Best Areas to Stay in Singapore: Where to Stay

Choosing where to stay in Singapore can make a big difference to your trip. While Singapore is relatively compact and has excellent public transport, each neighbourhood has its own personality, and some locations will suit your travel plans better than others.

I’ve visited Singapore more than ten times now, staying in different parts of the city for everything from quick stopovers to longer visits. I’ve discovered that where you stay can change the whole feel of your trip.

Some areas are packed with hawker centres, markets and colourful streets, while others are all about shopping, nightlife or luxury hotels with incredible views.

And while Singapore has a reputation for being expensive, you don’t have to spend a fortune on accommodation to have a fantastic stay. Choosing the right location can help you save money without sacrificing convenience.

My personal favourites are Chinatown, Bugis and Little India. They’re well connected by public transport, have plenty of food options and offer accommodation across a range of budgets.

But that doesn’t mean they’re right for everyone.

In this guide, I’ll share what I think are the best areas to stay in Singapore, who each neighbourhood suits best and a few accommodation suggestions to get you started.

If you’re still planning your trip, my guides to how many days you need in Singapore and my 5-day Singapore itinerary might also help.

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Best Areas to Stay in Singapore at a Glance

Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick comparison of the main areas I recommend.

Area	Best for	My thoughts
Chinatown	First-time visitors, food and sightseeing	My favourite all-round choice
Bugis/Bencoolen	Convenience, culture and value	Excellent central location
Little India	Budget-conscious travellers and local atmosphere	Colourful, lively and interesting
City Hall/Civic District	Sightseeing and museums	Particularly convenient for short visits
Orchard Road	Shopping	Great if shopping is a priority
Marina Bay	Luxury, views and special occasions	Spectacular, but expensive
Clarke Quay	Nightlife and riverside dining	Best for evenings out
Sentosa Island	Families and resort holidays	Less convenient for exploring the city
Katong/Joo Chiat	Food, heritage and repeat visitors	An underrated alternative

My Quick Recommendation

If you’re visiting Singapore for the first time, I’d start by looking at Chinatown or Bugis/Bencoolen.

Both are convenient for sightseeing, have plenty of places to eat and make it easy to get around without relying on taxis.

Little India would be my next choice, particularly if you’re looking for good-value accommodation and love exploring interesting neighbourhoods.

I wouldn’t automatically book somewhere near Marina Bay Sands just because it’s Singapore’s most recognisable landmark. You can visit Marina Bay easily from other parts of the city, and your accommodation budget may go much further elsewhere.

And don’t worry about finding somewhere within walking distance of every attraction. Staying near an MRT station is often more useful than staying beside one particular landmark.

My Favourite Areas to Stay in Singapore

If someone asks me where to stay in Singapore, these are the three areas I recommend most often.

I’ve stayed in all three, and while each has a different atmosphere, I’d happily return to any of them.

Traditional shophouses in Chinatown Singapore. Bronze sculpture of a rickshaw puller and passenger in an open-air shopping street with cafes and traditional-style buildings.

Chinatown – My Favourite All-Round Area

If I had to choose just one area to stay in Singapore, it would probably be Chinatown.

It has just about everything I look for in a good location – plenty of places to eat, interesting streets to explore, excellent public transport and a range of accommodation options.

Chinatown is one of those neighbourhoods where you can step outside your hotel and immediately find something interesting.

There are colourful heritage shophouses, temples, markets and plenty of little streets to wander through. It’s also home to some of my favourite places to eat, including Maxwell Food Centre, where you can pick up a delicious meal without spending a fortune.

I love that Chinatown isn’t just a tourist attraction. Move away from the busiest streets and you’ll find everyday Singapore life going on around you.

Chinatown MRT station is served by the Downtown and North East lines, while nearby Telok Ayer and Maxwell stations give you even more options.

You can easily reach Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay and most of Singapore’s major attractions without needing a taxi.

Why stay in Chinatown?

Excellent location for sightseeing
Fantastic hawker centres and affordable food
Heritage streets and cultural attractions
Good MRT connections
Accommodation across different budgets

Things to consider: Some parts can be busy and noisy, particularly around the markets. Rooms in older shophouse hotels can also be quite small.

A couple of hotels to consider:

Hotel Mono – A minimalist boutique hotel in restored heritage shophouses, right in Chinatown.
The Clan Hotel – A more luxurious option near Telok Ayer MRT, with easy access to Chinatown and the CBD.

My verdict: Chinatown is a fantastic choice for first-time visitors, particularly if you love food, history and exploring on foot.

Tall modern building with large glass windows, palm trees at the entrance, and symmetrical landscaping in the foreground-one of the top areas to stay for comfort and style.

Bugis and Bencoolen – Great for Convenience and Value

Bugis is another area I keep coming back to, and I think it’s one of the best places to stay in Singapore.

I tend to group Bugis and neighbouring Bencoolen together because they’re close enough to share many of the same advantages.

What I particularly like is the location. You’re not far from Marina Bay, Orchard Road or Chinatown, and there are several MRT stations to choose from.

There’s also plenty to see within walking distance.

Kampong Glam is one of my favourite Singapore neighbourhoods, with colourful Haji Lane, Arab Street, Sultan Mosque and interesting little shops.

Bugis Street Market is fun for browsing, while Bugis Junction has plenty of shopping and food options.

Head towards Bencoolen and you’ll find the National Museum of Singapore, the Bras Basah arts district and the beautiful National Library nearby.

I’ve stayed at lyf Bugis Singapore and Hotel Waterloo, and both experiences reinforced why I like this location so much.

There are plenty of affordable places to eat, the transport connections are excellent, and it’s easy to head out exploring without spending half your day travelling across the city.

Why stay in Bugis or Bencoolen?

Central location with several nearby MRT stations
Easy access to Kampong Glam, Little India and the Civic District
Good selection of mid-range accommodation
Plenty of food and shopping options
Convenient for exploring different parts of Singapore

Things to consider: Some hotels have compact rooms, and the busiest parts of Bugis can be crowded. Check the exact location rather than assuming everything described as ‘Bugis’ is beside the MRT.

A few hotels to consider:

lyf Bugis Singapore – I’ve stayed here and really liked the location. It has compact rooms and shared social spaces.
Hotel Waterloo Singapore – Another hotel I’ve personally stayed in and would happily use again. It’s particularly convenient for Bencoolen MRT.
Hotel Mi Bencoolen – A modern option close to Bencoolen MRT.
Andaz Singapore – A luxury option with impressive city views and direct access to Bugis MRT.

My verdict: Bugis/Bencoolen is one of my top recommendations for visitors who want a convenient base without paying Marina Bay prices. It’s particularly good if you’re planning to explore different parts of the city.

Little India – Colourful, Lively and Often Good Value

Little India is one of Singapore’s most colourful and interesting neighbourhoods, and it’s another area I really enjoy staying in.

If you love exploring local markets, trying different foods and wandering through streets full of activity, Little India could be a great choice.

The area is packed with Indian restaurants, spice shops, flower stalls, temples and colourful heritage buildings.

It’s also home to Mustafa Centre, the enormous shopping complex where you can find almost anything you can imagine.

One of the things I like most about Little India is that it feels different from the more polished parts of Singapore.

There’s always something happening, whether it’s people shopping for fresh produce, families visiting temples or restaurants preparing for the evening rush.

I’ve stayed at Owen House by Habyt, near Farrer Park MRT, and found this part of Little India a convenient base for exploring.

Little India can also offer good value for accommodation, particularly compared with Marina Bay and Orchard Road.

There are several MRT stations in and around the neighbourhood, including Little India, Jalan Besar, Rochor and Farrer Park.

Why stay in Little India?

Colourful streets and plenty of local atmosphere
Excellent Indian food and affordable dining
Good-value accommodation
Convenient public transport
Temples, markets and shops within walking distance

Things to consider: Little India can be busy and noisy, especially on weekends and during festivals. Some streets are quieter than others, so check exactly where your accommodation is located.

A couple of hotels to consider:

Owen House by Habyt – I’ve stayed here, and its location near Farrer Park MRT is convenient for getting around Singapore.
Wanderlust, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood – A boutique hotel in a restored heritage building with plenty of character.

My verdict: Little India is a great choice for travellers who want good value and a lively neighbourhood with lots of personality. I particularly recommend it if you love food and don’t mind a little hustle and bustle.

Other Good Areas to Stay in Singapore

While Chinatown, Bugis and Little India are my usual recommendations, other areas might suit your travel plans better.

City Hall and the Civic District – Best for Central Sightseeing

City Hall is easy to overlook when choosing accommodation in Singapore, but it’s actually a very convenient place to stay.

You’re right in the middle of the city, within walking distance of some of Singapore’s most important historical buildings, museums and attractions.

The National Gallery Singapore, St Andrew’s Cathedral, the Padang and Raffles Hotel are all nearby. You can also walk towards the Singapore River and Marina Bay.

City Hall MRT is served by the East West and North South lines, making it easy to explore other parts of Singapore.

There are plenty of shopping centres and restaurants around Raffles City and nearby Suntec City too.

Why stay near City Hall?

Excellent central sightseeing location
Walking distance to museums and historical buildings
Convenient MRT connections
Plenty of restaurants and shopping
Good for shorter visits

Things to consider: Accommodation here can be expensive, and the area has more of a business and shopping atmosphere than the heritage neighbourhoods I tend to prefer.

A couple of hotels to consider:

lyf Funan Singapore – A modern, apartment-style hotel inside Funan Mall, around six minutes’ walk from City Hall MRT. A good mid-range option with compact rooms and shared facilities.
Hotel NuVe Heritage – A boutique hotel in a restored heritage building on Purvis Street, conveniently located between City Hall and Bugis. A good option if you prefer something with a little more character.

My verdict: City Hall is a great choice for first-time visitors who want to be close to major attractions, particularly on a short Singapore stopover.

Orchard Road – Best for Shopping

If shopping is high on your Singapore wish list, Orchard Road could be the perfect place to stay.

This is Singapore’s main shopping district, with enormous malls, international brands, designer boutiques and department stores lining the street.

Even if shopping isn’t your thing, it’s worth visiting just to see the scale of it all.

There’s also no shortage of places to eat, from food courts to more expensive restaurants.

Orchard Road has excellent public transport connections, with stations including Orchard, Somerset and Dhoby Ghaut along the shopping stretch.

You’re also reasonably close to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, particularly if you’re staying towards the western end of Orchard Road.

Why stay on Orchard Road?

Fantastic shopping
Plenty of restaurants and food courts
Wide selection of hotels
Convenient MRT access
Handy for the Botanic Gardens

Things to consider: Accommodation can be expensive, and Orchard Road is quite long, so check your hotel’s distance from the nearest MRT station.

A couple of hotels to consider:

YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road – Modern, compact rooms near Orchard MRT.
Pullman Singapore Orchard – An upmarket hotel in the shopping district with a swimming pool.

My verdict: If your Singapore holiday involves plenty of shopping, Orchard Road makes sense. Otherwise, I’d probably choose Chinatown or Bugis and visit Orchard Road for a few hours instead.

A brightly lit boat cruises along a river at night near The Fullerton Hotel, with modern buildings and an illuminated bridge in the background.

Marina Bay – Best for Luxury and Iconic Views

When people picture Singapore, there’s a good chance they’re thinking of Marina Bay.

This is where you’ll find Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, the ArtScience Museum and some of Singapore’s most recognisable views.

It’s a spectacular part of the city, particularly in the evening when the skyline lights up.

If you’re visiting for a special occasion and want to splurge, Marina Bay is certainly worth considering.

Staying here puts you close to some of Singapore’s biggest attractions, including the nightly Garden Rhapsody light show at Gardens by the Bay.

But there’s one big downside – the price.

Hotels around Marina Bay can be among the most expensive in Singapore, and while the views and facilities can be incredible, you don’t need to stay here to enjoy the area.

I’ve visited Marina Bay many times, and it’s easy to reach by MRT from elsewhere in the city.

Personally, I’d usually rather save some money on accommodation and use it for experiences, food or even an extra day in Singapore.

Why stay at Marina Bay?

Incredible skyline and waterfront views
Close to Gardens by the Bay
Luxury accommodation
Beautiful evening walks
Great for special occasions

Things to consider: Accommodation is expensive, and some attractions are further apart than they appear on a map. The area also feels different from the busy local neighbourhoods I tend to enjoy.

A couple of hotels to consider:

Marina Bay Sands – Singapore’s most famous hotel, with its spectacular rooftop infinity pool. Is it worth the price? I’ve looked at that question in my Marina Bay Sands review.
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore – A beautiful heritage luxury hotel near the Singapore River and Marina Bay.

My verdict: Marina Bay is fantastic if you want a luxury experience and have the budget. For most travellers, I think staying somewhere less expensive and visiting Marina Bay is the better option.

Clarke Quay, Singapore. A pink two-story building with green shutters, a red awning labeled "Kopi & Spice," and outdoor seating, this spot sits under a large canopy-perfect for exploring popular areas to stay nearby.

Clarke Quay – Best for Nightlife and Riverside Dining

If you enjoy going out in the evenings, Clarke Quay could be a great place to stay.

Located along the Singapore River, Clarke Quay is known for its restaurants, bars and nightlife.

It’s particularly lively after dark when the colourful riverside buildings light up and people head out for dinner and drinks.

There are plenty of restaurants overlooking the water, and you can take a Singapore River cruise from this area.

Chinatown is within walking distance, and you can follow the river towards Boat Quay and Marina Bay.

I’ve spent time exploring Clarke Quay and really enjoy its evening atmosphere, but it wouldn’t necessarily be my first choice for accommodation. I tend to prefer somewhere quieter at night.

Why stay at Clarke Quay?

Restaurants, bars and nightlife
Attractive riverside location
Walking distance to Chinatown
Convenient MRT access
Plenty happening in the evenings

Things to consider: Clarke Quay can be noisy at night, particularly around the bars. Restaurants along the river can also be more expensive than local hawker centres.

A couple of hotels to consider:

Paradox Singapore Merchant Court – A well-located hotel beside Clarke Quay with a swimming pool.
Park Regis Singapore – A comfortable option near Clarke Quay and Chinatown.

For more ideas, read my guide to things to do in Clarke Quay.

My verdict: Clarke Quay is ideal if you enjoy going out for dinner, drinks and entertainment. If you’re more interested in sightseeing and local food, I’d probably stay in nearby Chinatown.

The large, white "Sentosa" sign is perched atop a rocky hill covered in greenery on Sentosa Island, Singapore. The scene includes lush tropical plants, a wooden footbridge, and clear blue skies, giving the area a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.

Sentosa Island – Best for Families and Resort Holidays

Sentosa is a little different from the other areas on this list.

Rather than being a neighbourhood in the main city, Sentosa is a resort island just off Singapore’s southern coast.

It’s home to Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore Oceanarium, beaches, adventure attractions and several resort hotels.

If you’re travelling with children or want a holiday involving relaxing by the pool and visiting theme parks, staying on Sentosa could be a good choice.

You can spend several days enjoying the island without needing to venture into central Singapore.

Sentosa is connected to the mainland by road, the Sentosa Express monorail, cable car and a pedestrian walkway, but getting into the city generally takes longer than from Chinatown or Bugis.

Why stay on Sentosa?

Excellent for family holidays
Close to Universal Studios Singapore and Singapore Oceanarium
Beaches and resort accommodation
Plenty of activities for children
Great for relaxing

Things to consider: Accommodation and food can be expensive, and you’ll need to allow extra time to reach Singapore’s cultural neighbourhoods and other attractions.

A couple of hotels to consider:

Village Hotel Sentosa – A family-friendly hotel with multiple swimming pools.
Capella Singapore – A luxury resort surrounded by greenery.

My verdict: Sentosa is great for a family resort holiday, particularly if you’ll spend most of your time on the island. For a first visit focused on exploring Singapore, I’d stay on the mainland and visit Sentosa as a day trip.

Traditional building in Joo Chiat, Singapore. A two-story white heritage shophouse with ornate details houses Café Wabi Sabi and Carrotsticks & Cravings on a street corner at Koon Seng Road.

Katong and Joo Chiat – My Favourite Underrated Area

If you’ve been to Singapore before and want to stay somewhere a little different, I’d definitely consider Katong and Joo Chiat.

This colourful neighbourhood on Singapore’s east side is one of my favourite parts of the city, particularly if you love food, heritage buildings and exploring local streets.

I actually stayed in this area during my first few visits to Singapore, long before I started spending so much time in Chinatown and Bugis.

When I returned more recently, I was surprised by how much it had changed. The whole area seems to have had a makeover, with more cafés, restaurants and interesting little shops among the traditional businesses.

But it hasn’t lost the character that made me like it in the first place.

Katong and Joo Chiat are particularly well known for their Peranakan heritage, and you’ll find some of Singapore’s most beautiful colourful shophouses here.

Koon Seng Road is one of the most photographed streets in the neighbourhood, with its rows of pastel-coloured houses. It’s worth wandering beyond this street too, because there’s plenty more to discover.

And then there’s the food!

This is one of the best areas in Singapore to try local dishes, including Katong laksa, kaya toast, traditional kueh and Peranakan cuisine.

On my recent visit, I joined a food tour of the neighbourhood, and it reminded me just how much there is to discover here.

Another thing I like about Katong is that you’re not far from East Coast Park. It’s a lovely place for a walk or bike ride beside the water and a nice change from the busy streets of central Singapore.

Is Katong and Joo Chiat a Convenient Place to Stay?

The biggest downside to staying here used to be the lack of nearby MRT stations.

That’s changed with the opening of the Thomson-East Coast Line stations in June 2024, including Tanjong Katong, Marine Parade and Marine Terrace.

You can now reach central Singapore by train, although this neighbourhood covers quite a large area and not every hotel is particularly close to a station.

If you’re considering staying here, check the exact location of your accommodation and how far you’ll need to walk to public transport.

There are also plenty of buses, and Grab is an option when you don’t feel like using public transport.

Why stay in Katong or Joo Chiat?

Beautiful Peranakan heritage buildings
Fantastic local food and traditional eateries
A more residential atmosphere
Easy access to East Coast Park
A different side of Singapore
Improved MRT connections

Things to consider: Katong and Joo Chiat aren’t as central as Chinatown or Bugis, so you’ll generally spend more time travelling to major attractions. Some accommodation is also quite a walk from the nearest MRT station.

A couple of hotels to consider:

Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong – A stylish boutique hotel with Peranakan-inspired design and a rooftop swimming pool.
Santa Grand Hotel East Coast – A smaller hotel I have stayed in, in a convenient location for exploring the area’s food and heritage streets.

My verdict: Katong and Joo Chiat are fantastic choices if you’ve already visited Singapore’s main attractions and want to experience more of the local side of the city.

I’d particularly recommend the area to food lovers and anyone who enjoys exploring neighbourhoods rather than rushing between major attractions.

It’s not necessarily where I’d suggest staying for a first visit of just two or three days, but for a longer stay or return visit, I’d happily base myself here again.

Things to Consider Before Booking Accommodation in Singapore

Once you’ve chosen an area, there are a few other things worth checking before booking.

Stay Near an MRT Station

This is probably my biggest tip.

The MRT is clean, efficient, affordable and one of the easiest ways to get around Singapore.

I use it all the time, and unless I have a particular reason to catch a taxi or Grab, it’s usually my preferred way to travel.

I generally look for accommodation within about 500 metres of an MRT station, although I’ll happily walk further for a hotel I particularly like.

Just remember that Singapore is hot and humid, and a ten-minute walk with your luggage can feel much longer than expected!

Check the actual walking route too, rather than just the distance shown on a map.

Don’t Expect Huge Hotel Rooms

One thing that surprises visitors to Singapore is how small some hotel rooms can be.

Even fairly expensive hotels can have compact rooms, and booking website photos don’t always give you a realistic impression of the size.

I always check the room measurements before booking.

A room of around 12–15 square metres might be perfectly fine for one person staying a couple of nights, but it can feel cramped with two people and two suitcases.

If you’re staying longer or like having a little space, compare room sizes rather than simply choosing the cheapest option.

Check the Final Price

Singapore accommodation can be expensive, particularly during major events and busy travel periods.

Check whether the advertised price includes taxes and service charges.

Singapore’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) is 9%, and many hotels also apply a 10% service charge.

Depending on the booking website, these charges may already be included in the advertised price or added later.

Make sure you’re comparing the final amount you’ll pay.

I also check cancellation policies carefully. Sometimes it’s worth paying a little extra for a refundable booking, particularly when planning well in advance.

Think About How You’ll Spend Your Time

It’s tempting to choose a hotel because it looks lovely, but location matters just as much.

If you’re planning to spend your days sightseeing, somewhere central with good transport connections is probably best.

If your trip is all about Universal Studios and family activities, Sentosa might make more sense.

And if you love wandering neighbourhoods and trying different foods, you might prefer Chinatown, Little India or Katong.

I tend to spend most of my days out exploring, so I’m usually happy with a comfortable, well-located room rather than paying extra for facilities I won’t use.

An illuminated rooftop swimming pool at the Hotel Waterloo Singapore at night, positioned next to a modern building with a view of a city high-rise in the background.

Do You Really Need a Swimming Pool?

Singapore is hot and humid throughout the year, so a swimming pool can certainly be appealing.

If you’re travelling with children or planning to spend time relaxing at your hotel, a pool might be worth paying extra for.

But if you’re going to be out exploring all day, think about how often you’ll actually use it.

I like having a pool available, but it’s not something I insist on.

I’d generally prioritise location, comfort and price first.

Consider Your Arrival and Departure Times

If you’re visiting Singapore on a stopover, think about when your flights arrive and depart.

For most travellers, I’d recommend staying in the city rather than near Changi Airport, particularly if you have a full day or more to explore.

The MRT connects Changi Airport with the city, with a change of train at Tanah Merah or Expo, depending on your route. Taxis and Grab are also available.

However, if you’re arriving very late, leaving early the next morning or only have a few hours between flights, an airport hotel might be worth considering.

Just check whether the hotel is inside or outside the transit area, particularly if you’re not planning to pass through immigration.

For more information, read my guide to things to do at Changi Airport.