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When planning a trip, choosing the best area to stay in Singapore can significantly enhance your experience in this dynamic city-state. With its futuristic engineering marvels and spectacular skyline, Singapore is a top destination for travellers.
Whether you desire a lively district close to shopping and dining, a calm spot with quick access to nature, or culturally immersive surroundings, finding the best area for tourists to stay in Singapore is the key to a memorable visit.
Let Dimaak Tours guide you through the best areas to stay in Singapore, highlighting their distinct features to help you make the best choice for your travel needs.
Orchard Road, Singapore
If shopping is high on your list, Orchard Road is one of the best areas to stay in Singapore.The name of this road comes from the orchards and plantations that once characterised the district, which later transformed into the commercial epicentre it is today.
Orchard Road plays a momentous role in Singapore’s cultural and social life. During festive seasons like Christmas and Chinese New Year, the street comes live with decorations and lights, attracting visitors worldwide.
Orchard Road is meant for tourists who love the city’s lively spirit. Along this famous street, you’ll find well-known shopping spots like ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City, and Paragon. Whether you’re after luxury brands, high-street fashion, or the latest gadgets, it’s all here.
Popular among tourists for its familiarity and friendliness, it offers a warm welcome with its vibrant atmosphere and endless possibilities. As you stroll down this iconic street, you will find a mix of futuristic malls, cosy cafes, charming local boutiques, and renowned international chains alongside exquisite fine dining spots.
Things to do in Orchard Road, Singapore
- Shop at Iconic Malls
- Explore Orchard Road’s History
- Visit Orchard Central
- Relax at the Singapore Botanic Gardens
- Experience Orchard Road’s Seasonal Events
Budget-Friendly Hotels |
Luxury Hotels |
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Holiday Inn Express Singapore Orchard Road, an IHG Hotel |
Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel |
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JEN Singapore Tanglin by Shangri-La. |
Hilton Singapore Orchard |
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Goodwood Park Hotel |
The St. Regis Singapore |
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Quincy Hotel Singapore by Far East Hospitality |
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore |
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Voco Orchard Singapore, an IHG Hotel |
Pan Pacific Orchard |
Clarke Quay, Singapore
Clarke Quay is the heartbeat of Singapore’s nightlife. Located on the riverside, the docks have a colourful mix of old buildings where you can enjoy late-night dining, lively bars, and great music.
This was the city’s commercial centre during the 19th century. The beautiful architecture and the riverside make it the best area for tourists to stay in Singapore. The best time to visit Clarke Quay is at night when the lights and dazzling environment combine perfectly. If you like to be at the centre of the hustle and bustle of the city, then booking your stay in this area is the best in Singapore.
Clarke Quay is actually located in central Singapore, making it easier for tourists to explore other parts of the city. The architecture is beautiful, and you can easily spend a whole day wandering around the Riverside area.
Things to do in the Clarke Quay Area, Singapore
- Spend an evening at the riverside.
- Explore the Asian Civilisations Museum
- Explore the Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles
- Party through the night at Zouk
- Visit the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery
- Enjoy a Singapore River cruise
- Visit Fort Canning Park
- Try the G-Max Reverse Bungy
- Visit the Hong San See Temple
- Shop at the Clarke Quay Central Mall
Luxury Hotels |
Budget-Friendly Hotels |
| The Fullerton Hotel Singapore | Hotel 81 – Chinatown |
| Swissotel Merchant Court Singapore | The Quay Hotel |
| The Peninsula Excelsior Hotel | Hotel YAN |
| Park Regis Singapore | ST Residences Novena |
The Central Business District (CBD), Singapore
The Central Business District (CBD) is Singapore’s commercial and financial epicentre. Home to some of the world’s most prestigious companies and financial institutions. CBD is also the best area for a family to stay in Singapore.
The CBD offers a mix of historical attractions, modern architecture, and lively nightlife, making it an ideal spot for a well-rounded family itinerary.
Due to its prime location and commercialised setting, dining options and entertainment venues can be easily found in the CBD, from fine dining to casual eateries. But as it is geared towards business and tourist areas, you might miss out on the local flavours.
Things to Do in Central Business District, Singapore
- Visit the Raffles Place
- Enjoy the scenic view of the Singapore River
- Visit the Asian Civilisation Museum
- Visit the Singapore Art Museum
- Visit the National Museum of Singapore
Luxury Hotels |
Budget-Friendly Hotels |
| The Fullerton Hotel Singapore | Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen |
| Raffles Hotel Singapore | Hotel G Singapore |
| The Ritz-Carlton | Holiday Inn Express |
| Millenia Singapore | Singapore Clarke Quay |
| The St. Regis Singapore | Champion Hotel City |
Chinatown, Singapore
In 1821, Chinatown came into existence when people from Xiamen settled in Singapore. A reflection of Singapore’s Chinese heritage is visible in Chinatown. It is rich in history and culture, and you will be mesmerised by Chinese colonies and architecture.
Explore temples, heritage centres, and historic buildings, which sell everything from traditional Chinese goods to modern fashion. Souvenir shopping is the best thing to do in this area, starting from just 1 SGD. Chinatown is also popular for food lovers, as the hawker centres treat tourists’ taste buds at reasonable prices, making it a cheap place to stay in Singapore.
Things to Do in Chinatown, Singapore
- Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
- Visit Sri Mariamman Temple
- Visit Thian Hock Keng Temple
- Enjoy local cuisine at Maxwell Food Centre
- Enjoy local cuisine at Chinatown Complex Food Centre
- Shop in Pagoda Street Market
- Shop in Smith Street
- Visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre
Luxury Hotels |
Budget-Friendly Hotels |
| The Scarlet Singapore | Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen |
| Hotel 1887 | Hotel 81 Chinatown |
| The Club Singapore | Chinatown Hotel |
| Hotel Mono | Pod 51 |
| The Fullerton Hotel Singapore | Hotel G Singapore |
Little India, Singapore
Little India replicates India in its true essence, from its colourful neighbourhood to the divine blessing of temples and the aromatic spices that tempt you to try Indian cuisine. The smell of incense offered in temples and houses, the colourful dressing, the architecture and the stores are just some of the things that make it so unique. And the list goes on.
Little India is one of Singapore’s most distinctive neighbourhoods. Indianness and its warmth can be seen with friendly faces moving all around, making it easy to feel at home even if you’re just passing through. For its affordability in this expensive country, Little India tops the list of the best areas to stay in Singapore.
Things to Do in Little India, Singapore
- Shop at Mustafa Centre
- Dine in at Tekka Market
- Shop at Serangoon Road
- Shop at Little India Arcade
- Visit the Singapore Indian Heritage Centre
- Take blessings in Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
- Offer a prayer at the Abdul Rahman Mosque
Luxury Hotels |
Budget-Friendly Hotels |
| One Farrer Hotel | Mayo Inn |
| The Vagabond Club, Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel | Holiday Inn Express Singapore Serangoon, an IHG Hotel |
| Andaz Singapore – A Concept by Hyatt | Hotel NuVe Urbane, Lavender |
Sentosa Island, Singapore
Sentosa Island is the southern tip of Singapore, is a hub of fun and adventure. It is a perfect vacation destination because it has everything tourists need, from clean and serene beaches to amusement parks and luxurious resorts.
Beaches like Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach offer the utmost peace. On the other hand, fun-adventure stops such as Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and Wings of Time give tourists the best time.
Sentosa Island is one of the best areas to stay in Singapore with family as it caters to everyone’s needs. Kids can enjoy their fantasy world in Universal Studios, while parents can enjoy rides, shopping, dining, and make lasting memories together.
Things to do on Sentosa Island, Singapore
- Universal Studios Singapore
- S.E.A. Aquarium
- Adventure Cove Waterpark
- Sentosa 4D AdventureLand
- Trick Eye Museum
- Sentosa Nature Discovery
- Fort Siloso Sentosa Merlion
- Skyline Luge Sentosa
- Sentosa Golf Club
- KidZania Singapore
- Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom
- Palawan Pirate Ship
Luxury Hotels |
Budget-Friendly Hotels |
| Capella Singapore | Sentosa Islander Hotel |
| W Singapore – Sentosa Cove | Resorts World Sentosa – Festive Hotel |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore | Hotel Michael |
| Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa | Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa |
Arab Quarter, Singapore
Brimming with unique architecture and local charm, this lively district makes it the best place for tourists to stay in Singapore. Many cafes and brunch spots will impress you with a café setting bigger than in many other Asian areas.
Arab Quarters is filled with colourful, charming shophouses and lively streets where tourists can explore markets and shops selling textiles, souvenirs, and traditional crafts. Haji Lane is particularly famous for its boutique shops and street art.
This beautiful neighbourhood serves the best Middle Eastern cuisine, and it hosts various cultural festivals and events throughout the year, which can offer unique and enriching experiences. It’s no wonder Arab Quarters is considered one of the top areas to stay in Singapore.
Things to Do in the Arab Quarter, Singapore
- Shop for textiles and fabrics
- Explore Sultan Mosque
- Try the Middle Eastern cuisine
- Shop for handicrafts and souvenirs
- Discover street art and murals
- Visit the Malay Heritage Centre
- Visit the Singapore Art Museum
- Visit the Peranakan Museum
Luxury Hotels |
Budget-Friendly Hotels |
| Hotel Clover 769 North Bridge Road | The Pod @ Pasir Ris |
| Andaz Singapore. | Hotel 81 – Bugis |
| PARKROYAL on Beach Road | Hotel G Singapore |
| Naumi Hotel | Jayleen 1918 Hotel |
| The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore | Marrison Hotel |
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Marina Bay Sands is the most preferred area for tourists to stay in Singapore. Located in the heart of Singapore, it is an architectural marvel with its iconic three-tower structure and rooftop infinity pool, presenting astonishing views of the city skyline.
The lavish property provides top-tier luxuries, including spacious rooms, world-class dining options, a large casino, and a rooftop bar, making it the best area for tourists to stay in Singapore. In addition, you have shopping, dining, and entertainment options, allowing you to discover local art and explore nearby attractions such as Clarke Quay, Raffles Place, and Orchard Road.
Things to do in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
- Swim in Infinity Pool
- Visit the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
- Take the Marina Bay Sands Boardwalk
- Try your luck at Marina Bay Sands Casino
- Visit rotating exhibitions at the ArtScience Museum
- Shop at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
- Watch the Light and Water Show “Spectra,”
- Explore the Sands SkyPark Gardens
Conclusion
By selecting the best area to stay in Singapore, you can blend convenience, culture, and comfort tailored to your choices. Each area has its unique charm, and more than 45 places are there to visit in Singapore, which will make your trip memorable.
Also, the hawker centres in Singapore are the must-go places to discover the local cuisine. Whether you’re drawn to the lively energy of Orchard Road, the luxury of Marina Bay, the cultural richness of Chinatown and Little India, or the family-friendly environment of Sentosa, there is a perfect area to suit every type of traveller.
So, why wait? Plan your trip to Singapore with Dimaak Tours, take advantage of the discounts, and enjoy your vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Areas to Stay in Singapore
What are some cheap areas to stay in Singapore?
Ans: Areas like Little India, Chinatown, or Geylang are some of the cheap areas to stay in Singapore. These neighbourhoods offer a range of affordable hostels and budget hotels without compromising on convenience or local flavour.
What is the best area to stay in Singapore?
The best area to stay in Singapore depends on your preference type. For a central location with easy access to major attractions, Orchard Road and Marina Bay are excellent choices. For a more unique experience, neighbourhoods like Little India, Arab Quarters or Chinatown provide unique cultural insights.
What are the areas in Singapore where families can stay?
Areas like Orchard Road offer family-friendly hotels, and Sentosa Island offers many adventure activities. The Marina Bay area is also ideal, with attractions like Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer nearby.
What is the best area to stay in Singapore with your family?
For a family-friendly stay, consider the Marina Bay Sands area or Sentosa Island, as they are full of many things to do. Marina Bay Sands provides luxurious family suites and easy access to attractions, while Sentosa Island offers a range of family-oriented resorts and entertainment options.
What is the best area to stay in Singapore for Indian travellers?
Indian travellers will enjoy staying in Little India, where they can find familiar cuisine, shops, and cultural experiences. The area is energetic and provides easy access to various attractions, making it a comfortable choice for those seeking a touch of home while exploring Singapore.