Start at City Hall MRT Station and follow Exit B to North Bridge Road. On your right, you’ll spot the entrance to St Andrew’s Cathedral.

St Andrew’s Cathedral
Rebuilt between 1856 and 1861 by convict labour, after the original was twice struck by lightning, St Andrew’s Cathedral is Singapore’s oldest Anglican house of worship. It’s also a truly magnificent example of Early English Gothic architecture, with spires that rise 63m to the heavens.

Within, the Bishop’s Throne is majestically ornate. The East Windows are a breath-taking sight, and the multi-coloured stained glass window simply beyond words. If you’re looking for some repose, this must be one of the most beautiful places to seek it.

Civilian War Memorial
As you continue on your journey, pause by the cathedral gates along Sir Andrew’s Road. To the far left is the dignified Civilian War Memorial (17861), whose four identical, angular columns commemorate civilians of the four main races who lost their lives during the Japanese Occupation of 1942 to 1945. Reaching over 70 metres skywards, the memorial was unveiled on 15 February 1967 by then Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew.

A Yearly Memorial Service is held here each 15 February for the victims of the war. Many of their unidentified remains are buried beneath this monument.

City Hall & The Supreme Court
Now turning right, you’ll reach City Hall and the Supreme Court, Singapore’s seats of justice. Among the last colonial constructions in the city area, the imposing Corinthian columns of both these stately, classical edifices lend them a dignified air.

Both majestic buildings are also very significant symbols for all Singaporeans, because it was at City Hall that the British accepted the Japanese surrender on 12 September 1945, to officially signal the end of World War II in Singapore.  Here too, the first fully-independent Singapore Government was sworn in on 9 August 1965, marking the island’s inaugural National Day.

Padang
If you’re wondering what the green field in front of City Hall is; it’s the Padang, the ceremonial green of the city. The first National Day Parade was held at the Padang on 9 August 1965, with Cabinet members proudly watching from the stairs of City Hall. Here you will also be able to see 2 distinct clubs:

• Singapore Recreation Club
  Look at the left end. First opened in 1905, the club was a sporting and social venue for Eurasian men. In 1955, membership was open to all male Singaporeans, with female members admitted the year after that.
  
  
• Singapore Cricket Club
  Across from it, is the Singapore Cricket Club (8138), founded in 1852 as an exclusive bastion for British and European elite. The end of World War II also marked the end of this policy; membership is now open to all. Go past in the evening, and you may see a few games in progress at the Padang; football, cricket or rugby.

Old Parliament House
Cross Parliament Place beside the Supreme Court, and step into the Old Parliament House, Singapore’s oldest surviving government building. Originally built in 1827 as a magnificent residence, it was later discovered that the land had been designated only for government use. Never used as a home, this dignified building instead became Singapore’s original Court House, and later the Assembly House of the colonial government. In the 1965, the seat of independent Singapore’s governance and jurisdiction filled its hallowed halls. You can almost hear the Cabinet debating the important decisions that helped shape Singapore.

When exactly did people begin settling along the river? Much earlier than Raffles’s landing in 1819. Recent Excavations near old Parliament House have shown that this was not only the site where the early Temenggongs or Malay ministers lived, but also where Chinese merchants may have lived and traded.

The Arts House
Today, you’ll find this building transformed into a stately venue and renamed The Arts House, Singapore’s newest arts and lifestyle space. Combining the charm of colonial architecture with the intimacy of a home, it’s an ideal setting for a home. It’s an ideal setting for contemporary visual arts, music, dance, film, comedy and theatre by both local and international artists. In the “Corridors of Time” exhibit; you can revisit the life and times of the House and its many famous personalities. Look out for the followings when you are at The Arts House:

• Alfresco dining
  Your experience here runs to the gastronomic too, with modern Thai cuisine at Restaurant 1827 and a wine bar upstairs. Or how does alfresco dining at Café Society under a starry sky sound?
  
  
• Bronze Elephant
  At the front of The Art House, you will notice the bronze elephant. It was presented by King Chulalongkorn of Siam, who visited Singapore in 1871. Even today the two countries continue to enjoy close relations.
  
  
• Parliament House
  As you leave, look over to the site of the current Parliament House next door. Although relatively new, it fits well into the historic district thanks to an architectural style similar to those surrounding it. You’d have thought it was built around the same time as the Supreme Court across Parliament Place, wouldn’t you?

Further ahead near the corner of North Bridge Road and High Street are a few quaint, “old-world” emporiums and bazaars established mainly by Northern Indian (especially Sindhi) merchants. The forerunners to today’s modern malls, they were in their heyday, the place to shop, especially for electronics and fabrics.

Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall
Back on the trail, you can’t miss the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall grand examples of Neo-Classical architecture, adorned with rusticated columns and italianate windows.

Constructed in two stages, Victoria Theatre (closer to the river) was erected first in 1862, as Singapore’s Town House. In 1905, Victoria Memorial Hall (closer to the Padang) was erected and dedicated to the memory of Queen Victoria. A 54 metre central clock tower was added in 1909, linking the two in a seamless and graceful fashion. The memorial hall was renamed Victoria Concert Hall in 1979, and became a staging ground for both local and foreign performances. As you approach it, notice the elegant details such as intricate filigreed grills at the door, which lend a lace-like daintiness to the building.

Your Route 3 journey is now over.

Shop & Dine @ Equinox Complex

If you are hungry, you can either have lunch at

1. The Arts House, Asian Civilisations Museum or
2. Boat Quay across the river (Cavenagh or Elgin Bridge will get you there) or

For shopaholics, you’ve a real treat in store. The nearby Raffles City Shopping Centre, underground CityLink Mall and Suntec City offer endless choices for you.

Make sure you visit this Equinox Complex if you plan to go to Raffles City Chopping Centre. Imagine a view so spectacular, your panorama includes not just Singapore but her Malaysian and Indonesian neighbours!

“Seeing is believing” at Equinox Complex, Singapore’s Highest Vantage Point. Occupying levels 68 to 72. This complex of exciting restaurants and bars entice you with an exquisite selection of local, regional and international cuisine, rivaled only by the views.

At Equinox, the Restaurant, floor to ceiling windows offer views so stunning, they’ll take your breath away. New Asia Bar on Level 71 & 72 is an excellent place to club that plays a mix of retro, R&B and rock. Be dazzled nighttime view of the city as you party the night away. A sight you’ll never forget!