Where to Stay in Singapore: A Neighborhood Guide | Singapore Purple Travel Guide
For your trip, especially one that starts with a busy itinerary, location is everything. It is highly recommended to stay in the Downtown Core or areas like Tanjong Pagar, Marina Bay, or Chinatown.
The goal is to stay within a 5-minute walk of an MRT station. Singapore’s public transit is so efficient that a central location allows you to reach most major attractions in under 20 minutes. Staying downtown helps you avoid the heavy peak-hour traffic and the surging prices of ‘Grab’ (taxi) rides, ensuring your short commute to morning sights is as stress-free as possible.
Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.
free GuruWalk tours
paid Viator tours
Choosing the Right Accommodation Type
Singapore offers a wide spectrum of stays, from world-class luxury to clever ‘smart’ hotels. Here is how to choose the right fit for your travel style:
1. Iconic Luxury & Sky-High Views
These hotels are destinations in themselves, often featuring infinity pools, Michelin-starred dining, and unparalleled views of the bay.
- Best for: First-time visitors who want that ‘only in Singapore’ experience.
- Top Picks: Marina Bay Sands, The Ritz-Carlton, and The Fullerton Hotel Singapore.
2. Modern Business & Lifestyle Hotels
Located mostly in the CBD and Tanjong Pagar, these hotels offer sleek, tech-forward rooms. They are perfect for travelers who want efficiency and high-end amenities without the ‘old world’ formality.
- Best for: Travelers who value a central location and modern design.
- Top Picks: The Clan Hotel, Oasia Hotel Downtown, and Pullman Singapore Hill Street.
3. Heritage & Boutique Stays
Singapore is famous for its restored shophouses. Boutique hotels in Chinatown or Tanjong Pagar allow you to stay in historic buildings with unique, localized decor.
- Best for: Couples and those looking for an ‘authentic’ neighborhood feel.
- Top Picks: Mondrian Singapore Duxton, Hotel Mono, and Duxton Reserve.
4. ‘Smart’ & Budget-Friendly Concepts
Singapore has pioneered high-quality budget stays, including luxury capsules and ‘cabin’ hotels that maximize space and technology.
- Best for: Solo travelers, budget-conscious explorers, or those who only plan to be in their room for sleeping.
- Top Picks: lyf Funan Singapore, KINN Studios, and CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel.
Neighborhood Cheat Sheet
Neighborhood |
Vibe |
Best For |
|---|---|---|
Marina Bay |
Futuristic, high-end, iconic |
Luxury, first-timers, views |
Chinatown |
Heritage, lively markets, street food |
Budget, culture, convenience |
Tanjong Pagar |
Trendy cafes, upscale bars, modern CBD |
Foodies, urban explorers |
Civic District |
Colonial architecture, museums, central |
Families, history buffs |
Here are the accommodations that are available when you visit:
We particularly liked the Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium.
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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel
Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.
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