Where to Stay in Singapore (Best Areas & Places)

This article is all about where to stay in Singapore. Whether you’re on a fleeting visit and want a convenient place to stay, or are a first-time tourist wishing to be close to the action, I’ve got you covered. I spent a month as a digital nomad and completed 3 house sits during my time … Read more

The post Where to Stay in Singapore (Best Areas & Places) appeared first on Goats On The Road.

This article is all about where to stay in Singapore. Whether you’re on a fleeting visit and want a convenient place to stay, or are a first-time tourist wishing to be close to the action, I’ve got you covered.

I spent a month as a digital nomad and completed 3 house sits during my time in The Lion City. I’ll be breaking down my experiences and identifying the best areas to stay in Singapore so you know exactly where to head during your trip.

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Best Areas to Stay in Singapore

• Best For First-Time Visitor: Marina Bay (Marina Bay Sands)
• Best For Nightlife: Newton (Adina Serviced Apartments)
• Best Trendy / Coolest Area: Kampong Glam (Rest Bugis Hotel)
• Best for Digital Nomads: Tanjong Pagar (Oasia Hotel Downtown)
• Best On a Budget: Little India (Citadines Rochor)

Marina Bay: Best Place to Stay in Singapore for Your First Time

The best area to stay in Singapore for your first visit is Marina Bay. You’ll instantly recognize the iconic skyline, waterfront views, and impressive modern architecture. This district is home to renowned landmarks and is the perfect base for exploring.

As the beating heart of Singapore, Marina Bay is the place to mix leisure, dining, and shopping. Well-connected transport makes it easy for first-timers to visit other key sites further afield while soaking in Central Singapore’s atmosphere.

Pros of Staying in Marina Bay

• Central Location: Marina Bay is the main hub of Singapore and is close to many of the city’s top attractions.
• Pedestrian Friendly: Much of this area is pedestrianized and is ideal for exploring on foot.
• Amenities: Everything you could need from coffee and juice bars to grocery shops and restaurants are close by.

Cons of Staying in Marina Bay

• Tourists: Being home to some of the city’s iconic landmarks means tourists flock here on a daily basis.
• Expensive Hotels: Accommodation in Marina Bay can be incredibly pricey!
• Food and Drink Prices: Eating and drinking comes with a premium price tag.

Best Places to Stay in Marina Bay

Marina Bay is one of the more posh areas of Singapore and so luxury hotels are abundant. Here’s a mix of lavish and more affordable options for those on a budget:

1. Marina Bay Sands: One of the best hotels in Singapore and possibly the world, the iconic Marina Bay Sands emphasizes all the facets of luxury for which the city is famed. A world-class luxury hotel with 12, yes 12 onsite restaurants. Click here for details.

2. The Fullerton Hotel: A hotel that’s played a pivotal role in the city’s rich history for almost a century. This magnificent building is steeped in tradition along the waterfront and is a particularly classy hotel. Click here for details.

3. The Westin: Staying a couple of streets back from the marina means a big reduction in costs. This popular international chain of hotels offers more affordable rates for a luxury hotel stay. It also has an amazing infinity pool. Click here for details.

Top Things to Do in Marina Bay

Opting for Marina Bay means you’ve picked one of the best areas to stay in Singapore to see the most spectacular sights. Here’s where to get started:

1. Gardens by the Bay: A stunning, futuristic park with towering supertrees and biodomes filled with exotic plants and flowers. This is a must-visit destination to add to your itinerary. Skip the queues and click here to get your tickets ahead of time.

2. Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck: If staying at the hotel is a little out of your budget make sure you at least head to the observation deck at Marina Bay for spectacular 360-degree city views. Click here for details on how to book.

3. Visit an F1 Pit Lane: For one weekend each year, the city’s streets are taken over by Formula 1 Racing. For the rest of the year, the pit lane, starting grid, and first racing corners are public ground and free to explore. Click here for directions.

SEE ALSO: 21 Best Things To Do in Singapore

Where to Eat and Drink in Marina Bay

There’s a huge range of excellent dining and drinking spots around Marina Bay, from the most luxurious restaurants I’ve ever seen to cool and scenic bars with breathtaking views. Check out these top spots:

1. LeVeL33: The highest urban microbrewery in the world, LeVel33 features stunning views of the water and the Marina Bay Sands. It’s ideal for epic photo opportunities and they serve some excellent house-brewed beers. Click here for directions.

2. Monti At 1-Pavilion: The best Italian food in the city with a fabulous view of the marina. It comes with a significant price tag but the food and wine are world-class. Click here for directions.

3. Brewerkz: There are 6 Brewerkz locations around Singapore, but this branch by the marina is in a prime location and has amazing views. Serving house-brewed craft beer and a hefty menu of comfort food at reasonable prices. Find it here.

Newton: Best Area in Singapore for Nightlife

Newton is the best place to stay in Singapore for nightlife, and I enjoyed a great couple of nights out in this part of the city. It’s only a short distance from the main center and easily accessible by buses and the MRT.

There’s a great strip of bars and restaurants called Cuppage Terrace which I recommend heading to if you get the chance. A giant canopy covers the street so you can enjoy alfresco dining and drinking no matter what the weather’s like. Some of the city’s best happy hours are here too.

Pros of Staying in Newton

• Cool Bars: There are many great bars, clubs, and restaurants concentrated in this concise area.
• Happy Hours: Many of these bars offer great happy hour deals and discounts on beer towers.
• Cheaper Accommodation: Although it’s not a cheap part of the city overall, hotels are more affordable than around Marina Bay.

Cons of Staying in Newton

• Busy and Built Up: The area is built up with high-rise buildings, shopping plazas, and apartment blocks.
• Traffic: Orchard Road which connects Newton to the center is one of the busiest roads in Singapore.
• Less Iconic Attractions: To access many of Singapore’s star attractions you’ll need to travel via bus, taxi, or metro.

Best Places to Stay in Newton

If you’re wondering where to stay in Singapore for nightlife, Newton has a selection of prime locations offering easy access to some of the city’s best entertainment. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Adina Serviced Apartments: Previous guests have reviewed this place as the best apartment in Singapore for exploring the local nightlife. Right in the heart of the action and fully equipped with everything you could possibly need, this is a great option. Click here for details.

2. Holiday Inn: A trusty and dependable favorite, this branch of the international Holiday Inn chain is within walking distance from the happy-hour bars along Orchard Street. It also has 3 restaurants and 2 swimming pools. Click here for details.

3. Jen by Shangri-La: A true slice of luxury operated by the world-renowned Shangri-La Group. One of the top Singapore hotels near nightlife, this hotel is plugged into all the local amenities and is the ideal relaxation spot. Click here for details.

Top Things to Do in Newton

Aside from enjoying the many great bars and happy hour deals, here are a few cultural activities to fill your days:

1. Fort Canning Park: My favorite Singapore park is an easy walk or short bus trip from Newton. Fort Canning Park is a beautiful expanse of greenery with a variety of gardens, cultural monuments, and chill-out areas. Click here for directions.

2. The Battlebox: Whilst at Fort Canning Park you’ll discover an epic underground WWII bunker and free museum and exhibition that details the stories and methods of Allied forces during the War. Click here for directions.

3. Nighttime Bus Tour: Kick your evening off in stunning fashion with a big red bus tour of the city. Take in the captivating lights and see all the major attractions on this excellent guided tour. Click here for information about booking a tour.

Where to Eat and Drink in Newton

If you’re a night owl seeking the best spots to head for, check out these 3 great bars around Newton that are not to be missed:

1. Harry’s: At the top end of Cuppage Terrace, Harry’s is a sleek bar with a distinct retro-American feel. Dark wood paneling, comfortable leather seating, and tasteful historical decoration make for a cool drinking setting. Find it here.

2. Five Tapas: Perhaps the best happy hour deal in the city can be found at Five Tapas. Daily drink specials bring the cockta