Singapore might be one of the smallest countries in the world, but don’t let that fool you! This cosmopolitan city is loaded with contemporary architecture and colonial charm. And with less than 300 square miles to explore, choosing where to stay in Singapore isn’t tough. Just choose a place near any of the city’s most popular attractions!
Singapore is one of only three city-states in the world. The only other destinations on the planet that are both cities and countries are Monaco and Vatican City.
1. Stay in the heart of Singapore’s most popular shopping district at ORCHARD ROAD
If shopping in Singapore is number one on your holiday to-do list then staying near Orchard Road is a no-brainer. This stretch of road not only takes you to designer shops like Louis Vuitton and Gucci, but it also leads to local boutiques, trendy bars and hip cafés. Along the strip, which is located between Orchard Station and Dhoby Ghaut Station, you’ll find Paragon shopping mall, ION Orchard and Takashimaya Department Store. You’ll also be in close proximity to some of Singapore’s most historic landmarks.
Top places to see near Orchard Road
Fort Canning Park: this park in central Singapore highlights Singapore’s role in World War II. Visit The Battlebox, and explore Fort Canning Hill.
Emerald Hill: admire architecture of Chinese Baroque homes that once housed wealthy members of the Peranakan community.
The Istana: see the official residence and office of the president of Singapore. The building also serves as the working office for the prime minister.
Check In to Mandarin Orchard Singapore, Step Out to Orchard Road
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2. Soak up waterfront views, and tour some of Singapore’s best attractions at MARINA BAY
Marina Bay is as scenic as it is adventuresome. Find a hotel close to the waterfront, and you’ll be within walking distance to attractions like Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Flyer and Chinatown Food Street. Plus, you’ll be near all the quays! Pick up the vibe of Singapore’s nightlife in Clarke Quay. Chill out in a bistro by the Singapore River in Boat Quay, and unwind at sunset with wine on the wharf in Robertson Quay.
Check In to Marina Bay Sands, Step Out to Marina Bay
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3. Dine in an almost-extinct vessel before hitting the nightclubs in CLARKE QUAY
A slammin’ party hub by night and riverside refuge by day, Clarke Quay is one of the city’s most impressive hangouts. Buy tickets for a cruise down the Singapore River at TongKang | Colonial Bar & Restaurant, which offers sightseeing and dinner cruises on the last two tongkangs (traditional wooden cargo boat) remaining in Singapore.
Popular nightclubs in Clarke Quay
Zouk: this gigantic warehouse of interconnected buildings is for serious clubbers who appreciate everything from live hip-hop to local spin artists.
Crazy Elephant: enjoy live rock and cheap beer in rustic bar covered in graffiti.
VLV Singapore: sip wine and cocktails in a sophisticated atmosphere that features live music and an upscale international menu.
Popular attractions near Clarke Quay
Tan Si Chong Su Temple: admire the exquisite architecture of the Ancestral Hall of the Tan Clan.
Clarke Quay Central: shop, dine and take full advantage of the air conditioning in this fashion mall overlooking the Singapore River.
Asian Civilisations Museum: across the river from Clarke Quay, the Asian Civlisations Museum showcases Chinese and Asian art pieces and historical artifacts.
Check In to BEAT. Capsules @ Boat Quay, Step Out to Zouk
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4. Find Michelin Star street food and cheap hotels in CHINATOWN Singapore
If your holiday in Singapore revolves around traditional food and culture, then choose a cheap hotel in Chinatown and head straight to Smith Street. Along this block of souvenir shops and street hawkers, you’ll find Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice Noodle, one of the first two street food vendors in the world to earn a Michelin Star. On top of some lip-smacking Chinese street food, Chinatown also is home to some of Singapore’s most historical landmarks and attractions.
Top attractions and landmarks in Singapore Chinatown
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: explore an adventuresome rooftop garden at this Tang dynasty-style Buddhist temple and museum.
Sri Mariamman Temple: Soak up the colorful and mind-blowing ornamentation of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple.
Baba House: Tour a 20th-century heritage house to learn about Peranakan Chinese culture and domestic life.
Check In to Beds and Dreams Inn @ Chinatown, Step Out to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
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5. Spend a family holiday in a 5-star resort near Universal Studios Singapore on SENTOSA ISLAND
Sentosa Island is home to Resorts World Sentosa, which houses mega theme parks like Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark. The entire complex can be seen from Tiger Sky Tower, which offers panoramic views of the island and the Singapore skyline from a rotating cabin. Families love to stay on Sentosa Island due to its selection of resorts and close proximity to the world-renowned greens at Sentosa Golf Club.
Check In to Resorts World Sentosa – Hard Rock Hotel, Step Out to Universal Studios Singapore
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6. Take a big appetite and a fully-charged camera to the colorful quarters of LITTLE INDIA
For a rich taste of Indian heritage, food and culture, follow your nose to Little India and the Tekka Centre. This section of Singapore is a little off the beaten path, but cheap food, budget accommodations and free sightseeing tours run rampant here. Strap on your camera, and start clicking because Little India is one of the most colorful areas in Singapore, and it’s lined with historic landmarks like Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Indian Heritage Centre and the house of Tan Teng Niah.
Check In to Park 22 Hotel Little India, Step Out to Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
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7. Stuff your face with halal food while shopping for silk clothing in KAMPONG GLAM and BUGIS
Adored for its textile shops and savory halal food, Kampong Glam shines when it comes to embracing local Arabic and Muslim culture. The area is loaded with colorful silk shops, trendy boutiques and Middle Eastern cuisine, and it’s also one of the best places in Singapore to find vintage clothing and flea markets. The area drifts into Bugis, which is best known for its fashion malls and international restaurants. Backpackers and sightseers love both areas because they are packed with budget hostels, kitschy bars, shopping centers and historic landmarks.
Top attractions in Kampong Glam and Bugis
Sultan Mosque: built by a former sultan to match his high status, this religious icon is considered to be one of the most important mosques in Singapore.
Malay Heritage Centre: tour this former palace turned museum to discover the culture and history of Malay Singaporeans.
Bugis Junction: take a break from sightseeing to shop in this retail mall known for its international chains, restaurants and fitness center.
Check In to Fragrance Hotel – Selegie, Step Out to Bugis
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Source: Agoda
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