Dempsey Hill

A leafy former British army barracks turned upscale dining-and-lifestyle enclave off Holland Road. Think brunch, wine bars, antique galleries, COMO Dempsey and PS.Cafe under old rain trees. Beautiful and relaxed, but pricey and car-dependent, with no MRT within easy walking distance. Great for a slow, wallet-loosening afternoon.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to book a restaurant at Dempsey Hill?

For weekend brunch and dinner, strongly yes. The popular spots fill up and walk-ins may wait a long time. Weekdays are more relaxed. Reservations also save you standing around in the heat since venues are spread out.

Can I combine Dempsey Hill with the Botanic Gardens?

Yes, they're close and pair nicely. The Singapore Botanic Gardens are a short drive or a longish walk away, so many people do the gardens in the morning then head to Dempsey for lunch. A Grab between the two takes only a few minutes.

Is Dempsey Hill good for families or kids?

It works well for families thanks to open lawns, spacious restaurants and places like Open Farm Community with its garden. Weekends can get busy, so book ahead. The lack of nearby MRT means a taxi is usually easiest with young kids in tow.

Is there an MRT station at Dempsey Hill?

No, and that's the main catch. The closest stations are Napier and Orchard Boulevard on the Thomson-East Coast Line, both roughly 1.5-2km away. Most visitors just take a Grab; it's cheap and drops you right at the restaurants.

How do I get to Dempsey Hill without a car?

There's no MRT at Dempsey itself. Your best options are a taxi/Grab, or the Thomson-East Coast Line to Napier or Orchard Boulevard followed by a 15-20 minute walk. Buses like 7, 75, 77, 106, 123 and 174 stop along Holland Road, a short walk from the enclave.

What's the history of Dempsey Hill?

It was a British military barracks (part of Tanglin Barracks) dating to the 1860s, later used by the Singapore Armed Forces. The low colonial buildings were repurposed from the 2000s into today's dining and lifestyle village, which is why it feels so green and low-rise.

Is Dempsey Hill expensive?

Yes. Dempsey skews upmarket, with mains and cocktails priced well above a hawker centre. A relaxed brunch for two can easily run into the three figures in Singapore dollars. It's a treat destination rather than an everyday one.

What is there to do at Dempsey Hill?

It's mainly about eating, drinking and browsing. You'll find restaurants and cafes like PS.Cafe and Open Farm Community, the COMO Dempsey cluster, antique and furniture galleries, a couple of art spaces, and green space for a stroll. It's a relax-and-graze destination, not a sightseeing one.

Nearby in Ask Singapore

• CandlenutRestaurant0.11 km · 1 min walk
• Singapore Botanic GardensPark1.18 km · 15 min walk
• Holland VillageNeighborhood1.72 km · 21 min walk
• Orchard RoadNeighborhood2.39 km · 30 min walk
• Tiong BahruNeighborhood2.82 km · 35 min walk