The 13 best neighbourhoods in Singapore
The must-visit parts of Singapore to add to your travel itinerary
Singapore is easily one of the best cities in the world, according to travellers and residents alike. Whether you're a photographer or a tourist, Singapore has something for everyone. As a small city/country, Singapore has a lot to see and do across its vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods. Here are the best neighbourhoods to check out on your Singapore trip.
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Orchard Road
If you're looking for a wonderful spot to stay in Singapore, Orchard Road is the place to go. It's easy to see why Orchard Road is one of Singapore's most sought-after areas by simply strolling down the street. It's a gorgeous boulevard with stunning architecture that is both modern, appealing, and filled with nature. Taking a leisurely stroll down Orchard Street is a great way to soak in a bit of the city's rich and famous atmosphere.
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Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay, which sits between Orchard Road and Marina Bay Sands, and the neighbouring riverbank neighbourhood is a great option. If you're looking for a spot to relax and unwind while still being close to the action, this is the place for you. Clarke Quay is Singapore's premier nightlife and dining destination.
Just a short walk away, the Riverside and Robertson Quay areas offer a more restrained version of the same experience. An eclectic mix of historic colonial-style shops, financial buildings, and spectacular Chinese junks have been transformed into a nightlife district. Find some of Singapore's most beautiful colonial architecture at the mouth of the river.
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Tiong Bahru
In spite of its proximity to the heart of the city, this neighbourhood has managed to maintain a laid-back vibe thanks to its independent stores and traditional pace of life. A couple of Tiong Bahru's mainstays are Books Actually (an independent bookstore and press) and Forty Hands (third wave coffee shop). Strangelets, a Singapore souvenir and home decor business, is also a favourite for tourists.
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Joo Chiat Road
Geylang's red light area encroaches on Joo Chiat Road, which has become a hipster hangout thanks to international bars and restaurants serving everything from American BBQ to pizza. If you're in the mood for something a little more ‘Singaporean’, consider one of the many excellent Vietnamese eateries in the area – Singapore is something of a melting pot of Asian cultures and cuisines.
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Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the most unique parts of Singapore and is always full with people and activity. With dozens of excellent restaurants, quirky shops and a plethora of colourful sights, this area is a must-see for anybody visiting Singapore. Chinatown is also one of Singapore's best places to stay because of its architecture and cuisine, making it one of Singapore’s most popular neighbourhoods
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Keong Saik
On the outskirts of Chinatown you’ll find Keong Saik. Those who have grown bored of Club Street's hedonistic atmosphere can be found in this neighbourhood. Crawl from bar to cafe to bar again or check out the latest labels in the pop-ups that have moved into the old storefronts.
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Bukit Timah
Bukit Timah is an area located in the Central Region of Singapore. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists due to its natural environment and rich history. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, the first official nature reserve in Singapore, is one of its main attractions.
This reserve covers a large area of primary forest and boasts many rare plants, birds and animals. The National Parks Board also operates two other attractions in the vicinity - The Rail Mall and the Bukit Timah Bicycle Trail. In addition, the Bukit Timah Saddle Club provides horseback riding lessons as well as recreational facilities.
Aside from this, there are plenty of shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas and more located near by making it easy to explore this vibrant area of Singapore. All in all, Bukit Timah offers something for everyone - a tranquil escape into nature or an exciting exploration through its various attractions.
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Sentosa Island
This amazing man-made island was designed for fun and relaxation. You can find beaches, activities, and the Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island in Singapore.
Sentosa Island is the city's most fascinating playground, with clean golden sandy beaches, elegant resorts and big theme parks, all within walking distance of each other.
Relax on the lovely beaches, ride the Sentosa Luge, or maybe spend a day at Universal Studios Singapore and see your favourite movie and TV characters up close and personal!
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Jalan Besar
Jalan Besar, which is located near Little India and will soon have its own MRT station on the Downtown Line, is home to a surprising concentration of stylish cafes and bars. Whether you're looking for artisan beer, dim sum, coffee shops, or bakeries, this neighbourhood has a little bit of something for everyone.
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Little India
Singapore has a very large Indian and Indian heritage population, so it’s no surprise there’s an entire district where you can feel like you’ve stepped into the most vibrant parts of India. Remember to visit Haji Lane, which is one of Singapore's tiniest streets. With its street art and vintage-inspired stores, the area attracts a large number of tourists. Fashionistas will be in heaven here!
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Marina Bay
The Marina Bay area of Singapore is home to some of the city's most well-known landmarks. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore's most famous building, is located here, and a visit to the city isn't complete without a drink at the skybar at the top of the building. In addition to 5-star hotels and Michelin star restaurants, the Marina Bay area has a slew of high-end boutiques and restaurants that cater to the affluent.
Another must-visit attraction is Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. This unique park and botanical gardens is incredible, with millions of plant species and a ‘Supergrove’ of gigantic trees that shine a new perspective on the city.
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Holland Village
Located near the Botanic Gardens and just outside Orchard, Holland Village is an expat area that has gradually become popular with young Singaporeans. Lorong Mambong and Lorong Liput were once home to a large Dutch community, and many businesses built up to cater to these families. Upper-class expatriates continue to populate the area, with restaurants and pubs catering to their needs.
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Kampong Glam and Bugis
Singapore's Arabic and Muslim culture may be found in Kampong Glam and Bugis. The markets and bazaars are teeming with vendors and businesses selling Arabic-infused items and food. There is always something to do in these neighbourhoods. Those who enjoy Turkish and Lebanese cuisine should visit the area's restaurants, which include mosaics of blue tiles and shisha pipes; visitors can eat halloumi and pitta bread with hummus while sipping mint tea at the cafes in the neighbourhood. The beautiful design of the local Hindu temple is also indicative of the area's Hindu heritage.
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