Choosing where to stay in Singapore can make a big difference to your trip.
The city may be compact and easy to get around, but every neighbourhood has its own personality – from cultural quarters and foodie hubs to luxury waterfronts and island escapes.
After more than ten visits, I’ve stayed all over the city – sometimes for a quick stopover, sometimes for a longer stay – and each area has its perks (and quirks!).
Here’s my personal guide to the best areas in Singapore to stay, including my top picks, a few situational options, and one underrated gem I think deserves more love.
(Tip: If you’re still deciding how long to stay, check out my guide to how many days you need in Singapore and my 5-day Singapore itinerary for ideas.)
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Not sure where to stay?
The Singapore Stopovers Facebook group is full of real traveller recommendations – from boutique stays to budget finds – plus first-hand reviews you can trust. Come ask questions and get local-style advice before you book!
Top Recommended Areas to Stay in Singapore
These are the neighbourhoods I recommend most often for first-time visitors, stopovers, or anyone who wants a great mix of location, food and atmosphere.
Chinatown
If I had to choose just one area that ticks all the boxes, it would be Chinatown. This is my favourite area to stay.
You’re right in the heart of the action – close to hawker centres like Maxwell Food Centre, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and only a short MRT ride from Marina Bay.
It’s an area where old meets new: heritage shophouses sit beside modern cafés and boutique hotels.
I love staying here because it’s easy to explore on foot, plenty of food options, and well connected by MRT to almost everywhere else.
Hotel picks:
- Hotel Mono – minimalist and affordable, housed in restored shophouses.
- The Clan Hotel – stylish, modern and perfectly positioned for sightseeing.
Bugis
Bugis has a fun, local feel with plenty of food, shopping and culture.
You’re close to Kampong Glam, Haji Lane, and Arab Street – areas packed with murals, independent shops and Middle Eastern eateries.
It’s also centrally located with two MRT stations nearby, making it really convenient.
I think Bugis offers some of the best mid-range options in Singapore, especially for travellers who want comfort without the Marina Bay price tag.
Hotel picks:
- lyf Bugis Singapore – a vibrant co-living-style stay with compact rooms, social spaces and a fun community vibe.
- Andaz Singapore – a sleek luxury hotel with panoramic city views and Bugis MRT right below.
- Hotel Mi Bencoolen – modern, affordable, and within walking distance of the National Museum and Bugis Junction.
Little India
Vibrant, colourful and full of energy, Little India gives you a real taste of local life.
It’s one of the best areas for budget travellers – you’ll find good-value hotels, fantastic food, and markets that stay open late.
It’s also within walking distance of several MRT stations, so getting around is easy. If you enjoy street life and don’t mind a bit of noise and bustle, this area offers great value and atmosphere.
Hotel picks:
- Wanderlust, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood – creative boutique stay in a heritage building.
- Owen House by Habyt – bright, modern and well-located near Farrer Park MRT, blending comfort with affordability.
Good Areas Depending on Your Plans
These neighbourhoods can be great too – but they tend to suit specific types of travellers or trips.
Orchard Road – Best for Shoppers
If shopping is on your agenda, Orchard Road is the place to be. The entire stretch is lined with malls, restaurants and high-end hotels.
It’s convenient for retail therapy and close to the Botanic Gardens, but not ideal if you plan to sightsee around Marina Bay or Sentosa.
Hotel picks:
- YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road – modern, compact rooms and great value for the area.
- Pullman Singapore Orchard – stylish and central with a rooftop pool.
Marina Bay – Iconic but Pricey
Marina Bay is Singapore’s postcard view – glittering skyline, waterfront walks and the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel. If it’s your first visit and you want to splurge, this is a spectacular place to stay.
You’ll have easy access to Gardens by the Bay, The Shoppes and the ArtScience Museum. But it comes at a cost – expect some of the city’s highest room rates.
Hotel picks:
- Marina Bay Sands – a bucket-list experience for many travellers. See my review.
- The Fullerton Hotel Singapore – heritage luxury with views of the river.
Clarke Quay – Best for Nightlife
If you love nightlife or riverside dining, Clarke Quay could be for you. The area buzzes at night with restaurants, bars and live music. It’s also walking distance to Chinatown and the MRT.
It’s not the quietest part of town, but it’s great if you want to be out and about in the evenings.
Hotel picks:
- Paradox Singapore Merchant Court – spacious rooms and excellent location beside the river.
- Park Regis Singapore – modern, mid-range option with a pool.
Sentosa Island – Great for Family Fun
Sentosa Island is perfect if your trip is all about fun and relaxation — beaches, Universal Studios, the aquarium and adventure parks are all here.
It’s ideal for families or those who just want a resort-style break, but less convenient for exploring the rest of the city.
Hotel picks:
- Village Hotel Sentosa – great for families with multiple pools and activities.
- Capella Singapore – pure luxury in a lush tropical setting.
Underrated Area: Katong / Joo Chiat
My favourite underrated area is Katong / Joo Chiat, on the city’s east side. It’s full of colourful Peranakan shophouses, local eateries and a more relaxed, residential feel.
I stayed here for my first few visits, and recently I visited again, and it has had an awesome makeover.
It’s not as central as Chinatown or Bugis, but it’s only a short Grab or bus or MRT (brown or green lines depending where you are) to the city.
You’ll find some of Singapore’s best local food right on your doorstep – think laksa, kaya toast and heritage bakeries – and lots of traditional Peranakan food too.
I recommend staying here for a more authentic slice of everyday Singapore, especially if you’ve already stayed in the main areas on previous trips.
Hotel picks:
- Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong – boutique charm with a rooftop pool and great local design.
- Santa Grand Hotel East Coast – good mid-range option in the heart of Joo Chiat.
For most visitors, I’d recommend staying in Chinatown, Bugis, or Little India – they’re central, affordable and packed with things to do.
If it’s your first visit or a special occasion, you might splurge on Marina Bay Sands or enjoy the nightlife in Clarke Quay.
And if you’ve been before or prefer a quieter stay, Katong / Joo Chiat is a lovely local option.
No matter where you stay, Singapore’s excellent public transport makes it easy to get around – so choose the vibe that suits you best and start exploring.
TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS
Find flights – I always use Skyscanner as my starting point when searching for flights. One search will give many options including airlines I may not have thought of. This means I can find the best possible flights to suit my needs
Book accommodation – my go to is always Booking.com for the best places to stay. It’s not just hotels anymore, but hostels, apartments, B&Bs and more. I love that the bookings are usually cancellable, and that I can book now and pay later.
Hire a rental car – RentalCars.com is my go to here. It allows me to do just one search and it finds cars from many of the different supplies, so no checking multiple websites to compare.
Get travel insurance – you would have heard by now that saying “if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel”. If we’ve learnt anything from the last couple of years it should be how essential travel insurance is. I use CoverMore for my insurance.
Pick up an eSIM – I tried an eSIM on my last trip and it was fantastic. I set it up before I went so it was ready as soon as I landed, and I still had access to my home number for emergencies. Get your own eSIM at Airalo.
Book activities, tours & attractions – I use a few different websites for this. Viator and Get Your Guide tend to be the first places I look. In Asia, Klook often has more options, and in Australia it’s Experience Oz.
Manage your money – the best way to manage your different currencies is with an account from Wise. You can hold money in many different currencies, and use them with the ATM card or from your phone.
