Explore the vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods of Singapore with our comprehensive guide. Discover the best spots in Chinatown, Little India, Marina Bay, Sentosa Island, and more.
Singapore boasts a vibrant tapestry of neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct charm and character. From historic enclaves to bustling shopping districts, serene islands to dynamic riverfronts, there’s something for everyone in Singapore.
Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a shopaholic, or someone who loves to explore the trendy and hip, Singapore’s diverse neighbourhoods offer a plethora of experiences waiting to be discovered.
This guide will take you through the most popular neighbourhoods in Singapore, highlighting why you will love them and what attractions you shouldn’t miss.
Chinatown
Chinatown, always popular with tourists, is a vibrant blend of old and new, offering a peek into Singapore’s Chinese heritage. Its bustling streets are filled with traditional shophouses, busy street markets and historic temples.
Our self-guided walking tour of Chinatown takes you past all of the main attractions and gives you an insider guide to shops and restaurants along the way.
Why you will love this neighbourhood:
- The beautifully preserved heritage shophouses make it a visually stunning place to explore.
- The street market stalls are perfect for souvenir hunting.
- It has an impressive selection of multi-cultural temples.
- You’ll find some of Singapore’s best hawker centres here.
- You will find loads of great bars and restaurants in this area.
- It has some of Singapore’s best boutique hotels.
Main attractions:
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
- Chinatown Street Markets
- Sri Mariamman Temple
- Thian Hock Keng Temple
Read our full Guide to Chinatown here.
Little India
Little India is a sensory delight, with its colourful shops, Indian restaurants, and ornate temples. This neighbourhood is the heart of Singapore’s Indian community and offers an immersive cultural experience.
Our self-guided walking tour of Little India takes you past all of the main attractions and gives you an insider guide to shops and restaurants along the way.
Why you will love this neighbourhood:
- It is one of Singapore’s most vibrant and colourful neighbourhoods.
- You will find some of Singapore’s best Indian restaurants here.
- The Tekka Market is one of the best wet markets in Singapore.
- There are several beautiful and diverse temples here.
- The shops are perfect for souvenir shopping.
- Some of Singapore’s best budget accommodation can be found here.
Main attractions:
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
- Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple
- Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
- Mustafa Centre
- Tekka Centre
- House of Tan Teng Niah
Read our full Guide to Little India here.
Kampong Gelam
Kampong Gelam, historically the Malay-Muslim quarter, is now a trendy area with hip cafes, street art, and boutique shops. The iconic Sultan Mosque stands as a testament to the neighbourhood’s rich heritage.
Why you will love this neighbourhood:
- It has a cool hip vibe.
- You can wander along one of the city’s most picturesque streets here.
- There is plenty of eclectic street art and murals to admire.
- You’ll find some cool boutiques to browse.
- There is a good selection of great-value restaurants.
Main attractions:
- Sultan Mosque
- Haji Lane
- Gelam Gallery
- Malay Heritage Centre
Read our full Guide to Kampong Gelam here.
Marina Bay
Marina Bay is the epitome of modern Singapore, boasting stunning architecture, world-class attractions, and breathtaking views. This area is perfect for those who love the urban vibe and upscale experiences. It’s also the perfect area to take those iconic Singapore holiday snaps.
Why you will love this neighbourhood:
- It’s where you can capture the iconic Singapore skyline.
- Some of Singapore’s most famous attractions are here.
- You’ll find plenty of luxury shopping and high-end dining with a view.
- You can enjoy spectacular views, both day and night.
- Some of Singapore’s best luxury hotels with a view can be found here.
Main attractions:
The Civic District
The Civic District is the historical and cultural heart of Singapore. It features colonial architecture, important landmarks and Singapore’s major museums and art galleries, making it perfect for history and art lovers.
Our self-guided walking tour of the Civic District takes you past all of the main attractions and gives you an insider guide to shops and restaurants along the way.
Why you will love this neighbourhood:
- The area is rich in history and culture.
- You can admire some spectacular examples of neoclassical architecture.
- Some of Singapore’s best museums and galleries can be found here.
- It is home to the world-famous Raffles Hotel.
Main attractions:
Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island, known as Singapore’s Playground, is Singapore’s premier leisure destination. It offers a variety of attractions, from theme parks to beautiful beaches, making it ideal for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Why you will love this neighbourhood:
- It has some of Singapore’s biggest and best attractions.
- You’ll find Singapore’s best beaches here.
- There is a good choice of beachfront bars, clubs and restaurants.
- It has a good choice of resort-style family-friendly hotels.
Main attractions:
- Universal Studios Singapore
- S.E.A. Aquarium
- Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach and Tanjong Beach
- Adventure Cove Waterpark
- Mega Adventure Park
- Fort Siloso
Read our full Guide to Sentosa Island here.
Orchard Road
Orchard Road is Singapore’s main shopping destination, lined with luxurious malls and department stores. It’s a paradise for shoppers and also has a good range of hotels, restaurants and food courts.
Why you will love this neighbourhood:
- It has one of the highest concentrations of shopping malls anywhere in the world.
- There are plenty of dining and entertainment options.
- It has a good range of mid-range and luxury hotels.
Main attractions:
- ION Orchard
- Ngee Ann City
- Paragon Shopping Centre
- Mandarin Gallery
Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore’s oldest neighbourhoods, now transformed into a hipster enclave with charming cafes, indie boutiques, and art galleries. It still has the feel of a local neighbourhood and is a great spot for a leisurely explore.
Why you will love this neighbourhood:
- It has a blend of old-world charm and modern hipster vibe.
- You’ll find a good selection of quaint cafes and indie shops.
- The Tiong Bahru Market has one of the city’s best hawker centres.
- It has some of Singapore’s best bakeries.
Main attractions:
- Tiong Bahru Market
- Tiong Bahru Bakery
Katong and Joo Chiat
Katong and Joo Chiat are famous for their Peranakan heritage, showcased in colourful shophouses and traditional eateries. This area offers a glimpse into the unique blend of cultures that make up Singapore.
Why you will love this neighbourhood:
- It boasts a rich Peranakan culture and heritage.
- You can admire beautifully preserved colourful and photogenic shophouses.
- It has a good selection of interesting boutiques.
- It is home to the famous Katong Laksa.
- You can enjoy authentic local Peranakan cuisine.
Main attractions:
- The colourful Peranakan Houses
- 328 Katong Laksa
- The Intan Peranakan Museum
The Quays: Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay
The Quays line the Singapore River and offer a variety of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options. Each quay has its unique charm and vibe.
- Boat Quay is closest to the CBD and is a popular spot for lunch or after-work drinks with the local office crowd.
- Clarke Quay is a colourful riverside enclave dedicated to bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
- Robertson Quay has a more residential feel with a riverside pedestrian area offering family-friendly alfresco dining.
Why you will love these neighbourhoods:
- They offer a thriving nightlife and dining scene.
- You can enjoy scenic riverside and skyline views.
- They offer a good choice of bars and restaurants perfect for alfresco dining.
Main Attractions: