In food-a-plenty Singapore, it’s not hard to find a restaurant for that perfect date. Wondering how to make the outing even more special (without busting the bank)? Come forth on any of these six sweet journeys, which offer the most romantic or memorable vistas along the way. Which view to a chew will you choose?
Views to Chews – Six Scenic Routes to Worthy Menus

1. Historical Landmarks — Bus 80 from MacPherson to Duxton Enclave
About Duxton: Known for its trendy eateries and bars, Duxton is where you want to go to experience a hip evening in a conservation enclave. Who’d guess these beautifully refurbished shophouses hide a history of 19th century vice?
What to eat: Mostly posh nosh, ranging from Asian to Western and even West African fare. Watching your wallet? Affordable food isn’t hard to find, either, whether kopitiam classics or global grub, and Maxwell Food Centre is just down the road. Drinks are in abundance as well, with many buzz-generating bars in the area. Good thing there’s the bus.
What to see along the way: Sure, the Downtown Line gets you there in a jiffy, but when you’re with someone you like, surely there’s all the time in the world. Hop onto bus 80 and see the sights! Pass through Geylang, seemingly untouched by the years, and cross the Kallang River. Spot Sultan Mosque as you go by Kampung Gelam, reminisce over Bras Basah Complex, and imagine Raffles Hotel, St Andrew’s Cathedral, the Singapore River, Hong Lim Park and Chinatown in their heydays.
This route is recommended for: Heritage buffs.
2. Ogle Old Mansions En Route to Katong — Bus 14 from Stadium to Joo Chiat
About Joo Chiat: Its colourful shophouse facades are an instantly recognisable symbol of Katong’s Peranakan culture. This is a casual neighbourhood thronged by people very serious about their food.
What to eat: Home to some of the most iconic dishes, like “Katong laksa”, and household names in Peranakan cuisine, like Guan Hoe Soon, Katong also boasts excellent bakeries and Vietnamese, Italian, Indian and local restaurants. It’s hard to go wrong, wherever you end up.
What to see along the way: First off, don’t miss The Perfect Moment at Stadium—the floating athlete images are part of the Art in Transit series. Coming over from Stadium on the bus, spot the colourful old-school animal fountains in the Katong Swimming Complex. Turn the corner onto Mountbatten Road and imagine what stories the grand old mansions that line the way could tell, about when the area was the seaside retreat for Singapore’s wealthy.
This route is recommended for: Dreamers, kaypohs and the aspirational.
3. Holiday Vibes Without Leaving Singapore — Monorail or walk from VivoCity, or bus 123 to Sentosa
About Sentosa: Promoted as Singapore’s premier island resort, Sentosa’s beaches, theme parks and attractions all shout “vacay”. Whether it’s a sense of adventure you seek or just space to relax, this place has you covered. Can’t go abroad for a holiday with your date? Go over to Sentosa for the same vibes instead.
What to eat: Consider a splurge on fine dining—there are numerous options, and they won’t care if you came by monorail, not limousine. Or if slippers and shorts are more your mood, chill at one of the beach clubs and grab a gelato from a kiosk.
What to see along the way: Getting to Sentosa is as easy as 1-2-3—that’s bus 123 from Orchard Road that goes straight to the resort’s Beach Station! See and savour the difference as your ride segues from the hustle and bustle of the shopping district to those mellow island scenes, for a real leaving-it-all-behind feel. At Keppel, you can sight the myriad ships in harbour and spot the cable cars overhead, too. If you are headed over from VivoCity, you can cross the Boardwalk to Sentosa by rail or on foot. This short causeway serves sea views and harbour views that will make you sigh with appreciation, especially at sunset. Carry on to the Beach Station for glimpses of Universal Studios and Resorts World, amidst the island’s greenery.
This route is recommended for: The holiday-hungry.
4. Follow the River — Stroll from City Hall to Clarke Quay
About Clarke Quay: More than just a heritage site with repurposed godowns, Clarke Quay has become a riverfront destination with an animated nightlife.
What to eat: A very international smorgasbord awaits, from mod-Malay to Greek to Korean to American. You’ll be really spoilt for choice. And don’t worry, you can just dance the calories right off after dinner. Still need supper? You’ll find coffeeshops open till the wee hours, if not all night, like BK Eating House. And for die-hard durian lovers, there’s a durian stall across the river that is open until midnight—if you know, you know.
What to see along the way: The photogenic treasures of the Civic District are along this breezy walking route. Take in the Old Hill Street Police Station, St Andrew’s Cathedral, the National Gallery, Cavenagh Bridge, Empress Place, Asian Civilisations Museum and Parliament House; then follow the Singapore River up North Boat Quay for a view of the Fullerton Hotel or hop into a water taxi, why not.
This route is recommended for: Romantics and party people alike.
5. Ride to a Rustic Retreat — Bus 89 from Pasir Ris to Changi Village
About Changi Village: The laid-back idyll of Changi Village offers a peaceful respite from the busyness of the day. The eastern tip of our island retains the tranquillity of an earlier era, with its old buildings scattered just a stone’s throw from the waters.
What to eat: The hawker centre is renowned, but the many cafés in the area are a charming alternative, and the brewery in the park is perfect for evenings.
What to see along the way: Enjoy the trip down Loyang Avenue from Pasir Ris, which leads you past black-and-white bungalows from the colonial era.
This route is recommended for: Kampong kids at heart.
6. A Languorous Loop — NS Train and Bus 117 from Yio Chu Kang to Seletar Aerospace Park
About Lower Seletar: This large and lovely reservoir surrounded by parkland is always a welcome sight. On its south side is lifestyle precinct The Oval, within Seletar Aerospace Park. Although not in view of the water, it has a particularly relaxing ambience that keeps you lingering long after your meal—just the thing for date night.
What to eat: Wander around the black-and-white bungalows tenanted by well-reviewed eateries (tip: some are romantically lit at night, many are al fresco, and you might find live music, too. Song dedications never go out of style). You could also pack a picnic to eat at one of the boardwalk benches or lawns.
What to see along the way: The North-South MRT’s most loved stretch is the elevated track that hugs the reservoir between Yio Chu Kang and Khatib. Continue your views aboard bus 117 as it travels along the north shore and crosses the reservoir again at Yishun Dam, coming round to the south side. This is obviously the long and winding route, but your date need not know.
This route is recommended for: Nature lovers; Instagrammers and fans of public transport.
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Inspired to ride? Check out more views and avenues with our 10 Best Bets For a Scenic Bus Cruise!