Dazzling, modern and futuristic Marina Bay is home to a vast array of restaurants, bars, shops and boutiques, not to mention some of the world’s most luxurious hotels. The pioneering Supertree Grove and enclosed Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay are well worth a visit but it’s the glittering towers and soaring rooftop pool of Marina Bay Sands that dominate the spectacular waterfront scene.

Boasting a wide array of exquisitely restored colonial architecture including the impressive National Gallery, beautiful Victoria Theatre and famed Raffles Hotel, the Civic District is the birthplace of modern Singapore. Flanked by Fort Canning Park and the historic Padang, home to the Singapore Cricket Club since 1852, this lovely area is a great option for where to stay in Singapore, and is also within walking distance of Marina Bay, Clarke Quay and Orchard Road.

Asia’s most famous shopping street is a wide, tree-shaded avenue lined with an intoxicating medley of glitzy shopping malls, opulent fashion houses, luxury hotels, cinemas, restaurants, bars and clubs. Look out for Emerald Hill, a street of exquisite Chinese Baroque houses, located just off the main drag. Beyond the western end of Orchard Road are the beautiful Singapore Botanic Gardens and the charming restaurants of Dempsey Hill.

Our top pick for accommodation near to Orchard Road: 4★ Boutique Quincy Hotel Singapore

One of Singapore’s most vibrant entertainment hubs, Clarke Quay boasts a tantalising range of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, many of which are open well into the early hours. Close to Chinatown and the Civic District this area is also home to some of the city’s best value hotels. A short walk upriver is the more sedate Robertson Quay which also offers a wide range of restaurants and bars. This is a good option for where to stay in Singapore for those looking to be close to nightlife. 

Packed with smoky temples, restored heritage shophouses, Chinese medicine halls and a plethora of superb street-side dining opportunities Chinatown is one of Singapore’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods. Chinatown food street boasts a wide array of excellent hawker stalls and shophouse restaurants whilst the famous food centre at Telok Ayer Market (Lau Pa Sat) is located a short walk southeast of the area.

At its best during the festival of Deepavali, Serangoon Road and the atmospheric neighbouring streets offer a heady mix of sights, sounds and colours. This vibrant area boasts a bohemian vibe and is popular with artists, hipsters and foodies. The 24 hour Mustafa Centre is a shopping institution and the nearby Tekka Centre is Singapore’s largest indoor wet market. Just to the south of Little India is the huge covered market of Bugis Street.

An eclectic area rich in Malay history, Kampong Glam is home to the graceful Sultan Mosque and an attractive assortment of colourful boutiques, fabric shops and delightful cafés offering Arabic coffee and Shisha. The area is most well-known today for its trend setting lifestyle scene popular with Singapore’s younger crowd – the hip bars, jazz cafés and live music around Haji Lane are particularly vibrant after dark.

Trendy and relaxed Tiong Bahru is an amiable neighbourhood of independent coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants and boutiques just a short walk from Robertson Quay or Chinatown. This interesting and authentic area is known for its minimalist 1930s architecture and creative, artistic vibe. Tiong Bahru Market is a great place to try local specialties like satay or hainanese chicken rice.

A lively island of sandy beaches, tropical rainforest and a host of family-friendly attractions. There are world-class adventure parks with adrenaline pumping rides as well as relaxing nature walks, championship golf courses, a wealth of dining options and some pretty beaches. Connected to Singapore by a road bridge, tunnel, monorail and cable car, Sentosa offers a resort-style stay just 15 minutes from the city.

Our top pick for accommodation on Sentosa Island: 4★ Village Hotel Sentosa