Despite being from Sweden, Andrea Seifert has never really lived there, as she was brought up between South America, Asia and Europe by her nomadic parents. She’s the co-founder and director of Upcycle Communications, and now calls Singapore home. Which means she’s perfectly placed to give us a guide to the city.

Part of our Five Reasons series, here you’ll find the most local of tips – from unique hotels to small businesses and secret spots (we trust you to keep these on the DL). Because, we firmly believe there’s no better way to get to know a place than when guided by someone who knows it best.

Read on for Andrea’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Singapore.

Name: Andrea Seifert

Home: Sunny Singapore. I live in an area between Little India and Orchard Road, and work in Chinatown

From: Sweden, although I’ve never lived there. I was born to nomadic parents and grew up between South America, Asia and Europe

Job: Co-founder and director of Upcycle Communications

Five reasons to visit Singapore

The food

Singapore’s Chinatown is packed with amazing places to eat, drink and be merry. I recommend Nouri for special evenings, because Chef Ivan’s creative fare, using produce from his farm in Malaysia, is always a treat.

The store

The Social Space on Kreta Ayer is a gorgeous little cafe-come-social enterprise. Head there to browse local and ethical brands, before taking a break from shopping with a cup of one of their lovely selection of teas.

The treatment

Hidden at the back of The Social Space is The Nail Social. It’s a peaceful mani-pedi spot that uses eco-friendly polish, and provides training and employment to marginalized women. It’s a divine sanctuary, whether you’re looking for some me-time or to catch up with a friend while getting your nails done.

The thing to do

Barre Lab is my go-to workout on Duxton Road. The studio has small classes and great instructors, who correct your form and keep you motivated –while reducing your thighs to a quivering mess! I also love the Nithya Priyan School of Yoga for its structured curriculum of yoga asana and alignment-based teachings by skilled yogis.

The culture

Telok Ayer Street is one of my absolute favorite streets in Singapore. A vibrant stretch of old-meets-new, you’ll find hipster coffee shops, packed bars, Michelin-star restaurants and antique hole-in-the-wall shopfronts, as well as places of worship and cultural heritage sites. The Thian Hock Keng Temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore, constructed in 1839. Sometimes you’ll see the priest in his robes wandering along the road, which always feels a bit special.

Read more from our Five Reasons series, here.