Over 50 neighborhoods make up the fabric of Singapore. From the historic streets of Chinatown to the futuristic architecture of Marina Bay, each diverse district features a distinct vibe.
This Singapore neighborhood guide will take you through some of the must-visit neighborhoods around the city center. It is by no means comprehensive, but it covers the major areas you should try to see on your trip.
Let’s get into it.
Central Neighborhoods
Marina Bay
I know you’ve seen photos of Marina Bay on your social media feeds. The futuristic buildings and Supertrees might even be the reason you planned a trip to Singapore. Marina Bay is the heart of downtown Singapore. It’s home to sweeping views of the city, the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel, and Gardens by the Bay.
The neighborhood is centered around the actual body of water called Marina Bay. A walk around the bay is an essential part of any trip to Singapore.
Singapore River
Up from Marina Bay is Singapore River, the river itself and the neighborhood that bears its name. Along the river, you’ll encounter multiple quays on either side like Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay.
Clarke Quay is the most popular of the quays with colorful houses and an outdoor shopping mall. Strolling up and down the river is a great way to spend a morning or evening. The further up the river you go, the more the neighborhood lines blur but the laid-back vibe stays the same.
Civic District
On the other side of the Singapore River, further away from the quays, is the Civic District. It gets its name because of City Hall and other government buildings. The neighborhood has a mix of colonial and modern architecture.
Raffles Place and the Raffles Hotel are in the Civic District, which brings most tourists into this neighborhood. There are also a lot of malls if you want to go shopping close to the city center.
Cultural Neighborhoods
Chinatown
Chinese settlers arrived in what is now Chinatown in the early 1800s, making it the largest historic area in the city. Chinatown is also the most culturally significant neighborhood with temples, markets, and hawker centres.
Today, Chinatown is a blend of old and new with history at every corner and bustling new restaurants. You’ll want to dedicate a few hours to getting to know Chinatown. It’s my favorite neighborhood because of the architecture, culture, and accessibility to other areas of the city.
Little India
Hindu temples, Indian spices, and traditional gold jewelry shops dot the streets of Little India. The main drag is Serangoon Road. Here, you’ll find the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, the main Hindu temple that you can visit for free. Walk around the neighborhood to get a taste of Indian culture.
Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam is the Muslim and Arabic quarter of Singapore. A walk down its palm-tree-lined streets will introduce you to colorful facades and rug shops. The main sight to see is the Sultan Mosque in the center of the neighborhood.
Haji Lane is an alley-like shopping street in Kampong Glam with coffee and gift shops. People love it but be warned that it’s a bit of a tourist trap. It feels like a place that would have been popular in the 2010s for the Instagram aesthetic.
Residential Neighborhoods
Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in Singapore. The architecture of the residential homes is Art Deco with white exteriors. In Tiong Bahru, you’ll find tastefully curated gift shops, coffee shops, and bakeries. The Tiong Bahru Market is also a good place to stop for a bite to eat.
Katong-Joo Chiat
Another lively residential neighborhood is Joo Chiat. Joo Chiat draws visitors to see the Peranakan Houses, a row of colorful and historic shophouses with intricate details.
But, there’s more to Joo Chiat than one strip of colorful houses. Joo Chiat Road is lined with carefully curated boutiques and shops. It’s a great place to get brunch and wander around. Don’t forget to look up or you’ll miss the beautiful architecture of the shophouses.
The best way to reach Joo Chiat is by car because Joo Chiat Road is a long walk from the nearest MRT stop.
Geylang
In the past, Geylang was Singapore’s red light district. Today, Geylang is a foodie paradise with some of Singapore’s best eats. Go on a food tour of the neighborhood by following this NYTimes guide. The easiest way to reach Geylang is by car but you can get there via public transport, too.
Other tourist spots
Orchard
The Orchard neighborhood gets its name from Orchard Road, Singapore’s shopping street. Orchard Road has a network of indoor shopping malls with every store you can imagine, from affordable multinational retailers like Uniqlo to luxury boutiques like Prada.
Sentosa
Tourists and locals alike flock to Sentosa for a resort-style getaway. Sentosa is a man-made island off the coast of Singapore, not far from downtown. There is a beach and Universal Studios park on the island for families to enjoy.
Where to stay
Sure, you can find accommodations in each of Singapore’s central neighborhoods in this guide. But, my favorite place to stay is Chinatown. Chinatown is a great home base for exploring the city because of its proximity to the city center by foot and public transport.
I loved my stay at the Mondrian Hotel on Duxton Hill in Chinatown. It has a great view of the city from its rooftop infinity pool, a highlight of our stay.
Planning a trip to Singapore? I’m happy to answer any questions in the comments below.
More Singapore Guides
The Ultimate Guide to Singapore
The Top 10 Things to Do in Singapore
Reply