Singapore: Kampong Glam & Civic District Vespa Sidecar Ride

Travelers looking for a fresh way to experience Singapore’s rich culture and iconic landmarks might find this Vespa sidecar tour a delightful surprise. Combining fun, authenticity, and a touch of adventure, this experience offers a different perspective on the city’s historic neighborhoods.

We love the way this tour immerses you in the atmosphere of Kampong Glam and the Civic District, all from a comfortable sidecar. The friendly guides, the chance to see street art, and the opportunity to learn about conservation challenges make it stand out.

However, one thing to consider is the duration — ranging from just one hour to three hours — which might affect how much you can squeeze into your day. Still, if you’re after a memorable, engaging, and Instagram-worthy experience, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure, want an intimate look at local neighborhoods, and appreciate guided insights from knowledgeable locals.

Good To Know

• Unique transportation: Riding in a Vespa sidecar offers a fun and intimate way to explore.
• In-depth local insights: Guides share stories behind landmarks, street art, and conservation efforts.
• Flexible duration: Choose between 1-hour quick tours or 3-hour in-depth explorations.
• Photo opportunities: Plenty of scenic stops for memorable photos.
• Cultural immersion: Explore trendy cafes, narrow lanes, and heritage sites.
• Authentic experience: Ride through lively streets with knowledgeable guides leading the way.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Vespa Sidecar Adventure

Trying something different in Singapore? This Vespa sidecar tour promises a playful spin on city sightseeing, blending local culture with a sense of fun that’s hard to match with traditional tours. We’re talking about zipping through vibrant neighborhoods like Kampong Glam and the Civic District, all while comfortably seated in a vintage-style sidecar.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the small-group vibe, often with just you and your guide sharing stories as you glide past Singapore’s key sights. The tour is priced at $154 per person, which, considering the personalized experience and included photo opportunities, offers solid value—especially for travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure and cultural insight.

One thing to keep in mind is that passengers must meet certain size requirements (minimum age 10, and weight/height limits), so it’s not suitable for everyone. But for those who fit the bill, this is a memorable way to see the city from a new angle.

Why You’ll Love This Experience

Authentic exploration of Kampong Glam, with its trendy cafes and historic shophouses, feels especially lively from the sidecar. Guides like Jackie and Victoria stand out with their friendly, knowledgeable approach, making the ride both fun and educational.

The tour also offers a chance to see Singapore’s biggest mosque, Sultan Mosque, as well as the Malay Heritage Centre—places that reveal the neighborhood’s deep-rooted history. And if street art and narrow lanes are your thing, you’ll love the stops at Haji Lane and Bussorah Mall.

Plus, the flexibility to choose between a shorter 120-minute ride and a longer, more comprehensive 180-minute experience means you can tailor the outing to your schedule and interests. Many reviewers have described guides as “excellent,” highlighting their friendliness and depth of knowledge, which really enhances the overall experience.

What to Expect on Your Tour

Starting at the Esplanade Taxi Stand, you’ll meet your Vespa driver, ready to take you on a journey filled with charm and local stories. The convoy of sidecars is hard to miss, often lined up alongside the iconic Esplanade, making for a fun spectacle as you gather.

Once seated in your sidecar, your guide — typically bilingual in Chinese and English — will lead you through Kampong Glam’s lively streets. Expect to pass by Haji Lane, famous for its street art and boutique shops, and Bussorah Mall, a bustling market area. The Sultan Mosque, with its impressive domes and minarets, is a highlight that you’ll admire from close quarters.

The ride then moves into the Civic District, where you’ll see landmarks like the Esplanade, Anderson Bridge, and the National Gallery. The guides share insights into the architecture and history behind these sites, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

If you opt for the longer tour, you’ll also visit a Peranakan fashion designer, a heritage store, and a retro collector shop — perfect for those interested in Singapore’s multicultural influences and vintage finds.

The tour includes stopping at trendy cafes, street art spots, and quaint shophouses, giving a real sense of Singapore’s youthful, eclectic vibe. Light breaks, like a coffee stop if you choose the 120-minute option, are woven into the experience, providing chances to relax and chat.

The Value of a Sidecar Ride

With a price of $154 per person, this experience might seem spendy compared to traditional bus tours, but it offers a level of intimacy and fun that’s hard to match. The guided storytelling, photo opportunities, and the novelty of riding in a Vespa sidecar add to the overall value.

Travelers have praised the knowledgeable guides, with one reviewer saying, “Jackie the guide was excellent and it’s such a unique way to see and learn more about Singapore.” The small-group format ensures personalized attention, making it easier to ask questions and enjoy a more relaxed pace.

And, unlike self-guided walking tours, this experience requires no effort to navigate busy streets or find parking — just sit back and enjoy the ride.

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The Experience in Detail

Itinerary & Stops:
The tour begins with a quick meet at the Esplanade, setting the tone for a lively ride through Singapore’s cultural enclaves. You’ll first explore Kampong Glam, where you’ll get a close-up look at the Sultan Mosque’s soaring minarets and the colorful shophouses lining narrow lanes. Many reviewers note the guides’ ability to weave in stories about conservation challenges and the area’s evolution, making it more than just sightseeing.

Street Art & Trendy Cafes:
Haji Lane emerges as a highlight, packed with vibrant murals and boutique shops. Fans of street art will appreciate the tales behind each mural, which guides like Victoria describe in detail. Stops at trendy cafes give you a chance to soak in the neighborhood’s modern vibe, perfect for a quick coffee break or some Instagram snaps.

Civic District Highlights:
Moving into the Civic District, you’ll pass by prominent landmarks like the National Gallery and Esplanade, with guides explaining the architecture’s significance. The ride also covers historic sites like Anderson Bridge and the nearby conservation areas, giving you a taste of Singapore’s balancing act between modern development and heritage preservation.

Optional Longer Tour:
If you opt for the 180-minute version, your guides will introduce you to a Peranakan fashion designer, explore heritage stores, and browse vintage collectibles. These added stops deepen your understanding of Singapore’s multicultural fabric and vintage culture, making the experience richer.

Photo Opportunities & Guide Insights:
Throughout the tour, guides encourage photo stops, so you can capture the vibrant street scenes, ornate mosques, and quirky murals. Many reviews comment on their guides’ friendliness and expertise, noting that guides like Jack and Victoria add humor and local insights that enhance the ride.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour starts at the Esplanade Taxi Stand, a well-known and accessible location. It ends back at the same spot, making it easy to plan your day afterward.

Each sidecar can carry one passenger (minimum age 10, maximum 110kg, 195cm tall), ensuring comfort and safety. If you’re traveling with children aged 3-9, contacting the operator beforehand is advised.

What to bring? Your camera is a must, along with water to stay hydrated during the warm Singapore weather. Smoking and eating during the ride are not permitted, to keep everyone comfortable.

The ride lasts from 1 to 3 hours, so check availability and plan accordingly. Guides are fluent in Chinese and English, making it accessible for a diverse range of travelers.

Final Thoughts

This Vespa sidecar tour offers a lively, authentic, and memorable way to see Singapore’s Kampong Glam and Civic District. It strikes a nice balance between guided storytelling and fun adventure, making it ideal for travelers wanting a personal touch to their city exploration.

The guides’ enthusiasm and local knowledge make a significant difference, providing insights that you might not get from a regular tour bus. Plus, the small-group setting means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and photo opportunities abound.

While the price might seem high for some, the combination of unique transportation, tailored stops, and engaging guides offers good value — especially if you love a bit of quirky fun and cultural discovery.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy novel experiences, want to explore off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, and appreciate expert local insights. It’s a fantastic choice for couples, small groups, or solo travelers eager for a memorable, personalized glimpse of Singapore.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children must be at least 10 years old, and the total weight should not exceed 110kg. If you have children aged 3-9, you should contact the operator in advance.

How long does the tour last?
The duration ranges from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the option you select. Check availability for specific start times.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Esplanade Taxi Stand, on the mall driveway to the left of Coffee Bean and Toast Box, and ends back at the same location.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the Vespa sidecar ride, a friendly driver, and photo opportunities. Meals, transfers, and entrance fees are not included.

Are guides bilingual?
Yes, guides speak both Chinese and English, making the experience accessible for a diverse range of travelers.

Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely, the guides encourage photo stops, especially at landmarks and street art locations.

Is this experience suitable for people with back problems or wheelchair users?
No, this tour is not suitable for those with back problems or wheelchair users due to the nature of the sidecar ride.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera and water. Dress comfortably for the weather and wear suitable shoes.

What if I want a longer or shorter experience?
You can choose between the 120-minute and 180-minute options, depending on your interests and schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby