This 19th-century complex, gazetted as a National Monument in 1990, began life in Caldwell House as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, from which it derived its name. It then became a Catholic girls’ school, adding a magnificent Gothic chapel featuring intricate plasterwork, stunning archways and Belgian stained glass windows.

In 1996, after extensive restoration work, the CHIJMES complex was reopened as a converted enclave of restaurants, wine bars, and sports pubs. The chapel, now named CHIJMES Hall, is a popular venue for weddings and events.

Address: 30 Victoria Street
Tel: +65 6337 7810
Website: www.chijmes.com.sg
Email: chijmes@perennialrealestate.com.sg

Located in central downtown of Singapore, this Roman Catholic Church is the oldest in Singapore and is the seat of the current archbishop. Built in 1847, it was closed in 2013 to undergo a major restoration and reopened in November 2016. Architecture buffs will love its neo-classical look, complete with matching wooden pews, stained glass panels and 14 paintings of the Stations of the Cross. It also houses Singapore’s oldest working pipe organ, a restored Bevington and Sons organ from 1912. Interred in the church are the remains of Singapore’s first two archbishops, Michel Olçomendy and Gregory Yong, and a crypt located in the cathedral’s basement will house the remains of other bishops.

The cathedral was gazetted as a national monument in 1973. There are free heritage tours of the Cathedral on the fourth Sunday of every month at 10.30am and 7.30pm. Visit www.bit.ly/cgstour for more details.

Address: ‘A’ Queen Street
Tel: +65 6337 2036 Fax: +65 6337 6870
Website: cathedral.catholic.sg
Email: cathedral@catholic.org.sg
Opening Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–10pm; Sat & Sun 7am–10pm

HELLO! SINGAPORE TOURS GUIDE TO BUGIS DISTRICT

Built in 1835, the Armenian Church is Singapore’s oldest Christian church and is dedicated to St. Gregory the Illuminator, the first Armenian monk. In 1973, the building was gazetted as a national monument and restored two decades later. Renowned Irish architect George D. Coleman included a dome roof and bell turret in its original design, but these were subsequently removed for safety reasons.

Today, the building has a pitched roof and spire. Still, visitors may recognize the church’s traditional interior—its vaulted ceiling, cupola, and porticoes—as features central to what is regarded as a Coleman masterpiece. Visitors should leave time for a stroll through the serene Memorial Garden, where a commemorative tombstone of Agnes Joaquim stands. She crossbred the iconic Vanda ‘Miss Joaq Singapore’s national flower.

Address: 60 Hill Street Tel: +65 6334 0141
Website: www.armeniansinasia.org
Email: singapore@armeniansinasia.org
Opening Hours: Mon–Sun 10am–6pm

HELLO! SINGAPORE TOURS GUIDE TO BUGIS DISTRICT

Said to contain more than 600 shops and stalls across three levels peddling clothes, local street food, and beauty services, this vibrant shopping destination immerses visitors in the lively atmosphere of a bustling Pasar Malam (night market) within a covered marketplace.

The street itself was once a hotbed for transvestites and gawking sailors, but it is now teeming with local youths and bargain-hunters shopping for affordable fashion, accessories, and trinkets.

Shot features the exterior of Bugis Street Market, along Bugis Street

The two upper stories are fully air-conditioned. Tourists who are referred to Bugis Street by officially appointed tour operators will receive a free tourist goodie bag from the Bugis Street Management.

Address: 3 New Bugis Street
Tel: +65 6338 9513 Fax: +65 6339 3776
Website: www.bugisstreet.com.sg
Email: enquiries@bugisstreet.com.sg