Things to Do in Holland Village: Kampung Roots to Wine Bars
Holland Village has been one of Singapore's favourite places to eat and drink since the 1980s. In two hours you can walk through the old British military homes of Chip Bee Gardens, eat at the food centre and still have time for a drink on Lorong Mambong. This guide to things to do in Holland Village covers five stops at an easy pace, and you can play MONOPOLY: HIDDEN Holland Village, a self-guided game on your phone, along the same streets.
- Must-eat: a hawker meal at Holland Village Market & Food Centre
- Best photo spot: the quiet streets of Chip Bee Gardens
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Don't skip: an evening drink on Lorong Mambong
Area: Holland Village, central-west Singapore
Time: About 2 hours at a relaxed pace
Start: Dunkin', Raffles Holland V Mall, #01-03, 118 Holland Avenue
Nearest MRT: Holland Village (Circle Line). Exit A comes out on Holland Avenue beside Raffles Holland V.
Good for: Couples, friends, families, visitors, food lovers
Best time: Late afternoon into the evening, when the restaurants open up
Cost: Free to walk. MONOPOLY: HIDDEN is a paid ticket.
Why Holland Village is worth a slow walk
Holland Village started out as a kampung. The area takes its name from Holland Road, which is said to be named after Hugh Holland, an architect and amateur actor, although there's very little official record of him. In Hokkien, Holland Road is known as the road behind the flower garden, meaning the Botanic Gardens nearby.
Later, the terraced houses and walk-up flats of Chip Bee Gardens were built as homes for British military families. In the 1980s and 1990s, Holland Village became known for its wine bars, cafés and restaurants, and Lorong Mambong is still where most of the evening crowd ends up.
A 2-hour Holland Village walking route
Budget two hours with stops, and longer if you sit down for a meal. The route is short, but parts of it have steps and uneven paths, so it's not ideal for wheelchairs.
1. Raffles Holland V: start with a coffee
Address: 118 Holland Avenue | Time here: about 15 minutes
Start at Raffles Holland V, where the MONOPOLY game begins at Dunkin'. Grab a coffee and get your bearings before heading out.
Tip: Playing the game too? Meet your team at Dunkin', #01-03.
2. Lorong Mambong: the old dining street
Where: Lorong Mambong | Time here: about 20 minutes
This short street of shophouses is where Holland Village's wine bar scene started in the 1980s. By day it's quiet. By evening, the restaurants spill out onto the street, and Wala Wala Café Bar at No. 31 has live music upstairs.
3. Chip Bee Gardens: the former military homes
Where: Jalan Merah Saga and surrounding streets | Time here: about 30 minutes
Cross over to Chip Bee Gardens, built as married quarters for British military families. The low-rise houses and leafy streets feel very different from the busy main road, and cafés like Keong Saik Bakery, Baker & Cook and Original Sin are tucked between them.
Tip: These are homes, so keep the noise down as you walk through.
4. Holland Village Market & Food Centre: Holland Village food at hawker prices
Where: Lorong Mambong | Time here: about 30 minutes
The food centre is the cheapest and quickest meal in the area. Share a few dishes, like fishball noodles from Ming Fa Fishball Noodles, and get to Holland V Fried Bee Hoon early because it often sells out before lunch.
Tip: It gets busy at lunch and dinner, so go slightly off-peak if you want a seat.
5. One Holland Village: finish at the newest corner
Where: Holland Village Way | Time here: about 25 minutes
One Holland Village opened in December 2023 and added new shops, restaurants and open spaces to the area. It's a good place to finish with dessert or a drink.
More things to do in Holland Village
With more time, add one of these other things to do in Holland V.
Eat and drink
- Partner food spots: the MONOPOLY game includes Keong Saik Bakery and other partners on the route, so you can try a few without planning ahead.
- Chance Card perks: your Chance Card gets you perks at partner spots including SnackFirst, 49 Seats and Bark & Brew.
Nearby
- Singapore Botanic Gardens: a short ride away, if you want to add a walk in the park.
- Dempsey Hill: another former military area nearby, now full of restaurants.
- Opening hours change, so check before you go.
Play MONOPOLY: HIDDEN Holland Village on the same streets
MONOPOLY: HIDDEN Holland Village turns the neighbourhood into a game board. Open the link or scan the code at the start point to begin. There's no app to download and no guide to keep up with.
You follow a story, solve clues tied to real places such as Chip Bee Gardens, the old shophouses and the site of a former windmill, and spend MONOPOLY Money at partner spots along the way. The game covers many of the same streets as the walk above, so you don't need to do both. Most teams finish in about 1.5 to 2 hours, longer if they stop for snacks or shopping.
- Start point: Dunkin', Raffles Holland V Mall, #01-03, 118 Holland Avenue.
- Team size: 2 to 5 players, plus a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children.
- Kids: children aged 4–12 need a child ticket and must play with an adult. Under-4s don't need a ticket.
- What you get: each adult ticket includes M$200 MONOPOLY Money, a limited-edition Chance Card and a tote bag.
- Tickets: on Fever. You can start any time from 10am to 8.30pm on the day you book, with the last recommended start at 7pm. Prices and offers change, so check the booking page.
Tips before you go
Late afternoon is the best time to start, so you finish as the restaurants fill up for dinner. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and a hat for the outdoor stretches. If you're playing the game, charge your phone and pack a power bank, since you'll be using it the whole way.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a walk around Holland Village take?
About 2 hours with stops for food and photos, or under an hour without them.
Where is the nearest MRT?
Holland Village station on the Circle Line, which opened in 2011. Exit A comes out beside Raffles Holland V, where the game starts.
What should I eat in Holland Village?
Start with the hawker stalls at the food centre, then pick a café or bar on Lorong Mambong or in One Holland Village.
Is it good for kids and families?
Yes. Children aged 4–12 can join the game on a child ticket, and under-4s don't need one. The route has some steps, so a light pram is easier than a large one.
Do I need an app to play the game?
No. It runs on your phone, so there's nothing to download.
What if it rains?
Much of the route is outdoors, so check the forecast. On a wet day, try the indoor editions at Jewel and Suntec City instead.
Ready to play?
Book MONOPOLY: HIDDEN Holland Village on Fever, then meet your team at Dunkin' in Raffles Holland V.
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