The Ultimate Guide on Where to Stay in Singapore
The charming riverside Clarke Quay, the iconic and heart of modernity Marina Bay, the tree-lined entertainment boulevard Orchard Road, the vibrant and colourful Little India and the family-friendly beaches of Sentosa Island. Continue reading to find out where to stay in Singapore!
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Although Singapore is a major South-East Asian hub, you’ll feel worlds away from its surrounding neighbours. Known for being extremely modern and squeaky clean, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a European or an American city rather than an Asian one.Â
But dig a little deeper, explore past the towering glass skyscrapers and glitzy shopping malls and the Asian charm of the city with its traditions, cuisine and history will reveal itself.
The Lion City is a land of contrasts with incredible ethnic diversity. It’s a beautiful combination of Asian and European, historical and modern. You’ll quickly see why it’s been dubbed as the country where the East meets West.
Singapore is quite a compact city and you can explore the main highlights in a few days. However, there are many unique neighbourhoods and you’ll feel like you’ve visited numerous countries just by walking between the districts.Â
Deciding where to stay in Singapore can be a bit daunting. Here we’ve put together a guide on the different areas of the city to make your decision on the best part of Singapore to stay a lot easier.
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Contents
Where to Stay in Singapore
Clarke Quay; where to stay in Singapore for nightlife
We’ll kick off our guide on where to stay in Singapore with Clarke Quay.Â
This charming riverside area has something to offer everyone. From alfresco-style dining and boutique shops to pumping nightclubs and adrenaline-fuelled activities, you’ll never find a dull moment in Clarke Quay!
It hasn’t always been such fun and games here, however.Â
The Singapore River has been the centre of trade since modern Singapore was founded in 1819. The riverside streets were lined with warehouses and small riverboats would ferry goods from the large ships in the harbour to be stored in these warehouses.Â
Today, the warehouses still exist but they’ve been painted all kinds of bright colours. They’re now a major entertainment hub hosting some of the city’s best nightlife hotspots. This makes Clarke Quay where to stay in Singapore if you’re looking for nightlife.
This area is a favourite amongst Instagrammers with its delightful riverside setting and picturesque colourful buildings. Clarke Quay is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Singapore. It’s a great central location, within walking distance of a lot of the main attractions.Â
You’re also close to Marina Bay but not paying the premium to stay there.
Marina Bay; best luxury things to do in Singapore
Marina Bay has undergone a massive transformation and is the leader in the fast-paced development of Singapore. It’s the height of modernity and houses some of the city’s most distinguished architectural treasures.
The focal point of the bay and renowned for transforming Singapore’s ever-expanding skyline is Marina Bay Sands.
This integrated resort boasts luxury accommodation across three imposing towers that have what looks like a boat balancing across the top. This is the crown jewel of the resort; a rooftop pool offering sweeping views across the city!Â
Marina Bay Sands is where to stay in Singapore if you’re looking for an icon of the city.
Spend your evenings in some of the world’s finest eateries before heading to the Casino, Marquee Nightclub or the Sands Theatre for some world-class entertainment.
If you’re not staying at Marina Bay Sands, you can visit the observation deck for 360-degree views over Singapore.
For one of the best luxury things to do in Singapore, check out The Shoppes; Southeast Asia’s largest selection of luxury fashion, watch and jewellery brands.
Located by the waterfront is Gardens by the Bay; a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Meander your way around lush green conservatives full of flowers from across the globe or lose yourself in a cloud forest.Â
This horticultural masterpiece has won multiple awards educating visitors on plants rarely seen in this part of the world.
Visiting Gardens by the Bay is one of the best things to do in Singapore at night when the Supertrees are lit up and played to popular music numbers.
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Another of Singapore’s iconic cultural landmarks is the ArtScience museum. The lotus design features ten finger structures symbolising Singapore’s welcoming hand.Â
Once inside, experience how this museum beautifully blends art and science to tell fascinating stories.Â
Marina Bay is without a doubt one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Singapore.
Orchard Road
A wide 2.2km tree-lined boulevard provides a great base to explore the city. With over 5000 entertainment establishments, Orchard Road is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Singapore.
Orchard Road dates back to the 1830s when fruit orchards and plantations stretched across the area. These have now made way for huge futuristic shopping malls, some of the world’s finest cuisine, nightlife hotspots from sophisticated cocktail bars to Japanese inspired drinking dens and endless entertainment options.Â
In contrast to the modern glitzy malls of Orchard Road, take a walk down Emerald Hill Road, a street frozen in time.Â
Most of the buildings here were built between 1900 and 1920 and it was once an upmarket residential neighbourhood for Chinese and Malaysian immigrants. The architecture is a pretty blend of Art Deco and Chinese Baroque styles.
Our Top Tip: miss the Botanic Gardens. These beautiful gardens are the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and are perfect for exercising, enjoying a picnic or escaping the city’s hustle and bustle.
Little India
Little India is Singapore’s most vibrant and colourful area. Unlike the rest of the city, all glistening and orderly, this district is a bustling myriad of narrow alleys full of market stalls, temples and restaurants.
In the 1840s, Little India Singapore was mainly housed by Europeans who lived here for the racecourse and social events. Then the cattle trade took off and the traders hired Indian migrant workers.Â
From here, mosques and Hindu temples were constructed and it has become one of Singapore’s most dynamic regions.
Little India very much retains its unique heritage. It’s a tantalising blend of old and new with modern street art and eateries nestled amongst age-old temples and market vendors.Â
It’s also one of the smallest districts and can be easily explored by foot or bike in a day or two.
Little India is the best part of Singapore to stay for budget shopping with endless options for everyone.
Head to the 24-hour Mustafa Centre where you’ll find tons of designer products at low prices. Or, the Tekka Centre which sells everything from Bollywood music to silk for saris above the hawker centre with a huge range of food options.
Our Top Tip: arrive hungry! Little India is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Singapore for foodies as it’s full of yummy delicacies. From the varied regional cuisine from South Asia to Northern Indian dishes, follow your nose and you’ll find some new favourites.
Sentosa Island; the best place to relax in Singapore
Singapore’s state of fun! Sentosa is a man-made island accessible by a road bridge and cable car and absolutely chocka with entertainment!Â
Prior to World War II, this island was a British military fortress. Once Singapore returned to British rule the island was renamed ‘Sentosa’ meaning peace and tranquillity.
Over the years, Sentosa has transformed into a sunny island and the best place to relax in Singapore with its gorgeous white-sand beaches. However, it’s also full of adrenaline-fuelled activities, Universal Studios, tropical rainforest and relaxing nature walks.
A favourite amongst families, if you’re looking for more of a resort-style base to explore the city, Sentosa Island is where to stay in Singapore.
Civic District
The Civic District is the birthplace of modern Singapore and lies at the heart of the city. Here, you’ll find some of Singapore’s most historically important landmarks such as key government buildings, memorials, parks and fascinating museums.Â
Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, assigned the area north of the river to the British. Here he had built banks, churches, clubs, hotels and offices to meet the needs of a thriving trade post.
Many of the historical buildings have been completely restored over the years with many also being reborn to fulfil another purpose.Â
If you’re looking for the City Hall and the former Supreme Court, you’ll now see the National Gallery of Singapore after a massive four-year restoration. Here, you’ll find the world’s largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian art.
It’d be a crime to visit the Civic District and not pop into Raffles. This magnificent world-renowned hotel was built in 1887 and now proudly stands as a Singapore icon.Â
Admire its colonial-era architecture, relax in the shaded courtyard with a book, shop in high-end boutiques in the Raffles Hotel Shopping Arcade or visit the exhibits in the Raffles Museum. Make sure you visit Long Bar to taste the original Singapore Sling!
The Civic District is the best neighbourhood to stay in Singapore if arts and culture is what you’re after.Â
With fantastic MRT links and within walking distance to Marina Bay, Clarke Quay and Orchard Road, the Civic District is where to stay in Singapore to easily explore other areas.
Bugis & Kampong Glam
These two diverse neighbourhoods were once an ethnic enclave for the Muslim community and have merged to become a melting pot of religion, architecture, shopping and cuisine.Â
Originally this area was a booming port town. In Malay, ‘Kampong’ means ‘compound’ and glam comes from the gelem tree which was found here and used for boat-making, medicine and seasoning in cooking.Â
Traditionally, the streets were filled with mosques, carpet shops and Middle Eastern cuisine and after-dinner entertainment consisted of shisha and apple tea.Â
More recently, however, Bugis & Kampong Glam have seen an increase in cocktail bars and live music venues with a bit of a bohemian vibe.
Saunter amongst the picturesque streets with beautifully restored shophouses offering some of Singapore’s unusual hole-in-the-wall boutiques selling cult labels and vintage clothing. Admire the quirky street art, quaint restaurants and bars and delightful cultural spots.
There are many culinary delights from the four corners of the world here. From local delicacies to Japanese, Swedish, Mexican and Middle Eastern, you’ll have a hard time trying to decide what to eat next!
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Chinatown; the best area to stay in Singapore on a budget
If you’re on a budget, Chinatown is where to stay in Singapore.
Chinatown Singapore is a Chinatown like no other. It has a rich multi-ethnic culture and proudly has it on display. While historically Chinatown Singapore was an area of settlement for many Chinese immigrants, you’ll now find other cultural treasures in this best neighbourhood to stay in Singapore on a budget.
It’s the only Chinatown in the world where you’ll stumble across a Buddhist temple, a mosque and a Hindu temple on the same street.
Chinatown Singapore is adored for its fusion of old and new. Historic temples and medicine halls brush shoulders with flashy new bars and fashionable shops.Â
The maze of narrow roads with the street hawkers and fragrant smells of traditional cuisine and souvenir shops selling crafts and antiques. While Club Street is full of trendy wine bars.
This neighbourhood is a riot of colour and perfectly located to explore the tourist hotspots of the city. If you’re interested in learning about a myriad of different cultures, Chinatown is the best part of Singapore to stay.
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To Know Before You Visit Singapore
The best time to visit Singapore
Although Singapore has fairly consistent weather year-round, the best time to visit Singapore is February to April which falls in the dry season.
Getting around Singapore
Getting around Singapore is relatively easy and efficient with the city’s public transport system.
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the country’s main mode of railway transportation which, along with the bus, is how the majority of locals and tourists get around Singapore.
You can purchase an EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass card to use on the MRT and buses. If you’re in Singapore for 3 days or less, we’d recommend a Tourist Pass. If you’re staying for more than 3 days, purchase an EZ-Link card.
You’ll have no trouble getting a taxi in Singapore although it will be expensive. If you need a taxi, we’d recommend using the ride-hailing app Grab.
We’d always recommend walking whenever possible. As well as it being better for the environment, you’ll no doubt stumble upon gems you wouldn’t have done if in a vehicle. Walking is always our favourite way to get around new cities.
How long to spend in Singapore
Singapore is somewhere that, although small, you could spend weeks still uncovering new gems and places to explore.
You can see many of the top things to do in Singapore in a couple of days if you’re breaking up a longer journey to places such as Bali or Australia. Singapore is a major transport hub so it’s perfect for a stopover.
As Malaysia is so close, Singapore is a great city to incorporate with a longer trip here. You can either fly directly to Kuala Lumpur or take the bus through the south of Malaysia.
You can also spend a couple of weeks here if you base yourself on Sentosa Island; the best place to relax in Singapore. You can enjoy a great mix of city time and beach time.Â
Currency for Singapore
Singapore uses the Singapore Dollar. At the time of writing, 1 USD is 1.34 SGD.
What plug socket do I need?
You will need plug type G.
Entry requirements to Singapore
As a UK passport holder, your passport needs to be valid for 6 months after the date you arrive. You don’t need a visa for stays up to 30 days. For any other nationality, check the Singapore entry requirements here.
All travellers are required to submit the SG Arrival Card within 3 days before arriving in Singapore. This is free and can be done using the link above.
We hope you found this blog on where to stay in Singapore helpful. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave us a comment or get in contact and make sure you’re following us on Instagram to stay up to date with us in real time.
If Singapore is part of a larger trip around Southeast Asia, check out our posts below on Vietnam, Malaysia and Bali.
