Information
Landmark: ChijmesCity: Central Region
Country: Singapore
Continent: Asia
Chijmes, Central Region, Singapore, Asia
Overview
Chijmes sits in the heart of Singapore, a lively heritage complex where old stone walls meet buzzing cafés.Once home to a quiet convent and a small chapel, it’s now a lively spot for food, music, and art, where stone walls meet the buzz of modern city life.Number one.Chijmes-pronounced “chimes”-sits in the Bras Basah district, inside the old Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, its white spires still catching the afternoon sun.Founded by French nuns in 1854, this convent welcomed the Catholic community as both a school and a place of worship, its chapel bells ringing clear each morning.The name “Chijmes” comes from the acronym CHIJ, once used for the old convent, where stone corridors still echo with footsteps.The CHIJ Chapel, once a striking landmark of the old convent with its tall arched windows, now belongs to the Chijmes complex.Guests can still visit the chapel, its arched windows and carved doors standing much as they did decades ago.People use it for weddings, concerts, and cultural events, from candlelit vows to music echoing through the hall.Over the years, after the convent shut its doors in the 1980s, its echoing halls and stone walls found new life as a lively hub for dining and entertainment.In 1996, the complex swung its doors open again, buzzing with new life-restaurants serving hot bread, bars pouring cold drinks, and shops lining the walkways.Number two.Architecture and Design Chijmes still showcases its colonial-era charm, with whitewashed arches and tall shutters seamlessly meeting modern touches.The complex boasts beautifully restored buildings, narrow cobblestone paths that crunch underfoot, and elegant gothic-style windows.What catches your eye first is the CHIJ Chapel, its tall white walls glowing in the sun, framed by graceful arches and sharp, reaching spires.The Chapel has transformed into a lively cultural hub, hosting everything from weddings to concerts, with music sometimes spilling out into the night air.Sunlight spills through the stained-glass windows, casting colors across the floor, while the high vaulted ceilings soar overhead.Courtyard: At the heart of the property, the courtyard bursts with trimmed greenery and bright blooms, a welcoming space where visitors linger during concerts or evening gatherings.Three.Chijmes has grown into one of Singapore’s hottest spots, where people linger over dinner under glowing lanterns and stay late for the nightlife.The complex is home to restaurants, bars, and cafés, where you can find everything from spicy street tacos to elegant French pastries.Restaurants offer Asian, Western, and inventive fusion dishes, from sizzling stir-fries to creamy pastas, in venues ranging from cozy cafes to elegant dining rooms.Whether you’re craving a candlelit dinner or a quick bite, Chijmes has restaurants to match every appetite.Bars and cafés light up Chijmes at night, with sleek lounges and buzzing spots where glasses clink and music hums in the background.Plenty of bars offer a sleek, modern vibe, with patio tables where you can sip a cold cocktail and take in the old brick buildings around you.At Chijmes, you’ll find plenty of laid‑back spots to eat, from cozy cafés to lively eateries, where you can sip a hot latte and bite into a warm, flaky croissant.Number four.Chijmes isn’t just for grabbing dinner or browsing the shops-it buzzes year-round with cultural events, from lantern-lit festivals to live music under the stars.At The Chapel, you might hear a string quartet one night and a buzzing indie band the next, with artists coming from around the corner and across the globe.It’s a favorite spot for chamber music concerts, and choirs often fill the room with rich, echoing harmonies.Chijmes also hosts art exhibitions, bringing together vibrant works from local painters and renowned international artists.Weddings: The Chapel draws couples in with its romantic charm and centuries-old stone walls.A lot of couples get married in the chapel, its wooden pews and soft candlelight making it a beloved centerpiece of the town’s wedding scene.Five.While Chijmes is best known for its restaurants and nightlife, you’ll also find a handful of boutique shops tucked between the courtyards.These boutiques carry fashion, art, and lifestyle pieces, from hand-painted scarves to one-of-a-kind ceramics, making them a great stop for anyone hunting something unique.Unique Shops: Shopping here feels easy and personal, with cozy little boutiques offering handmade pottery, one-of-a-kind artwork, and sleek designer pieces.Number six.Chijmes sits in the Bras Basah area, right at the heart of Singapore’s cultural district, where you can hear street musicians playing under the old shaded arcades.You can get there easily by bus or train, and the stop’s just a short walk away.The closest MRT stop is City Hall, only a few minutes’ walk past the row of coffee stalls.Both the East–West and North–South lines stop at the station, so visitors can hop off from nearly any corner of the city-even after a long ride past the harbor or through the busy markets.Several bus routes run through the area, so getting to Chijmes from anywhere in Singapore is a breeze-you might spot the bright yellow 51 pulling up at the corner.If you’re driving, you’ll find parking close by-just a short walk from the entrance.Seven.The complex opens early in the morning, just as the air is still cool, and stays busy until late in the evening.Most restaurants and bars open by late morning and keep serving until well past dark, so you can grab a plate of pasta or a cold beer whenever the mood strikes.The number eight sat there, simple and round, like a pair of stacked marbles.In the end, Chijmes brings history and modern life together, where you can wander past Gothic arches and then sit down for a memorable meal in the heart of Singapore.You might wander through the old chapel’s arched halls, linger over dinner in a celebrated restaurant, or sip a cocktail under the warm glow of lanterns-whatever you choose, Chijmes offers a charming retreat from the city’s rush.With its centuries-old history, striking architecture, and lively mix of shops and cafés, it stands out as one of Singapore’s most captivating spots.
