Dempsey & Holland Village Guides

Dempsey Hill and Holland Village at a glance

Dempsey Hill is a cluster of restaurants, bars and shops set in former army barracks among tall trees. Holland Village, a short drive away, is a small neighbourhood of cafés, eateries and shops with a relaxed, local feel. Both sit close to the Singapore Botanic Gardens and make an easy half-day trip from Orchard Road.

Neither area has the crowds of the city centre. They suit a long lunch, a weekend brunch or a relaxed dinner after a walk in the gardens.

Dempsey: dining in old barracks

The low buildings here were once part of a British army camp. They now hold restaurants, wine bars, furniture shops and art galleries, with plenty of green space around them. Read more on our Dempsey Hill page.

Where to eat

• Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar serves modern European food.
• Candlenut cooks Peranakan food. This is the cooking of the Straits Chinese, which mixes Chinese and Malay styles.
• Burnt Ends is a modern Australian restaurant built around barbecue and wood-fired cooking.
• Long Beach Seafood (Dempsey) is a seafood restaurant serving local crab dishes.
• PS.Cafe (Harding Road) is a café that is popular for brunch.

Prices range from café brunch to special-occasion dinners. Many places take bookings, which is wise for weekend evenings. Elsewhere in the wider area, Blu Kouzina serves Greek food.

Holland Village: cafés and a village feel

Holland Village, often called Holland V, is a low-rise area of shophouses and small blocks. Today it has cafés, bakeries, casual restaurants and pubs, plus shops selling homeware and gifts. Lorong Mambong, a short side street, is lined with restaurants and outdoor tables.

For cheaper local food, head to Ghim Moh Market & Food Centre, a hawker centre close by. A hawker centre is a large food hall of small, low-cost stalls. Holland Village MRT station, on the Circle Line, is right in the middle of the area.

Pair your visit with the Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and free to enter. Only the National Orchid Garden inside charges a fee. The gardens lie close to both areas, so you can link all three in one day.

1. Start early at the gardens, before the midday heat.
2. Have lunch or brunch at Dempsey, a short taxi ride from the Tanglin side of the gardens.
3. Spend the late afternoon in Holland Village, then stay for dinner.

Inside the gardens, Corner House serves contemporary fine dining in a colonial-era bungalow. It is a good choice for a special lunch.

Getting there and practical tips

• Getting to Dempsey: There is no MRT station on the hill itself. A taxi or ride-hailing car is the easiest way to arrive. Buses also run along nearby Holland Road.
• Getting to Holland Village: Take the Circle Line to Holland Village MRT station.
• Book ahead: Popular restaurants fill up on Friday and Saturday nights and at Sunday brunch.
• Bring insect repellent if you plan to sit outdoors among the trees after dark.
• Drinking: The legal drinking age in Singapore is 18. Drink responsibly and take a taxi home.

Hotels in the Tanglin area, such as Shangri-La Singapore and Hotel Jen Tanglin, are a short ride away. Browse more in Hotels in Dempsey, Tanglin & Holland. For more brunch ideas across the city, see Best Cafés & Brunch in Singapore.

FAQs about Dempsey Hill and Holland Village

What is Dempsey Hill known for?

It is known for restaurants, wine bars and shops in former army barracks set among trees. It is a popular spot for brunch, long lunches and weekend dinners.

Is Dempsey Hill expensive?

Many restaurants are mid-range to high-end, with prices to match. Cafés are cheaper, and hawker centres nearby are cheaper still.

How far is Dempsey from Orchard Road?

It is a short taxi ride from the western end of Orchard Road. Traffic can slow the trip at busy times.

Can I visit Dempsey and Holland Village on the same day?

Yes. They are close together, with the Botanic Gardens nearby. A morning in the gardens, lunch at Dempsey and an evening in Holland Village works well.