Take a walk through Singapore’s Civic District and uncover the stories of the diverse communities who once lived, worked, and played here.
Venue: Civic District, Singapore
Dates: From 27 Sep 2025; guided tours available on weekends until 31 Dec 2025
Time: Self-guided (anytime) / Guided tours on weekends
Fee: Free
Discover the Refreshed Civic District Heritage Trail
The Civic District is more than grand buildings and stately landmarks – it was once home to bustling communities, lively shops, and families who made their lives here. To celebrate these untold stories, the National Heritage Board’s Civic District Heritage Trail – Singapore’s very first heritage trail launched in 1999 – has been refreshed for a second time.
First known as the Jubilee Walk in 2015 to mark Singapore’s 50th year of independence, the trail now returns with a more personal touch. This time, the spotlight is on the people who brought the district to life – the families, merchants, and communities that made it a vibrant hub of culture and leisure.
Uncharted Sites & New Stories
These are just some of the stories that bring new life to the Civic District Heritage Trail, showing how different communities lived side by side, supporting one another while shaping Singapore’s history.
A Well-Loved Leisure & Entertainment District
The Civic District was also known as a lively entertainment and leisure spot. Families flocked to the Capitol Theatre, which opened in 1930 as the biggest cinema in the East. It later hosted live concerts, beauty pageants, and was Shaw Organisation’s flagship cinema.
Shopping was another big draw. The Lalwani family’s Bobby-O department store at Stamford House was the go-to place for everything from jewellery to hi-fi equipment. And for children growing up in the district, the streets were alive with laughter, games, and wayang shows during festive occasions. These little moments made the Civic District more than just a centre of governance – it was a home filled with warmth and community spirit.
Three Thematic Trail Routes
The Civic District Heritage Trail features three thematic trail routes of varying distances, which trail-goers can embark on in their own time:
Journey to Nationhood
Meeting Point: City Hall MRT station (Exit B), street level
Duration: 2.5 hours
Celebrate SG60 with a walk through history. Join us on a guided trail through Singapore’s Civic District, where the nation’s most defining moments unfolded. From colonial rule to independence, this immersive experience brings you up close with the landmarks and legacies that shaped modern Singapore. Whether you're a history buff, educator, student, or simply curious about Singapore’s journey, this trail offers a meaningful way to connect with our shared heritage.
Trail Highlights:
- National Gallery Singapore (Former City Hall)
- The Padang
- Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall
- The Arts House (Former Parliament House)
- Esplanade Park
- Asian Civilisations Museum (Former Empress Place Building)
Suitable for ages 13+ with good fitness levels. Includes stair climbing, uneven terrain, and extended outdoor walking.
Functions of the Civic District
Meeting Point: Maybank Building (near Cavenagh Bridge, and beside Fullerton Hotel)
Duration: 2.5 hours
Join us for a guided walking tour through the Civic District, where Singapore’s journey from ancient port to modern city-state is etched into its architecture, monuments, and public spaces. This immersive trail explores the landmarks that shaped our governance, culture, and collective memory. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, educator, student, or simply curious about Singapore’s civic journey, this trail offers a meaningful way to connect with the spaces that continue to shape our national identity.
Trail Highlights:
- Former Fullerton Building
- National Gallery Singapore (Former Supreme Court)
- The Arts House (Former Parliament House)
- Former Hill Street Police Station & Central Fire Station
- Fort Canning Park
- National Museum of Singapore
Suitable for ages 13+ with good fitness levels. Includes stair climbing, uneven terrain, and extended outdoor walking.
Seeking Fortunes, Forging New Lives
Meeting Point: City Hall MRT station (Exit B), street level
Duration: 2.5 hours
Discover the stories of Singapore’s early communities and their journey to build new lives. Step into the Civic District and uncover the rich tapestry of cultures, faiths, and aspirations that shaped Singapore’s early immigrant communities. This guided walking tour traces the footsteps of those who arrived in search of opportunity and built lasting legacies through trade, education, religion, and civic engagement. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, educator, student, or simply curious about Singapore’s multicultural roots, this trail offers a meaningful way to connect with the stories of those who forged new lives in a new land.
Trail Highlights:
- St Andrew’s Cathedral
- Capitol Theatre & Former Stamford House
- Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Armenian Church
- Masonic Hall
- Children’s Museum Singapore & National Archives of Singapore
- Armenian Street
- Peranakan Museum (Former Tao Nan School)
Suitable for ages 13+ with good fitness levels. Includes stair climbing, uneven terrain, and extended outdoor walking.
Plan Your Family Day Out
The Civic District Heritage Trail’s companion guide and map can be downloaded here. The map will be made available in all four languages from December 2025. Limited printed copies of the companion guide will also be available at selected sites such as the Asian Civilisations Museum, Fullerton Hotel Singapore, the Arts House at the Old Parliament, Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall, and Capitol Singapore.
And here’s something special: as part of SG60 celebrations, guided tours will be available on weekends from 27 September to 31 December 2025. Perfect for families and groups of friends, these tours make the stories come alive with anecdotes you won’t find in books.
Whether you’re exploring with your kids, your parents, or friends, the Civic District Heritage Trail is a chance to slow down, look closer, and connect with the people and places that made Singapore’s history what it is today.
