Things to Do in Dempsey Hill, Singapore
A practical itinerary for a full day at Dempsey Hill — from the Singapore Botanic Gardens in the morning to floral workshops, gallery visits, brunch, and evening dining.
Dempsey Hill sits in a quiet corner of central Singapore that most people haven't fully explored. Set within the grounds of a former British army barracks — the buildings still intact, the trees mature and enormous — it holds a concentration of restaurants, cafés, art galleries, boutiques, and lifestyle spaces that rewards a proper day out, not just a quick lunch.
This itinerary runs from 8am to 9pm. You can start later and do half of it, or slow down further and it becomes a full weekend day. Either way, Dempsey Hill is one of the few areas in Singapore where there's genuinely enough to fill a day without ever feeling rushed.
The Full Day Itinerary
Start at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that opens at 5am and is one of the world's great tropical gardens. The Heritage Trees walk, the Rainforest, and the ginger garden are all worth an hour. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout.
Head to Maison Garden's The Slow House at 13 Dempsey Road when it opens. The Slow House is designed for mornings like this — light-filled, surrounded by fresh flowers, with a brunch menu and botanical matcha (currently 3 for $12.90). Order the Maison Club Panini or the Herb Crusted Hamachi, and take your time.
After brunch, walk into The Conservatory — Maison Garden's walk-in flower glasshouse — and hand-pick fresh seasonal blooms to take home. Over 20 varieties are available daily.
If you've pre-booked a floral arrangement workshop at Maison Garden's The Canvas, this is when it starts. Sessions cover hand-tied bouquets, mini vase arrangements, and seasonal designs. Suitable for complete beginners — couples, groups of friends, and team outings all work well. Check the current workshop schedule here.
RedSea Gallery at Dempsey Hill is one of Singapore's leading commercial art galleries, showing contemporary works with a strong Southeast Asian and Chinese focus. Entry is free and the space is worth a slow walk. Gallery 26 at 26 Dempsey Road has a Formula 1-inspired immersive experience — free admission, open Wednesday to Sunday.
The Loewen cluster at Dempsey Hill has evolved into its own lifestyle destination — pottery and art classes, boutique shops, and quieter corners away from the main Dempsey Road strip. Mr Bucket Chocolaterie at 13 Dempsey Road is worth a visit for their chocolate-making workshops and unusual confections. Dover Street Market is nearby for fashion and design.
Puzzle Coffee on Loewen Road is Melbourne-style specialty roastery with generous indoor-outdoor seating — good for a slower afternoon coffee. For something more hidden and quieter, Bellerbys House in Loewen Gardens is a compact industrial café that suits working or reading. Both serve matcha if you're avoiding coffee.
If you're visiting with children, the Museum of Ice Cream at 100 Loewen Road is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Tickets start from $35. Unlimited ice cream, interactive installations, and a sprinkle pool that works for adults too.
Dempsey Hill's dinner options span a wide range. Candlenut (COMO Dempsey) is the go-to for a special occasion — Michelin-starred Peranakan cuisine in a gorgeous setting. Tinto on Dempsey Road is excellent for Spanish sharing plates and lobster paella in a warmly decorated veranda. Violet Oon Dempsey serves family-style Peranakan for a more relaxed celebration.
Quick-Reference Activity Guide
- Brunch or matcha at The Slow House, Maison Garden (Tue–Sun 9:30am–6:30pm)
- Walk-in flower market at The Conservatory, Maison Garden
- Floral arrangement workshop at The Canvas, Maison Garden (booking required)
- Contemporary art at RedSea Gallery (free entry)
- F1 immersive experience at Gallery 26 (free, Wed–Sun)
- Chocolate-making workshop at Mr Bucket Chocolaterie
- Museum of Ice Cream at 100 Loewen Road (ticketed)
- Specialty coffee at Puzzle Coffee, Loewen Road
- Morning walk from Singapore Botanic Gardens (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Dinner at Candlenut, Tinto, or Violet Oon Dempsey
- Shopping at Dover Street Market Singapore
Getting to Dempsey Hill — Practical Notes
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