Where To Stay In Singapore: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Most people think Singapore feels like a sterile, futuristic mall. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Step a few blocks off the main drag, and you’ll find sprawling historic shop-houses, smoky night markets, and entire streets lined with century-old rain trees.

Every district has its own distinct personality and rhythm. You could start your morning sipping kopi at a traditional coffee shop in Tiong Bahru, spend the afternoon surrounded by the neon-lit skyscrapers of Marina Bay, and wind down at a rowdy Hawker center in Little India.

Because the MRT subway system is so efficient, you can cross almost the entire city in under thirty minutes. But waking up right in the middle of the vibe you actually want makes all the difference.

Whether you want rooftop infinity pools, cheap Michelin-starred street food, or quiet heritage streets, there’s a specific corner of the island built for it. Here is a breakdown of the best areas to drop your bags.

In this travel guide:

Orchard Road

Best area for: shopping, food, tourists

Orchard Road is the part of Singapore where shopping malls seem to multiply every time you cross the street. It’s busy, polished, and very central. But there’s more to it than designer stores and giant malls.

We can’t really talk about Orchard without mentioning its strange past. In the 1800s, this was countryside. Nutmeg plantations, pepper farms, and fruit orchards covered much of the area. That’s where the name Orchard Road came from. A disease wiped out many of the nutmeg trees in the 1850s, and the area gradually turned into a residential neighborhood.

You can spend hours bouncing between places like ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City, and the smaller shops tucked into older shopping centers. There are plenty of local brands here too, so it isn’t all luxury labels. Orchard Road also has a surprising amount of history hiding between the skyscrapers. Emerald Hill is a great example. Its colorful Peranakan houses feel worlds away from the malls.

For something greener, we head toward the Singapore Botanic Gardens. It’s close enough to Orchard to combine with a shopping day, and it’s Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We also like stopping for coffee or kaya toast when we need a break. The area has everything from old-school cafés to stylish coffee shops. And around Christmas, Orchard Road gets especially fun, with its famous annual light-up turning the whole street into one giant evening stroll.

Best place to stay in Orchard Road

Shangri-La Hotel. Address: 22 Orange Grove Rd, Singapore 258350.

Marina Bay

Best area for: upscale, views, entertainment

Marina Bay sits on land that was reclaimed from the ocean starting back in the 1970s. Engineers literally dug up hills in the inland heartlands to fill in the bay. It turned open sea into Singapore’s most futuristic neighborhood.

The area is hyper-modern, super clean, and incredibly walkable. You get futuristic architecture, lush greenery, and world-class food all wrapped into one continuous bayfront loop.

The sights here are unreal. Gardens by the Bay dominates the landscape with massive, plant-covered Supertrees and giant climate-controlled glass domes. The iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel anchors the skyline with its huge rooftop infinity pool.

If you want a bit of tech-infused art, walk into the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum right on the waterfront promenade. You can also cross the Helix Bridge or ride the Singapore Flyer for incredible views across the water.

When we want a solid dinner, we head to Lau Pa Sat. It is an old Victorian cast-iron market tucked right next to the high-rises. At night, the adjacent street closes down and turns into Satay Street. You can grab freshly grilled chicken or beef skewers outdoors under the city lights.

Best place to stay in Marina Bay

Hotel Marina Bay Sands. Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956.

The Quays

Best area for: nightlife, life like a local

The Quays is one of our favorite areas to stay in Singapore if we want a mix of history, food, nightlife, and river views. The area follows the Singapore River and is made up of three historic quays: Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay. Each has its own personality.

Boat Quay is the most historic of the three. In the 1800s, it was the heart of Singapore’s trading port, with boats carrying goods along the river. Today, the old shophouses are packed with restaurants and bars. The skyscrapers of the financial district rise right behind them, which makes for a pretty cool contrast.

Clarke Quay is where we head when we want more energy. The colorful riverside warehouses now house restaurants, bars, and nightlife spots. The area was once a busy trading district too, and many of its old buildings have been preserved and given a new life.

For something quieter, we walk toward Robertson Quay. It has a more relaxed feel, with cafés, restaurants, and riverside spots. This part of the river was once lined with warehouses and bumboats carrying cargo.

We also recommend taking a Singapore River cruise. For a bit of culture, the Asian Civilisations Museum sits close to the river at Empress Place. Afterward, we’d grab coffee or brunch around Robertson Quay and take our time by the water. The Quays are especially nice after sunset, when the river and old shophouses start glowing.

Best place to stay in The Quays

The Fullerton Bay Hotel. Address: 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326.

Civic District

Best area for: history, attractions, culture

The Civic District brings together fascinating history, massive world-class art collections, and iconic river views. You experience the core origin story of the city all within a single walkable area.

Located right along the Singapore River, this historic center serves as the modern nation’s original birthplace. Sir Stamford Raffles earmarked the area back in 1822 to serve as the administrative heart of the British colony.  Grand colonial architecture and massive green lawns dominate the landscape today.

You can explore the National Gallery Singapore, housed inside the beautifully restored former City Hall and Supreme Court buildings. Right down by the water sits the Asian Civilisations Museum, packing centuries of regional trade history into neoclassical halls. Fort Canning Park sits just behind the main drag, offering lush outdoor trails and old military relics.

The local food scene seamlessly bridges classic traditions and sleek modernity. For an amazing lunch or dinner, we hit up National Kitchen by Violet Oon, located inside the National Gallery itself. She serves incredible Peranakan dishes like beef rendang and dry laksa in a stunning, high-ceilinged dining room. After eating, we grab a drink at the iconic Raffles Hotel nearby.

Best place to stay in the Civic District

Hotel Fairmont. Address: 80 Bras Basah Road, City Hall, 189560 Singapore.

Sentosa Island

Best area for: beach, families, luxury

Sentosa Island feels like Singapore decided to build a vacation playground just offshore. You can get here quickly from the city, but the mood changes fast. Palm trees, beaches, resort pools, and plenty of attractions take over.

The island covers around 500 hectares and was once a fishing village and British military base. It even had the rather grim name Pulau Blakang Mati, which is generally translated as “the island behind which lies death.” Sentosa, thankfully, means “peace and tranquility” in Malay.

There’s a lot to do here. Universal Studios Singapore is the big draw for families and thrill seekers. You can spend half a day riding coasters, checking out themed areas, and trying not to lose our lunch on the bigger rides. The Singapore Oceanarium is another popular stop, especially when we need a break from the heat.

For something completely different, we head to Fort Siloso. This old coastal fort dates back to the 1880s and now houses a WWII museum with tunnels, guns, and exhibits about Singapore’s wartime history. There’s also a treetop Skywalk.

When we want to slow down, we usually pick Siloso Beach for a casual lunch or drink. Palawan is better for families, while Tanjong Beach is the quieter choice. By evening, beachfront restaurants and resorts make Sentosa an easy place to stay if we want a more relaxed side of Singapore.

Best place to stay in Sentosa Island

The W Hotel Sentosa Cove. Address: 21 Ocean Way, Singapore 098374.

Where travel critics stay in Singapore

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Singapore? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Singapore.

Budget

Hotel Amoy by Far East.

“Step through its heavy wooden doors and a calm washes over you — making this one of the most unusual entrances to a Singapore hotel. A charming — and calming — Chinese-inflected boutique experience in the heart of busy Singapore.” — New York Times.

Address: 76 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 048464.

Mid-range

Hotel Parkroyal on Pickering.

“The stunning architecture at this hotel integrates environmental principles both inside and out; its lush sky gardens can be seen from the street. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows are used throughout to decrease the need for artificial lighting.” — Fodor’s.

Address: 3 Upper Pickering St, Singapore 058289.

Luxury

Raffles Hotel.

“The grand old dame of Singapore has seen many a famous visitor in her time, from Somerset Maugham to Michael Jackson. It’s a beautiful place of white colonial architecture, lush pockets of green, and historic bars.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 1 Beach Rd, Singapore 189673.

FAQ: Singapore hotel recommendations

If you’re looking for a budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Singapore, or maybe your travel plans require a splendid hostel? Want to know which hotel serves the best breakfast? Here are all those answers and more about where to stay in Singapore.

Best time to visit Singapore

The most suitable period to experience this vibrant city-state at its best is between February and April. These months fall within Singapore’s dry season and are less prone to heavy rainfall.

Singapore is situated near the equator and has a tropical climate, so it’s known for its consistent temperatures, high humidity, and plentiful rainfall. Therefore, the weather is relatively stable, with temperatures generally ranging between 25°C (77°F) and 31°C (88°F) throughout the year.

However, the period between November and January sees more rain due to the northeast monsoon season. On the other hand, the months between May and July are considered the hottest, which might not be ideal for everyone.

Best things to do in Singapore

There are many things to do in Singapore and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around Singapore:

Singapore: Sentosa Cable Car

Get stunning views aboard the Singapore Cable Car as you travel the aerial link from Mount Faber to Sentosa. Cross Keppel Harbor and see all the attractions from a unique perspective. Price: $16. More info.

Lion City Bike Tour of Singapore

Pedal around back streets and past historic landmarks including Little India, Chinatown, and Marina Bay and listen to engaging commentary from your guide. Price: $60. More info.

Singapore City: Gardens by the Bay and MBS Observation Deck

Visit the futuristic Gardens by the Bay in the heart of Singapore and discover a peaceful paradise. Step into the clouds for a breathtaking panoramic view over the city at the Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck. Price: $31. More info.

More things to do in Singapore

Deciding where to stay in Singapore

In conclusion, this travel guide has covered the best areas and hotels in Singapore and how to get around. Now it is up to you to decide which area suits your needs the most.

Top 5 areas to stay in Singapore

• Marina Bay
• Orchard Road
• The Quays
• Sentosa Island
• Civic District

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Singapore is important. Whether you stay in Marina Bay, Orchard Road, The Quays, Sentosa Island or Civic District, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Singapore.

Singapore overview

More Singapore tips

See our other guides about the best places to stay in Singapore:

Hotels in Singapore

Hostels in Singapore

Boutique hotels in Singapore

Luxury hotels in Singapore

Cheap hotels in Singapore

Eco-friendly hotels in Singapore