The best place to stay in Singapore for first timers (2024)
Looking for the best place to stay in Singapore for first timers? Discover the best hotels in Singapore in Marina Bay, Little India and more.
Singapore is a fascinating city-state full of colonial history and some of the best food on earth! If you’re planning a trip there and wondering where to stay in Singapore, you’ve come to the right place.
In this post, we will explore all the districts of Singapore, with all their different histories, foods, and cultures.
We’ll look at what each area has to offer, as well as a variety of places for you to stay that will guarantee an unforgettable trip to Singapore.
Let’s dig in!
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Best place to stay in Singapore for first timers
Colonial District
Why stay in Colonial District
- Stunning gardens to explore
- Some of the city’s best traditional architecture
- Lots of great bars and shopping
Orchard Road
Why stay on Orchard Road
- The best place to shop in the city
- A vibrant, colourful district
- Fantastic youthful atmosphere
Marina Bay
Why stay in Marina Bay
- The best modern architecture in the city
- Stunning ocean views
- Luxury hotels and spas
Chinatown
Why stay in Chinatown
- The best Chinese food outside China
- Great street food to enjoy
- Stunning Chinese architecture
Little India
Why stay in Little India
- Amazing quality traditional Indian food
- Stunning old buildings to explore
- A vibrant area to lose yourself in
The Quays
Why stay in The Quays
- Beautiful sea and city views
- A peaceful area to explore
- Ideal for ocean-lovers
Sentosa Island
Why stay in Sentosa Island
- An incredible luxury island
- White sandy beaches all around
- Home to the best hotels in Singapore
Bugis
Why stay in Bugis
- A blend of shopping, bars, and food
- Fantastic, varied cuisine
- The city’s best nightlife district
Kampong Glam
Why stay in Kampong Glam
- A fascinating traditional district
- Full of local Muslim history
- Beautiful old architecture to explore
How to find the best Singapore hotels
One thing that makes Singapore such an ideal travel destination is its size.
No matter where you choose to stay, everything else is within easy travel distance. That means you can stay somewhere within your means and never worry about being out-of-the-way.
That said, if you’re a solo traveler you’ll probably want to be somewhere that has everything you need, like Orchard Road or Bugis.
If you’re a couple or a family, and you want somewhere a little more relaxes, Sentosa Island is perfect for you.
Where to stay in Colonial District
Old colonial buildings
This area is the cultural and architectural hub of the city. It’s where all the best galleries and museums are, as well as the old colonial architecture.
The old parliament buildings are here, and there’s no better place to wander and take in the sights.
Pros and cons of staying in Colonial District
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| The best architecture in Singapore | Not much food and shopping to enjoy |
| The arts and culture hub with great museums | Not so exciting if you’re not into history |
Best hotels in Colonial District
Luxury – Swissotel The Stamford
This incredible hotel is surrounded by amazing local greenery and an historical park. The rooms are the height of beauty and luxury.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – Hotel Fort Canning
The rooms at this hotel are beautifully decorated and spacious. Their views cover the entire city skyline. The Quays are nearby, and each one offers nightlife and dining options for days.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Budget – The Quay Hotel
The rooms in this hotel are light and bright, decorated with care and providing the best views of the cityscape. The restaurant is fantastic, offering an American-style breakfast every morning.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Where to stay on Orchard Road
An amazing shopping paradise
If you love shopping, there’s no better place in Singapore. Possibly no better place on earth! What Oxford Road is to Europe, Orchard Road is to Asia.
It’s got a great vibe and atmosphere, and you can lose endless hours shopping here.
Pros and cons of staying on Orchard Road
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Best shopping area in all of Asia! | Little to love if you don’t want to shop |
| You can lose hours enjoying the atmosphere alone | Pretty boring for families with children |
Best hotels on Orchard Road
Luxury – Concorde Hotel Singapore
This hotel sits on the Orchard Road shopping paradise, has its own outdoor pool, and each room has a huge TV to enjoy! You’ll be in the height of luxury and comfort here, and the range of dining options are amazing.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – ZEN Rooms Orchard
Every room has its own balcony. A fantastic breakfast is served every morning. You’re within arm’s reach of the best shopping in Asia.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Budget – 1br Cosy Somerset
This lovely Orchard apartment is perfect for young couples looking to be in the heart of Singapore. If you love shopping, everything is just downstairs for you to enjoy and explore! The apartment also has a well-equipped kitchen!
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Where to stay in Marina Bay
Home to Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands Hotel
The fanciest and most modern area of Singapore is home to all its most impressive towers and skyscrapers, including the incredible Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
Walking this area after visiting the Colonial District feels like entering a different world.
Pros and cons of staying in Marina Bay
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| A stunning area of modern architecture | Not much history to enjoy here |
| The most vibrant and colourful area of Singapore | Can become overly busy |
Best hotels in Marina Bay
Luxury – Marina Bay Sands
Perhaps the most famous hotel in Singapore, this incredible, beautiful, extravagant building stands proud against the ocean as a statement of Singapore’s luxury.
Its rooms are massive, its food is of award-winning quality, and its aesthetic marries traditional Chinese with modern – almost sci-fi style. From your room you get a view of the city ahead of you and the ocean behind you.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
With a spa, infinity pool and views of the marina, there’s no better place to enjoy and take in beauty of Singapore.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Budget – Amara
A delicious full English breakfast greets you every morning, and your comfy bed soothes you to sleep every night. This hotel is bright and cheerful, ideal if you’re a young travelling couple.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Where to stay in Chinatown
A vibrant historic district
Chinatowns are always fun. They provide you with real authentic Chinese cuisine – both in the form of street food and quality restaurants.
They also use traditional Chinese architecture to totally transform a city district. Great place to explore!
Pros and cons of staying in Chinatown
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Perfect if you love Chinese culture and food | Limited shopping to enjoy |
| One of the most unique areas of Singapore | Not much range of culture |
Best hotels in Chinatown
Luxury – The Scarlet Singapore
This hotel is the height of Chinatown luxury. Its beds are enormous and the comfiest in Singapore. You also have a gym and laundry free to use! The décor perfectly blends with the style of Chinatown.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – Hotel 1888 Collection
This minimalist Chinatown hotel is a great space to relax, with amazing restaurants at your doorstep. The rooms are cosy and quiet.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Budget – Backpackers’ Inn Chinatown
Although it’s advertised for backpackers, this Chinatown accommodation offers excellent private double rooms that are ideal for young couples. You get a spacious room with a big TV to relax with, and you’re in the heart of Chinatown.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Where to stay in Little India
Where you’ll find the best restaurants
Similar to Chinatown, Little India uses traditional Indian architecture and food to create a dynamic and unique district of Singapore.
Here you’ll get the best Indian cuisine in Asia, outside of India itself.
Pros and cons of staying in Little India
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Amazing Indian food! | Not much variety of cuisine here |
| Beautiful Indian architecture with loads of colours | Not much to like if you don’t love Indian food |
Best hotels in Little India
Luxury – Park Hotel Farrer Park
This stunning hotel is just around the corner from streets upon streets of the best Indian restaurants outside of India. The hotel itself also has a private indoor swimming pool.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – Village Hotel Albert Court
The rooms of this Little India hotel are adorned with lovely artwork bursting with colour. The high beds are comfy and soothing. The windows let in all the natural light you need.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Budget – Hilton Garden Inn Singapore
This lovely hotel has its own rooftop pool and a gym where you can keep fit while on holiday. There’s a huge range of cuisines on offer at their restaurant.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Where to stay in The Quays
With the best views in the city
The smell of the sea, the views of both the open water on one side and the cityscape on the other.
This area is both calm and vibrant. Nothing gives you that holiday feel like walking the quays at night.
Pros and cons of staying in The Quays
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Beautiful views of ocean and city | Not a lot of food culture to enjoy |
| A vibrant, electric atmosphere | No history to be explored here |
Best hotels in The Quays
Luxury – Park Hotel Clarke Quay
At this hotel you have a swimming pool and a fitness centre that are all yours to use through the day. High windows in the rooms also give an amazing view of the city.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – Novotel Clarke Quay
City views abound at this gorgeous hotel. Staying here also means being at the edge of the best shopping, bars, and nightlife.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Budget – Furama City Centre
The modern décor at this swanky hotel boasts a very cool vibe. It’s American pop-art meets modern lines and angles. Something very unique. Plus, there’s a fantastic pool to enjoy!
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Where to stay on Sentosa Island
The best white sandy beaches
This is the best place if you’re a couple or a family looking for a quiet getaway.
It’s still got easy access to the city proper, but it has its own white sandy beaches and is far more quiet and spacious than the rest of Singapore.
Pros and cons of staying on Sentosa Island
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Calm, quiet atmosphere, perfect for couples | Not much bustle and excitement to be enjoyed |
| Beautiful white sandy beaches | Can feel a little isolated |
Best hotels on Sentosa Island
Luxury – Resorts World Sentosa – Equarius Hotel
At this hotel, the absolute height of luxury, you’re treated to the best spa treatments in Singapore, as well as a gym and a huge outdoor pool. The beds use Egyptian cotton sheets and the rooms are the most beautiful you’ll ever stay in.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – Le Meridien Sentosa
This hotel is nestled amongst stunning gardens and features a phenomenal luxury pool, as well as a fantastically-equipped fitness centre. You’re also within reach of beaches and theme parks!
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Budget – ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove
The rooms at this hotel have an absolutely stunning décor and are spacious enough to fit a small house inside. It’s the absolute height of comfort, to say the least.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Where to stay in Bugis
Great shopping, restaurants, and nightlife
Bugis is a totally perfect mix of everything you want from Singapore.
It has fantastic Indian and Chinese restaurants, a vibrant shopping area, and really great pubs and clubs to discover. The total package.
Pros and cons of staying in Bugis
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Fantastic shopping, clubbing, and dining | Not many museums and galleries to explore |
| A mix of everything you want on holiday | No relaxing areas to chill in |
Best hotels in Bugis
Luxury – 30 Bencoolen
This fantastic hotel has a rooftop pool and a really great in-house restaurant. You’re getting an awful lot of luxury at this hotel.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – XY Hotel Bugis
The XY Hotel Bugis is all about modern neon-soaked décor. It will remind you why you’ve come to Singapore, and it’s ideal if you’re looking for nightlife.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Budget – Hotel Bencoolen
This hotel is situated in the perfect location if you’re looking for a mix of excellent food, bars, and shopping. Whatever the time of day, the best entertainment is on your doorstep.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Where to stay in Kampong Glam
The city’s Malay-Muslim quarter
The district with the deepest history, long predating the British rule of Singapore.
This area used to be home to the city’s old aristocracy, so it has some of the most incredible traditional architecture in the city!
Pros and cons of staying in Kampong Glam
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| The best local history to explore | Not much to enjoy if you don’t love local history |
| Stunning old architecture to photograph | Not much of a range of cuisine and shopping |
Best hotels in Kampong Glam
Luxury – ZEN Premium Kampong Glam
This premium hotel is ideal if you’re a young couple looking for somewhere comfy and quiet to stay as you explore the city. It has all the comfort you need to feel at home.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Mid-range – Hotel Clover 33 Jalan Sultan
Traditional decor and lovely ambience in a great location. This hotel is all about real comfort to settle you into the Singapore lifestyle.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Budget – Space Pod
This is the absolute best choice if you’re looking for a unique sleeping experience with a futuristic vibe! The space capsules have air con and flat screen, and they’re big enough so you won’t feel claustrophobic.
Plus, it’s a great location as you explore the city.
Check the latest prices at Booking.com
Things to do in Singapore
Singapore blends the old and the new so well.
One of the best traditional things to do – which is also cheap and gives you the chance to sample all the best food – is eat at a Hawker Centre. These are outdoor food courts where you can taste the best street food in Singapore.
There’s also the spectacular Laser and Light show by the iconic Merlion Statues, and some of the world’s best shopping on Orchard Lane.
Singapore is a small city perfectly suited to an intense holiday where you can do almost anything.
Read next: 10 totally free things to do in Singapore
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Thank you and you really provide a great list and as per budget. It is really categorized well. I have an experience of staying in Little India and you really presented things in a same way. Again great effort
I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks so much for commenting.