If you’re reading this, you’ve probably decided to go to the Lion City. Good for you! You’re going to have an amazing time. Singapore is one of the most eclectic and energetic countries on the planet. Filled with interesting museums, mouth watering food, and one-of-a-kind attractions, this city-state’s transformation from a low-income fishing village into one of the world’s great financial centers will be studied in history books for generations to come.
Singapore is also becoming a more popular tourist destination year after year. Singapore tourist arrivals have steadily increased over the years, mostly due the relative ease of visiting the country. Its English speaking locals, robust transportation system, and cheap hawker center fare have made it a popular Asian destination.
When I started this blog, I knew one of the first destinations I had to cover was Singapore. I had been there maybe 5 times previously and all 5 times the city enthralled me. But I decided that I wanted to gain a new perspective on the city as more than a decade had gone by since my last trip. So I started researching and organizing my itinerary for the trip, and one of the things I did the most research on was where I should stay. I scoured the internet for recommendations, and I ended up compiling a very thorough list of accommodation options, including segmenting them by price tier and noting down the advantages of staying in each of the major neighborhoods. This post is the result of that research.
You too must be wondering where you should stay during your Singapore trip. Choosing the area that is right for you will depend on what your priorities are, as well as what your budget is. As mentioned, I’ve compiled a list of neighborhoods that you should consider staying at, going into each of their advantages and listing down some potential accommodation options for each of them.
Subscribe to my Youtube channel @ Stephen Flores Travel, like me on Facebook at Passport Perspective, and follow me on Instagram / Twitter / Tiktok @StephenJFlores.
Chinatown / CBD – Best Overall Location
This is where I stayed on my last trip to Singapore. I decided to stay there after thoroughly researching the advantages of each neighborhood and coming to the conclusion that it is THE best area of Singapore to base yourself in. And after staying there, I could see why. Chinatown is a vibrant and exciting neighborhood, bursting with unique attractions and home to two of the most renowned Hawker Centers in the country. Whether it be in the daytime or at night, the neighborhood felt so alive, and that energy is infectious. I would stay here again in a heartbeat, and I feel like my experience in the country was elevated by my stay here.
I call it the best overall location mostly due to its, well, location! It’s located in a very central area of Singapore, close to a large number of attractions including the Marina Bay Sands, the National Gallery, the National Museum, to name a few. Most of the major tourist spots are within a 15-minute bus or MRT ride from Chinatown. Chinatown is also home to multiple MRT stations that service various lines, making it one of the most well-connected neighborhoods.
Come to think of it, the only areas that are kind of far from Chinatown are Sentosa, the Mandai Reserve (home to the zoos), and Joo Chiat. Everywhere else was easy to get to from Chinatown. Chinatown also has its own myriad of attractions that are worth visiting, making it easy to see why I’ve crowned it as THE place to rest your head while in Singapore.
It’s home to two of the most stunning temples in Singapore: Thian Hock Keng and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. As mentioned, two of the most famous Hawker Centers in the country, the Chinatown Complex and the Maxwell Food Center, call this neighborhood home as well. I have some posts about Hawker Centers and Food in Singapore, which you can find here and here. Couple that with the various other shops and restaurants that litter its streets and you have what is probably the most well-rounded Singapore district, another reason why it tops my list of where to stay in Singapore.
Where to Stay in Chinatown
Budget Options
- Jyu Capsule Hotel – While it is billed as a capsule hotel, there are some non-capsule rooms at this hostel too. It’s close to the Chinatown MRT station, has good reviews, and has amenities like a flat screen TV in every capsule, a lounge, and a snack bar. Perfect for solo travelers.
- The Bohemian – Located about the same distance away from the Chinatown MRT station as Jyu Capsule Hotel, The Bohemian is another great option for solo travelers or travelers on a budget. The interiors are well-designed and they have a games room and a shared lounge.
High End Options
- PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore – As far as beautiful hotels go, this one is second probably only to Marina Bay Sands in elegance. It’s got amazing reviews and incredible amenities like an outdoor pool, gym and a 300-yard garden walk. Their Collection Club rooftop bar features stunning, 360 degree views of the city.
Little India – Best for Budget Travelers
In terms of where to stay in Singapore for backpackers or budget travelers, Little India is where you want to be. It may be tied with Chinatown as having the best assortment of hostels and budget accommodations in Singapore. It also is one of the most dynamic areas of the country, tying again with Chinatown for the most authentic neighborhood in Singapore.
The main thing to do here are the Hindu temples, the two biggest of which are Sri Veeramakaliamman and the Sri Srinivasa Perumal temples. I prefer Sri Veeramakaliamman as when I visited it, it was alive with activity while Sri Srinivasa was more subdued, but both were fascinating insights into the Indian subculture of Singapore.
The district also has the Tan Tieng Nah house, an iconic colorful house located near the area’s main Hawker Center, the Tekka Center. The Tekka Center is the epicenter of Indian food in the country. Its rows upon rows of stalls can make your head spin, so if you want to find out which stalls are worth your time, read my post about Hawker Centers here. The Mustafa Center is also a good place to visit to buy any souvenirs or exchange money.
Where to Stay in Little India
Budget Options
- Wink at Perak Road – Featuring pods and family rooms, this hostel in Little India is for groups and individuals who would like to remain on the budget side of the accommodation spectrum but want something a little more sophisticated than an average hostel. Every room comes with a private bathroom, with the hostel also featuring a shared kitchen and luggage storage if you need to leave your bags before check-in or after check-out.
- 7 Wonders Hostel at Upper Dickson – Featuring a variety of dormitory rooms, this is perfect for solo travelers or those looking to save some money on their Singapore trip. All bunk beds come with a locker under the lower bunk, a privacy curtain, and plug sockets.
Mid Range Option
- Citadines Rochor – Probably one of the best (and cheapest) mid-range options, this four star hotel is hard to beat. Featuring many amenities such as a kettle, microwave, fridge, safety deposit box, flat-screen TV, and a walk-in shower, this hotel is perfect for those just looking for a place to rest for the night while also wanting a little more than the usual amenities.
The Quays – Best for Nightlife
The epicenter of all things “after dark”, The Quays are home to the city’s best clubs, bars, and restaurants, most of which are open until late at night. The Quays are also centrally located, being situated along the banks of the Singapore river. As such, this area is popular with the young and emerging adult crowd. This is where to stay in Singapore if you like to party the night away!
Revel in the nightlife of places like Zouk, Attica, and Canvas. You could also try the G-Max Reverse Bungy if you’re in the mood for a thrill ride. But for me, the attraction that makes this place special is the Singapore River Cruise. Hop on a traditional Singapore bumboat that takes you on a 40-minute cruise down the Singapore River and into Marina Bay. You’ll get great vantage points of the Merlion statue and Marina Bay Sands, and cruises go on until nighttime, making it the perfect pre-clubbing activity.
Where to Stay in The Quays
Budget Options
- CUBE – Social Boutique Capsule Hotel – Located a short walk away from Little India, Kampong Glam, and other neighborhoods, CUBE is one of the finest capsule hotels in the city. Each capsule comes with storage space, shelves, a privacy curtain, and sockets. The hotel also has family rooms available.
- RadZone Hostel – Just like the other hotels featured in this section, the location of this hostel is unbeatable. It features dorm-style accommodations, as well as family rooms. The beds in this hostel are bigger than the normal dorm beds, and each has a mirror and a safety deposit box, as well as a huge privacy curtain.
Mid-Range Option
- The Quay Hotel – Centrally located and within walking distance of 3 MRT stations, this hotel has rooms fitted with LED TVs and motion sensor lights. The hotel is located in a reformed heritage building, and has a rooftop garden that offers stunning views of the surrounding cityscape.
Bugis and Kampong Glam – Best for Mid-Range Options
This area’s main attraction is the Arab Quarter, also known as Kampong Glam. Known also as the Muslim Quarter, this is where to stay in Singapore if you’re looking for mid-range options. It’s also home to three iconic Singapore attractions that you should definitely visit.
The Sultan Mosque is the largest mosque in the country. While it doesn’t live up to the mosques you can find in areas like the Middle East, it’s still an impressive structure. Non-muslims are only allowed to view the mosque from the lobby area, but the intricately woven carpet and the beautifully adorned gold fixtures are sure to entrance every visitor, even from afar.
The two other things to do in Kampong Glam are Arab Street and Haji Lane. Arab Street is similar to the streets of Little India, featuring shops selling goods made from many different materials. But the king of the neighborhood is Haji Lane. Named after the Hajj, the holy pilgrimage all Muslims make to Mecca, Haji Lane features boutique shops and restaurants that are worth window shopping and exploring.
Where to Stay in Bugis and Kampong Glam
Budget Options
- Backpacker Cozy Corner Guesthouse – This is one of the best budget or backpacker options in Bugis. It is located near many eateries as well as an MRT station and features private rooms, with all rooms sharing shower facilities.
Mid Range Option
- Park View Hotel – This hotel features clean, well-lit rooms that each have a safety deposit box and a TV. Please note that some rooms do not have windows, but if this isn’t a dealbreaker for you then this is a solid option. They also have a cafe that serves both local and international fare.
- ibis budget Singapore Bugis – Located near the Bugis MRT station, ibis is a good option for those of you looking for a mid-range hotel with relatively cheap prices. It has all the same features of a bigger hotel, with coffee facilities and a flat screen tv in every room, as well as a private shower.
Colonial District – Best for Attractions
The “center” of Singapore is home to some of the most visited attractions in the country. I would even say that this would be my second pick of places where you should stay in Singapore. It’s well-connected, has great architecture, and has a diverse assortment of attractions that you could spend an entire day exploring.
Fort Canning Park is a nice plot of greenery that will have you forgetting that you’re in the middle of a city. The colonial architecture of places like St. Andrew’s Cathedral and Chijmes will have you spellbound. Make a pitstop to try the original Singapore Sling at the Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar, which is also the only place in Singapore where you can legally litter (you can throw your discarded peanut shells on the floor, as is the tradition in this bar)
But the main thing to do in the Colonial District is the juggernaut museums that call this place home. Those museums are the National Museum, which focuses on the history of Singapore, the National Gallery, which has the largest collection of Southeast Asian art in the world, the Peranakan Museum, dedicated to the Chinese-Malay population, and the Asian Civilizations Museum, a museum that celebrates “Asian imagination, craft, and aesthetics”.
This, to me, is why the Colonial District is the best neighborhood for attractions. This is where to stay if you really want to immerse yourself in the city’s culture. Those four museums each reveal a layer of Singapore’s identity, and I would highly recommend visiting all of them.
Where to Stay in the Colonial District
Mid Range Option
- Lyf Funan Singapore – Located in the Funan mall, Lyf Funan Singapore is a mid range option with a lot of character. Located near many of the colonial district attractions, Lyf Funan is also adjacent to the City Hall MRT station. It also comes with a shared lounge and a sun terrace.
High End Option
- Raffles Hotel – Probably the second most famous hotel after the Marina Bay Sands, the Raffles Hotel is renowned for its luxuriousness. It also contains the Long Bar, which is where the famous Singapore Sling drink was invented. Even if you don’t stay here, you need to make a stop at this bar.
Marina Bay – Best for Luxury
Home to the Marina Bay Sands, Marina Bay exudes grandiosity. It also hosts some iconic attractions and places to stay, like the Fullerton Hotel. It’s where anyone looking for luxury in their trip should turn to. It’s where to stay in Singapore if you want glitz and glamour infused into your trip.
Marina Bay’s attractions are all Singapore mainstays, starting with the symbol of Singapore: The Merlion. Located in Merlion Park, this statue of a half-lion half-fish creature has become synonymous with the country itself. The fish half symbolizes Singapore’s early history as a fishing village, while the lion half is an ode to Singapore’s nickname: The Lion City.
Across the beautifully constructed Helix Bridge is the Marina Bay Sands. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s still worth your time to peruse the shops and see Spectra, the nighttime show performed every night in front of the Marina Bay Sands. Then of course you have the ArtScience museum, designed by Team Labs in Tokyo, that focuses on the melding of science and art, told through a variety of interactive exhibits.
However, the number one thing to do here, and in my opinion the number one thing to do in Singapore, is the Gardens by the Bay. It features two glass greenhouses, the first being the Cloud Forest which contains flora and fauna that originate from high altitudes, and the second being the Flower Dome, which contains plants from every corner of the world. The Supertree Grove is also stunning, with over 15 tall vertical gardens known as supertrees dotting the park. At night they come alive in a light show that changes depending on the time of year you visit.
Where to Stay in Marina Bay
High End Options
- Fullerton Hotel – Featuring a spa, a pool, and a fitness center, among other amenities, the Fullerton is one of the best hotels in the city. It also features some luxury boutiques located within its halls, and every room is kept up to the highest standards.
- Marina Bay Sands – I think this hotel needs no introduction. Be sure to check out the adjacent mall as well as the myriad of restaurants located in the hotel. As a hotel guest, you have access to the famed rooftop infinity pool that offers amazing views of Singapore and the Singapore Strait.
Orchard Road – Best for Shoppers
Stepping onto Orchard Road feels like stepping onto a shopper’s paradise. There are over 15 different shopping malls along the street, each selling things like luxury items, electronics, clothing, and more. My favorite mall is ION Orchard, mostly due to its futuristic exterior.
A variety of restaurants can also be found here, including the famous ice cream sandwich being sold in various stands located along the road. Emerald Hill is also located here, which is where you can find some examples of the famous Singaporean shophouses.
This area also has some attractions. The most famous attraction is the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a 200 acre horticultural paradise. You could easily get lost in the park while admiring the different plants and flowers that populate it. You’re bound to see locals here, exercising or casually walking their dogs or on a run. This is Singapore’s only UNESCO Heritage Site, and it should be on every Singapore itinerary.
Where to Stay in Orchard Road
Mid Range Option
- Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard – Elegant rooms that are differently-abled accessible, coupled with its high-end design make this Mid Range option feel like a High End option. Orchard Road is just steps away from its entrance, making for a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
High End Option
- Four Seasons Hotel Singapore – Featuring a spa, tennis courts, a Michelin-starred restaurant, a 24-hour fitness center, and top-notch in-room facilities like a Bose Bluetooth speaker and universal sockets, this is a great option for where to stay in Singapore for those whose primary goal is to shop till they drop.
Sentosa Island – Best for Families
Sentosa is without a doubt the center of fun. Known for its adventurous experiences, world class attractions, stunning beaches, and for housing the country’s premiere theme park: Universal Studios Singapore, this is where I recommend families base themselves as a lot of these attractions and experiences were designed with the entire family in mind.
Ride the movies at Universal Studios Singapore, featuring films like Revenge of the Mummy, Transformers, and Jurassic Park. The S.E.A. Aquarium is a must-do for aquatic animal lovers. Arrive at Sentosa on the iconic cable car, and ride down the side of a mountain on a Luge. Other experiences include iFly Singapore, HyperDrive (a go-kart place), KidZania, Mega Adventure Park, Netopia, and the island’s world-class waterparks.
Where to Stay in Sentosa
High End Option
- Resorts World Sentosa – Hotel Ora – Top amenities of this hotel include a buffet breakfast, currency exchange services, an ATM, and concierge services. It also features a restaurant, bar, free parking, and fitness center.
- W Singapore – Sentosa Cove – This hotel features a large outdoor pool, breakfast, a rainforest inspired spa that features “a decompression area, infrared therapy, steam room, whirlpool, vitality pool, and experiential showers”, as well as some restaurants and bars. Each room comes with an LED TV and a Bose Sound System as well.
And that’s it! Have an amazing time during your Singapore Trip. I hope you’re able to pick the right accommodation that suits your needs and style of travel. Have the best time!
SUGGESTED READING:
Leave A Comment