The Best Places in Singapore During Your Trip

Singapore is among the world’s most tiny countries. This tiny country packs an impressive punch.

Singapore, home to 5.7 million residents, is a vibrant city-state. It was an independent country in Malaysia that gained its independence in 1965. It has evolved over the years from being a country of low income to one of the world’s financial centers.

The area is filled with mouthwatering hawker-stall food, Indian and other delicious cuisines, as well as fresh seafood. You can find some of most inexpensive Michelin-starred dining options in this area.

You can also enjoy many cycling routes and hiking trails, as well as many opportunities to go kayaking. There are also beaches where you can relax and soak up the sun when your energy runs out.

Even though Singapore is a tiny city-state each neighbourhood has its own vibe. Let me give you a breakdown so that you know where you should stay when visiting Singapore.

Before I go into details, I want to share some of the most common questions that I am asked about Singapore’s neighborhoods.

Which neighborhood is the most affordable in Singapore?
Kampong Glam It is among Singapore’s most historic neighborhoods. There are many shops that sell textiles, rugs and Turkish homewares. You will also find delicious Arabic restaurants, the huge Sultan Mosque with its golden dome, as well as a lot of street art.

Which is the most family-friendly neighborhood in Singapore?
There are many reasons why families love to go. Sentosa For the laidback and beautiful beaches Orchard Road This is an ideal place to be if you are looking for a central location. It is best known for its shopping district. There are many restaurants along the streets and great hotels that cater to families.

Is there a best area in Singapore to first-time travelers?
The modern Central Business District is not far away. Chinatown This is where you can get an authentic sense of Chinese culture. You will find many temples, crafts shops, stalls and restaurants along the streets. This is a great place to pick up some bargains and enjoy delicious food.

Where is the best place to party in Singapore?
You’re looking for an exciting nightlife scene? Any one of the following options might be right for you. Quays The best places to be are Clarke, Robertson or Boat. There are many bars, restaurants, and clubs in this vicinity.

Is there a better neighborhood than the rest of Singapore?
Chinatown It is located in the heart of the island and is very close to many main attractions such as its beautiful temples and hawker foods, vibrant street art and rich history.

Now that you have all the answers, let’s get started. Here is a list of every neighborhood and suggested accommodation for each.

Chinatown: Staying for sightseeing

Chinatown is my favourite area. It’s great for shopping and trying local food. The location is also central so you can easily access other areas of the island such as Gardens by the Bay and Little India.

Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, also known as Hawker Chan is the most inexpensive Michelin-starred restaurant in Hong Kong. Tian Tian Hainanese Fried Chicken Rice is another Michelin-starred Hawker Stall worth a look. It’s also located at the Maxwell Hawker Center.

The Best Places To Stay In Chinatown

• BUDGET: Bohemian – This is a super fun hostel that doesn’t take itself too seriously. This hostel is right in Chinatown. It offers capsules and dorms for backpackers and free Wi Fi. There’s also a common lounge that allows you to meet and socialize with other travelers.
• MID-RANGE: The Scarlet – This hotel in a preserved prewar shophouse (a building type serving both as a residence and a commercial business) is in a superb location for exploring Chinatown. The hotel has a roof restaurant and an outdoor hot tub. It also offers laundry and dry cleaning services.
• LUXURY: Pickering’s Park Royal – At the high end of your budget, this property has been featured in a load of international publications thanks to its luxury eco-paradise approach, including living walls on its exterior. The property has an indoor pool, a gym and scenic gardens skywalk.

The Quays: Where to stay for nightlife

Clarke and Robertson are the main Quays. Packed with vibrant bars, tasty restaurants, cute cafés, and lively clubs, this is the best place to go for a night out (or just some fun people-watching). Although the main drag is most famous for being on the riverfront’s location, there are many other venues that are less popular.

The Quays is the Best Place to Stay:

• BUDGET: Hostel in hipstercity – There aren’t many hostels in and around the Quays, but this one is clean, comfortable, and friendly. You can use the shared kitchen and lounge, and also enjoy free Wi Fi and breakfast.
• MID-RANGE: KINN Capsule Hotel – One of a handful of capsule hotels in the Quays area, KINN has air-conditioned cabins, a shared lounge, free Wi-Fi, a laundry facility, shared bathrooms, and a sun terrace.
• LUXURY: Paradox Singapore Merchant Court in Clarke Quay – With a huge outdoor pool, gym, sauna, and garden, Paradox is a luxe option for those who want to splurge and stay near the action. There is also a restaurant on the terrace and stunning views over the city from there.

Kampong Glam – Where to Stay For Street Art

Graffiti is not allowed in Singapore, however it doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of street art throughout the city: artists only need to have a permit.

Kampong Glam is also called the Arab Quarter and has the highest amount of street art. Walk along Haji Lane which has brightly painted from the top down, or walk to Gelam Gallery on the backstreet, dedicated to this type of art. Yip Yew Chhong is Singapore’s most well-known street artist. There are also some murals there.

You can also walk to Chinatown or Little India for street art.

Kampong Glam’s Best Places To Stay

• BUDGET: Keep it Simple! – In the heart of Kampong Glam in a restored heritage building, Beary Best! It is a boutique hotel offering a casual, laid back atmosphere. The hotel is self-check in and self-serve. There are shared bathrooms as well as free Wi-Fi. While the AC does not turn on from 3 to 9 p.m., it is worth the view from the roof terrace that offers spectacular views of the Sultan Mosque and its surroundings.
• MID-RANGE: Cube – Boutique Capsule Hotel – Another capsule hotel, this one is a short walk from the center of Kampong Glam. It offers en-suite rooms as well as free Wi-Fi and self-service laundry.
• LUXURY: Far East Hospitality Village Hotel Bugis – Village Hotel Bugis is at the intersection of Kampong Glam, Chinatown, and Little India, providing easy access to some of the best sights in town. There is a fitness center, an outdoor swimming pool and several restaurants that offer delicious local food.

Sentosa: Where to Relax

If you’re in need of some R&R, look no further than Sentosa. Sentosa is one of Singapore’s 64 islands and it connects to the main island via a causeway. You will find a lot of luxury resorts and nice beaches. There is also an aquarium, bungee jump, and many other attractions.

Siloso Fort was a strategically important military position during World War II. If you are looking for a relaxing break from expensive activities and resorts, Siloso Fort can be a great place to visit.

Sentosa may not be the most affordable area in Singapore as it has only resorts. However, if you are looking to spend less, then this is the place for you!

Sentosa’s Best Places To Stay

• BUDGET: Siloso Beach Resort – There’s no such thing as a cheap place to stay on Sentosa (budget travelers are better off visiting for the day), but if you really want to find lodging on the island, Siloso Beach Resort is probably your cheapest option. This award-winning eco resort features a long-standing spring-water pool, a gym and a spa.
• MID-RANGE: Oasia Resort Sentosa – A decent-sized resort, the Oasia has an in-house spa and recreational activities for guests, as well as a pool if you need to beat the heat. The bar and grill serves delicious meals and offers yoga and other wellness classes. You can also find it in an excellent location near Siloso Beach.
• LUXURY: Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa – The Shangri-La is one of the only resorts in Singapore to have its own private beach. The outdoor pool with water slides, kids’ club and spa as well several restaurants make it a complete resort. Although it is more private than other resorts, all of the activities are easily accessible. Do not confuse it with its sister hotel near Orchard Road. (See below).

Orchard Road: Where Families Can Stay

Orchard Road is well-known for its numerous shopping centers and stores that run along the entire street. This makes it an ideal place to stay for families. Although many hotels in this area are affordable, they are very family friendly. You will also find many great dining choices.

Orchard Road’s best hotels

• BUDGET: YMCA at One Orchard – This won’t be the cheapest hostel you’ll ever stay in, and it only has private rooms, but you can’t argue with its location near the National Museum and the Istana (the impressive office building for Singapore’s president that’s used to receive and entertain state guests and only opens on select days of the year). The Quays and Little India are close-by for budget-friendly alternatives.
• MID-RANGE: York Hotel – Located just off Orchard Road, this hotel has a pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant that serves breakfast every day, as well as free Wi-Fi.
• LUXURY: Shangri-La Orange Grove – Considerably cheaper than the Shangri-La on Sentosa, this hotel has a huge pool, a splash area with slides, a kids’ club, and big gardens to explore. There are many restaurants to choose from, including one that offers Western and Asian dishes, along with an Italian restaurant, and even a bar offering snacks.

East Coast: Stay off the Beaten Path

Head to the East Coast if you want to be away from the crowds. Around the Joo Chiat area is where some of Singapore’s most famous shophouses can be found; there is all manner of independent stores, restaurants, bars, and cafés to browse and hang out in. A few trails can be found, as well as cool street art, temples and decent beaches. You’ll also find a bike trail that will take you all the way to Gardens by The Bay.

The Best Places To Stay On the East Coast

• BUDGET: Venue Hotel Classic – This is budget-friendly hotel is located right on Joo Chiat, conveniently located very close to several markets with great hawker stalls. All rooms are modern and clean with AC.
• MID-RANGE: Champion Hotel – Also on Joo Chiat, this hotel is in a Peranakan (Malay-Chinese) shophouse, making it a super cute place to spend the night. All rooms come with free beverages, toiletries and Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers 24-hour security and internet kiosks.
• LUXURY: Santa Grand Hotel – The Santa Grand is another hotel that’s in a historic shophouse. The hotel is located near Joo Chiat on East Coast Road. It has its own bar and restaurant, but there are many other options nearby. There’s also a laundry facility. The rooftop terrace and pool offer stunning views.

***Although Singapore may be small, there is still plenty to do. Good news: Most attractions can be found between the middle and south islands. This means you won’t have to travel far at all to find something that suits your needs.