Where to Stay in Singapore (Neighbourhood Guide)

Choosing where to stay in Singapore can be a challenging part of the trip planning process. Particularly if you’ve never visit before. 

Here we breakdown each of the neighbourhoods in Singapore to help you choose where is the best place to stay. 

Not only does each area have its own unique character, but the average accommodation price can vary greatly from one neighbourhood to the next. So your trip budget will be a big deciding factor when it comes to accommodation.

Whether you’re travelling on the cheap or looking to splurge, we’ve listed our favourite accommodation options in each area to suit a range of budgets.

Let’s dive right in… 

Singapore Neighbourhoods Overview

Here is a quick rundown of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Singapore:

Marina Bay

Ideal for:

• Luxury accommodation 
• High-end shopping
• Upmarket restaurants and bars
• Close to attractions and public transport 

Marina Bay is a great area to stay for first time visitors as it’s offers a central location, close to some of Singapore’s most iconic attractions, such as Gardens by the Bay, the ArtScience Museum and the Marina Bay Sands. 

The majority of accommodation options in this area cater to the luxury end of the budget scale, so you can expect to spend a bit more on accommodation but hotels generally offer great views of the city skyline and the bay itself.

The area also offers excellent high-end designer shopping, buzzing nightlife, fine dining establishments, as well as plenty of bars and restaurants with a view.

Our Picks:

• Marina Bay Sands (Luxury)
• The Ritz-Carlton Millenia (Luxury)
• Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay (Luxury)

Chinatown

Ideal for:

• Travellers on a budget
• Close to Hawker Centres, bars and restaurants
• Plenty of hostels and boutique hotels
• Heritage architecture, temples and markets
• Close to public transport 

Chinatown is a another popular place to stay for first time visitors as it’s one of the most historically significant neighbourhoods in Singapore. The area is dotted with heritage shophouses and traditional temples like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Thian Hock Keng.

Chinatown has a wide range of accommodation options from luxury hotels, to budget hostels, boutique hotels, and charming guesthouses, and suits traveller who are looking for a taste of Singapore’s cultural, heritage vibe.

The vibrant street life and incredible dining scene in Chinatown is another great reason to stay here. There’s cheap and cheerful Hawker Centres alongside Michelin-stared venues, quaint restaurants, and everything in between.

Chinatown is one of our favourite spots to stay in Singapore!

Our Picks:

• Parkroyal Collection Pickering, Singapore (Luxury)
• Hotel 1900 Chinatown (Mid-range)
• CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel at Chinatown (Budget)

Sentosa Island

Ideal for:

• Families with kids
• Beach-goers
• Resorty vibes
• Theme parks and attractions

Sentosa Island is unlike anywhere else in Singapore. Located on the south coast, Sentosa is a fun, relaxing getaway from hustle and bustle of the city centre, offering upmarket accommodation for travellers looking for a laid-back beach vibes.

One of the main draw cards for Sentosa Island is the theme parks like Universal Studios, S.E.A Aquarium, and the Singapore Cable Car. There are also plenty of restaurants and beach clubs. This area is the ultimate entertainment destination and is a popular place for locals to venture to on the weekends.

Sentosa Island is perfect for families with small kids or teens, as it offers plenty of attractions to keep the whole family entertained. There are however, a few adults-only resorts for those looking for a quiet, relaxing stay.

Our Picks:

• Capella Singapore (Luxury)
• Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa (Luxury)
• Village Hotel Sentosa (Mid-range)

Orchard Road

Ideal for:

• Shopping, shopping and more shopping
• Finding deals on luxury hotels
• Good choice of restaurants and cafes
• Plenty of public transport options

Orchard Road is a beautiful tree-lined road packed with shopping malls offering a convenient location for travellers who want easy access to shopping and entertainment options. There’s also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby. 

Here you’ll find mostly luxury and mid-range hotels, but it’s possible to find much better deals on luxury accommodation than around the Marina Bay Area, making it a popular choice for those wanting the experience without the price tag.

Orchard Road is also well serviced by public transport, making it quick and easy to access other parts of the city.

Our Picks:

• JEN Singapore Orchard Gateway (Mid-range)
• Artyzen Singapore (Luxury)
• Quincy Hotel (Mid-range)

City Hall

Ideal for:

• Luxury accommodation
• Central location
• Easy access to public transport
• Upmarket bars and restaurants

City Hall offers accommodation in a very central location and easy access to public transport. Its proximity to parks, museums, galleries and cultural attractions, as well as its central location make it popular with both business and leisure travellers. 

The style of accommodation in City Hall area generally tends to be luxury, upmarket hotels. There are plenty of fine dining restaurants, rooftop bars, brunch cafes, and shopping nearby.

Our Picks:

• The Raffles Hotel (Luxury)
• The Capitol Kempinski Hotel (Luxury)

Downtown Core

Ideal for:

• Business travellers and those looking for a central location
• Good deals on luxury hotels on weekends
• Close to Chinatown and Marina Bay
• Easy access to Public Transport

The Downtown Core area of Singapore is centrally located with great access to public transport. This area generally tends to attract business travellers throughout the week, but is also a great option for leisure travellers due to its proximity to Marina Bay and Chinatown areas. 

The area tends to be fairly quiet on the weekends, and it’s possible to grab a good deal on upmarket hotels during this time of the week.

Our Picks:

• The Clan Hotel (Luxury)
• The Fullerton Bay Hotel (Luxury)
• Ascot Raffles Place (Luxury)

Clarke Quay & Robertson Quay

Ideal for: 

• Budget-friendly upmarket accommodation
• Vibrant nightlife and dining options
• Riverfront setting

Clarke Quay and Robertson Quayare both located along the banks of the Singapore River, providing beautiful waterfront views. There are plenty of walking paths and bridges across the river for exercising and peaceful evening strolls. Staying in this area offers a more authentic experience of the local day-to-day way of life in Singapore. 

The riverfront has a relaxed vibe during the day and transforms into a bustling hub of activity at night. There are plenty of dining options, ranging from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries, all with the beautiful backdrop of the river.

Accommodation options in Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay range from luxury hotels to boutique lodgings and apartments. This area generally tends to be more budget-friendly than nearby Marina Bay and City Hall areas.

Our Picks:

• InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay (Luxury)
• The Robertson House (Luxury)
• M Social Singapore (Mid-range)

Bugis and Kampong Glam

Ideal for:

• Arty hipster vibes
• Good range of casual eateries, cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops
• Range of accommodation options
• Well connected by public transport

The historical charm of Bugis and Kampong Glam neighbourhoods offer a vibrant and eclectic experience for travellers. The area is home to one of Singapore’s most interesting neighbourhoods offering an art and indie vibe. 

The area around Haji Lane is characterised by a labyrinth of laneways with mural-splashed walls and preserved shop houses that now serve as boutique stores, hipster cafes, and casual restaurants.

There are a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget hostels to upscale hotels, making it suitable for travellers of all types.

Situated close to the downtown core, Bugis and Kampong Glam are well connected by public transport, making it easy to explore other parts of Singapore. 

Our Picks:

• Naumi Hotel (Luxury)
• Met A Space Pod on Arab Street (Budget)
• Village Hotel Bugis (Mid-range)

Little India

Ideal for:

• Proximity to plenty of diverse dining options
• Suitable for mid-range and budget travellers
• Colourful streets and cultural vibe
• Good public transport accessibility 

A lively cultural area, Little India mainly caters towards budget travellers with plenty of budget-friendly hotels and hostels to mid-range boutique hotels.

The area is characterised by its Indian heritage, bustling with plenty of exceptional Indian restaurants and food stalls, spice and gold stores, and a range of temples, such as the famous Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. Little India is a great place to explore on foot, with the area’s colourful buildings and street decorations. 

Little India is conveniently located near other major tourist hubs and shopping districts, including Bugis and Orchard Road. It is also well connected by public transport. 

Our Picks:

• Citadines Rochor (Mid-range)
• Wink at Perak Road (Budget)
• The Great Madras by Hotel Calmo (Mid-range)