Explore Singapore River with our insider guide to Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. Discover the best restaurants, bars, hotels and things to do.
The Singapore River is where old and new Singapore meet. Once the centre of the city’s bustling trading port, today its historic quays are lined with colourful shophouses, lively bars, excellent restaurants and picturesque riverside promenades.
Stretching from Marina Bay to Robertson Quay, this waterfront district is one of our favourite parts of Singapore. It’s perfect for an evening stroll, a leisurely meal by the river or simply watching the traditional bumboats cruise past against the backdrop of the city skyline.
The Singapore River is divided into three main precincts: Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay.
Although they’re all within walking distance of each other, each has its own distinct character. In this guide, we’ll explain the differences, share our favourite things to do and help you decide which quay is right for your visit.
Don’t miss our other neighbourhood guides:
- Insider Guide to Marina Bay
- Insider Guide to Orchard Road
- Insider Guide to Chinatown
- Insider Guide to Kampong Glam
- Insider Guide to Sentosa Island
Why You’ll Love Singapore River
- Three distinct waterfront precincts, each with its own character.
- Some of Singapore’s best riverside restaurants, bars and cafés.
- Beautiful heritage shophouses alongside the modern city skyline.
- One of the best places in Singapore for an evening stroll.
- Easy walking distance to Marina Bay, Chinatown and Fort Canning Park.
- Home to the famous Singapore River Cruise.
- Fantastic atmosphere both during the day and after dark.
Which Quay is Right for You?
| If you want… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| Heritage atmosphere & riverside drinks | Boat Quay |
| Lively bars & clubs | Clarke Quay |
| Family friendly restaurants | Robertson Quay |
| Brunch | Robertson Quay |
| Skyline views | Boat Quay |
| Late-night entertainment | Clarke Quay |
| Relaxed evening | Robertson Quay |
Things to Do Along the Singapore River
One of the best things about the Singapore River is that it’s incredibly walkable. You can easily stroll from Boat Quay to Robertson Quay in around 40 minutes, although you’ll almost certainly want to stop along the way for a drink, a meal or to simply enjoy the views.
From historic landmarks and river cruises to lively nightlife and some of Singapore’s best restaurants, there’s plenty to see and do.
Insider Tip: If you can, visit in the late afternoon. You’ll avoid the hottest part of the day, enjoy sunset over the river and experience the quays as they come alive after dark.
Here are some of our favourite things to do along the Singapore River:
- Take a Singapore River Cruise – One of the best ways to appreciate Singapore’s history and skyline. Traditional bumboats depart from several jetties along the river and offer a completely different perspective of the city. Learn more here.
- Enjoy a Drink at Boat Quay – One of our favourite places for an afternoon drink or dinner by the river. Grab an outdoor table and soak up the fantastic views across the Singapore River towards the CBD skyline.
- Experience Clarke Quay After Dark – Clarke Quay remains one of Singapore’s best-known nightlife precincts, with plenty of bars, live music venues and clubs. While many locals now head elsewhere for dinner and drinks, it’s still a fun place to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a night out.
- Relax at Robertson Quay – Quieter and more laid-back than its neighbours, Robertson Quay is ideal for a leisurely brunch, long lunch or relaxed dinner by the river.
- Visit the Asian Civilisations Museum – Located at the mouth of the Singapore River, this excellent museum tells the story of the cultures that helped shape modern Singapore. It’s one of our favourite museums in the city. Learn more and buy tickets here.
- Cross Cavenagh Bridge – Singapore’s oldest suspension bridge offers lovely views over Boat Quay and the Singapore River and is a great photo stop on your riverside walk.
- Visit Fort Canning Park – Just a short walk from Clarke Quay, this historic hilltop park offers walking trails, fascinating history and one of Singapore’s most photographed staircases.
- Walk the Singapore River Promenade – One of the best ways to experience the area. Follow the riverside path between Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay, stopping for a drink or meal along the way.
Where to Eat & Drink Along the Singapore River
One of the best things about the Singapore River is the variety of places to eat. Whether you’re looking for a casual riverside drink, a long lunch, a romantic dinner or one of Singapore’s best brunch spots, you’ll find plenty of choice.
Each quay has its own personality when it comes to dining, so here’s where we’d head depending on what you’re looking for.
Boat Quay
Boat Quay is one of our favourite places to spend an afternoon or evening in Singapore. The historic shophouses lining the river are home to dozens of bars and restaurants, with outdoor tables stretching right along the waterfront. It’s hard to beat for an alfresco drink with a view of the Singapore River and the CBD skyline.
Our favourite spots include:
- Southbridge, one of our favourite rooftop bars in Singapore for cocktails and spectacular views of the CBD skyline.
- BQ Bar and Dallas Restaurant & Bar are always reliable choices for a casual beer or sunset drink by the river.
Just behind the riverside on Circular Road, you’ll find some of the area’s best restaurants.
- Dumpling Darlings is one of our favourite places in Singapore for dumplings.
- Quay House serves excellent modern Asian cuisine.
- For something a little different, Dragon Chamber is a hidden Chinese restaurant tucked away behind an unassuming entrance.
Insider Tip: While the riverside is perfect for a drink and people-watching, don’t forget to explore Circular Road just behind Boat Quay. That’s where you’ll find many of the area’s best restaurants.
Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is the liveliest of the three quays and is best known for its bars, clubs and late-night entertainment. While it’s no longer Singapore’s trendiest nightlife destination, it’s still a fun place to spend an evening and remains popular with visitors looking for a lively atmosphere.
Our favourite spots include:
- JUMBO Seafood (Riverside Point) for some of the best chilli crab in Singapore.
- Brewerkz Riverside Point for craft beer and relaxed riverside dining.
- Hanjip Korean Grill House for excellent Korean BBQ before a night out.
- Level Up, where retro arcade games, drinks and music make for a fun night out.
- Oche, a modern darts bar that’s perfect for groups.
- Yang Club for cocktails, live music and a stylish late-night vibe.
- Zouk, Singapore’s legendary nightclub and one of the city’s best-known party venues.
Just across the river on Carpenter Street, you’ll find some of the area’s best restaurants.
- Neon Pigeon, one of Singapore’s favourite modern izakayas.
- Kee’s, a stylish neighbourhood restaurant serving modern European cuisine with Asian influences.
Insider Tip: Clarke Quay is a great place for a drink or a night out, but if you’re looking for one of the area’s best meals, we’d head across the river to Carpenter Street.
Robertson Quay
Quieter than Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay has a relaxed neighbourhood feel that’s popular with locals, expats and families. It’s one of our favourite places to come for a leisurely weekend brunch, casual dinner or evening stroll along the river.
With its wide pedestrian walkways and laid-back atmosphere, it’s also one of the most family-friendly parts of the Singapore River. Don’t be surprised to see children riding scooters while parents enjoy a drink or coffee nearby.
Our favourite spots include:
- Toby’s Estate for excellent coffee and one of Singapore’s best breakfasts.
- Merci Marcel for relaxed French dining, great coffee and weekend brunch.
- Boomarang for casual Australian dining, live sport and a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Les Bouchons Rive Gauche for excellent steak frites.
- Long Beach Seafood for chilli crab and local seafood dishes.
- Super Loco Robertson Quay for Mexican food, margaritas and a lively riverside setting.
- Bella Pizza for authentic wood-fired pizzas and a relaxed family meal.
Insider Tip: Just a five-minute walk away, New Bahru has quickly become one of Singapore’s most talked-about lifestyle destinations. It’s packed with independent cafés, restaurants and boutique shops, making it a great addition to a morning or afternoon spent exploring Robertson Quay.
Where to Stay Along the Singapore River
Staying along the Singapore River puts you within easy walking distance of Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay, as well as Marina Bay, Chinatown and Fort Canning Park. It’s a fantastic base if you like being able to stroll out for dinner, drinks or an evening walk along the river.
Our top hotel picks include:
- The Fullerton Hotel Singapore – One of Singapore’s most iconic luxury hotels. Housed in the city’s former General Post Office, it’s perfectly positioned at the mouth of the Singapore River, within easy walking distance of Boat Quay. Check prices here.
- 21 Carpenter – One of Singapore’s newest boutique hotels, combining beautifully restored heritage architecture with contemporary design. Its location between Boat Quay and Clarke Quay makes it an excellent base for exploring the river. Check prices here.
- The Warehouse Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel in a beautifully restored heritage warehouse overlooking Robertson Quay. Perfect if you’re looking for something with plenty of character. Check prices here.
- InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay – A contemporary riverside hotel surrounded by some of Robertson Quay’s best cafés, bars and restaurants. Check prices here.
- Novotel Singapore Robertson Quay – A brand-new addition to Robertson Quay, offering family-friendly accommodation in a great location for exploring the quieter end of the Singapore River. Check prices here.
- Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay – A great-value option within walking distance of all three quays, making it an excellent choice for visitors who plan to spend most of their time sightseeing. Check prices here.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our guides to the best boutique hotels in Singapore, best luxury hotels in Singapore and best mid-range hotels in Singapore.
How to Get to the Singapore River
The Singapore River is easy to reach by MRT, taxi, ride-hailing app or on foot from many of Singapore’s most popular attractions. Once you’re here, the best way to explore is simply to walk between Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay.
By MRT
The nearest stations are:
- Raffles Place MRT – Best for Boat Quay.
- Clarke Quay MRT – Best for Clarke Quay.
- Fort Canning MRT – A convenient option for Robertson Quay.
- Havelock MRT – Another good choice for the western end of Robertson Quay.
All stations are within a short walk of the river.
On Foot
One of the best ways to experience the Singapore River is on foot.
It’s an easy walk from Marina Bay to Boat Quay, continuing through Clarke Quay and on to Robertson Quay. The full walk takes around 40 minutes without stops, although you’ll almost certainly want to pause along the way for a drink, meal or photos.
The route is almost entirely flat and follows the riverside promenade, making it one of the most enjoyable walks in Singapore.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing App
Taxis, Grab, Gojek, TADA and Ryde all provide easy access to the Singapore River. This is often the most convenient option if you’re travelling in the evening or carrying shopping.
Read more in our Guide to Public Transport in Singapore.