Discover the Best Areas in Singapore for Your Stay

Singapore is a small country in Southeast Asia, but it's packed with things to see and do! Sightsee around the bustling streets of Chinatown or pay a visit to the iconic Marina Bay Sands. There's surely something for everyone! It's just a matter of knowing where to stay in Singapore during your visit. So, let's dive into each area of the island and the best Singapore hotels to stay in — from budget hotels to boutique hotels!

As Singapore's most famous shopping street, Orchard Road is lined with over 5,000 shops. From luxury malls and high-end boutiques, shoppers will surely be spoilt with numerous choices. Visit ION Orchard, Paragon, and Ngee Ann City for the best retail experience! Then, head to one of the wide variety of restaurants in the area, serving everything from local cuisine to international fare. Must-try's include Il Cielo, Lawry's The Prime Rib, and Chua Kee Teochew Fish Head Noodle. Cap your meal off at Emerald Hill for a charming cafe experience! Known for its beautiful colonial shophouses built in the early 1900s, they are now home to a variety of businesses, including restaurants, cafes, and art galleries.

Some of the city's biggest hotels, such as the Pullman Singapore Orchard, which is only a walking distance from The Paragon and Ngee Ann City, also call Orchard Road home.

For stunning views of the city or the garden, the Pan Pacific Orchard is the perfect choice. Defo sight for sore eyes!

Into architecture or history? Consider the Colonial or Historic District when you're deciding where to stay in Singapore. Charming shophouses and quaint narrow streets adorn this neighbourhood! Visit some of the island's most important historical landmarks here as well, such as Fort Canning Park and the Singapore River. Picnic or stroll along the park's well-maintained lush gardens and lawns. If you're up for a lesson in history, learn about Singapore's development at the National Museum of Singapore. Explore its early days as a Malay fishing village to its present status as a modern metropolis in over one million objects, including archaeological artifacts and historical documents.

Luxury hotels populate this area, with some lesser-known budget hotels. View the historic Singapore River from your window at a stay in the iconic Raffles Hotel!

Give the Fullerton Hotel as well! Once home to Singapore's General Post Office, it has retained many of its original bonza features, such as the marble staircases, the stained glass windows, and the coffered ceilings.

The Marina Bay Area is one of Singapore's most vibrant and exciting areas, playing host to the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix and the Singapore Arts Festival. Plus, nestled between Marina Bay and the Singapore River is the Central Business District! Several notable landmarks also call Marina Bay home. Selfies are a must at Gardens by the Bay, especially when the Supertrees light up at night — they're the most iconic feature of the garden! And don't forget to take a snap of the unbeatable views of Marina Bay from the Singapore Flyer. Finally, pay a visit to the Merlion Statue, which is said to be the guardian spirit of Singapore and brings good luck to the city.

Thinking of where to stay in Singapore? The Marina Bay Sands is one of the luxury hotels that stands out as one of the most iconic in the world. With three 55-story hotel towers topped by a rooftop SkyPark with an infinity pool, it also offers a casino, shopping mall, theatre, and more — and with a stunning view of Marina Bay!

Chinatown is where the old and new seamlessly fuse. For example, the Chinatown Heritage Centre, temples, and shrines coexist with eateries, bars, and pubs in the area. Drop in at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, which — you guessed it! — holds the tooth of the Buddha. It also has the most authentic old Chinese medicine shops and hawker centres. Sample traditional Singapore food at the Maxwell Food Centre and Chinatown Complex Food Centre, like Hainanese chicken rice — a succulent and tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice and zesty chilli sauce. Or try Char Kway Teow, a mouthwatering stir-fried noodle dish infused with a smoky wok hei flavour.

For a hotel befitting the area's theme of combining the old and new, The Scarlet Hotel will not disappoint! It is a boutique hotel housed in a restored row of 1868 shophouses and a vintage 1924 Art Deco building.

For a modern touch of French elegance, Sofitel Singapore City Centre is a great option for those fond of staying at luxury hotels!

Also known as Arab Street, Bugis and Kampong Glam are connected by the Bugis Junction shopping mall, offering a fantastic option for where to stay in Singapore. The neighbourhood boasts plenty of 'grammable street art, third-wave cafes, and trendy boutiques and cafes. Admire Malay-Muslim architecture when you visit the Sultan Mosque, with a large central dome, white stucco walls, and a roof made with green tiles that you'll defo spot from a mile away! Shop traditional Middle Eastern goods, such as spices and textiles in the street's many Middle Eastern shops. It's the perfect place to shop for souvenirs! Bring even more zest to your visit with live music gigs along Haji Lane in the evening!

The best budget hotel in the area, the Mercure Singapore Bugis is a walking distance from Bugis Junction and Bugis Street, two of the area's most popular shopping malls.

If you're craving a stay at one of the area's luxury hotels, a more sumptuous option is The Sultan. It is located in a beautifully restored heritage building whose design nods to Arabic influences.

Just off the coast of Singapore, Sentosa Island was originally built as a military base. But it has since been converted into an entertainment centre. Get your adrenaline fix at Universal Studios Singapore when you get on the well-loved Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon roller coaster or the thrilling Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride. Marvel at the thousands of marine species at S.E.A Aquarium, including sharks, rays, and jellyfish. Don't forget to work on your tan at one of the gorgeous beaches, or hit the casino or golf course! With a variety of activities to choose from on Sentosa Island, it's one the best area to stay in Singapore for families.

Speaking of where to stay in Singapore, try the Oasia Resort Sentosa by Far East Hospitality for its lush tropical garden setting.

On a shoestring budget? One of the mid range hotels sure to be right up your alley is Siloso Beach Resort, Sentosa! Located right on the beach, it is the perfect choice to stay in during a pearler or a sunny arvo!

Little India is where Indian, Chinese, and Arabian influences coexist, with colourful streets, vibrant culture, and delicious food. Home to a number of Indian restaurants and food stalls, this makes it a great place to try Indian street food, such as Tandoori Chicken, Samosas, Biryani, and Ladoos. Hunt affordable electronics, clothes, and souvenirs in over 4,000 shops in the seven-storey, 24/7 Mustafa Centre! Marathon shopping? Now that's a workout we can get behind! With shops selling everything of all hues, while the air is filled with aromas from spice racks and the eateries that serve fusion cuisines, it's a true feast for the senses.

For a convenient stay in Singapore, V Hotel Lavender is one of the mid range hotels that is directly above the Lavender MRT Station. This makes it super easy to get around the island! Win-win!

Changi Airport is known for its world-class facilities, including the Jewel — a mixed-use complex. Say goodbye to boring and stressful airport waits! Relax at the four-storey garden that is the Shiseido Forest Valley, with over 2,000 trees and plants, or feel like you're in a tropical mountain rainforest at the Cloud Forest. Of course, a visit to Changi Airport won't be complete without a trip to the world's tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters high — the HSBC Rain Vortex! This is one of the iconic spots where tourists love taking 0.5 selfies! The airport also has a variety of restaurants and shops, making it a convenient place to stay before or after your flight.

Seamlessly connect to all airport terminals and the Jewel with a stay at one of the nearby affordable luxury hotels — the Crowne Plaza Hotel Changi, an IHG Hotel. Located in Terminal 3, it's only a walking distance to a sky train or link bridge for direct access to the airport when you stay in Singapore!

Are you looking for a way to save money on affordable luxury hotels and activities for your next vacation? Stay+ is the perfect solution! With Stay+, you can bundle your hotel booking with the best activities your destination offers. You can save up to 50% on your hotel or activity, plus you'll have peace of mind knowing that everything is taken care of!