Chijmes

Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay


Now the home of trendy restaurants and entertainment hot spots, including famed Whitegrass and exotic Coriander Leaf, neo-classical Chijmes was once a Catholic convent, private residence, girl's school, and orphanage. The intricate Anglo-French Gothic chapel, complete with stained-glass windows and five-storey high spire, is now one of Singapore's most sought-after wedding reception venues. On Victoria St you'll find the orphanage's Gate of Hope, where babies and children were left in hope of a second chance in life.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay attractions

1. Capitol Theatre

0.1 MILES

After years of neglect, the art deco Capitol Theatre was freshly restored in 2015 and is once again taking centre stage. Built in 1929 and locally dubbed …

2. Cape of Good Hope

0.16 MILES

Cape of Good Hope is a spacious gallery showcasing local Singaporean artists, both established and up-and-coming.

3. Raffles Hotel

0.16 MILES

Although its resplendent lobby is only accessible to hotel and restaurant guests, Singapore's most iconic slumber palace is worth a quick visit for its…

4. SAM at 8Q

0.17 MILES

The younger sibling of the Singapore Art Museum, which is undergoing a significant revamp until 2021, is named after its address. Snoop around four floors…

5. Singapore Art Museum

0.18 MILES

Formerly the St Joseph's Institution – a Catholic boys' school – SAM now sings the praises of contemporary Southeast Asian art. The museum was undergoing…

6. MINT Museum of Toys

0.19 MILES

Nostalgia rules at this slinky ode to playtime, its four skinny floors home to over 50,000 vintage toys. You'll see everything from rare Flash Gordon…

7. St Andrew's Cathedral

0.19 MILES

Funded by Scottish merchants and built by Indian convicts, this wedding cake of a cathedral stands in stark contrast to the glass and steel surrounding it…

8. Peranakan Museum

0.22 MILES

Housed in the eclectic classical-style Tao Nan building, this museum is the best spot to explore the rich heritage of the Peranakans (Straits Chinese…