Finding Freedom in the City... A Day at Somerset Youth Park

I had a wonderfully easy-going day today, one of those city walks that feels like you’ve travelled without actually leaving Singapore. I headed to the Somerset area for a slow, enjoyable stroll, and somehow it ended up being a mini adventure packed with creativity, breezy weather, and the kind of “youthful energy” you can literally see in the walls around you.

If you’re coming by MRT, it’s ridiculously convenient. Somerset Youth Park (right near Somerset MRT) is just a few minutes’ walk, and before you even fully arrive, you can already sense the vibe shifting, less “shopping mall routine,” more “let’s see what’s happening today.”

What I love most about this spot is how the architecture itself feels young. The building has this bold red presence, and the roof structure isn’t the usual neat, traditional design. Instead, it leans into that modern, slightly industrial style, exposed framing, strong angles, and an almost “creative workshop” feel. It looks like a space that’s meant to be used, not just admired. You don’t just pass through it… you linger.

Inside, there are stalls that feel more like curated pop-ups than typical mall shops. It’s refreshing, honestly. And then there’s this hallway that completely caught my attention, a stretch lined with graphic designs and art pieces that look like storyboards from a film or concept art from a game. Walking along it felt like flipping through someone’s imagination in real life. I found myself slowing down a lot, just to take in the colors, the characters, the details, the energy.

And speaking of surprises, I was also amazed by how some of the stalls weren’t just serving “snacks,” but healthier food options and desserts too. It’s the kind of place where you can grab something light, and still feel like you’re treating yourself. (Shoutout to cute dessert corners that somehow make you smile before you even taste anything.)

After exploring the building, I went out to roam the surroundings, and the timing couldn’t have been better. The weather today was nice, breezy, not as warm as the previous months, and finally comfortable enough to walk without that sweaty, sticky feeling. This is honestly the perfect season to explore the city. I could actually enjoy the walk instead of rushing from aircon to aircon.

Outside, I stumbled upon benches shaped like giant donuts, colorful, playful, and very “Somerset” in spirit. They’re the kind of urban furniture that makes you want to sit down just for the fun of it (or at least take a photo, because… how can you not?).

Then came the part I was most excited for: street art. The Youth Park area has spaces where creativity feels loud, proud, and totally free. There were bold murals, graffiti panels, and pieces that looked like they were meant to start conversations. Some were funny, some were chaotic, and some were surprisingly expressive, the kind you stare at for a few seconds longer than expected.

And as I was walking around looking for angles to shoot, I noticed something else: the city pigeons here are so comfortable with humans. They weren’t bothered at all, just casually existing like they owned the place. One pigeon in particular completely made my day because it actually posed for my camera. No joke. It stood there like, “Yes, take the photo. Make sure you get my good side.” LOL.

By the end of the walk, I felt that calm satisfaction you get after a good photowalk, the kind where you don’t really chase a big destination, but you still come home with moments. Somerset Youth Park is exactly that: a pocket of freedom and city life, filled with creativity and buzzing energy.

It was a great experience, and I’m pretty sure I’ll do something like this again on the weekend.

Cheers!

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