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A Local’s Guide to the National Library in Singapore and Why It’s More Than Just Books
When my friends from overseas (a couple visiting with their kids) asked where they could learn more about Singapore’s history, the National Library was the first place that came to mind.
It’s free to enter, centrally located, and a lot more interesting than people give it credit for. So I arranged a mini tour for them before heading to nearby museums.
While digging around for info, I realized I didn’t know how much it’s grown since I last visited. There were cafés inside, ongoing events, exhibits I hadn’t heard of, and so many little things I never noticed back in the day.
That’s when I figured—why not put together a quick guide for others who haven’t rediscovered it yet?
Where is the National Library in Singapore?
The National Library of Singapore is in the Downtown Core. It is bounded by Middle Road to the north, Bain Street to the south, North Bridge to the west, and Victoria Street to the east.
How to Get to the National Library
By Bus: Several buses stop within walking distance of the National Library. Bus services 7, 61, 133, 2, and 48 all pass through nearby roads. The closest bus stop is North Bridge Road – Bugis Cube (01039), just a 2-minute walk away.
Other nearby stops include Victoria Street – Bras Basah Complex, Opp Bugis Station Exit C, and Hotel Grand Pacific, all within 3 to 4 minutes on foot.
By MRT: Bugis MRT Station (EW12/DT14) is the most convenient stop, located just 3 minutes away on foot. You can also walk from Esplanade Station (CC3) in about 6 minutes or from City Hall Station (EW13/NS25) in under 10 minutes.
By Taxi: Taxis and ride-hailing services can drop you off right at the entrance along Victoria Street. Just key in “National Library Singapore” and it should take you straight there.
By Private Car: Drivers can access the library via Victoria Street or Middle Road. Parking is available at the National Library basement car park, with entry from Middle Road.
What to Do and See in the National Library
Explore untold stories through the exhibitions and events
Media Credit: @nationallibrarysg
Operating Hours: Daily – 10 AM to 9 PM
Website: https://exhibitions.nlb.gov.sg
Even if you’re not the type to linger in libraries, the exhibitions here might surprise you.
One of the highlights is the News Gallery: Beyond Headlines, which digs into Singapore’s newspaper history going all the way back to the 1820s. It traces major events by showcasing how different publications reported on them.
Plus, there’s a section that unpacks how fake news has evolved and what to watch out for today, which is very relevant in our time.
But it’s not all stuck in the past. I noticed that the library keeps things updated with pop-up showcases, curator tours, public talks, and hands-on workshops.
If you’re more of a “stay home in pajamas” kind of person, I recommend their virtual exhibitions and online archives you can explore anytime.
Step into the spotlight at Drama Center Theater
Media Credit: @forni.fabian
Address: 100 Victoria St, #03-01 National Library / Lee Kong Chian Reference Library
Phone: +65 6837 8400
Pricing: $$ – $$$
Operating Hours: Daily – 11 AM to 9 PM
Website: https://artshouselimited.sg/dc
Found inside the National Library building, the Drama Center Theater is way more than just an add-on.
The main theatre seats 615 people, complete with a legit proscenium stage. There’s also a smaller black box upstairs that fits about 120 people for more intimate shows.
This isn’t your average community stage, either. The space is built for serious performances, with a top-notch lighting setup, rigging, and a sound system that really brings everything to life.
I heard that it’s run by Arts House Limited, so the programming tends to be well-curated. You should expect local plays, touring productions, panel talks, and the occasional exhibition.
The shows here are pretty accessible. It’s a nice way to experience the arts without needing to dress up or drain your wallet, especially if you’re already in the area.
Take in the skyline from the Sky Gardens
Media Credit:@yingpf1201
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM; 2:30 PM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – Closed
If you’re looking for a quiet spot to take a break from the city buzz, the National Library’s Sky Gardens are a great pick. There are two of them: The Courtyard on Level 5 and The Retreat on Level 10.
I love how both are open-air terraces lined with greenery, benches, and views of the Bugis area.
The Courtyard even has AV equipment, so it sometimes hosts small events or talks. While the Retreat is more of a chill zone, complete with a foot reflexology path if you’re into that.
The staff there told me how the gardens are strategically part of the building’s eco-friendly design, helping to cool the space naturally. Even if you’re not here to study or research, they’re worth a visit.
I suggest you bring a book, grab a coffee from the café downstairs, and enjoy some fresh air without leaving the building. It’s a peaceful little escape in the middle of downtown.
Where to Eat and Drink around the National Library
OTC Cafe
Media Credit: @otccafe
Address: 100 Victoria St, #03-01 National Library Building
Pricing: $ – $$
Operating Hours: Daily – 11 AM to 9 PM
Website: http://www.otccafe.sg/
OTC Café sits on the third floor of the National Library building, and it’s often livelier than you’d expect.
On weekdays, you’ll see individuals working on laptops and small groups gathered for casual meetings. It also functions as an event space, so it’s not unusual to catch a seminar happening behind the panels.
The food lineup is surprisingly extensive for a library café. They serve pastas, wraps, grain bowls, and a wide range of drinks.
I’ve heard from regulars that they usually go for the Grilled Salmon Grain Bowl, it’s apparently filling without being too heavy. Some also mention that the salmon bowl pairs perfectly with their Iced Earl Grey Lavender.
Then we have the space itself, which is open and relaxed. Most of the seating is indoors, but the large windows overlooking Victoria Street stop it from feeling suffocating.
BKK Bistro & Bar
Media Credit: @bkkbistro.sg
Address: 100 Victoria St, #01-03 National Library Building
Pricing: $ – $$
Operating Hours: Daily – 12 PM to 3 PM; 5 PM to 2 AM
Website: https://www.imperiumgroup.asia/
BKK Bistro & Bar revolves around Thai and Asian fusion, with everything from boat noodles and grilled skewers to rice bowls and tom yum.
Their most popular dish is the 80-cent Thai Boat Noodles. For the price, it only makes sense that their servings are tiny, but that’s kind of the point—you try a few, mix and match broths, and figure out which one clicks for you.
I went with rice noodles in the herb soup base, and it had this comforting depth that stuck with me longer than I thought it would. Glass noodles are an option, too, but the rice had a better bite.
Aside from the noodles, the Mama Tomyum Pot with Crispy Pork gets a lot of love from other customers I’ve spoken to. It lives up to the hype, especially because of the soft pork.
Entre-Nous Creperie
Media Credit: @thehustlingfoodie
Address: 27 Seah St, #01-01
Phone: +65 6333 4671
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12 PM to 2:30 PM; 6 PM to 9:30 PM
Website: https://www.entrenous.sg/
This little French creperie on Seah Street has been around since 2008, and it still feels like something you just stumbled upon in a quiet Parisian side street.
You can tell that it’s family-run—it’s unpretentious, friendly, and the staff actually seem happy to talk about what’s on the menu.
Their renowned crepes are made with wheat flour, thin and crisp at the edges, with plenty of sweet and savory combinations.
The one with homemade salted butter caramel gets mentioned a lot, and for good reason. The sauce is slow-cooked, slightly bitter, and clings to the crepe like syrup on a warm pancake.
They also cook up galettes, which are the buckwheat-based savory crepes. You’ll find options with cheese, ham, mushrooms, and eggs, but you can customize depending on what you’re in the mood for.
Where to Stay around the National Library
JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach
Media Credit: @jwmarriottsg
Address: 30 Beach Road, South Beach Tower
Phone: +65 6818 1888
Pricing: $$$
Check-in: 3 PM
Check-out: 12 PM
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sinjw-jw-marriott-hotel-singapore-south-beach/overview/?
JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach definitely has style, but it doesn’t feel too serious or showy.
The rooms are modern and well-kept, with marble bathrooms, rain showers, and one of those automatic bidet toilets that feel a bit fancy. You’ll even get a Nespresso machine in the room, too.
If you’re in the mood to unwind, Flow18—one of their rooftop pools—gives you open skyline views without the usual rooftop crowd. But if it’s the full relaxation mode you want, the spa is right there with a full range of treatments.
Food-wise, Akira Back brings a creative twist to Japanese cuisine. I heard from the regular diners there that the Tuna Pizza is one of their signature dishes since it’s creamy and surprisingly light.
Mercure Singapore Bugis
Media Credit: @mercuresingaporebugis
Address: 122 Middle Road
Phone: +65 6521 6088
Pricing: $$ – $$$
Check-in: 3 PM
Check-out: 12 PM
Website: https://all.accor.com/lien_externe.svlt?
Opened in 2016, Mercure Singapore Bugis was designed to reflect the cultural character of the Bras Basah-Bugis area as Singapore’s arts and heritage district.
I adore its artsy look, with pops of color and playful nods to Singapore’s past works into the décor, like heritage-inspired tiles in the corridors and wall art styled like the iconic old shophouse windows.
Previous patrons have mentioned how the rooms are on the smaller side, especially the standard ones, but they like how clean and cleverly laid out everything is.
Some rooms even come with loft-style setups, featuring a staircase and split-level design that feels more fun to stay in than your typical boxy room.
Beyond the visuals, there’s plenty to explore. You’ll find the usual rooftop infinity pool and even a sky deck with open city views—a good choice for a breather in the evening.
Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen
Media Credit: @miwafairuz
Address: 170 Bencoolen Street
Phone: +65 6593 2888
Pricing: $ – $$
Check-in: 3 PM
Check-out: 11 AM
Website: https://www.ibissingaporebencoolen.com/
Opened as part of Accor’s global budget brand, ibis Singapore on Bencoolen has built a reputation for being one of the more reliable and well-located options near the city center.
The rooms follow that same practical approach. They’re small but thoughtfully arranged, with comfortable beds, hardwood floors, and good lighting. It’s quiet at night too, so you can get uninterrupted sleep after a long day out.
Downstairs, there’s a restaurant called TASTE that serves familiar comfort food, and the breakfast buffet is a handy option if you’re up early.
