Best Neighborhood to Stay in Singapore

Best Neighborhood to Stay in Singapore

Picking the right accommodation location is one of the most important parts of planning a vacation. What can your budget allow? What kind of vibe are you looking for? What do you want to be near? Whether you're looking for a mix of things, or are more specifically target one parameter, we've got you covered.

Below, we've collated the best neighborhoods to stay in when you visit Singapore. So, whether you're looking to be by the city's most famous landmarks, in the thick of Singapore's nightlife, or want something a bit more traditional, we've found districts that will fit you like a glove. So read on, and find the perfect place for you!

Including

  • Marina Bay
  • Riverside
  • Downtown
  • Orchard Road
  • and more!
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Marina Bay

Bringing your family to Singapore? Then Marina Bay is arguably the best neighborhood for you and your clan to stay in. Though it may err on the pricier side, if you're bringing the entire family to the city, you probably have the cash to burn.

Location-wise, you'll be in the thick of the action. Marina Bay is a stone's throw from Clarke Quay and the Civic District, so you'll find plenty to keep busy. Plus, one of Singapore's top attractions, the Gardens by the Bay, is right on your doorstep.

If you can, book a room at the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Not only are the rooms exquisite, but you'll also have easy access to the hotel's wonderous infinity pool.

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Riverside

Leaving the little ones at home and looking to explore the city's after-dark samplings? Look no further than Riverside. Here, you'll find Singapore's hub of nightclubs, bars, and affluent restaurants.

The once-busy docks have been transformed into Singapore's hippest evening area. Not only will you find plenty of rooftop bars where you can soak up some rays or see in the sunset, but you'll also don your dancing shoes at one of the area's many discotheques. Boogie woogie, and all that.

However, like Marina Bay, Riverside is on the dearer side of Singapore neighborhoods. Many of the city's top restaurants and night haunts are located there, and you'll be paying a premium to sample their delights. It's also the busiest district for tourism, so if you travel during peak season, expect to be rubbing shoulders with plenty of other travelers.

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Downtown

Singapore's financial district is, understandably, the city's most expensive place to stay. Reserved for traveling business people and the many clients they're visiting, accommodation can be on the pricier side. However, if you can afford it or are in town for business, why not splash the cash? Some of the city's best hotels are housed within, so if you've got it, why not flaunt it?

Stacked with skyscrapers and futuristic designs seen in shows like Westworld, you'll find plenty of photo ops around Downtown. But don't worry; it isn't all glass, steel, and concrete. In fact, you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities and even parks if you need to take a verdant break.

And yes, while most hotels are relatively expensive, hunt about, and you might find cheaper deals on some more reasonable places.

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Orchard Road

Calling all shoppers. Do you have expensive taste? Do you accept nothing but the biggest and best labels adorning your body and accessories? If you answered yes, then Orchard Road is the best neighborhood to stay in while visiting Singapore!

Even if you're not in the market for a new coat or bag, there are still plenty of reasons to stay in the area. You'll find classy cafes, wonderful restaurants, and smaller boutique stores where you can pick up unique items you won't find on the high street. And, when you finally hit your overdraft and have too much to bring back with you, you'll find easy connections to other parts of the city.

So, if you need to shop but also want a dazzling locale as your base of operations, check out Orchard Road.

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Chinatown

While we've mainly covered the higher end of budgets when it comes to neighborhoods in Singapore, you needn't break the bank to get the best. In fact, if you're looking for a more authentic cultural experience where rents are cheap, and food is affordable, you can't do much better than Chinatown.

A little piece of China in the heart of Singapore, Chinatown also offers all the wonderful delicacies you can expect from a little slice of the east. Food stalls selling myriad Chinese dishes and street food; welcoming shops full of cultural items and knickknacks, as well as great connections to some of the more expensive parts of the city. If you're not looking to break the bank and desire a bit of peace with your accommodation, Chinatown is more than worth a look.

Plus, you'll even find the city's cheapest Michelin-star restaurant within, so you can dine like a king without flogging the crown jewels.

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Little India

If you like the idea of Chinatown but prefer your cuisine with a little added spice, say hello to Little India. As a location, it shares many of the same benefits as its eastern partner, with cheaper rents, affordable food, and plenty of authentic shops and experiences to discover.

Food-wise, however, expect to find plenty of traditional offerings; curries of all shapes and sizes, pakora, vada pav, and many more. And, as it's located close to some of Singapore's best shopping districts, you'll have plenty of reasons to head out and explore, should you wish to.

And those are our picks of the best neighborhoods to stay in during your Singapore vacation! Now that you know where to set up your base camp, you'll need to plan the rest of your trip. If you're suffering from choice paralysis, let Go City ease your woes! Thanks to our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits and make huge savings while you're at it!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Singapore in April

Spring into spring in Singapore! If you’re wondering where to go in April, it’s the perfect destination for guaranteed sunshine, plus endless ways to have fun - from family friendly activities to traditional festivals, natural wonders to urban adventures. With most schools around the world taking a break from class, April is the perfect time for a family vacation to discover Singapore’s mesmerising mix of vibrant city life, cultural diversity, lush rainforest and balmy beaches. Stick around for a whistle-stop tour of what to do in Singapore in April including: • April weather in Singapore • Gardens by the Bay • April festivals in Singapore • Family activities in Singapore: Big Bus Singapore Universal Sentosa Adventureland Adventure Cove Waterpark April weather in Singapore As you might expect from somewhere so close to the equator, the outlook is always bright in Singapore and April is within the dry season, with minimum rainfall and maximum sunshine. With temperatures averaging 32oC (89oF) and humidity relatively low, compared to the sweaty highs of the summer months, it’s a great time to slather on the suncream and make the most of outdoor sights. There may be a few rumbles of afternoon thunder but the only time you’ll need a sweater is for the welcome air conditioning of malls and indoor spaces. Can I still see cherry blossom in Singapore? March is peak cherry blossom season, but the beginning of April usually sees the last days of the Sakura Matsuri festival at Gardens by the Bay. You may be lucky enough to still catch the delicate blooms but remember that hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is all about celebrating the transient. Even if the cherry blossom is falling and fading, there’ll still be photo opps a-plenty with the pink blooms of the native trumpet trees still likely to be lining roads and parks across the city. Gardens by the Bay Whether or not you’re in time for the blossoms you can still get your Floral Fantasy fix in the Gardens by the Bay themed flower garden landscapes - Dance, Float, Waltz and Drift. And there are more abundant blooms in the Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. The Flower Dome’s colossal conservatory holds the Guinness World Record for the largest glass greenhouse - that’s the same size as 75 Olympic swimming pools (by volume) so, frankly, a fair few flowers. Discover plants from the days of the dinosaurs in the Cloud Forest where tropical plants - and a 35-metre tall waterfall - tumble down from the treetop walk through layers of mist. Then explore an even more alien environment in the Avatar Experience, a unique walk-through environment within the Cloud Forest where you can marvel at the bioluminescent landscapes, follow in the footsteps of the Na’vi and encounter a baby Banshee and other creatures from Avatar: The Way of Water. Maybe you’ll take advantage of the pleasant spring temperatures to wander the acres of outdoor gardens that sweep down to the waterfront - from the peaceful lawns of Bay East, to rock, heritage and sculpture gardens, to the zen-like space of the Serene Garden. And you really can’t miss the 18 soaring Supertrees that have become a recognisable symbol of Singapore. These 50M-high, sustainable, vertical gardens feature 162,000 plants, provide shade and even harvest energy. To see them up close, whizz up to the observatory, then stroll the OCBC Skyway, a 128m long walkway suspended between the trees that sets you up for a postcard perfect aerial shot of the gardens and Marina Bay. When darkness falls, prepare to be dazzled as the supertrees dance to the music, lights and lasers of the twice-nightly Garden Rhapsody Show. Easter in Singapore Singapore’s multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural diversity means there is always something to celebrate and, true to form, April sees a variety of special religious and cultural festivals. Easter is a public holiday observed by Singapore’s sizeable Christian community - from Palm Sunday parades, via the solemn services of Good Friday, to the celebrations of Easter Sunday. Prepare to feast on roast lamb to represent the belief of Jesus being the lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world. And don’t get hot or cross when you try hot cross buns (British spiced cinnamon bread with a cross-shape baked into the top.) Ramadan in Singapore The ninth month of the Islamic holy calendar - at least some of which usually falls in April - is also observed as a month of prayer, fasting and community by the Muslim community. If you’re visiting the city you might want to make a fascinated (but respectful) visit to the Ramadan bazaar at Geyland Serai, a night market that sparkles with light and sells food and festive items for Muslims breaking their 12 hour fast. Tickle your tastebuds with the Singapore version of a Ramly burger (a meat patty wrapped in an eggy parcel), Roti John (an omelette baguette sandwich) and keropok lekor (a kind of fish sausage!) Since it’s customary to makeover homes and wardrobes during Ramadan, you can also expect to see stalls selling beautiful home wares, Islamic art, fabrics, fashions and sandals for adults and children. Hari Raya Puasa (or Eid al Fitr) marks the end of Ramadan and is joyfully celebrated in April or May. Children sometimes receive green envelopes of money from visitors, families wear new clothes (in Singapore often in matching colours!) and go to the mosque to pray. After a month of fasting it’s hardly surprising that the emphasis is on feasting so look out for spicy delicacies like ketupat, lontong, nasi padang and beef rendang, and sweet treats like kueh bangkit and butter cookies. Feel free to greet Muslim friends with “Selamat Hari Raya!” - “Happy Celebration Day!” Qingming festival Early April in Singapore sees Chinese communities celebrating Qingming (Ching Ming) festival - literally meaning ‘clear and bright festival’ but also known as ‘tomb-sweeping day’ - which denotes the beginning of springtime. Chinese families visit the graves of their loved ones to clean and tidy them and present gifts of food, wine and incense (which, once the spirits have received them, are taken home again to be enjoyed!) You might witness the custom of burning paper gifts - money or drawings of material goods - to ensure the well-being of ancestors in the afterworld - though be aware that it’s a private family celebration, not a public spectacle, and that photographs are not welcome at cemeteries. To get your head around the many festivals and cultural traditions, why not take time out at some of Singapore’s fascinating museums? The new four-story Indian Heritage Centre is packed with information, education and activity spaces to fill you in on Indian and South Asian history and culture. The Sun Yat-Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall explains Chinese history and the Asian Civilisations Museum ties it all together, explaining the historic connections between the diverse cultures through fascinating displays and artefacts. World Gourmet Summit If you’re a foodie you might want to plan your April itinerary around the World Gourmet Summit, Singapore’s celebration of fine cuisine, excellent wines and unforgettable dining experiences. Not to be confused with the Singapore Food Festival which takes place in the summer, this annual line-up of events includes tastings at some of Singapore’s best restaurants, gastronomic talks from world-renowned Michelin starred chefs, hands-on workshops - and generally the chance to indulge in the very best cuisine. Things to do with the family in Singapore If that flock of festivals has left you all cultured out, maybe it’s time to focus on family-friendly options in Singapore. With schools around the world generally on vacation in April and the younger generation looking to be entertained, we’ve got you covered. Big Bus Singapore Hopping on (and off) a Big Bus tour is as good a way as any to get your bearings in any city. since it means that little legs (or lethargic teens) won’t be tired out. Get the lowdown on the highlights from the on-board commentary (in twelve languages!) then stop off to explore the sights that interest you most... Tick off the ‘must-sees' aboard the yellow route - Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands and the Botanic Gardens (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). You can even stop off at the Raffles hotel for a world-renowned Singapore Sling cocktail to keep you going.The red ‘heritage’ route is another chance to learn about the island’s diverse cultures, as you tour the ethnic precincts of Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glen (the Arab enclave). Sentosa Island Or it may be that you choose to head straight to the island resort of Sentosa...a haven of tropical beaches, luxury hotels and enough thrilling activities to satisfy every age and taste. One of its highlights is undoubtedly Universal Studios Singapore, packed with rollercoasters, rides, shows and character greeting opportunities. Meet up with the Minions, snap a selfie with Sesame Street characters or hold tight for high-velocity thrills on the Battlestar Galactica coaster and the Transformers 3D ride. Kids will go wild for movie-inspired attractions like Puss in Boots’ Giant Journey and Madagascar: A Crate Adventure. Ramp up some more theme park action at Sentosa 4D Adventureland, engaging with the sights, sounds, scents and sensations of four immersive ride experiences. Ride the rapids of the Extreme Log Ride virtual coaster, delve into the darkness of the Haunted Mine, saddle up and take on the Wild West baddies in Desperados, or set sail for the Mysterious Island. You can choose to thrill or to chill at Adventure Cove Waterpark, where everyone in your group is guaranteed a splashing time. Adrenaline junkies will be wowed by high-speed waterslides like Riptide Rocket, Pipeline Plunge and Spiral Washout. Kids can get wet and wild in the Big Bucket Treehouse, Wet Maze and Splashworks. Or simply revel in some R&R time as you meet mesmerising marine life, snorkelling serenely through the rainbow reef or floating along the lazy river. Whatever your plans, in April and all year round, you can certainly relax, knowing that your vacation entertainment is covered by a Go City All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. Download the Go City app and explore your way to hassle-free, money-saving, sight-seeing satisfaction. Enjoy!
Jo Cooke
People running in Jurong
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Things to do in Jurong Singapore

Head a short distance west from the delights of Marina Bay by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and you’ll find yourself in Jurong. Although its name once only conjured up images of its cargo port and heavy industry, today Jurong is known for a wealth of attractions. So while the area is saying goodbye to Jurong Bird Park after 50 years, there are still plenty of things to do in Jurong Singapore should you find yourself here. The area comprises a loosely defined area encompassing Jurong East and West, alongside Pioneer and Boon Lay. Within them visitors to Singapore will find everything from perfectly laid-out gardens to excellent shopping possibilities. There’s also no shortage of family-friendly activities, including Snow City and Science Centre. Grown-ups might also enjoy the tour of the brewery which has produced Singapore’s prized beer since 1932. Keen to know more about the top attractions in Jurong? You’ve come to the right place! Outdoor things to do in Jurong Singapore Singapore isn’t called the garden city for nothing. Amongst its 330 public parks and green spaces are several peaceful oases located within Jurong. So if you’ve a love of gardens and seeking out things to do in west Singapore, Jurong is the place to head. Since 2019 it has been the home of Jurong Lake Gardens, uniting once separate parks into one 90-hectare site curving around the shoreline of Jurong Lake. Designed to incorporate something for everyone, it is made up of several sections, each given its own name. Head to The Grasslands for a picnic, or head along Rasau Walk for a lakeside stroll. Delve into Forest Ramble for idea of what much of Jurong once looked like before development took hold, or get paddling on a kayak at Passion Wave, a home for a variety of water sports. And if that wasn’t enough, on islands in the lake itself there’s also the Japanese and Chinese gardens. Here a terraced water feature in the Japanese Garden and a bamboo grove and a pagoda in the Chinese garden help create a real sense of calm. Elsewhere in Jurong, check out Bukit Peropok (Jurong Hill Park). As the highest point in the neighborhood, it offers great views of Jurong Island just offshore. It also contains Singapore’s Garden of Fame, where international dignitaries come to plant trees and shrubs. Not to be outdone, Yunnan Garden boasts a viewing platform from where it’s possible to take in not only the entirety of these gardens, but also its incredible waterfall, which reaches a height closing in on six meters. Things to do in Jurong when it rains Spray from the waterfall at Yunnan Garden is not the only reason to explore Singapore with an umbrella in hand. Think of Singapore and you’re probably imagining afternoons under a tropical sun. But the country does experience short – if frequent – rain showers most of the year. It’s well worth having a plan for when it does. Close to Jurong Lake Gardens is Snow City. It’s Singapore’s first indoor snow slope making use of the white stuff. Opened for the new millennium and renovated in 2015, it covers 3,000 square meters over two floors. The main attraction is the 60 meter long and three-story high artificial hill used for snowtubing across a surface maintained at a healthy 40 cm deep. Snow City is part of Science Centre Singapore, another highlight of Jurong’s indoor attractions. Fittingly located on Science Road, the center welcomes visitors to no less than eight individual galleries. Together, they contain a collection of around 850 objects. It also includes an observatory with stargazing sessions every Friday after dark, and an Omnimax theater. Last but not least, there’s the Tiger Brewery Tour. Nearing its centenary, Tiger beer has been quenching the thirst of Singaporeans since long before Singapore was even an independent nation state. This is despite the fact key ingredients – hops and barley – don’t grow in the region. Discover how Tiger beer came to be with a one hour behind the scenes tour. Then you’ve got the chance to sample the final product or a very special Blue Paradise cocktail when visiting with a Go City All-Inclusive or Explorer pass. Snap up the hottest new items for your home and wardrobe Don’t think Jurong is short of shopping opportunities either. Far from it. Right next to Boon Lay MRT station, Jurong Point Shopping Mall probably provides the greatest range, since it’s one of the largest malls anywhere in the country. With 450 different stores to choose between, it’s difficult to see how even the biggest shopaholics would get bored. However, if they do, there’s always IMM outlet mall, Westgate and JCube all close by. What’s there to do at JCube? Beyond its five floors of shops, it contains the first Olympic-sized ice rink in Singapore, and an IMAX movie theater. No wonder some are now comparing Jurong to the much better-known shopping and entertainment area of Orchard Road. The artisans amongst us seeking out bespoke pieces are likely to want to try Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle too. Owned by the same family since the mid-1960s, the pottery uses Singapore’s last dragon kiln. A type of kiln more traditionally found in southern China, it uses wood to fire the clay into hardy ceramics. Visit during your time in Jurong and you can not only purchase handmade locally-produced items, but also try your hand at making your very own at one of their workshops. Save on admission to top Singapore attractions Whether you’re wedded to Jurong like an oyster to its rock, or simply exploring the neighborhood as part of your time in Singapore, it’s well worth considering traveling with Go City. Our passes provide savings on admission prices for many of Singapore’s top attractions, from museums to guided bike tours of Chinatown and beyond. Check out the Go City Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest competitions and special offers. And don’t forget to tag @GoCity or use #GoCityPass on your vacation social media posts for a chance to get featured on our page!
Alex Birungi
View of Sentosa in Singapore
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2 Days in Singapore Itinerary

Visiting Singapore for a weekend and want to sample everything this stunning island city has to offer? It’s simple to get around so you can easily have an excellent experience in just a weekend. To help you plan, we’ve compiled a 2-day itinerary to help you squeeze the most out of your time here. Palawan Beach Universal Studios Singapore Wings of Time Tea Chapter Gardens by the Bay Marina Bay Evening Cycle Tour Chinatown for Nighttime Shopping Day 1 We’ll be spending the whole of day 1 on Sentosa Island, famous for its beautiful beaches, theme parks, and rich history. Formerly a British military base, it’s grown into a luxury playground. We recommend taking the cable car to the island (it’s included in your pass) as the views are spectacular. If you’re afraid of heights and want other budget-friendly options, traveling by foot or taking the Sentosa Express train are both free. Hit the beach Get your vacation off to the best start by taking a gentle stroll down Palawan beach, with stunning views of the South China Sea and the Singapore skyline. Cross the rope bridge for an iconic photo opportunity, before climbing the lookout towers to enjoy standing at the southernmost tip of continental Asia. Visit Universal Studios Singapore Time to pick up the pace and get the adrenaline pumping. Universal Studios Singapore offers a fun day out for the whole family with rollercoasters, rides, shows, and meet and greets. Whatever your tolerance for adventure - ride the world’s tallest dueling coasters, navigate white water rapids, or help Puss In Boots on the giant beanstalk, there’s something for everyone. Experience the Wings of Time Hopefully you saved a little energy to enjoy the Wings of Time - a stunning, state-of-the-art time-traveling performance featuring fireworks, water jets, and lasers choreographed to music. Time it just right and you’ll witness a dreamy sunset over the open sea before the award-winning outdoor night show kicks in. The perfect end to the perfect day is relaxing at one of the many beach bars in Sentosa, with Tanjong Beach Bar being the most popular. It’s been a long day, so treat yourself to a frosty beverage. Day 2 I hope you’re well rested, as you’ll need all your energy for a culture-packed second day. We’ll be moving around the city, from Chinatown to Marina Bay, and much more. You’ll be happy to know that public transport is top-notch. It’s affordable and reliable, by bus, MRT Subway, or taxi. You can buy a pass that gives unlimited travel for 1 or 2 days, perfect for weekend explorers Enjoy an authentic tea appreciation experience at Tea Chapter Enter the largest and oldest teahouse in Singapore at Tea Chapter. Kick off your shoes and take in the gentle yet intoxicating aromas of brewing tea. The Chinese art of tea drinking is as much about calm, relaxation, and mindfulness as it is about drinking tea. You’ll be led through an immersive tea tasting experience where you’ll learn about the history of tea and its cultural significance in Asia and the West. What a zen way to start the day. Visit Gardens by the Bay Gardens by the Bay is Singapore’s iconic tourist attraction. Spanning over 101 hectares, the awes-inspiring gardens are divided into multiple areas and conservatories, themed around various aspects of nature. A walk through the Cloud Forest conservatory will take you up into the clouds with its striking mountain views. You’ll also see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, which stands at 30 meters high, which you can enjoy from the treetop walk. Escape the heat of the day, reconnect with nature, and take some stunning photos along the way. Enjoy a Marina Bay Night Bicycle Tour One of the most memorable ways to see Singapore’s Marina Bay is by bicycle at night. The two-hour guided tour covers all the major attractions in the bay area, including the Supertree Grove and Gardens by the Bay. However, at night, everything’s illuminated, making the view spectacular. If you’re looking for a unique perspective of Singapore, while creating lasting memories and taking breathtaking photos, a nighttime cycle is a great addition to your itinerary. After the tour, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy the magical Singapore nightlife. You’ll have certainly worked up an appetite, so feast on delicious food like black pepper crab or Hokkien Mee (a traditional noodle dish with various toppings), and wash it down with a classic Singapore Sling cocktail. If you’re still eager for more cultural experiences, head across to Chinatown. Night shopping is a classic Singaporean pastime, with markets operating from 10PM until 2AM. Chinatown street market is a top spot to pick up a bargain, or just grab some Dim Sum and watch the world go by as you plan your next epic adventure. Save on Admission to Top Singapore Attractions Explore the best things to do with a pass for Singapore by Go City®. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, where you’ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers and events to help you make the most of your travels.
Adam Fraiel

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