Where to Stay in Singapore for First-Time Visitors – Best Areas & Hotels.
Home to futuristic skylines, rooftop infinity pools, world-class food, and some of the most impressive urban design on the planet…
Singapore felt different from the moment I arrived.
One minute you’re walking beneath glass skyscrapers, the next you’re eating hawker food that rivals Michelin-starred restaurants.
But for first-time visitors, there’s a catch…
Singapore’s hotel scene is spread across Marina Bay, the Riverside, Chinatown, Kampong Glam, and Orchard Road, and choosing the wrong area can mean paying more, commuting more, or missing the atmosphere you actually came for.
I assumed anywhere near the city centre would work…
What I quickly realised is that in Singapore, where you stay defines how the city feels.
Staying near Marina Bay meant skyline walks, iconic views, and effortless sightseeing, while other areas delivered very different experiences.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best areas to stay in Singapore for your first visit, with clear hotel recommendations to help you book the right base, without overthinking it.
A picture-perfect setting.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
At a Glance: Best Hotels to Stay in Singapore (First Timers):
🏆 Best Overall Hotel (First Timers):
👉 Marina Bay Sands – Iconic skyline views, infinity pool, walkable to Singapore’s top sights.
🌆 Best for Views & Luxury (Better Value):
👉 The Fullerton Hotel Singapore – Heritage luxury with arguably the best view of Marina Bay Sands.
🍸 Best Mid-Range Central Hotel:
👉 Paradox Singapore Merchant Court – Riverside location near Clarke Quay, great pool, excellent value for money.
🍜 Best for Food & Culture:
👉 The Clan Hotel Singapore – Modern luxury in Chinatown, steps from hawker centres and MRT.
🎨 Best Boutique / Design Hotel:
👉 Andaz Singapore – Stylish rooms in Kampong Glam with rooftop pool and city views.
👉 Compare prices & availability for top Singapore hotels here.
Such a surreal setting.
Be prepared for Singapore.
Singapore is an easy city to travel around, but healthcare costs can be high, so having travel medical insurance is worth sorting before you arrive.
I recommend SafetyWing, which offers flexible coverage for travellers, whether you’re visiting Singapore for a short stay or spending longer in Southeast Asia. It’s quick to set up and gives peace of mind while you focus on enjoying the city.
🌟 The World’s Most Iconic Hotel Experience – Marina Bay Sands.
There are hotels you stay in… And then there are hotels you plan a trip around.
Marina Bay Sands is firmly in the second category.
This isn’t just a place to sleep, it is the Singapore postcard.
Waking up here means floor-to-ceiling skyline views, morning walks around the bay, and evenings watching the city light up beneath you. Even if you’ve seen it a thousand times on Instagram, nothing quite prepares you for seeing it in real life.
Iconic.
I will never forget that moment I first saw the iconic hotel come into view as I rode the escalators upwards at Gardens by the Bay.
And then there’s the infinity pool.
Sitting 57 floors above the city, it’s the highest rooftop infinity pool in the world, and exclusive to hotel guests.
Swimming here at sunset, with the skyline stretching out in every direction, genuinely feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s one of those moments you remember long after the trip is over.
The first views of Marna Bay are bucket list worthy.
Beyond the pool, Marina Bay Sands puts you right in the heart of everything.
You’re steps from Gardens by the Bay, the waterfront promenade, the ArtScience Museum, luxury shopping, and some of the best dining in Singapore.
For first-time visitors, it doesn’t get more effortless, or more impressive than this.
Yes, it’s expensive.
But if you’re going to splurge on one hotel in Singapore, this is the one that delivers on every expectation.
👉 Check availability & prices for Marina Bay Sands here — rooms sell out fast, especially on weekends and during peak travel months.
Supertree Grove.
The world famous light show.
The best view of Marina Bay Sands (without staying there).
If you want the classic Marina Bay Sands skyline view without paying Marina Bay Sands prices, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is hands-down the best alternative.
This is one of Singapore’s most famous heritage hotels, housed inside the former General Post Office building, which dates back to 1928.
Staying here feels like stepping into Singapore’s past. Think grand columns, high ceilings, and an old-world elegance you don’t get in the modern high-rises.
Singapore Heritage.
But the real reason travellers book The Fullerton?
The view…
From the riverfront rooms, rooftop areas, and even the promenade outside, you get a perfect, uninterrupted view of Marina Bay Sands rising across the water. At night, when the skyline lights up, it’s genuinely spectacular, and one of the most photographed angles in the city.
An epic view.
Why The Fullerton is so popular with on first trips:
Direct views of Marina Bay Sands (without paying MBS prices).
Walking distance to the Merlion, Boat Quay, and the CBD.
Easy MRT access (Raffles Place & Downtown stations).
A more refined, classic hotel experience compared to ultra-modern towers.
An iconic building alongside a modern cityscape.
It’s also perfectly positioned near Gardens by the Bay, the ArtScience Museum, and the riverfront, making it one of the most convenient luxury bases in the city.
If you want to wake up to Marina Bay Sands views, enjoy skyline walks at night, and stay somewhere iconic without splurging on the world’s most expensive hotel, The Fullerton is one of the smartest bookings in Singapore.
A beautiful building.
A great stay.
Understanding Singapore’s Neighbourhoods.
Singapore is compact, clean, and incredibly easy to get around, but where you stay still matters.
Although I found the MRT to be very efficient and reasonably priced, there is something extra special about seeing the Marina Bay Sands hotel when you exit your accommodation.
Or seeing some of Singapore’s most creative corners from your room window.
Some areas give you walkable icons, skyline views, and that ‘this is Singapore’ feeling, while others are better for value, nightlife, or local culture.
If it’s your first trip, choosing the right neighbourhood can mean fewer transfers, better views, and a much smoother experience overall.
A cityscape to remember.
Here’s a quick overview of the five main areas most first-timers consider:
Marina Bay.
An iconic skyline, major attractions, and the most walkable sightseeing area. Best overall choice for first-timers who want the full Singapore experience.
Clarke Quay / Riverside.
Central and lively, with bars, restaurants, and river walks. A good mid-range alternative with easy MRT access.
Kampong Glam.
Creative, colourful, and boutique-focused, with cafés, design hotels, and the Sultan Mosque. Best for style and atmosphere.
Chinatown.
Great food, strong MRT connections, and better-value hotels. Ideal if you want culture and convenience without Marina Bay prices.
Orchard Road.
Shopping-heavy and less scenic. Good for retail-focused trips, but not the most atmospheric base for first-time sightseeing.
👉 If you want maximum impact with minimal planning, Marina Bay still comes out on top, specially for a first visit.
All areas are reachable through MRT.
Marina Bay – Best Area to Stay in Singapore for First-Time Visitors.
If it’s your first trip to Singapore, Marina Bay wins. Every single time.
This is the version of Singapore you’ve seen on postcards…
Skyline reflections on still water, rooftop infinity pools hovering above the city, palm trees framing glass skyscrapers, and that feeling of stepping into the future.
Staying in Marina Bay means you’re not just close to the highlights, you’re literally inside them.
You can walk between major attractions without thinking about MRT routes or taxi fares. Morning runs along the waterfront, sunset skyline views, and late-night strolls through the unique gardens.
It ain’t cheap, but it’s on your bucket list isn’t it?
Another awesome viewpoint.
Gardens by the Bay – Light Shows, Instagram Photos & Morning Walks.
This alone is the reason to stay in Marina Bay… I will never forget the first time I entered the Gardens.
The Supertree Grove towering above me, abundant nature all around me, and impeccably clean surroundings. All with one of the most iconic hotels in the world as the backdrop.
I had some fun exploring the gardens, that’s for sure!
Such surreal surroundings.
In the evenings, the light show transforms the entire area.
Music echoes through the park while the Supertrees glow in rhythm, with Marina Bay Sands rising dramatically behind them.
Watching it once is impressive. Watching it and then walking five minutes back to your hotel? Even better.
Majestic.
I loved coming here early in the morning too.
The humidity hadn’t fully kicked in, so I managed to hit my daily step count walking around the gardens.
If you stay in a hotel near Gardens by the Bay, you can experience both the quiet mornings and the amazing evenings without planning transport.
For photographers this is one of the most aesthetic places in the world, and definitely one of my favourites.
Some fun sights on my morning walk.
ArtScience Museum – Culture, Design & Rainy-Day Perfection.
The ArtScience Museum is one of the most recognisable buildings in Singapore, that lotus-shaped structure you see across the water from Marina Bay Sands.
Its futuristic design fits in perfectly in modern Singapore.
Inside, it blends immersive exhibitions, digital installations, and rotating global showcases.
It feels modern, interactive, and surprisingly absorbing, especially if you hit a rainy afternoon (which Singapore delivers often enough).
A very popular attraction.
Staying in Marina Bay means you can wander over spontaneously rather than building it into a tight itinerary.
One afternoon, I headed in simply to escape the heat, and ended up spending some considerable time exploring the Future World installation.
This is exactly why Marina Bay makes sense.
You’re surrounded by world-class design, architecture, and experiences, and they’re all within walking distance.
Very futuristic.
🏨 Best Hotels in Marina Bay.
Top Pick – Marina Bay Sands (£££££).
Singapore’s most iconic hotel, and one of the most searched luxury hotels in Singapore.
The infinity pool alone makes this a bucket-list stay, but you’re also getting unbeatable skyline views, direct access to shopping and dining, and the best location in Marina Bay. Expensive, yes, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Luxury – The Fullerton Hotel Singapore (££££).
A historic waterfront hotel offering some of the best views of Marina Bay Sands. Ideal if you want elegant rooms, quieter nights, and a more classic luxury feel while still staying central.
One of the top-rated Marina Bay hotels for couples and first visits.
Mid-Range Luxury – Mandarin Oriental Singapore (££££).
Excellent value for the location.
Spacious rooms, strong service, and easy walking access to Gardens by the Bay and the waterfront promenade. A great choice if you’re looking for a Marina Bay hotel with views without going ultra-premium.
Bucket list views.
Clarke Quay / Riverside – Central & Lively.
If Marina Bay feels a little too polished (or too expensive), Clarke Quay and the Riverside area are a strong alternative.
This part of Singapore runs along the Singapore River and has a much more social, energetic feel, especially in the evenings.
I found it to be one of the best areas to stay in Singapore if you want restaurants, bars, and nightlife on your doorstep.
You’re still extremely central here. From Clarke Quay, it’s easy to reach Marina Bay, Chinatown, Orchard Road, and Gardens by the Bay using the MRT or short taxi rides. It feels very well-connected.
Hotels in this area tend to offer better mid-range value, making it popular with couples, groups of friends, and travellers who plan to be out in the evenings rather than spending all their time in the hotel.
A colourful evening.
Why it’s a good area to stay:
Clarke Quay felt easy… That’s the best way I can describe it.
I didn’t have to think too much. I could walk out of my hotel and be by the river within minutes.
Restaurants everywhere. Bars if I wanted them.
Chinatown one direction, Marina Bay the other. It’s one of those areas where everything just connects naturally.
Location-wise, it’s one of the smartest bases in Singapore.
You’re close to Clarke Quay MRT, Fort Canning, Boat Quay, and only a short ride to Marina Bay or Orchard Road.
If you’re searching for centrally located Singapore hotels with good MRT access, but don’t want to pay Marina Bay luxury prices, I found this area hits the sweet spot.
In a few words…
Central, walkable, slightly better value, and far more fun at night than people expect.
Plenty of food spots.
Riverside evenings & nightlife.
What really defines staying in Clarke Quay is how alive the area feels once the sun goes down.
In the evenings, the riverfront fills up with people heading for dinner, drinks, or a relaxed walk along the water.
I really enjoy the combination of Neon-lit bridges, riverside terraces, and live music..This gives this part of Singapore a social, almost festival-like feel.
I always find my evenings to have a spontaneous feel when I am exploring this area of the city. Staying in Clarke Quay is ideal, as you can simply walk out of your hotel and see where the evening takes you.
If you love nightlife, this is the most enjoyable place to stay in Singapore.
A very fun and social area of the city.
Things to keep in mind:
Clarke Quay isn’t quiet.
Weekend nights can be lively, especially in hotels directly overlooking the river. If you’re a light sleeper, look for properties slightly set back from the main bar cluster.
It’s also less ‘iconic Singapore’ visually compared to Marina Bay, which is important to some travellers on a shorter layover.
You won’t wake up to Marina Bay Sands views or Gardens by the Bay outside your window.
And while it’s excellent for dining and nightlife, it’s less concentrated with the headline attractions.
Not quite the Marina Bay Sands views.
🏨 Hotel Recommendations – Clarke Quay / Riverside.
Top Pick – Paradox Singapore Merchant Court (££££).
A large, upscale riverside hotel with resort-style pools, spacious rooms, and direct access to Clarke Quay MRT.
Excellent facilities, reliable comfort, and one of the best-located hotels in the area for first timers who want nightlife and convenience without Marina Bay prices.
Mid-Range – Park Regis Singapore (£££).
Modern, well-reviewed hotel overlooking the river with comfortable rooms and a calm atmosphere just steps from Clarke Quay. A strong mid-range option if you want a central Singapore hotel with easy access to dining, bars, and the MRT.
Value – Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay (££).
One of the best-value hotels in central Singapore. Clean, efficient rooms, breakfast included, rooftop pool, and a fantastic location for exploring the city without paying premium prices.
Kampong Glam – Boutique Hotels, Cafés & Creative Vibes.
Marina Bay wins for skyline drama and iconic luxury hotels, but Kampong Glam is where Singapore shows more of its character.
Centred around Haji Lane, Arab Street, and the Sultan Mosque, this neighbourhood feels more creative, independent, and design-led than most parts of the city. I kept finding creative corners framed by palm trees and skyscrapers.
A juxtaposition I won’t forget!
It’s also one of the most interesting areas to stay in Singapore if you’re searching for boutique hotels with character rather than big international chains. Many of the best hotels in Kampong Glam are set inside restored heritage buildings, offering smaller but stylish rooms with real personality.
A creative corner.
There’s a strong international influence here too.
Middle Eastern restaurants, Turkish cafés, indie bakeries, vintage shops, and design studios all sit side by side. It feels layered, multicultural, and very interesting to explore.
If you’re looking for design hotels in Singapore, affordable boutique stays near Sultan Mosque, or a neighbourhood that feels walkable and creative, Kampong Glam is a seriously underrated base for those who want something different.
One of many international themed cafes.
Cafés, design & neighbourhood energy.
This was my favourite part of staying in Kampong Glam.
The café scene here genuinely reminded me of my time in Bali, especially Canggu, with the abundance of quirky themed places competing for your attention.
Fika Café was my favourite, as it reminded me of my visit to Gothenburg. It gave off proper Scandinavian energy, with minimal interiors, calm music, and strong coffee. The ideal spot to get some focused work done.
More International options.
The murals around Haji Lane and Arab Street are some of the most colourful in the city, so it’s no wonder many visitors think of Kampong Glam as the best Instagram spot in Singapore.
Huge painted walls, abstract designs, bold characters, and textured backdrops that make the whole area feel like an open-air gallery.
It didn’t take long for my camera roll to fill up when I stayed here.
If you’re staying here, build time into your mornings just to wander, as there are so many hidden gems.
There is street art everywhere in this part of the city.
Why stay in Kampong Glam?
Kampong Glam makes sense if you want something stylish, central, and different from the usual Singapore skyline experience.
It’s one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Singapore for travellers who prioritise character over luxury branding.
Location-wise, it’s more practical than people think.
Bugis MRT is close, Marina Bay is just a short ride away, and you can easily walk toward Little India or the Civic District. That makes it a smart base if you want to explore widely without paying premium waterfront prices.
Compared to Marina Bay luxury hotels, Kampong Glam often offers better nightly rates while still keeping you central and well connected.
If you’re searching for boutique hotels in Singapore with good reviews, central access, and more reasonable nightly rates, Kampong Glam often comes out as one of the best options for visitors who don’t need skyline views outside their window.
Stay here if you want personality, strong transport links, and a hotel that feels unique.
A proud area.
Things to keep in mind:
Kampong Glam isn’t the ‘postcard skyline’ version of Singapore.
You won’t wake up to Marina Bay Sands views or waterfront promenades outside your door. If iconic skyline views and rooftop pools are your priority, Marina Bay hotels will always win.
Rooms in boutique hotels here can also be smaller. Many properties are inside heritage buildings, so while they’re stylish, they don’t always have the same space or facilities as larger luxury hotels in Singapore.
It’s also quieter at night compared to Clarke Quay, but livelier than Chinatown. That balance works well for most travellers, just don’t expect full nightlife chaos or total silence.
If you want skyline drama, choose Marina Bay.
If you want creativity, colour, and boutique charm, then Kampong Glam is one of the most interesting places to stay in Singapore
Not quite Marina Bay Sands views, but still impressive.
🏨 Hotel Recommendations – Kampong Glam.
Top Pick – The Sultan (£££).
A beautiful heritage boutique hotel set inside restored shophouses.
Spacious rooms, lots of character, and an unbeatable location right next to the mosque and Arab Street. One of the best boutique hotels in Kampong Glam..
Mid-Range – Andaz Singapore (££££).
Design-led luxury with incredible views, a rooftop pool, and direct MRT access. A strong choice if you want a more upscale stay while still enjoying the Kampong Glam / Bugis area.
Value – Hotel Clover 769 North Bridge Road (££).
Great-value boutique-style hotel close to Haji Lane and Bugis. Compact rooms, modern interiors, and an excellent location for exploring this side of the city.
A fun morning exploring this area.
Chinatown – Affordable, Central & Food-Focused.
Chinatown feels way less touristy than some of the other popular areas.
This is where I finally sat down with a plate of Singapore noodles and a cold draft Tiger Beer, surrounded by sizzling woks, plastic stools, and some unique street-side energy, which I find makes the popular Southeast Asia destinations so addictive.
The smells alone pulled me straight back to evenings in Hong Kong and parts of Kuala Lumpur, with steam rising from hawker stalls, clinking glasses, neon reflections on wet pavements. It felt familiar, but distinctly Singaporean at the same time.
The main streets are lit up well, with lanterns glowing above the streets, the famous temples lit up against the skyline.
And the very colourful Cantonese-style street art adds contrast to the modern towers nearby.
Staying here means waking up within walking distance of Maxwell Food Centre, grabbing kopi before the crowds, and having some of the best-value hotels in central Singapore right on your doorstep.
A cultural centre of Singapore.
Why stay in Chinatown?
Chinatown is all about energy, flavour, and value.
Food is the main event.
This is hawker heaven.
Maxwell Food Centre alone is reason enough to stay here. Cheap, authentic, and genuinely excellent.
If you want some of the best local food in Singapore within walking distance of your hotel, Chinatown is hard to beat.
Unlike Marina Bay’s polished dining scene, this feels like everyday Singapore, busy, fragrant, and full of character.
Booking a hotel near Maxwell Food Centre or Chinatown MRT makes food effortless.
Excellent MRT connections.
Chinatown MRT is one of the most practical transport hubs in the city.
From here, you can easily reach Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, Orchard Road, Little India, and even the airport (with one change).
For first-time visitors deciding where to stay in Singapore with easy MRT access, this location keeps everything simple.
Better hotel value.
Compared to Marina Bay luxury hotels, prices here are noticeably lower.
You’ll find affordable boutique hotels, well-rated mid-range options, and compact shophouse stays.
If you’re looking for good-value hotels in central Singapore without sacrificing location, Chinatown consistently delivers.
A beautiful temple.
Things to keep in mind.
Chinatown is lively, and that comes with some trade-offs.
During the day, streets around Pagoda Street, Temple Street, and Maxwell can get busy, especially with tour groups. If you prefer wide boulevards and calm waterfront promenades, this area may feel a little more compact and crowded.
Hotels here also tend to have smaller rooms. Many properties are inside restored shophouses, which means charm and character, but not always large floor plans or resort-style facilities.
Don’t be expecting infinity pools and skyline views, that is where the Marina Bay hotels will suit you better.
If your priority is food, MRT access, and finding a well-located hotel in Singapore without paying Marina Bay prices, Chinatown remains one of the smartest places to book.
👉 A solid choice if you want good value hotels in central Singapore and plan to spend most of your time exploring rather than hanging around your hotel area.
A typical building in Chinatown.
🏨 Hotel Recommendations – Chinatown.
Mid-Range – Oasia Hotel Downtown (£££).
Modern, stylish hotel with a rooftop pool and great MRT access. One of the best-value mid-range hotels in Chinatown.
Value – Hotel Mono (££).
Simple, clean, and well-located inside heritage shophouses. Ideal if you want affordable Chinatown accommodation without sacrificing location.
Some Cantonese themed street art.
Orchard Road – Shopping & High-End Hotels.
Orchard Road is Singapore’s most famous shopping district, with wide boulevards, glossy malls, luxury brands, and large international hotels stacked along one long stretch of road.
It feels polished, organised, and easy.
When I stayed here previously, what stood out most was the space. Hotels in Orchard tend to offer larger rooms, bigger lobbies, proper gyms, and full facilities, something you don’t always get in boutique-heavy areas like Chinatown or Kampong Glam.
You’re also slightly removed from the heavy tourist flow of Marina Bay, which makes it feel calmer during the day.
For travellers searching for luxury hotels in Singapore with larger rooms, strong facilities, and excellent MRT access, Orchard Road is a safe and reliable choice.
Nice and modern.
Why stay on Orchard Road?
Orchard Road is one of the most comfortable and convenient areas to stay in Singapore, particularly if you value space, facilities, and easy logistics over skyline drama.
Larger hotels & full facilities.
This is where you’ll find many of Singapore’s major international hotel brands, which usually means larger rooms, full-service amenities, proper swimming pools, well-equipped gyms, executive lounges, and family-friendly layouts.
If you’re searching for 4-star or 5-star hotels in Singapore with strong facilities and comfort, Orchard Road hotels consistently rank highly on TripAdvisor and Booking platforms.
It’s a particularly good choice for families, business travellers, or anyone staying 4+ nights who wants more than just a compact boutique room.
Easy MRT access & central position.
Transport is straightforward. Orchard MRT sits on one of the city’s most useful lines, connecting you quickly to Marina Bay, Chinatown, Clarke Quay, and other key districts.
While you won’t be walking to Gardens by the Bay or the Merlion like you can from Marina Bay hotels, you’re still centrally positioned within Singapore’s transport network.
If you’re looking for centrally located Singapore hotels with easy MRT access, Orchard is a practical alternative to Marina Bay.
Popular tourist spots are only a few stops away.
Air-conditioned convenience.
The malls along Orchard Road are clean, air-conditioned, and packed with restaurants, cafés, and food courts.
On hot or rainy days (which Singapore has plenty of), this makes daily life incredibly easy. Even if you’re not planning a shopping trip, it’s one of the simplest places in the city to grab dinner without overthinking it.
Feels more business like.
Things to keep in mind.
Orchard Road is comfortable, but it definitely lacks the atmosphere of the other places. You won’t wake up to Marina Bay skyline views, colourful shophouses, or hawker-centre buzz.
The area is dominated by malls and chain hotels, which can make it feel more international than distinctly Singaporean.
Evenings are relatively quiet unless you’re dining inside a mall or hotel bar. If nightlife, riverside walks, or street energy matter to you, Clarke Quay or Kampong Glam will feel more interesting.
Hotel prices can also creep up during major shopping periods and events.
So while Orchard Road hotels offer excellent comfort and reliability, they don’t deliver the same ‘wow’ factor as Marina Bay.
Still some character.
🏨 Hotel Recommendations – Orchard Road.
Luxury – ION Orchard Hotel (££££).
Sleek, modern luxury directly connected to Orchard MRT. Great if shopping is a core part of your trip.
Mid-Range – YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road (£££).
Compact but stylish rooms, good value for the location, and a popular choice for short stays near Orchard Road.
Downtown.
FAQs About Staying in Singapore.
If you’re planning your first trip to Singapore, these are the exact questions that usually come up when choosing where to stay — especially around price, location, and whether premium areas like Marina Bay are actually worth it.
What is the best area to stay in Singapore for first-time visitors?
For first-time visitors, Marina Bay is the best area to stay in Singapore.
It’s walkable, visually iconic, and packed with major attractions like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the waterfront promenade. Staying here means less commuting, easier sightseeing, and a much stronger “wow” factor from day one.
Is Marina Bay worth the higher hotel prices?
Yes, especially for first-time visitors.
Marina Bay hotels cost more, but you’re paying for location, views, walkability, and time saved. Morning skyline walks, sunset views, and being steps from Singapore’s most famous sights genuinely change how the city feels.
If you’ve visited Singapore before or plan to spend most days out exploring, other areas offer better value, but for a first trip, Marina Bay delivers the most memorable experience.
A very efficient city.
Where should I stay in Singapore if I want nightlife?
Clarke Quay / Riverside is the best area for nightlife in Singapore.
This is where you’ll find riverside bars, late-night dining, clubs, and a social evening atmosphere. It’s lively without being chaotic and still very central.
Marina Bay is more refined and scenic at night, while Chinatown and Kampong Glam offer smaller, more local bar scenes.
Are Singapore hotels expensive compared to other cities in Asia?
Yes, Singapore is one of the most expensive hotel markets in Southeast Asia, but value depends heavily on location.
You’ll pay premium rates in Marina Bay and Orchard Road, while Chinatown and Kampong Glam offer better mid-range and boutique hotel value. The upside is that Singapore hotels are consistently clean, safe, and well-managed, even at lower price points.
Booking early and choosing the right neighbourhood makes a huge difference.
How many days should you stay in Singapore, and where is best to base yourself?
For a first visit, 3–4 days in Singapore is ideal, and Marina Bay is the best base for that timeframe.
It puts you within walking distance of the skyline, Gardens by the Bay, the Merlion, river walks, and major MRT lines, so you can see a lot without rushing or constantly changing hotels
A very aesthetic city.
My honest recommendation.
After staying in different parts of Singapore, I can confidently say there is a best starting point on your first visit.
And for me, Marina Bay wins every single time.
I’ve travelled through 50+ countries, and very few places have stopped me in my tracks the way Marina Bay did. The skyline, the water, the architecture, the light shows at night, ll makes for an incredible futuristic aesthetic.
All made even more impressive by beautiful nature, at Gardens by the Bay.
Staying here meant morning walks around the bay, sunset views over the skyline, effortless sightseeing, and that constant ‘wow’ feeling every time I stepped outside.
It can be very expensive, but for your first visit to Singapore, or a shorter layover, the experience is worth it.
Book a hotel in Marina Bay, walk the waterfront at night, watch the city light up, and experience Singapore at its absolute best.
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