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Singapore
Photo: ペウゲオト., CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Singapore River forms a central artery in Singapore's densely packed Central Business District (CBD). The north bank of the river is where Raffles landed and founded his colony, and to this day many central government buildings can be found in the area. The newer south bank, laden with skyscrapers, is where Singapore's bankers make (or break) their fortunes. Between the two are the bulk of Singapore's nightspots, found along the riverside streets of Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Singapore's oldest bridge and its only suspension bridge, constructed in 1869, now a pedestrian walkway across the mouth of the Singapore River. Note the original sign forbidding cattle to cross.
The Chopsticks
Stands in memory of the civilians who perished during World War II. Mostly bypassed nowadays by underground passages, the memorial is sited above the final resting place of the remains of some unidentified war victims, part of the reason why the CityLink Mall does not travel in a straight line. The four pillars that make up the memorial represent the four main ethnic groups that make up Singapore's population; the Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians.
Singapore's official symbol, 8.6 metres tall and weighing 70 tons, spouts water daily on the south bank of the mouth of the Singapore river. (The statue previously stood further down the river, but was moved in 2002 after the opening of the Esplanade Bridge.) Designed by the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board in 1964, many a commentator has pondered on the inherent contradictions of a creature that is half-cat, half-fish. Any time of night or day, a steady stream of tourists troops up to see the mythical beast, and a purpose-built pier lets you take pictures with the Merlion and the CBD in the background. When paying your respects, don't miss the bite-sized Mini-Merlion (officially the "Merlion cub"), a mere 2 m tall, 28 m away towards the bridge.
A statue of Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, is built on the (supposed) exact spot where he first landed. Second only to the Merlion as most popular place in Singapore to take a picture of yourself, and having the skyscrapers and the shop houses of Boat Quay in the background helps to explain why! The statue here is a replica; the original can be found in front of the Victoria Theatre.
A fountain commemorating Tan Kim Seng, a merchant and philanthropist who donated money to build Singapore' first reservoir, MacRitchie Reservoir, and the accompanying system of waterworks. Arguably Singapore's most beautiful fountain, it was built in a Victorian style with sculptures depicting classical figures.
A pagoda commemorating Lim Bo Seng, a World War II hero. Lim was part of Force 136, a British intelligence operation that was established to aid indigenous resistance movements in Japanese-occupied territory. After being arrested by the Japanese Kempeitai (secret police), Lim refused to divulge any information about his comrades despite being tortured by the Japanese, and died in prison in 1944 at the age of 35.
Built by the colonial government to commemorate the British soldiers born or resident in the Straits Settlements (comprising what is today Singapore, Malacca and Penang) who died in World War I. A second dedication was later added on the other side to commemorate the soldiers who died in World War II, but without any names listed.
The British opened this field as a cricket ground. It is surrounded by several beautiful colonial buildings, including the old City Hall and Supreme Court. The field is used for numerous sporting activities, including as the main cricket ground for the Singapore Cricket Club and the Singapore Recreation Club, and hosts the National Day Parade every 5 years.
A former bunker that was the HQ of the British military forces in Malaya during World War II, now turned into an air-conditioned museum complete with animatronic figures retelling the events of the days before surrender. The nearest MRT station is Dhoby Ghaut, but it's a steamy hike up the hill.
Housed in the historic Empress Place Building, this is one of Singapore's newest, largest and best-presented museums. As the name hints, all of Asia is covered in the scope, although naturally there is an emphasis on the cultures near and in Singapore. Also hosts visiting exhibitions.
Opened in 2015 in the former City Hall and Supreme Court buildings, it oversees the world’s largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian art, consisting of over 8,000 artworks. National Gallery Singapore aims to provide an understanding and appreciation of art and culture through a variety of media, focusing on Singapore's culture and heritage and its relationship with other Southeast Asian cultures, Asia, and the world.
Built to house the 50,000-piece toy collection of local enthusiast Chang Yang Fa, the contents of this five-story building covers come from 25 countries and span over a century of "Moments of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys" (hence MINT), with everything from wind-up toys to Darth Vader masks. The exhibits are largely hands-off, though, so young children may find the experience frustrating. Guided tours (45 min) available and recommended.
Formerly a branch of the ACM, now reborn as a standalone museum dedicated to the exuberantly colourful culture of the Peranakans, the Malay-Chinese and Malay-Indian traders who had a major impact on the Straits Settlements. The three-story museum covers Peranakan weddings, religion and food with the latest in audiovisual gear. The building, a 1912 pastel blue wedding cake built as a school, is also impressive.
This grand old building has seen many important events occur within and on its front steps. It was the place of the Japanese surrender in 1945 and was also where Lee Kuan Yew declared Singapore's self-governance, and subsequent independence from the British Empire to become part of Malaysia (from which it would later be expelled). Today, it forms part of the National Art Gallery together with the adjacent Old Supreme Court.
National Art Gallery
The Old Supreme Court Building was built in the classical style, featuring Corinthian columns and an allegory of justice set below the main dome. The current Supreme Court Building is right behind and its "spaceship" structure marks quite a contrast between the old and the new. While the building itself is worth a visit, it now also houses part of the National Art Gallery.
The oldest surviving fire station that is in use in Singapore, it also houses the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery which showcases the history of Singaporean firefighting complete with antique fire engines. The station also host open house on every Saturday from 9AM to 9:50AM and 10AM to 10:50AM, in which visitors can book their visits at this link. Walk-in visits for open houses are possible if the booking quota is not full.
MICA Building
This striking Neo-Classical building catches the eye with its multi-coloured window shutters. There's an air-conditioned atrium inside which has a few art galleries and sometimes hosts performances, as part of the larger Ministry of Digital Development and Information. Somewhat fitting use of an old police station.
It was built for the Thong Chai Medical Institution, Singapore's first institute of traditional Chinese medicine for the poor. The institution moved to new premises in 1976, and the site is today occupied by a multi-level marketing company. However, the building has been conserved and is the finest surviving example of traditional Cantonese architecture in Singapore.
Singapore's Anglican cathedral and arguably the most impressive looking church in Singapore. Restoration of the historic nave was completed in 2024. In addition to English services, the cathedral also conducts services in Mandarin and Burmese.
Singapore's oldest church and part of the Oriental Orthodox communion.
粤海清庙
Also known by its Teochew name Wak Hai Cheng Bio, this is the oldest Teochew temple in Singapore, and dedicated to the Taoist goddess Mazu. Look out for the traditional Teochew architectural features of the temple, including the intricate carvings on its walls, and the distinctive "curly grass roof". What distinguishes it from typical Teochew temples in China is the large number of colourful ceramic figurines on its roof depicting scenes from Teochew opera. The temple is home to a plaque bearing the inscription "曙海祥雲" (lit. Peaceful clouds over the Ocean at Dawn), presented by Emperor Guangxu of China in 1899, making it one of only two temples in Singapore bestowed with this honour.
Once the site of ancient Malay royalty and later a British military base, Fort Canning Park now offers a mix of heritage sites, lush greenery, and panoramic city views. Highlights include the iconic spiral staircase “tree tunnel,” Fort Gate, and several WWII relics.
Home to the Speakers' Corner, inspired by its counterpart in London's Hyde Park, and the only place in Singapore where protests are allowed, albeit watched over carefully by the police. Some sensitive topics such as race and religion remain off-limits. Hosts Pink Dot SG (a 20,000-strong gathering to support gay rights) every June. Foreigners are allowed to watch but may not participate in any protests.
Built by the British in the 19th century, this was Singapore's premier arts centre until the Esplanade came and stole the limelight. It still hosts various smaller events that can't fit in (or afford) the Esplanade. History buffs may also want to do a detour: the Raffles statue in front dates to 1887, and the People's Action Party was founded here in 1954, as commemorated with a plaque showing a very young-looking Lee Kuan Yew.
Get strapped in and flung upwards with a giant rubber band at 200km/h.
Compact little gym, but there's a rooftop swimming pool, two Jacuzzis and a tennis court.
Cavernous two-floor gym packed with equipment. Busy in the evenings, but come here in the afternoon or weekend and you'll have the place to yourself.
Spread over 279 m² in a charmingly restored shophouse, this day spa offers hair removal (IPL/AFT) for women and men, waxing and skin treatments, with jazz and bossanova playing in the background.
Soak in Japanese Onsen or have a nice massage at Singapore's first traditional Japanese spa. Ask for your Japanese snacks after the treatment.
McDonald's-style fast food, only they serve vegetarian Indian food on a banana leaf instead of burgers and fries. Worth a visit for the cognitive dissonance and good food, with massive meal sets under $5.
A nicely done up Victorian-style hawker centre, but a little pricier and hence quieter than most. Quiet during the day, every evening at 7 PM a section of Boon Tat St on the south side is closed to traffic and a long row of very popular satay stalls opens, with seating right on the pavement. Fatman Satay (Stall #1) generally gets the best reviews, but there are plenty of other good eats to be found.
Popular bak kut teh specialist serving light, peppery Teochew-style pork rib soup, best eaten with salted vegetables (mui choy), dough fritters (you tiao) and rice. Usually packed, but service is fast.
Well located for late-night snacks, this coffee shop serves up tasty KL-style dark, herbal pork rib soup. $5.30 for a bowl with rice and dough fritters.
Somewhat localised but cheap and tasty Turkish treats.
This very authentic little eatery is run by and for Singapore's tiny Burmese community, many of whom are gem traders in the office block above. The food is an intriguing mix of Thai and Indian influences. Try the chicken curry weekday lunch set.
Excellent Mexican by Asian standards, with an inside restaurant area and a casual area under the canopy.
Stylish Japanese-style charcoal barbeque joint, with a vast selection of wagyu (Japanese beef) and side dishes. Vegetarians need not apply.
One of Singapore's best-regarded Chinese restaurants, dinner here can get very expensive indeed, but they're packed on Saturday and Sunday for one of the best deals in town: all you can eat gourmet dim sum made to order for $39, including soup, tea, and signature dishes like black ink squid dumplings and wasabi prawns. Reserve early.
Well-located outlet of the popular seafood chain famed for their chilli crabs, a Singapore speciality. Jumbo has another central outlet at Riverside Point, just across the river from Clarke Quay.
A real Brazilian churrascaria (barbecue), where waiters walk around with skewers of South American beef and you can eat all the meat you want. churrascos, extensive salad bar, and there's a good selection of wines, cold beer and caipirinha, the Brazilian national drink made with sugar cane.
One of the most expensive Cantonese restaurants in town, this Hong Kong-based restaurant group serves high end cuisine with an emphasis on garoupa, lobsters, prawns, and other seafood. Popular when entertaining business guests, just hope you're not the one who gets stuck with the bill.
Singapore's largest Italian restaurant seating 320, it has a pizzeria, a deli, a wine bar, and the main restaurant. Good for their pastas and pizzas, the calamari rings, and mushroom soup is also good for a start. The tiramisu is another highlight.
Singapore's first microbrewery, opened 1997 and still going strong. There are now several franchises, but this is the original. Their brews run the gamut from classic pilsners and pale ales to wacky seasonal specials (Guava Sour, anyone?), also available in handy 4-glass sampler sets ($18). Indoor and outdoor seating, with a wide range of pub grub in huge portions.
The five bars and restaurants here offer the best nighttime views of the city, but prices are correspondingly expensive ($15 and up for a drink). For a cigar and live jazz, head to CitySpace (floor 70), while New Asia is a more casual place for a drink. Entry is through the Swissotel entrance on Stamford Rd.
The favourite watering hole of Nick Leeson, the "Rogue Trader" who brought down the 233-year-old Barings Bank and was once arrested here for indecent exposure. There are now franchises all over town, but this is the original. Try the Bank Breaker, an unlikely shot of whisky and Midori, which like Leeson's escapades goes down smooth but leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. Live music most nights.
The supposed birthplace of the Singapore Sling, a syrupy sweet pink concoction of gin, cherry liquor, and other mysterious ingredients, often including pineapple juice. The two-floor bar is large and a bit of a tourist trap, but drinking a Sling at the beautifully decorated wood-paneled bar and throwing the accompanying peanut shells on the floor should be on every visitor's agenda — if you can stomach paying $36 for a premixed drink poured out of a pitcher. The current recipe is likely sweeter than the original recipe, but you can ask for a drier version. According to one historian, slings were popular in Singapore even before their supposed invention at the Raffles' Long Bar in 1915. Moreover, the Long Bar has moved from its original location within the hotel.
Very popular microbrewery/bistro at the heart of Clarke Quay. Full menu. Indoor and outdoor seating. Live music nightly (except Mondays).
In a beautifully renovated colonial house opposite Boat Quay, this has some of the best views in town and is one of only a few places in Singapore specializing in local live music. Indoor and outdoor seating.
Singapore's first cat cafe, inspired by the Japanese. Customers can cuddle cats or just watch them peacefully. However, drinks can only be consumed outside the enclosed area. Reservations are recommended as there are a limited number of people allowed at one time.
Singapore's best-known nightclub and in fact a complex of 4 spaces: Zouk for harder dance music, Capital for loungier stuff, Phuture for experimental edge and the RedTail Bar for chilling out. Prices vary per event, but start from $45/35 for men/women, usually including two drinks. The place is happening especially when foreign DJs are in town — which is more often than not! No shorts or sandals.
Very much a standard-issue, slightly older business hotel, but it's clean, comfortable and very well located.
The former King's Hotel, given a thorough renovation when taken over by the Copthorne group and now looks (almost) brand new. Tower wing rooms are good, main wing less so. The primary downside is the somewhat inconvenient location near the west end of the river, although Mohammed Sultan is within striking distance.
Formerly the Concorde Hotel, the 30-floor inner atrium is indeed impressive, but the rest of the hotel is looking old.
Partly renovated rooms, a little limited breakfast, Internet available for a fee. Really good value for money especially if you just want a place to sleep and keep your stuff when visiting Singapore.
New hotel close to Clarke Quay. Small but excellent rooms, included breakfasts, and a rooftop area with pool.
Formerly Raffles the Plaza and the world's tallest hotel, now neither but still one of Singapore's best hotels: unbeatable location, good service. The South Tower rooms are newer than the North Tower. Pool shared with the adjacent Swissotel The Stamford and thus crowded at peak times.
A hip hotel 5 minutes walk from City Hall MRT. 40 rooms and suites.
A Singaporean icon offering luxury in colonial style, founded in 1887 by the legendary Sarkies brothers, who also founded Penang's Eastern & Oriental Hotel and Yangon's Strand Hotel. Known as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling and the final stand of Singapore's last tiger, shot in the Billiards Room. Famed for super-attentive service, with more staff than guests, but it's also one of the most expensive hotels in Singapore!.
In the magnificently refurbished former General Post Office, this is Raffles' closest competitor (in price as well) with an excellent location facing the Merlion on the south side of the river; the third-floor pool has some of the best views in town. Rooms are modern in style, but starting to be a little overdue for renovation. For the best views it's worth paying a little extra to avoid the Courtyard rooms and get a Quay or better. Guests also get access to the facilities at the Fullerton Bay across the road. There is a heritage gallery in the main building which is freely accessible even if you are not staying at the hotel.
The flagship of the Millennium & Copthorne chain and the only luxury hotel at the west end, but unfortunately the pomp of the lobby and exterior are not matched by the spacious but otherwise somewhat dumpy rooms.
This large 476-room hotel has an excellent location on Clarke Quay right next to the MRT station, but the rooms are musty and those facing the river suffer from noise from partygoers whooping it up.
One- and two-bedroom suites, the property has a restaurant open for all three meals, an infinity swimming pool and also provides free IDD calls to selected countries.
A small shopping mall in the heart of the financial centre. Consists mainly of small shops operated by individual owners, which are unique to the mall.
For the novelty of an entirely underground mall that links the Riverside district to Suntec City and the Esplanade. You could go round in circles here if you don't pay attention, as the mall starts from City Hall MRT to Esplanade MRT and back again. Brace yourself for the human crush.
A place where the Burmese like to gather for a good meal of authentic home cuisine. Also notable for its concentration of specialist camera stores.
Large shopping mall directly above the City Hall MRT station. Notable for Jason's Supermarket in the basement, which has probably Singapore's largest selection of gourmet food items. Raffles City Shopping Centre covers most shopping bases, including fashion, books, music, sports, toys, eye wear and beauty stores. A haven for consumers looking for luxury items, it offers downtown shopping at its finest with a number of luxury and designer stores such as Omega, Thomas Sabo, Cortefiel, and Tommy Hilfiger, among others. Raffles City is also home to big department stores like Marks & Spencer and Robinsons, and fashion chains like Topshop, River Island, and Skyla. The mall also has a number of restaurants including modern Australian Double Bay and Brotzeit, and is connected to the Swissotel, home to the Equinox Restaurant and New Asia Bar.
Previously the Funan DigitaLife Mall, this mixed-use complex underwent a major 3-year revamp and reopened in June 2019. Some people lamented that the mall is no longer as IT-centric as it was in the past, with more beauty/fashion/food shops and fewer computer/gadgets stores. There are still a good number of camera shops for avid photographers, but no slew of 3rd-party IT specialists like before. Seems on par with Funan's new plan to be an all-in-one commercial/retail/living space for a modern crowd.
The riverside is best accessed by the MRT stations Raffles Place (North-South/East-West Lines) for Boat Quay and the Merlion, City Hall for Raffles Hotel and Chijmes, and Clarke Quay (North-East Line) for the bars and…
Read in the guideOn foot
The Esplanade/Merlion/Boat Quay area has some great views of Singapore and makes for a fine walk (or jogging trail if staying nearby).
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