Where to Stay: Best Areas in Singapore

The sprawling metropolis of Singapore is a fantastic destination for a busy city vacation. It has a rich history and vibrant culture influenced by a variety of ethnicities and religions, and there’s no shortage of fascinating historic sites, museums, art galleries, and entertainment venues to explore.

Singapore also boasts many internationally renowned Michelin-rated restaurants and hotels, and it has one of the most iconic urban skylines in the world. And, since English is the official language, it’s one of the easiest places for tourists to visit in Southeast Asia.

Let’s take a look at some of Singapore city’s most popular neighborhoods and hotels to help you choose the perfect base from which to explore.

Marina Bay for First-Time Visitors

Highlights: Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome, Helix Bridge, Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, Marina East Park, Bay East Garden, Marina Barrage

Marina Bay is one of the city’s most central and scenic neighborhoods, renowned for its ultramodern buildings and attractive waterside views. Some of Singapore’s biggest attractions can be found here, such as the ArtScience Museum, the Singapore Flyer, and the Gardens by the Bay. The latter is an epic botanical garden with stunning displays of tropical flora and fauna contained within unique architectural structures.

If you want to be at the heart of the city with gorgeous views from your hotel room, Marina Bay is the ideal place to stay. It offers easy access to the surrounding Central Business District and has excellent public transport links for traveling to different parts of the city. Just keep in mind that hotels in Marina Bay are very opulent and expensive.

Where to Stay in Marina Bay

Here are some of the best hotels in Marina Bay:

• Marina Bay Sands is one of Singapore’s most famous hotels and is renowned for its beautiful design and luxurious service. It has an impressive boat-shaped rooftop with an infinity pool and boasts a spa, a gym, multiple restaurants and lounges, and an in-house casino.
• Fullerton Bay Hotel is set within an impressive landmark neoclassical building that has served as the city’s General Post Office, Exchange, and Chamber of Commerce over the near-century since it was built. Today, it contains 400 opulent guest rooms, a spa, a swimming pool, and several gourmet restaurants.
• The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore is a luxurious 5-star hotel renowned for the panoramic views it provides from its elegant rooms and suites. Amenities include a Michelin-star restaurant and a Club Lounge that serves Champagne all day long.

Singapore River for Fun Nightlife

Highlights: Restaurants, clubs, bars, pubs, Clarke Quay Central, Slingshot Singapore

The neighborhood surrounding the central stretch Singapore River is one of the liveliest parts of the city after dark. There are many fantastic restaurants, bars, and clubs situated here, particularly around its waterfront quays. Boat Quay, Robertson Quay, and Clarke Quay all have charming 19th-century buildings that have been restored to serve as stylish venues for cafes, restaurants, and boutique stores. There’s also the fun Slingshot Singapore to entertain the adrenaline junkies and Clarke Quay Central to provide some retail therapy.

You’ll find a great mix of accommodation options in the Singapore River area, including upscale and midrange hotels, and affordable inns. If you want to be surrounded by excellent food and drink options and don’t mind a lively atmosphere at night, this is a great area to stay in that’s very close to the city center.

Downtown Singapore for Luxury

Highlights: National Gallery Singapore, National Museum of Singapore, Vitoria Concert Hall, Asian Civilisation Museum, Merlion Park

Downtown, also known as the Financial District or the Central Business District, is the area surrounding Marina Bay. It’s packed with towering skyscrapers that serve as office space, apartments, and hotels, but you’ll also find some heritage sites amongst the modern structures. Downtown is packed with popular cultural attractions such as the National Gallery Singapore, the Asian Civilisations Museum, the National Museum of Singapore, and the Victoria Concert Hall which is home to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

There’s also plenty of green space to enjoy Downtown, despite it being such a busy, densely-populated area. Merlion Park, home to the iconic half-fish half-lion statue, offers fabulous views over Marina Bay. Esplanade Park and nearby Fort Canning Park are also popular spots for a relaxing stroll.

If you want to be at the heart of Singapore with easy access to the city’s best museums, landmarks, shops, and restaurants, it makes sense to check in at a downtown hotel. You can expect to pay a premium to stay here though, so if you want cheap hotels, you’ll need to look further afield.

Where to Stay in Downtown Singapore

The Clan Hotel, part of Far East Hospitality, lies just 550 yards away from the city center. It’s a 5-star establishment with a fitness center, a restaurant, a bar, and a terrace, and it provides room service, a 24/7 front desk service, and free WiFi.

Orchard Road for Shopping

Highlights: Shopping malls, designer stores, independent boutiques, Singapore Botanic Gardens

Orchard Road is one of Singapore’s most famous streets thanks to its impressive buildings and pristine walkways. Although there are opportunities to shop all over the city, Orchard Road is considered the retail hub, particularly for those looking for designer products. There are more than 20 shopping malls to explore, and many standalone stores, cafes, and restaurants between them. You’ll find a mix of international chain stores and independent boutiques, all within easy walking distance. Venture a little further east, and you can escape the bustle of the shopping district with a relaxing wander through the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Even if shopping isn’t your favorite pastime, Orchard Road is a great location to stay for easy access to the city center. There’s a good mix of luxury and budget hotels in the area, with rates generally becoming more affordable the further east you go.

Where to Stay in Orchard Road

Shangri-La Singapore is set within 15 acres of beautiful tropical gardens, making it a peaceful sanctuary amidst the bustle of the city. It has 11 diverse dining options to suit a range of tastes, and it has been designed with families in mind.

Chinatown for Foodies

Highlights: Sri Marjamman Temple, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Singapore City Gallery

Chinatown is a lively neighborhood renowned for its fantastic food. You’ll find more than just Chinese food here, with the cuisines of Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, and Japan represented. There are high-end restaurants, casual eateries, and street food stalls to check out, and there are plenty of opportunities to grab tasty and very affordable bites from the hawker centers here, such as Chinatown Complex.

Like many Chinatowns around the world, Singapore’s is characterized by narrow streets, colorful buildings, and characterful shophouses. There are also several beautiful temples to explore, including the stunning Sri Marjamman which was built in 1827 and is the oldest Hindu temple in the city.

Chinatown is a fairly affordable part of the city to stay in and it has some good cheap hotels and hostels for those working with tight budgets. Even its luxurious hotels are cheaper than those in Downtown and Marina Bay.

Where to Stay in Chinatown

Duxton Reserve is an award-winning boutique hotel set within a unique building that blends Chinese, Malay, and European architecture and design. It boasts a stylish restaurant serving gourmet Chinese food, and a chic cocktail bar serving drinks from the disco era of the 1970s and 80s.

Little India for Backpackers

Highlights: Indian Heritage Center, Former House of Tan Teng Niah, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Tekka Centre

Little India lies north of Downtown and, like Chinatown, is one of the best parts of the city to find delicious and affordable food in casual eateries. There’s a mix of old and new architecture here, plus several ornate Hindu shrines and temples to admire. Be sure to check out the vibrant former house of Tan Teng Niah — the last remaining Chinese villa in this neighborhood.

There’s some very affordable accommodation available in Little India including cheap backpacker hostels that are ideal for solo and budget travelers. You can also find some nice boutique hotels here at very affordable rates compared to other parts of the city.

Where to Stay in Little India

One Farrer Hotel is a cool, modern hotel with a vast collection of original artworks sourced from across Greater Asia. It’s a large property that contains rooms, suites, duplexes, and villas, as well as a 24/7 fitness center, a skyline lounge, tropical gardens, an Olympic-sized main swimming pool, and a rooftop pool for club members.

Kampong Glam/Arab Street for Affordable Accommodation

Highlights: Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane, Malay Heritage Center

Lying directly across the Rochor Canal from Little India is Kampong Glam, with Arab Street at its heart. This area is home to a thriving community of Arab and Malaysian residents, and its buildings and decor are heavily influenced by these cultures. Popular attractions include the Malay Heritage Centre, Sultan Mosque, and Haji Lane which is a narrow street lined with historic shophouses.

Kampong Glam is a fairly quiet and attractive area, and it has some very good midrange and boutique hotels with affordable rates. Be sure to try some delicious food from Malaysia while you’re here.

Where to Stay in Kampong Glam

Park Royal on Beach Road is an upscale hotel conveniently located within easy walking distance of major subway lines. It has multiple eateries, a gym, a spa, and an outdoor swimming pool with views of the Singapore Flyer and Downtown skyline.

Colonial District/Bugis/Bencoolen for All-Round Convenience

Highlights: Bugis Market, Long Bar, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, Sri Krishnan Temple

The Colonial District which contains Bugis Street and Bencoolen Street, is an elegant area lined with eateries, boutique hotels, and trendy malls. It is tucked between Downtown and Kampong Glam, which means it offers easy access on foot to many popular attractions including the National Museum and National Gallery. Bugis Market is a great spot to pick up souvenirs, and Long Bar in Raffles Hotel is a must-visit for those who love cocktails because it is the birthplace of the famous Singapore Sling.

The handy location of the Colonial District makes it a convenient base for accessing various parts of the city. It has several metro stations to help you venture further afield and reach the airport with ease.

Where to Stay in the Colonial District

Check out these two popular Singapore hotels in the Colonial District:

• Swissôtel The Stamford is one of Southeast Asia’s tallest hotels. It has 1,252 rooms on offer — all of which have private balconies with fantastic city views. It has multiple bars and eateries to choose from, including a gourmet restaurant with two Michelin stars, and it lies just across the street from the City Hall public transport hub.
• Hotel Bencoolen offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor pool, a gym, and free WiFi. It’s a three-minute walk away from an MRT Station and a five-minute walk from the Singapore Art Museum.

Sentosa Island for Families

Highlights: SEA Aquarium, Universal Studios, Madame Tussauds, Skyline Luge, historic forts, beaches

Sentosa Island is a fun-filled haven for families because it’s home to several theme parks and kid-friendly attractions. The biggest is Universal Studios Singapore — a movie and television-themed park with rides and attractions to suit all ages. The likes of SEA Aquarium, Madam Tussauds, KidZania, and Adventure Cove Waterpark also offer great entertainment.

For families who love to spend time outdoors, the beaches on Sentosa Island are a must-visit. Native Singaporeans and tourists alike flock here to soak up the sun. Staying on Sentosa Island can be expensive because the resorts tend to be very luxurious, but there are also a few small, affordable inns on offer.

Changi Airport Area for Local Life

Highlights: Singapore Navy Museum, Changi Beach, Changi Boardwalk, Jurassic Mile theme park, Wild Wild Wet waterpark

Changi Airport is in East Singapore and although the surrounding area is fairly residential, it makes a great base if you’ll be visiting for a short time and want easy airport access. There are plenty of hotels in the area and some fun attractions, such as the Singapore Navy Museum, Changi Beach, and Jurassic Mile theme park. Plus, you can get a feel for local life when you explore some of the malls, hawker centers, and small parks in nearby Loyang, Pasir Ris, and Tampines.

Plan Your Visit to Singapore

These neighborhoods are where the vast majority of tourists flock to when exploring the bustling city of Singapore. Which area best suits your style and pace of travel?