Singapore is a world-class city that seamlessly blends the modern with the traditional, East with West. From gleaming skyscrapers and impressive architectural marvels to colorful ethnic enclaves and lush green spaces, this island city-state offers a diverse array of experiences for travelers.
One of the most important decisions when planning a trip to Singapore is choosing the right area to stay in. The city is comprised of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, attractions, and accommodation options. Selecting the best area can make or break your Singapore experience.
Our pick of the best hotels in Singapore 🔝
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
- ✨ 5-Star: Marina Bay Sands
- 🏨 4-Star: Citadines Raffles Place Singapore
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Bliss Hotel Singapore
- 💸 Cheap: Wilby Residences Central
- 🏢 Apartament: lyf Funan Singapore
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Shangri-La Singapore
- 🏩 For Couples: The Outpost Hotel Sentosa
This guide will help you navigate the top areas and accommodation choices in Singapore. We’ll explore the highlights of each neighborhood, the top attractions and activities nearby, and recommend some of the best hotels and accommodations to suit every travel style and budget.
Quick Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Singapore 📋
- 👀 For the First Time: Marina Bay
- 💸 Budget-friendly: Chinatown
- 👪 For Families: Sentosa Island
- 🛍 For Shopping: Orchard Road
- 💃🏻 For Nightlife: Singapore Quays
- 🌟 For Culture: Little India
- 🗿 For History: Kampong Glam
1. Marina Bay – Where to Stay in Singapore for the First Time 👀
🌉 Iconic waterfront: Marina Bay is a stunning waterfront destination that showcases the best of modern Singapore. This iconic area is home to some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, luxurious accommodations, and exciting attractions.
🏛️ Iconic attractions: Here are some of the highlights of Marina Bay:
- Marina Bay Sands: This iconic integrated resort features a world-famous infinity pool on the 57th floor, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. The hotel also boasts luxurious rooms and suites, as well as a wide range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
- Gardens by the Bay: This award-winning horticultural attraction spans 101 hectares and features the Supertree Grove, a collection of 50-meter-tall vertical gardens. Visitors can also explore the cooled conservatories, including the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.
Don’t miss ArtScience Museum – designed to resemble a lotus flower, this iconic museum hosts world-class exhibitions that blend art, science, and technology.
🔝 Other notable attractions in Marina Bay include:
- The Merlion statue, a symbol of Singapore
- The Singapore Flyer, Asia’s largest observation wheel
- Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, a performing arts center
- Marina Bay Sands Casino, the world’s most expensive standalone casino property
Marina Bay offers visitors a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of Singapore.
Best hotels in Marina Bay
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore
Pan Pacific Singapore
ST Signature Bugis Middle
Heritage Collection on Seah
Wilby Central Serviced Apartments
2. Chinatown – Best Place to Stay in Singapore on a Budget 💸
🐲 Vibrant heritage: Chinatown is a vibrant and historic neighborhood that offers visitors a glimpse into Singapore’s rich Chinese heritage. This bustling area is known for its colorful shophouses, traditional temples, and delicious street food.
🛕 Cultural attractions: Here are some of the top attractions in Chinatown:
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: This stunning temple houses a tooth relic of the Buddha and features intricate architecture and beautiful murals.
- Chinatown Street Market: The street market is a bustling hub of activity, with vendors selling everything from souvenirs and clothing to traditional Chinese medicine. Don’t miss the chance to sample some of the delicious street food, such as satay, dim sum, and chili crab.
- Chinatown Heritage Centre: This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of early Chinese immigrants in Singapore, with exhibits showcasing traditional clothing, furniture, and artifacts.
🏮 More to explore: Other notable attractions in Chinatown include:
- Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore
- Thian Hock Keng Temple, a historic Hokkien temple
- Ann Siang Hill and Club Street, trendy areas known for their bars, restaurants, and boutiques
🚇 Well-connected: The area is also well-connected to the rest of the city via the MRT, making it an ideal base for exploring Singapore.
Chinatown offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to boutique hotels housed in beautifully restored shophouses.
Best hotels in Chinatown
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
The Clan Hotel Singapore by Far East Hospitality
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
KēSa House
KINN Studios
Atelier
Jyu Capsule Hotel
3. Orchard Road – Best Area to Stay in Singapore for Shopping 🛍
🛍️ Shopping haven: Orchard Road is a premier shopping destination in Singapore, known for its wide array of shopping malls, luxury boutiques, and international brands. This bustling area is a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts and those looking for a world-class shopping experience.
💎 Iconic malls: Here are some of the highlights of Orchard Road:
- ION Orchard: This iconic mall features over 300 stores, including luxury brands like Prada, Dior, and Cartier. The mall also boasts a stunning architecture and a rooftop garden with panoramic views of the city.
- Ngee Ann City: Also known as Takashimaya Shopping Centre, this upscale mall is home to the flagship store of Japanese department store Takashimaya, as well as a wide range of international brands.
🏪 More shopping gems:Other notable shopping destinations on Orchard Road include:
- Paragon, known for its luxury fashion and lifestyle stores
- 313@Somerset, a trendy mall popular with younger shoppers
- Orchard Central, featuring unique concept stores and dining options
🍽️ Delightful dining: In addition to shopping, Orchard Road also offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to high-end restaurants serving international cuisine.
Orchard Road is the perfect destination for those looking to indulge in a world-class shopping and dining experience in Singapore.
Best hotels in Orchard Road
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
The St. Regis Singapore
Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel
Hilton Singapore Orchard
JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La
Quincy Hotel Singapore
4. Little India – Best Area in Singapore for Alternative Culture ✨
🌇 Vibrant: Little India is a vibrant and colorful neighborhood that offers visitors a unique glimpse into Singapore’s Indian heritage. This lively area is known for its authentic Indian cuisine, colorful shophouses, and bustling street life.
🏪 Must-visit spots: Here are some of the top attractions in Little India:
- Mustafa Centre: This 24-hour shopping mall is a must-visit for bargain hunters, offering everything from electronics to clothing, groceries, and souvenirs.
- Tekka Centre: This hawker center is a great place to sample authentic Indian cuisine, including biryani, dosa, and curry. The center also features a wet market selling fresh produce and spices.
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple: This stunning Hindu temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali and features intricate sculptures and colorful architecture.
🎎 More attractions: Other notable attractions in Little India include:
- Little India Arcade, a collection of shophouses selling traditional Indian goods
- Jalan Besar, a historic street known for its colorful murals and hipster cafes
- Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, also known as the Temple of 1,000 Lights
🚉 Well-connected area: The area is also well-connected by public transport, with the Little India MRT station providing easy access to other parts of the city.
Little India offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets, from budget hostels to mid-range hotels.
Best hotels in Little India
lyf Farrer Park Singapore
Holiday Inn Singapore Little India by IHG
Citadines Rochor Singapore
Wanderlust
Owen House by Habyt
5. Sentosa Island – Best Neighborhood to Stay in Singapore with Family 👪
🏝️ Resort island: Sentosa Island is a popular resort island located just off the southern coast of Singapore, offering a wide range of attractions, activities, and accommodations for visitors of all ages. Known for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and exciting theme parks, Sentosa Island is the perfect destination for a fun-filled family vacation or a relaxing getaway.
🎢 Thrilling attractions: Here are some of the top attractions on Sentosa Island:
- Universal Studios Singapore: This world-class theme park features 28 thrilling rides, shows, and attractions based on popular Hollywood movies and TV shows, such as Transformers, Jurassic Park, and Despicable Me.
- Sentosa Beaches: The island boasts three beautiful beaches – Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach, and Tanjong Beach – each offering a unique atmosphere and a range of water sports and activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball.
🐬 More attractions: Other notable attractions on Sentosa Island include:
- S.E.A. Aquarium, one of the world’s largest aquariums, home to over 100,000 marine animals
- Adventure Cove Waterpark, featuring thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and snorkeling experiences
- Skyline Luge Sentosa, a unique wheeled gravity ride that offers stunning views of the island
- Mega Adventure Park, offering adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining and bungee jumping
Sentosa Island offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to more affordable options. The island is easily accessible by cable car, monorail, or pedestrian boardwalk from the mainland.
Best hotels on Sentosa Island
Resorts World Sentosa
The Barracks Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality
The Outpost Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality
6. Colonial District / Civic District – Where to Stay in Singapore City for Sightseeing 🏯
🏛️ Historic heart: The Colonial District, also known as the Civic District, is a historic area in the heart of Singapore that showcases the city’s rich colonial heritage and architectural marvels. This picturesque neighborhood is home to several important landmarks, museums, and green spaces, making it a must-visit for history buffs and culture enthusiasts.
🌟 Cultural Treasures: Here are some of the top attractions in the Colonial District:
- National Museum of Singapore: The oldest museum in Singapore, featuring a wide collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the city’s history and cultural heritage.
- National Gallery Singapore: Housed in the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, this stunning museum is home to the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian art.
🌉 Iconic landmarks: Other notable attractions in the Colonial District include:
- St. Andrew’s Cathedral, a beautiful Anglican church with stunning neo-Gothic architecture
- Padang, a historic open field that has witnessed many important events in Singapore’s history
- Fort Canning Park, a lush hilltop park with historical sites and walking trails
- Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, a beautifully restored performing arts venue
- Asian Civilisations Museum, showcasing the diverse cultures and civilizations of Asia
🏨 Luxurious stays: The Colonial District is also home to several high-end accommodations, such as the iconic Raffles Hotel and Fullerton Hotel.
7. Singapore River / Quays – Best Area of Singapore for Nightlife 💃🏻
🌇 Vibrant quays: The Singapore River and its surrounding quays are a vibrant and bustling area known for their stunning waterfront views, lively nightlife, and diverse dining options. The three main quays – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay – each offer a unique atmosphere and a wide range of attractions for visitors to enjoy.
🍽️ Dining & nightlife: Here are some of the highlights of the Singapore River and Quays:
- Boat Quay: This historic waterfront area is lined with beautifully restored shophouses that now house a variety of bars, restaurants, and pubs. Visitors can enjoy alfresco dining while taking in the stunning views of the Singapore River and the city skyline.
- Clarke Quay: Known for its vibrant nightlife, Clarke Quay features a wide range of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to different tastes and preferences. The area is also home to several popular attractions, such as the Singapore River Cruise and the G-Max Reverse Bungy.
🎨 Trendy attractions: Other notable attractions along the Singapore River and Quays include:
- Robertson Quay, a trendy neighborhood known for its art galleries, cafes, and boutiques
- Riverside Point, a popular shopping and dining destination
- Asian Civilisations Museum, showcasing the diverse cultures and civilizations of Asia
- Raffles Landing Site, where Sir Stamford Raffles is believed to have first landed in Singapore in 1819
✨ Must-visit spot: With its lively atmosphere and diverse attractions, the Singapore River and Quays area is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Singapore’s nightlife, dining, and entertainment scene.
Best hotels in Singapore Quays
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court at Clarke Quay
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay
lyf Funan Singapore
KINN Capsule
8. Kampong Glam – Best District of Singapore for History Lovers 🗿
🕌 Historic enclave: Kampong Glam is a trendy and historic neighborhood located in the heart of Singapore, known for its rich Malay-Arab heritage, vibrant street art, and eclectic mix of cafes, bars, and boutiques. This colorful area is a must-visit for those looking to experience a unique blend of culture, history, and contemporary lifestyle.
🔝 Here are some of the top attractions in Kampong Glam:
- Sultan Mosque: This iconic mosque is the largest in Singapore and features stunning golden domes and intricate Islamic architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the mosque’s history and significance.
- Haji Lane: This narrow, picturesque street is lined with colorful shophouses that house a variety of independent fashion boutiques, quirky cafes, and trendy bars. It’s a great spot for Instagram-worthy photos and unique shopping finds.
🏛️ Cultural attractions: Other notable attractions in Kampong Glam include:
- Malay Heritage Centre, a museum showcasing the history and culture of the Malay community in Singapore
- Arab Street, known for its vibrant textile shops, Persian carpets, and Middle Eastern cuisine
- Aliwal Arts Centre, a multi-disciplinary arts center that hosts exhibitions, performances, and workshops
- Gelam Gallery, an outdoor art space featuring stunning murals and street art
💰 Varied stays: Kampong Glam offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets, from budget hostels to boutique hotels housed in beautifully restored shophouses. The area is also well-connected by public transport, with the Bugis MRT station and several bus services providing easy access to other parts of the city.
Best hotels in Kampong Glam
Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road
PARKROYAL on Beach Road
Heritage Collection on Arab
Best Hotels near Singapore Changi Airport 🛫
This luxurious hotel is directly connected to Terminal 3 via a covered walkway.
The rooms are chic and well-appointed, with minibars, flat-screen TVs, and rain showers. Amenities include a landscaped outdoor pool. It’s incredibly convenient for travelers.
Located just a 5-minute drive from the airport in the heart of Changi Business Park, this hotel offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and kitchenettes.
There’s an outdoor pool, and the Changi City Point mall and MRT station are right next door, making it a great base.
Situated inside Jewel Changi Airport (landside), this unique hotel offers compact but cleverly designed rooms for travelers who want a comfortable place to rest between flights without having to leave the airport.
Guests love being steps away from the stunning Jewel complex with its shops, restaurants and famous indoor waterfall.
Best Areas & Hotels in Singapore on a Map 🗺
FAQs: Singapore for Tourists ❔
Which part of Singapore is the best to stay?
Marina Bay is considered one of the best areas to stay, especially for first-time visitors. It has iconic attractions like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and is centrally located near other popular neighborhoods.
How many days in Singapore is enough?
3-4 days is generally enough to see the major highlights of Singapore at a comfortable pace. However, if you want to experience more in-depth or have specific interests like museums or nature, 5-7 days would be better.
Where to stay in Singapore with family?
Sentosa Island is a great family-friendly area with beaches, attractions like Universal Studios, and many resort hotels with kid-friendly amenities. Orchard Road is another convenient central area with many malls and family-friendly hotels.
How to stay in Singapore on a budget?
The areas of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam have cheaper accommodation options like hostels and budget hotels. Staying a bit farther from the city center can also help reduce costs.
