Where To Stay In Singapore First Time 2024 - 8 Best Areas
In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Singapore first time.
To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.
Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:
Where to stay in Singapore first time?
Where to stay in Singapore with family?
Where to stay in Singapore on a budget?
Where to stay in Singapore for one night?
Where to stay in Singapore for nightlife?
You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.
This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.
Enjoy!
Overview of the best areas to stay in Singapore
| Name of the area in Singapore | Description of the recommended area |
|---|---|
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This is the most popular area in Singapore among tourists and is known for its iconic skyline. You can find landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Merlion Park here. It offers luxury accommodations, upscale shopping, and an exciting nightlife scene. *You can click on the purple and blue links to directly navigate to that part of the article to read in-depth information about that specific area. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | This is Singapore’s premier shopping district with many malls, boutiques, and department stores. It’s an exciting area with plenty of food options and superb access to public transportation to further explore the city. Keep in mind that this is, similar to Marina Bay, an upscale and thus pricey area. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Famous for its riverside dining and nightlife, Clarke Quay is an entertainment district filled with restaurants, bars, and clubs. It’s also close to attractions like the Singapore River and Boat Quay. Especially during the evening, it’s one of the most exciting parts of the city and it’s a great perk if your hotel is located nearby. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Chinatown is one of the areas within the historical district and here, you can find an abundance of street food, historic temples, markets, and affordable accommodation options. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of India in Singapore’s vibrant Little India neighborhood. Similar to Chinatown, it’s part of the historical district. It’s a colorful area known for its bustling streets, aromatic spices, and Hindu temples. Again, you can find affordable accommodation options here. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | Situated in the heart of Singapore, Bugis is a lively district known for its shopping streets, cultural attractions, and diverse culinary scene. It’s also home to landmarks like the Sultan Mosque and Bugis Junction. Again, it’s a great option for the budget-minded traveller. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | For a resort-like experience, consider staying on Sentosa Island. This leisure destination offers beautiful beaches, theme parks, golf courses, and luxury resorts, making it perfect for a relaxing getaway. Many families tend to stay in this part of Singapore. |
Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓ | A great option for those who want to stay in a calm area away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Keep in mind that you’re located away from the major attractions, but the East-West Line takes you right to the tourist heart of the city. Again, families will most-definitely appreciate a stay here. |
Where to stay in Singapore first time
The best areas to stay in Singapore first time are Marina Bay, Orchard Road, Clarke Quay, and the historical districts.
Marina Bay is an upscale area home to iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Merlion Park.
Orchard Road is the premier shopping area of the city with perfect access to public transportation, but similar to Marina Bay, is a pricey area.
Clarke Quay is a premium waterfront area with an exciting nightlife scene.
The historical districts, Chinatown, Little India, Bugis are excellent budget-friendly areas with great access to public transport and many major attractions.
Each of these areas within the historical districts comes with its unique perks.
Chinatown, for example, is a street food heaven.
Where to stay in Singapore with family
The best areas to stay in Singapore with family are Marina Bay, Orchard Road, Sentosa Island, and East Coast.
Marina Bay is one of the most popular areas in Singapore among tourists in general, and it’s a bustling part of the city with major attractions at your doorstep.
Orchard Road is the premium shopping area of Singapore with the perfect accessibility to public transport, so moving around the city with kids is a piece of cake when staying here.
Sentosa Island is an island full of leisure, including several major family-friendly attractions, such as Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark.
Families who seek a calm area should stay on the East Coast, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The downside is that you have to travel a bit each time you want to visit one of the attractions of Singapore. Luckily, there is a metro line that runs straight to the city centre.
Where to stay in Singapore on a budget
The best areas to stay in Singapore on a budget are Chinatown, Little India, and Bugis.
It’s very easy to find affordable accommodation here, from mid-range hotels to hostels and guesthouses.
Each of these areas comes with its own unique characteristics.
Chinatown is a great option for those looking for street food, historic temples, and markets.
Little India is ideal for those who want to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of India with many Hindu temples to explore.
Bugis is located in the heart of the city with a diverse food scene and is home to the Sultan Mosque and Bugis Junction.
Where to stay in Singapore for one night
The best areas to stay in Singapore for one night are Marina Bay and Clarke Quay.
Assuming you arrive and leave the city by airport, you want to stay in a central area with direct access to the East-West metro line.
This line is the connection between Jewel Changi Airport and the city center.
Both Marina Bay and Clarke Quay are connected to this line, which will save you much of your limited time in the city.
From here, you can take other metro lines to visit the major highlights of the city.
Where to stay in Singapore for nightlife
The best areas to stay in Singapore for nightlife are Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Chinatown.
Clarke Quay is one of Singapore’s most popular nightlife destinations where you can find upscale bars and clubs.
Adjacent to Clarke Quay, you can find Boat Quay, which is also a popular spot to explore Singapore’s nightlife scene.
Tucked away in the Chinatown district, Ann Siang Hill and Club Street are hidden gems for nightlife in Singapore.
Here, you can find hip cocktail bars.
Ann Siang Hill and Club Street are perfect for those seeking a more sophisticated and upscale nightlife experience away from the crowds.
1. Marina Bay
Marina Bay is one of the most desired areas to stay in among tourists in all of Singapore.
That’s because the area is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the stunning Marina Bay Sands hotel and its rooftop SkyPark, the futuristic Gardens by the Bay with its Supertree Grove, and the iconic Merlion statue.
Staying in here results easy access to these must-see attractions, offering unparalleled opportunities for sightseeing and exploration.
The area is known for its wide range of luxurious accommodations, with renowned hotels like Marina Bay Sands, The Fullerton Bay Hotel, and The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore.
You can also find an abundance of dining and entertainment options.
From upscale restaurants and trendy bars to casual eateries and gourmet food courts.
Marina Bay is also home to entertainment venues like the ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands Casino, and theaters hosting world-class performances and events.
When all of this entertainment is not enough yet, there is also a proper nightlife and shopping scene.
You can also witness breathtaking views of Singapore’s skyline and waterfront.
To fully experience Singapore, staying in Marina Bay is almost a must.
But here is the downside: all of this doesn’t come cheap.
Also, compared to the historical districts, Marina Bay lacks authenticity.
In my opinion, it’s impossible to compete against this particular area.
But the costs are incredibly high and budget-friendly options basically don’t exist here.
Luckily, Marina Bay is well-connected to public transport and you can easily stay in the affordable areas and take the metro to Marina Bay for sightseeing purposes.
If your budget allows it, though, then experience Singapore to the fullest and pick a hotel here.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Singapore first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
2. Orchard Road
Orchard Road is Singapore’s premier shopping district, offering an unparalleled array of retail therapy options.
From luxury boutiques to local markets, you can find it all.
This area is located right in the heart of the city, making it an incredibly convenient location to further explore the city.
There is a huge variety of food available, from fine dining to street food stalls.
Although it mainly is an upscale area, compared to the previously recommended area, it’s easier to find something affordable while staying in the heart of Singapore.
But most of the accommodations are luxurious and come with excellent amenities, including rooftop pools and spas.
If you love to combine sightseeing with shopping, Orchard Road is the place to be.
Make sure to visit the following shopping destinations, ION Orchard, Orchard Central, and Ngee Ann City.
Within these shopping malls, there is a ton of entertainment to find as well, which makes this area far from boring.
Is there anything not to like?
This area comes with a lot of convenience, there is no doubt about that.
But being the heart of the city, traffic congestion is a huge pain in this part of the city.
It’s also incredibly crowded.
Also, it lacks authenticity, and several major highlights are located at Marina Bay.
But other than that, it’s among the most popular areas in the city for some very good reasons!
Some of the best hotels to stay in Singapore first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
3. Clarke Quay
Simply put, if you’re into nightlife, then stay as close as possible to Clarke Quay.
Yes, there are other areas that offer a good nightlife scene, but this is the main hub when it comes to partying.
You can find numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs lining the riverside.
But this area has much more to offer than a nightlife scene alone.
Clarke Quay is steeped in history, with beautiful preserved colonial-era buildings and landmarks.
Historical landmarks such as the Read Bridge, Singapore River Walk, and the iconic Clarke Quay Fountain are all located here.
There are plenty of entertainment venues and attractions to discover too, including the G-MAX Reverse Bungy and GX-5 Extreme Swing for adrenaline junkies, as well as the Asian Civilisations Museum for history buffs.
From Clarke Quay, it’s also easy to book your river cruises and guided tours to discover the historical parts of Singapore.
The area is conveniently located with several attractions and popular neighborhoods nearby.
You’re also well-connected to the MRT, making it incredibly easy to reach the areas that are not within walking distance.
Lastly, when it comes to accommodations, there is something for everyone, although the majority of the accommodation options are mid-range or upscale.
Clarke Quay is a popular area where you discover the (rest of the) city during the day, and enjoy its vibrant nightlife scene during the evening.
That also means that you can just simply have a nice dinner next to the river with spectacular views.
What is there not to like?
Due to its nightlife scene, the area does get crowded and noisy until the late hours.
Also, the area does feel incredibly commercialized.
If you’re looking for something more authentic, the historical parts (for example, Chinatown) of the city are probably a better option.
But for the majority of the tourists, this is an excellent option, especially when you want to discover Singapore during the night as well.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Singapore first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
4. Chinatown
Chinatown is part of the historical district in Singapore and an incredibly popular area among backpackers and those travelling on a stricter budget.
This area is deeply rooted in Singapore’s history, being one of the oldest and most culturally significant areas in the city-state.
When walking through these narrow streets, you can discover many traditional shophouses, temples, and other heritage buildings, making it an attraction on its own.
What sets Chinatown apart from other areas is the street food culture, although the local eateries are also a foodie paradise.
If you choose to stay in Chinatown, you have great access to other parts of the city thanks to the Chinatown MRT Station.
For sightseeing purposes on a budget, this area is simply the best.
If you have the chance to visit Singapore during Chinese New Year or during the Mid-Autumn Festival, you’re in for a treat.
During these times, you can experience a unique, cultural event that you won’t find elsewhere easily.
Aside from being a historical, cultural, and culinary highlight, Chinatown also offers several landmarks that are worth visiting.
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, and Thian Hock Keng Temple are absolute must-visits.
You can also discover several local markets and around Ann Siang Hill and Club Street, you find a decent nightlife scene with hip cocktail bars.
So far, Chinatown sounds like an ideal candidate as a base for discovering Singapore.
But keep in mind the following aspects.
First of all, it lacks modern amenities.
Secondly, many guesthouses can most definitely use an upgrade.
Lastly, the area is crowded and noisy.
To be honest, this area mainly attracts budget-conscious travellers.
I won’t say that Chinatown is a bad area, but when you travel as a couple or family, there are simply more comfortable areas to stay at.
But you will visit Chinatown during your visit to Singapore no matter where you stay, simply because it’s such an important and interesting part of the city.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Singapore first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
5. Little India
Little India is also part of the historical districts and as the name already suggests, you can find it’s an Indian enclave within Singapore.
That means that it’s a vibrant and colorful neighborhood that bursts with aromatic spices, an incredible food scene, Hindu temples, lively markets, traditional clothing stores, and Indian culture.
Those who love Indian food are in for a treat.
From street food stalls selling savory snacks like samosas and dosas to fine dining restaurants serving aromatic curries and tandoori dishes, there’s something to satisfy every foodies’ palate.
The area is home to several historical landmarks, including the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, and the colorful House of Tan Teng Niah.
What sets Little India apart from the other historical areas is that it’s known for its shopping culture.
You can find anything here from traditional Indian clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts to modern electronics and household goods.
The Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour shopping mall, is a popular destination for bargain hunters.
Little India is located close to the city center and is well-connected to other popular parts of Singapore via the MRT.
So, exploring the highlights of Singapore is a piece of cake.
If you have the chance to visit Singapore during the Diwali (Festival of Lights) and Thaipusam, make sure to visit or stay in Little India.
Little India is even budget-friendlier than Chinatown, making it the ideal base for those travelling on a tight budget.
What’s not to like?
Similar to Chinatown, the area lacks modern amenities and the guesthouses can most definitely use an upgrade.
Also, it’s a loud area.
But it’s most definitely a unique area that attracts the type of traveller that doesn’t want to stay in an overly luxurious area
Some of the best hotels to stay in Singapore first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
6. Bugis
Bugis is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Singapore’s Malay, Arab, and Peranakan communities.
It’s located centrally and you have great access to the historic areas as well as the modern parts of the city.
What Bugis really is known for is its shopping facilities.
A few decades ago, Bugis Street underwent major redevelopment, with shopping malls, restaurants, and nightspots growing like mushrooms.
And instead of offering solely luxurious items, the shopping malls are far more accessible for the majority of people compared to Orchard Road.
This also reflects on the accommodation options in this part of the city, there is something for every type of traveller.
It’s a clean and modern part close to the historic district and a true shopping paradise.
It attracts many people, both tourists and locals and that means that there is plenty of things to do.
It’s known for its street food, especially around Bugis Street Market.
But you can also find many bars and clubs in this part.
For those who want to stay in a mid-range hotel, somewhere centrally, with excellent access to public transport, Bugis is a fantastic option.
Those seeking a more upscale experience should stay at Marina Bay or Orchard Road.
Those seeking a budget area should stay in Chinatown or Little India.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Singapore first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
7. Sentosa Island
If you’re looking for a resort-like atmosphere with luxurious accommodations, beautiful beaches, and world-class attractions, then Sentosa Island is the area that you’ve been looking for.
Staying on this island means that you can enjoy a relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Here, you can find the Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and the iconic Sentosa Merlion.
You can also find several world-class golf courses and luxurious spa resorts.
Sentosa Island is also known for its beautiful beaches, including Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach, and Tanjong Beach.
When you combine all these things together, you have the perfect family-friendly base where young and old can fully enjoy their stay in Singapore.
Despite its island setting, Sentosa is easily accessible from mainland Singapore via various modes of transportation, including cable car, monorail, and shuttle bus.
The whole area is designed for leisure and a carefree holiday.
Is there something not to like?
First of all, it lacks the “Singapore-experience”.
It’s an isolated island that doesn’t make you feel that you’re in Singapore.
The street food, the skyscrapers, the historical districts, you won’t experience any of that on the island.
Some people hate it, some tourists truly seek that experience.
For me personally, I love to stay in an area where I can explore the city on foot the moment I step out of the hotel.
But these are personal preferences.
Secondly, all of this doesn’t come cheap.
This resort-like island is simply expensive.
On the other hand, it comes with all the luxury, comfort, and modern amenities you can think of to fully enjoy your stay in Singapore.
Couples and especially families will most-definitely have a pleasant stay when staying in this part of Singapore.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Singapore first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.
8. East Coast
The last area that I recommend is Singapore’s East Coast.
This area is ideal for those who want to stay in a calm area.
Contrary to the previously recommended area, you won’t find any major attractions or entertainment venues here.
It’s mostly a residential area and caters to families.
There are several parks, including East Coast Park, one of the largest in the city.
It’s the ideal area for those seeking some peace after a full day of exploring the somewhat organized chaos of the city center.
Families can also spend the day at Wild Wild Wet, a water theme park located within Downtown East, or visit the Singapore Zoo.
One of the benefits of staying a bit away from the city center is that you have quite some spectacular views of the city’s skyline.
And just to be clear, you can easily reach the city center with the MRT as there is a direct line from the East Coast to the heart of city.
What’s not to like?
Well, these are obvious when staying away from the city center: there are fewer things to do, there are no major highlights within its area, and you always have to travel by MRT when you want to visit the city center and its attractions.
Some of the best hotels to stay in Singapore first time in this particular area are listed below:
Agoda is part of Booking.com, and is the best option for booking a hotel in Asia. They often offer significantly cheaper options compared to their competitors, including Booking.com. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.