Everybody can find something to do in Singapore. This is a list of the top 6 best places to stay in Singapore for first-timers in 2024. The following list has the ideal location for you, regardless of your preferences for luxury or affordability.
There are many attractions and things to enjoy, from its soaring skyscrapers and vibrant markets to its verdant gardens and immaculate beaches. You’re in for a true treat if this is your first trip to Singapore. However, choosing a place to stay can be difficult given the variety of neighborhoods and places to stay out there.
1) Marina Bay:
Singapore’s central area, Marina Bay, is a great place to stay if you want to be close to all the action. Famous landmarks like the Singapore Flyer, the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark can all be found here. In addition, there are lots of upscale hotels, eateries, and bars nearby.
Explore:
The world-class infinity pool and 360-degree city views are available at Marina Bay Sands Skypark. Supertrees and themed gardens such as Cloud Forest and Flower Dome can be found in the futuristic Gardens by the Bay. The Singapore Flyer is a massive Ferris wheel with themed cabins and rides available day or night. The Merlion statue, Esplanade Theatres, and ArtScience Museum are a few more attractions.
Dining options include Wolfgang Puck’s Michelin-starred Spago by Wolfgang Puck, which serves California cuisine, and CE LA VI, a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city and modern Asian cuisine. For travelers visiting Singapore, Jumbo Seafood, a local chain famous for its chili crab, is a must.
Where to stay:
Here are the top 3 hotels to check out in Marina Bay:
(i) Marina Bay Sands Hotel: This iconic hotel in Singapore is a must-see location because it has the largest rooftop infinity pool in the world, along with a casino, museum, and upscale shopping center.
(ii) The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore: The exquisite service and breathtaking city views of this opulent hotel are well-known.
(iii) The Fullerton Bay Hotel: Beautiful views of Marina Bay can be seen from this historic hotel, which is on the waterfront.
These options offer clean rooms, friendly staff, and affordable rates, making them ideal for solo travelers or groups.
Tips:
Book hotels in advance, prepare for crowds, and visit Marina Bay during the cooler months from November to February.
2) Orchard Road:
Singapore’s Orchard Road is a well-known retail avenue that both locals and visitors enjoy visiting. It is the location of several upscale and luxury retailers, such as Prada, Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Additionally, there are a lot of foreign chain stores like Zara, H&M, and Mango.
Explore:
Orchard Road offers more than 200 malls and stores to peruse, making it a shopping haven. Fine-dining restaurants and informal cafes are available for dining. Cinemas, theaters, and clubs are among the places to find entertainment.
Istana Park and Orchard Gateway are the two main parks situated along Orchard Road. The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar serves classic American comfort food; Shinjuku Saboten serves authentic Japanese ramen and other dishes; and the Culinary Loft offers modern European cuisine.
Where to stay:
- The Ritz-Carlton
- Mandarin Oriental
- Andaz Singapore
These options offer clean rooms, friendly staff, and affordable rates, making them ideal for solo travelers or groups.
Tips:
In Singapore, bargaining is common, so be cautious when buying items. Keep your belongings safe on Orchard Road, a popular area for pickpockets. Dress modestly and avoid revealing clothing. Respect local culture and customs, as Singapore is a conservative country.
3) Sentosa Island:
First-timers visiting Singapore can expect an amazing experience as Sentosa Island entices them with its lively energy. Located off the coast of South Africa, this 500-hectare island resort offers an abundance of excitement, excitement, and leisure. Sentosa offers an abundance of options for experiencing thrilling adventures, enjoyable family outings, or opulent beachfront accommodations.
Explore:
Sentosa Island offers a variety of attractions for visitors. Universal Studios Singapore offers thrilling rollercoasters and movie worlds, while S.E.A. Aquarium features over 100,000 marine animals.
Adventure Cove Waterpark offers water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools for a refreshing escape. KidZania Singapore offers interactive edutainment for children, while Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom features over 3,000 butterflies and fascinating insects.
Sentosa Nature Reserve offers hiking through lush rainforests and discovering hidden waterfalls. Luxury beaches include Tanjong Beach, Palawan Beach, and Siloso Beach, each offering unique experiences.
Tanjong Beach offers golden sand for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles, while Palawan Beach offers beach bars, live music, and water sports. Siloso Beach offers a luxurious spa treatment and breathtaking sunsets over the South China Sea.
If you go to Sentosa Island, visit my other blog post: How To Get To Sentosa Island: The 3 Best Ways Of Transportation
Where to stay:
- Resorts World Sentosa
- Michelin-starred restaurants.
- The S.E.A. Aquarium-inspired Hotel Portofino
- The Lego® Brick Hotel
These options offer clean rooms, friendly staff, and affordable rates, making them ideal for solo travelers or groups.
Tips:
Purchase a Sentosa Island Pass for discounted attractions and unlimited travel on the Sentosa Express monorail. Plan your itinerary based on interests and energy level, pack comfortable shoes and swimwear, and remember sunscreen and hats. Enjoy the island vibe, creating unforgettable memories, and having fun.
4) Chinatown:
Any first-time visitor to Singapore should make time to visit Chinatown, a vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells. In the middle of contemporary skyscrapers, this historic district provides a window into Singapore’s rich Chinese heritage.
Explore:
Explore Singapore’s rich history by exploring narrow alleyways with traditional shophouses and intricate Chinese characters. Discover hidden temples like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore.
Enjoy the Chinatown Street Market for souvenirs and unique trinkets. Experience authentic Chinese delicacies at Maxwell Food Centre and the Michelin-starred Hawker Chan for affordable soy sauce chicken rice.
Explore deeper into the district to discover hidden gems like Ann Siang Hill, Telok Ayer Street’s contemporary art scene, and the Chinatown Heritage Centre, housed in a restored 19th-century shophouse.
Where to stay:
- Betelnut Hostel
- We Travel Hostel
- The Hive
- 5 Footway Inn
- Hotel Clover 7 or The Scarlet
- The China Club or Amoy Street Hotel
- The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore or Swissôtel Merchant Court
These options offer clean rooms, friendly staff, and affordable rates, making them ideal for solo travelers or groups.
Tips:
Wear comfortable shoes, haggle at street markets, learn Mandarin phrases, enjoy food, and be prepared for vibrant Chinatown after dark, ensuring an empty stomach and an open mind for an unforgettable experience.
5) Little India:
Travel to the heart of South India with Little India, a vibrant tapestry of colors, sounds, and scents in Singapore. It’s hard to forget the sensory extravaganza, which includes the lively streets decked out in garlands of jasmine and the scent of freshly ground spices.
Explore:
Singapore’s heritage is a must-see, with attractions like the historic Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, the Tekka Market, the House of Tan Teng Niah, Banana Leaf Apolo, and Little India Arcade. The temple, one of Singapore’s oldest, features an intricately carved facade and vibrant rituals.
The wet market offers fresh produce, spices, and colorful prayer items. The House of Tan Teng Niah is a restored Peranakan shophouse with pastel hues and intricate tilework.
Banana Leaf Apolo serves traditional South Indian feasts on banana leaves, while Little India’s streets offer a variety of street food delights.
Beyond the tourist trail, Little India Arcade offers tailor shops, fabric stores, and traditional Indian handicrafts.
The serene Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, known as the “Temple of a Thousand Lights,” offers tranquility amidst the bustling streets.
Where to stay:
Choosing a place to stay in Little India depends on your budget, travel style, and priorities.
- The Uncensored
- The Shophouse
- Betelnut Hostel
- The Hive
- Hotel Indigo Singapore Little India or The Sullivan
- Veera Manor or The Scarlet
- Parkroyal on Pickering or The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
These options offer clean rooms, friendly staff, and affordable rates, making them ideal for solo travelers or groups.
Tips:
To visit temples in Little India, dress modestly, learn basic Tamil phrases, be prepared for bargaining at street stalls like Tekka Market, and embrace the chaos of the sensory overload. Don’t miss out on the culinary temptations, as they are everywhere, making your visit an unforgettable experience.
6) Kampong Glam:
In the center of Singapore, Kampong Glam is a lively and historically significant district that offers a fascinating fusion of Indian, Arab, and Malay cultures. You can fully immerse yourself in Singapore’s rich cultural heritage here, where tradition and modernity collide in narrow streets lined with vibrant shophouses, lively markets, and serene mosques.
Explore:
Explore Singapore’s heritage by visiting the Sultan Mosque, the largest mosque in Singapore, and the Kampong Glam Heritage Trail. Explore the district’s history, from its Malay fishing village to its thriving center for Malay, Arab, and Indian communities.
Visit the Malay Heritage Centre, a museum housed in a restored traditional Malay house, to learn about the community’s rich history and culture. Enjoy authentic Malay cuisine at Al-Azhar Dining Hall, Haji Lane, Arab Street, and Istana Kampong Glam.
Haji Lane features trendy boutiques, cafes, and art galleries, while Arab Street is a bustling marketplace with spice shops, traditional handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Tips:
To visit mosques, dress modestly, learn Malay phrases, be prepared for bargaining, enjoy the chaos of Kampong Glam, and visit during Ramadan to experience the unique Ramadan atmosphere and community gathering.
FAQs
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Is it a good place to stay in Singapore’s Chinatown?
Chinatown, located near Singapore’s Central Business District, provides authentic Chinese culture through temples, craft shops, stalls, and restaurants. It offers great deals and delicious food, making it an ideal place to stay and explore Singapore.
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When is the best time to visit Singapore?
Singapore has a delightful climate throughout the year, with temperatures averaging around 27°C (81°F). The period from February to July, known as the dry season, is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. On the other hand, the monsoon season from November to January brings lower prices and fewer crowds, making it a great time to visit.
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How much should I set aside for accommodation?
The location, kind of hotel, and amenities all have a significant impact on how much lodging costs. While luxurious hotels can cost more than $500 each night, cheap hostels only cost about $20. The average nightly rate for a cozy mid-range hotel is between $100 and $200.
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How can I explore the city of Singapore?
Singapore is home to an excellent public transit system. Buses and taxis provide extra options, but the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network quickly gets you to most places. A Singapore Tourist Pass can be bought for unrestricted use on public transit.
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Do cheap options exist in Singapore for those who are traveling alone?
Indeed, there are reasonably priced hostels, low-cost hotels, and even shared lodging choices available to single travelers. If you’re looking for more affordable lodging, think about staying in places like Little India or Bugis.
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Which ways to get transport are available nearby to all of the recommended places to stay?
In Singapore, the majority of accommodations are conveniently located near bus and MRT stations, as well as other forms of public transit. For convenient travel, ridesharing services and taxis are also easily accessible.
