What is the best area to stay in Singapore?
By Andrea Vazquez. Jan 11, 2022
The best area to stay in Singapore is the Marina Bay Area. This part of the city centre boasts breathtaking skylines unlike any other. You’ll find yourself within walking distance of the best museums, restaurants, and all the best attractions. Undoubtedly the newest part of Singapore, the architecture resembles something from the future century. In this area, you’ll find Gardens by the Bay where you’ll be able to fully take in the wide diversity of flora and fauna, all within award-winning architecture.
Singapore is a modern metropolis, but far from being a concrete jungle, it perfectly blends its architecture and nature to create an eco-diverse city. This “little red dot” as dubbed by locals, is a melting pot of Southeast Asian heritage. A former British colony, today it’s home to over 5 million residents who are of various origins, a mix between Chinese, Malay, and Indian heritage comes together to create the Peranakan culture. The cuisine in Singapore plays an integral role in the culture. Food courts and “hawker centres” here are unique as these will specialise in one specific dish, so much so that there are hawker stalls that have received Michelin Stars for their dish.On the map, which shows the most convenient to stay in Singapore, you can see a selection of some of the best located hotels.
If you are interested in where to stay in Singapore, you may also be interested in where to stay in Ho Chi Minh, where to stay in Siem Reap, where to stay in Manila and where to stay in Kuala Lumpur.
Marina Bay, the best area to stay in Singapore
First time / Tourist / Walk Everywhere
Marina Bay is the postcard-perfect place to stay, and a must, especially if you’re only in Singapore for a short amount of time. Here you’ll find architecture like no other, and most of what makes Singapore famous today.
With a more adult geared atmosphere, walking along the Marina is like a free self-guided walking tour. From one standpoint you’ll be able to see the Gardens by the Bay, The Esplanade, the Merlion, and the ArtScience museum, all of which will also be within walking distance from you.
You can also ride the Singapore Flyer, standing 30 meters higher than the London Eye, here you’re sure to experience all the breathtaking views from a brand-new angle. At night, fine dining, exclusive bars, and lit-up skylines are what set this part of Singapore apart to ensure an upscale experience.
Other areas to stay in Singapore
Orchard Road
Shopping / One Night / 4-stars Hotels
If you’re looking to stay near the shopping district, Orchard Road has some of the best shopping in South East Asia. Whether you’re looking for upscale fashion brands or looking to keep to a budget, with each shopping centre being bigger than the one before it, there are more options than you could imagine.
An endless road lined with shopping centres along both sides, this is one of the world’s best places for shopping. Start by ION Mall, which has some of the finest luxury stores in Singapore and work your way down if you’re looking for more wallet-friendly options. Make sure to check out the sleek and modern food court at the bottom for a delicious pit stop in your shopping adventure.
From then, you can keep walking within the shopping centre and connect with Wisma Atria and Takashimaya without leaving the shops. Whatever your budget, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
Chinatown
On a Budget
For a more traditional and budget-friendly experience, Chinatown is the ideal place to stay. Here you’ll be immersed in the authentic Chinese experience, the first example of this is the change in architecture.
Shying away from the modernity of the city centre, Chinatown has older buildings in the Chinese style of the 20th century, with the ground floor usually consisting of a restaurant, shop, or traditional Chinese massage parlour, and typically housing on the floors above. Walking along the streets on weekends you’ll find a traditional market selling Chinese trinkets, the streets filled with the smell of incense that trails from the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple at the end of the street.
Stay in Chinatown and sample some of the delicious traditional desserts while you get lost wandering the street and quench your thirst with a delicious sugar cane juice, made freshly at the moment, and all no further than 15 minutes from the city centre.
Sentosa
Families / Universal Studios / A Month
Leaving the city centre, a very popular area for family visitors is Sentosa. This tiny island is a tourist’s paradise. You can reach the island by cable car and take advantage of the journey to see Singapore from a birds-eye view, or spot by Vivo City for some shopping before getting on the monorail.
Owned by Resorts World, the hotels in Sentosa are famous for providing a 5-star experience. Resort’s world is also home to Singapore’s own Universal Studios, casinos large enough to rival the world’s best, and Sentosa’s own attractions, such as the butterfly garden, The Louge, the Tiger tower, and various museums about Singapore.
If you’re looking to take in the beautiful Singaporean sun, Sentosa has four beaches that are tailored to whatever you’re looking for. From exclusive adult-only beach clubs to a water playground area for the kids, there’s something for everyone.
Singapore River
Foodies / Nightlife / Two Nights
The Singapore River is the perfect place to stay for foodies and those seeking the best nightlife. During the day, Boat Quay has many restaurants lining the Singapore river, many serving iconic traditional dishes, and all the fresh seafood you can eat.
Once you’re satisfied, you can take the Singapore River Cruise that will take you along the river to Marina Bay, giving you an excellent view of the famous “Merlion”, Singapore’s half lion, half mermaid icon.
At night, experience the mecca of Singapore’s nightlife at Clarke Quay. This area is the place to be if you’re looking for a great night out. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, head to Marquee, a sister to the nightclub in Las Vegas, it regularly hosts world-renowned DJs. If you’re after something more low-key, you only need to walk around to see the plethora of options to make your night the best it can be.
Little India
Foodies / On a Budget
Like Chinatown, Little India boasts another cultural experience without having to leave the island. Here you’ll find some of the most authentic and delicious Indian cuisines from whatever region you’re craving.
Filled with markets and winding roads that lead to restaurants and shops, it’s easy to get lost within the crowds of the town-like area of the city. Little India is also known for its great shopping finds, whether you’re looking for fabric for a traditional Sari, or a tunic to dress up your closet.
If you visit around Indian festivals such as Diwali or Holi, be prepared for it to be crowded but also the most authentic experience you can have outside of India. There’s also bound to be some live music or special celebration happening. Don’t be afraid to join in the fun and make sure to try the seasonal delicacies.
Bugis
Muslim Culture / On a Budget
An older area in Singapore to stay, Bugis is a great place to experience the Muslim culture that Singapore has to offer and is also more budget-friendly.
Walk around Haji Lane where you’ll find many shops, bars, and cafes, make sure to pay a second visit later in the day as this area comes alive in the evenings. Keep walking and you’ll find yourself at Sultan Mosque, one of several Islam religious structures around the city. Bussorah Street is another part of Singapore that will transport you back in time; lined with shophouses and colourful architecture, here you can try traditional Middle Eastern and Turkish food.
Bugis is also filled with more budget-friendly shopping, with a large mall in its centre and even a market-type concourse where you’ll find a little bit of everything you need and want.
Colonial / Historic District
Sightseeing
Looking for a more historical area? The Colonial or Historic district may be more up your alley. Here you’ll be able to take in more of British Colonial Singapore, with architecture such as St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the Raffle’s Hotel, which will have you thinking you’ve travelled back in time with its 20th-century colonial architecture.
This is also the birthplace of the famous Singaporean cocktail, the Singapore Sling, a must-try while you’re visiting. The Historic District is also filled with many museums all within walking distance from each other, whether you wish to explore the Asian Civilization Museum, the National Museum of Singapore, or the Peranakan Museum, each is filled with interesting information and artefacts that are unique to Singapore.
In the evening, take a walk towards Chijmes; not to be fooled by its gothic exterior, this once-functioning chapel is a shopping and dining area with many establishments to choose from.
Our recommended hotels in Singapore
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in SingaporeNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
