Holland Village

Overview

Holland Village is a bohemian neighbourhood near the Botanic Gardens and Buona Vista, popular with expats, students, and creative professionals. Its low-rise shophouses house independent cafés, pubs, vintage stores, and design boutiques, giving it a relaxed, village-like atmosphere uncommon in Singapore.

Highlights

• Lorong Mambong: The main strip with outdoor bars, restaurants, and a buzzy weekend scene.
• Holland Village Market & Food Centre: A hawker centre known for its popiah (fresh spring rolls) and Indian rojak.
• Chip Bee Gardens: A side street of converted army barracks housing boutiques, galleries, and artisan bakeries.

History

The area was named after Hugh Holland, a local architect active in the early 20th century. It developed into an expatriate enclave from the 1960s when the nearby military barracks drew Western families. The opening of the Holland Village MRT station in 2011 increased footfall while preserving its village character.

Visitor Tips

• Weekend evenings are liveliest: The bars along Lorong Mambong fill up after 19:00.
• Combine with the Botanic Gardens: A short walk or one MRT stop away.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.