-tailed drongo!

Learn about local history in Reflections at Bukit Chandu

From: reflectionsatbukitchandy

Address: Pepys Rd, #31-K

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—9:30 am to 5 pm

Contact Number: +6562506675

Website

Technically, Reflections at Bukit Chandu is a museum located within the premises of Kent Ridge Park, but it deserves its own spotlight in this article. 

Kent Ridge Park was a battleground during World War II, and this museum was built in remembrance of that historical event. Here, you can find various exhibits and installations that paint a picture of what the battle was like. 

But more than that, this museum also celebrates the neighbourhood’s rich history before the war. I really like the On the Lawn exhibit, which educates visitors about the pineapple plantations that used to be everywhere in this area.

Enjoy family bonding time at West Coast Park

From: sheila_sim

Address: W Coast Ferry Rd

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 7 pm

Contact Number: +6518004717300

Website

Located in Queenstown’s southernmost part, West Coast Park is another fantastic green park to check out. This one, in particular, is perfect for families because it has amenities like BBQ pits and playgrounds. 

There are many attractions here, but my favourite has to be the marsh garden. Not only is it a quiet spot, but it also has diverse wildlife. I’ve spotted a good number of birds here, including the white-breasted waterhen, striated heron, and the oriental pied hornbill.

Expand your floral knowledge at HortPark

From: travelin_farmboy

Address: 33 Hyderabad Rd

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—6 am to 11 pm

Website

If flowers are more your jam, then HortPark is the ideal place to be. Vibrant flowers dot almost every corner of this public park.

Of all the themed gardens available here, the Scented Garden is my favourite. Not only are the buds here gorgeous, but the aroma is also thick, sweet, and heady!

Additionally, I really like that this garden educates me about the different flowers. It’s given me ideas on which flowers I should have in my home.

Time-travel in Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum

From: lkcnhm

Address: 2 Conservatory Dr, National University of Singapore

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—10 am to 6 pm

Contact Number: +6566013333

Website

Calling all natural history nerds, especially those who have a special interest in prehistoric life like dinosaurs! The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is a must-visit.

If you can only check out one gallery here, let it be the Biodiversity Gallery. Featuring fossils of both animals and plants, this gallery takes you across 4,000 years of natural history in Southeast Asia.

The standout fossil is the Singapore Sperm Whale, which is a whopping 10.6 meters long. Standing next to its skeleton gives me an existential crisis because it reminds me just how small I really am as a human!

Take on the Rail Corridor challenge

From: swashed

Starting Point: Along Jln Jelita

Operating Hours: Open 24 hours

You can already enjoy hiking in any of the parks I’ve mentioned on this list, but if you want something more challenging, then you should take on the Rail Corridor challenge. This trail spans a total of 24 km, and it cuts through Queenstown.

There are many starting points, but I recommend the one along Jalan Jelita. No matter where you start, you can still enjoy the vast greenery and thriving wildlife this trail has to offer. The trail is also pretty remote and serene, so the hiking experience is relaxing.

Curl up with a book at Queenstown Public Library

From: jjloves86

Address: 53 Margaret Dr

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 9 pm

Website

Surely, I’m not the only one who thinks reading a book inside a library is exciting. If you’re a bibliophile like me, then you have to check out the Queenstown Public Library, which also happens to be the oldest library in Singapore.

Most of the time, I just lounge in the reading area because it’s so cosy and comfortable—the perfect atmosphere to finish my book. But sometimes, I also go out and check out the edible plants in the outdoor garden. 

Where to Eat

Legendary Classics by Legendary Hong Kong 

From: juliuslim

Address: 10A Rochester Park, Rochester Dr

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday—11 am to 3 pm, 5 to 9 pm
  • Saturday and Sunday—10:30 am to 9 pm

Contact Number: +6596652119

Website

Legendary Hong Kong is one of my go-to places when I’m craving Hong Kong cuisine, so when I discovered that there’s an outlet in Queenstown, I was more than thrilled! 

You can’t go wrong with a roasted London duck. It’s rich and savoury, with a strong smoky punch, and the meat is tender and juicy. On its own, the dish can be too much, which is why I recommend eating it with steaming white rice. 

Vineyard 

From: vineyardhortpark

Address: 33 Hyderabad Road, #02-02 Hort Park

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Friday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm
  • Saturday and Sunday—10:30 am to 10 pm

Contact Number: +6531251860

Website

Are we in a bustling neighbourhood or in a charming garden in the countryside? That’s the vibe I always get when I dine at Vineyard. The restaurant also has fairy lights, so it feels romantic. 

As for the food, you can expect a French-inspired menu. Their Iberian pork tenderloin keeps haunting me in my dreams. The combination of the pork, prosciutto, and jus gras provides a symphony of sweet, salty, and savoury flavours. 

The dish also comes with a mushroom-stuffed cabbage, which adds a burst of earthiness to every bite.

Pietrasanta the Italian Restaurant

From: pietrasanta_restaurant

Address: 1 Fusionopolis Wy, #01-08 Connexis

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 10 pm

Contact Number: +6598639253

Website

Pietrasanta is another European restaurant in Queenstown that I highly recommend. This one specialises in Italian cuisine, so prepare to get a load of pasta, pizza, and more! 

As much as I love the pasta here, I’m obsessed with their risotto with veal shank. The veal has been slow-cooked for 12 hours, making the meat so tender that it basically falls off the bone. The flavour is also rich and savoury, with a hint of smokiness. 

Meanwhile, the risotto is creamy and mild, and it has a lovely aroma, thanks to the saffron.

Citrus Kitchen

From: citruskitchen.sg

Address: 43 Science Park Rd, #01-09 Sparkle

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 12:30 am

Contact Number: +6588070076

Website

Citrus Kitchen is designed to look like an oasis in a desert; the atmosphere here is soothing. More importantly, the food is also great!

I’m a pasta enthusiast, so I recommend checking any of the pasta dishes. I really like the seafood aglio olio; the garlicky, spicy, and buttery flavours of the sauce complement the mild sweetness of the prawns and scallops. 

Arkadas Cafe and Restaurant

From: arkadascafesg

Address: 1 Fusionopolis Vw, #01-02 Eclipse 

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 10 pm

Contact Number: +6564675053

Website

A restaurant serving Turkish cuisine? I’m all ears! If this sounds intriguing to you as well, you need to check out Arkadas Cafe and Restaurant ASAP. 

I’m obsessed with the Beyti Kebab, which is made with ground lamb that’s grilled on a skewer and served wrapped in lavash. The seasonings on the meat make it savoury, earthy, and slightly spicy, while the tomato sauce and yoghurt add a nice tangy contrast. 

Les Bouchons Rochester

From: lesbouchonsg

Address: 10 Rochester Park, Rochester Commons

Operating Hours:

  • Monday to Thursday—12 pm to 2:30 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm
  • Friday—12 pm to 2:30 pm, 6 pm to 10:30 pm
  • Saturday—12 pm to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10:30 pm
  • Sunday—12 pm to 3 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm

Contact Number: +6569048972

Website

Many people like to call Les Bouchons Rochester the “king of steak and fries,” and having dined here several times now, I understand why. 

They use either Australian black Angus beef or Wagyu beef, so the steak has a nice marbling, which gives off that addictive savoury and fatty flavour. 

I also recommend you try their prix fixe menu. My favourites from this menu are the grilled Wagyu flap steak (so rich and tender) and the double chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream (so decadent, and the hot and cold combination is top-notch).

Under Der Linden Café

From: underlindensg

Address: 5B Portsdown Rd, #01-02

Operating Hours

  • Monday, Wednesday to Friday—10 am to 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm to 9 pm
  • Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 9 pm

Contact Number: +6598382977

Website

Inspired by a German poem about love and romance, Under Linden Café is all about the romantic vibes. That’s why this restaurant is decked like it’s the setting of a fairytale—so green and sparkly!

The aged pineapple chicken is an absolute delight. The savoury notes from the chicken complement the tangy sweetness of the pineapple compote. The dish is also served with a potato side dish, which perfectly cuts through all the rich flavours.

The Boiler at Buona Vista

From: theboilersg

Address: 1 N Buona Vista Link, #01-03 Elementum Parking

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5 pm to 10:30 pm

Contact Number: +6566351285

Website

Every time I’m hit with a strong craving for a seafood boil (thank you, seafood boil mukbangs), I head to The Boiler ASAP. 

I always eat with someone here, and our go-to choice is the Bombdiggity Bag, which is their largest and most expensive option. This one comes with seasonal crabs, prawns, mussels, clams, and smoked sausages drenched in a sauce of your choice. 

I recommend The Works Sauce, which is so buttery and spicy. Even the mild spice level has me and my friends chugging ice-cold water to douse the heat!

Sin and Savage Bakehouse

From: sinandsavage

Address: 169 Stirling Rd, #01-1153 Stirling View, Block 169 HDB Building

Operating Hours

  • Tuesday to Friday—11 am to 9 pm
  • Saturday—9:30 am to 9 pm
  • Sunday—9:30 am to 4 pm

Website

Looking for a great brunch spot? Then I have the restaurant for you: Sin and Savage Bakehouse.

I can’t resist the buttermilk pancakes because they’re so soft and fluffy, and the flavour profile is sweet with a hint of tanginess. 

Sometimes, they can get too sweet, which is why I order smoked bacon and scrambled eggs as add-ons. These add a lovely salty and savoury contrast to the pancakes.  

Where to Shop

Queensway Shopping Centre

From: queenswayshoppingcentre

Address: 1 Queensway

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10:30 pm

Contact Number: 7RQ3+26 Singapore

Website

In the mood to splurge? Then head to Queensway Shopping Centre, Queenstown’s most popular shopping mall. This place has 150 shops scattered across four floors! 

I love going to The Dream Vault because its curation of clothes and accessories is unique and whimsical. My favourite purchases here include a thin, flowy blouse-like top and a bracelet with glittering star charms. Such a charming combo! 

Yee Jin Tailor is another standout, and it’s perfect if you need a new business suit or some other formal attire. 

Anchorpoint Shopping Centre

From: swapaholicyou

Address: 370 Alexandra Rd

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 10 pm

Contact Number: +6564794372

Website

Anchorpoint is another well-known mall in Queenstown, and though it’s not as vast as Queensway, it still has a decent selection of shops and restaurants. 

Mostly, I come here to pamper myself with the help of the mall’s beauty and wellness service providers. Honey Beauty Nail Salon is where I go to get my nails done and refreshed, and if I’m getting tired of my current hair, I’ll get a haircut and a blowout at NK Hairworks.

Alexandra Retail Centre

From: alexandraretailcentre

Address: 460 Alexandra Rd

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10 pm

Contact Number: +6568074438

Website

The Alexandra Retail Centre isn’t as splashy as Queensway and Anchorpoint, but I love it all the same. For a low-key mall, the list of shops available is pretty impressive. 

If I have to pick a favourite shop, it would be Flower Matters. Every time I step inside the shop, my mood is instantly lifted at the sight of all the colourful flowers. If I have the money to spare, I’d treat myself to a bouquet and place those flowers on my dining table.

The Cheese Ark

From: thecheeseark

Address: 49 Stirling Rd, #01-489

Operating Hours:

  • Wednesday to Friday—12 pm to 9 pm
  • Saturday—11 am to 9 pm
  • Sunday—12 pm to 6 pm

Contact Number: +6591750090

Website

When I discovered the existence of The Cheese Ark, I started vibrating like a chihuahua. I’m just such a sucker for cheese! 

This shop sells its own cheeses made from milk sourced from small traditional farms, so it’s hard to find their products anywhere else. There’s a pretty good variety here, but I prefer the aged cheeses.

My favourite is their take on Morbier cheese. It’s soft with a slightly elastic mouthfeel, and the flavour profile is mildly rich. It goes so well with cured meat and slightly salty crackers. 

Where to Stay

Park Avenue Rochester

From: parkavenuehospitalitygroup

Address: 31 Rochester Dr

Contact Number: +6568088600

Website

Nestled in a lush, green corner, Park Avenue Rochester gives off the vibe of an urban oasis. It also helps that the rooms and suites have colourful furnishings, so the atmosphere is truly vibrant. 

The rooms and suites are also equipped with essential amenities like free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, bathrooms with bathtubs, and an LED TV with cable channels. 

If the weather is too hot, feel free to cool down by diving into the outdoor pool. The pool area is decked with plants, so you’ll feel like you’re swimming in a forest!

K2 Guesthouse

From: k2guesthouse

Address: 15 South Buona Vista Rd

Contact Number: +6588871230

Website

If you prefer simplicity, then you might like K2 Guesthouse. The rooms here are mostly fitted with white or cream paint and furniture, so the vibe is laid-back and comforting. 

I also really like that there are different types of rooms here. The single cabin room is extremely small, but it can accommodate one person comfortably. 

If you’re coming with a person or two, the Double Ensuite or the Deluxe Family Ensuite might be the better choice since they come with much more space. Some of these rooms even have a balcony, so you can let in natural light during the day.

Citadines Science Park Singapore

From: thathazinwin

Address: 7 Science Park Dr

Contact Number: +6563702988

Website

Citadines is located in the heart of Science Park Singapore. This is a convenient location because it’s near public transport stops, as well as the various green parks like Kent Ridge Park and HortPark. 

I love how the rooms look here. They have a neutral colour palette with a burst of green, so the vibe is calming. I prefer the rooms with an executive loft because they feel spacious, and they also have a kitchenette, allowing me to prepare my own meals.

This hotel has other amenities as well. For example, you can work out in their fitness centre and then cool down later in the day by jumping into their outdoor swimming pool.

Quincy House Singapore

Address: 5 Holland Vlg Wy

Contact Number: +6560220855

Website

While most of the hotels I’ve recommended have that bright and relaxing vibe, Quincy House Singapore has more of a dark and moody atmosphere. The rooms here are also well-furnished with amenities like smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms. 

As much as I love staying inside my room, I do love to get out and relax in any of the hotel’s public spaces. The Living Room, in particular, is a great spot to read a book because it’s pretty quiet. There’s also a pool, so I enjoy a bit of swimming here at the end of the day.

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