Cafés have evolved to become more than just a sweet spot for a sugar rush or caffeine boost. They now serve as spaces for various social gatherings, from friendly reunions and romantic dates, to fan gatherings and photo-worthy spots for Instagrammers. And what’s more fun than throwing in a quirky theme for all to soak up the novelty?

Appealing to the niche fancies of crowds, themed cafés come in all shapes, sizes, and colour – think the vivid hues of Hogwarts and striking decor that will satisfy your wanderlust. Here are the best ones to check out when the bog-standard just won’t do.

1. The Coastal Settlement

Photograph: The Coastal Settlement/Facebook

There is a charming, otherworldly quality to The Coastal Settlement. Perhaps it is the location (it’s located in a relatively remote area in Changi), or the decor, which has a vintage theme. The café is populated with antique furniture, old bicycles, vintage mirrors and household items, which lend the café an air of mystery. If the weather is good, find a seat outside. The vintage theme persists in the outdoor seating area, and you’ll have the additional benefit of being surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect escape from the city, and the food here also doesn’t disappoint – expect a wide variety of both Western and local dishes, such as wagyu cubes ($26), nasi lemak ($26), pizza (from $26), and assam fish head curry ($45). They also serve a very reasonably-priced afternoon tea ($19 per person) and brunch on weekends.

Who says you can’t experience fall in Singapore? At Café Kreams, autumn is the name of the game. There’s no mistaking the theme; fall foliage, in varying hues of brown, red, orange, and yellow, hangs abundantly from the ceiling. A similar colour scheme dominates the furnishings in the Korean café, which is located in Maxwell Chambers. Café Kreams serves coffee, pastries, brunch, mains, and desserts. In keeping with the theme, stay cosy by ordering a warm drink such as their signature dalgona coffee (from $9.50).

Photo @tiongbahrubakeryTiong Bahru Bakery Safari

Located in the lush Dempsey area, this particular Tiong Bahru Bakery outlet has a safari theme that sets it apart from its other outlets (and other cafés in Singapore, for that matter). The café is housed in a tent structure reminiscent of a safari outpost in Africa, and the interior decor and colour scheme similarly take inspiration from African culture. There is no air-conditioning in the main seating area, but ceiling fans keep the area well-ventilated. You’ll be able to indulge in Tiong Bahru Bakery classics like the kouign amann and almond croissant (both $6.80 each) amidst abundant greenery and a rustic ambience.

Going to the office is usually a chore, but you won’t be complaining when you go to Bing Tang Tang Shui. This quaint little Chinese dessert store is decorated like an office from the 1970s and 80s, complete with a receptionist area, an office, and even a meeting room. You can also find vintage television programme guides on the shelves and other paraphernalia scattered around the café. Unlike the retro interior, the desserts at Bing Tang Tang Shui take on a more modern approach, with unique floral-infused twists on classics. This results in the familiar mango sago infused with lavender and topped with cream cheese ($8.80), and sesame tang yuan topped with an osmanthus-infused caramel ($12.50).

Photograph: A Beautiful Day Café/Facebook

Step back into the Victorian era at A Beautiful Day. When it was still at Changi City Point, A Beautiful Day was known for its floral and safari theme, but since its move to Paya Lebar, it has evolved into a mellow Victorian-themed café. This lovely tearoom is filled to the brim with dainty silverware and porcelain plates and cups that will have you drinking your tea with your pinky finger sticking out. Enjoy desserts such as the soft and fluffy soufflé pancakes (from $16.90) or a sweet and tangy key lime pie ($8.90). Pair your sweet treat with one of their many teas, or for a boozier tea session, opt for one of the café’s signature cocktails.

Old Habits Café is every collector’s paradise, as the interior is filled to the brim with vintage toys and memorabilia including old Nokia phones, Ultraman figurines, and old game consoles. The best part is, if you find something you fancy, you can purchase it at the cashier. These nostalgic items also serve as a good conversation starter, and it’s always fun to reminisce on the past. Besides the gorgeous interior, Old Habits Café also offers $9.90 specials including a clam vongole spaghetti and a grilled chicken teriyaki sandwich. Those looking for heartier meals can opt for the honey mustard lamb rack ($26.90) or the beef goulash ($17.90), where the tender and succulent beef is paired with a homemade tangy tomato sauce.

If you didn’t get your letter from Hogwarts, don’t feel too bummed out about it. Instead, you can live out the fantasy at Platform 1094. Though it’s not an official franchise of Harry Potter, the café is the first magic-themed one in Singapore. A nod to the famous wizarding world, it has a similar chandelier to the one in The Great Hall, as well as Harry Potter paraphernalia all around. The menu items pay homage to the popular series, with names like Sleeping Draught chocolate blackout ($9), and Welcoming Feast’s lamb shoulder ($33). We recommend The Flying Charm ($24) – a cold angel hair pasta with masago caviar and tossed in truffle oil and sesame dressing. Without giving anything away, the dining experience is sure to be magical. Finish your meal with non-alcoholic potions such as Mrs Lich’s butterscotch ale ($10), or boozy poisons like Mr Lich’s flaming brew ($17), which is a concoction of the platform’s secret recipe, if you’re feeling adventurous.

This aviation-themed café comes hidden within a plane hangar in the Seletar Aerospace district, complete with views of a runway and parked aeroplanes. During a time when travelling remains unlikely, Hangar66 Café offers a novel setting to satisfy those hungry for coffee and adventure. Keeping up with the theme, the café takes flight with aeroplane parts that double as a communal table, a helicopter that anchors the dining area, and a floor splashed with runway markings. But don’t expect your typical bland airline meal – Western-styled plates of grilled chicken ($14.66) and beef burgers ($18.66) are served with the chef’s kiss here.