Uncover Singapore's hidden gems
Perhaps the hint lies in the country's nickname — island city — brings together urban and coastal landscapes, and fast-paced and laidback lifestyles. Best known for its eclectic food cultures, varied historical influences, and endlessly evolving shopping and entertainment attractions, Singapore promises something for everyone.
Seeking a relaxing staycation, gastronomic adventure, cultural discovery, or anything in between? Before booking, let us be your guide to the city's most exciting neighbourhoods, and the best hotels to explore them from.
Island City Living
From coastline to city centre, dive into what makes island living so dynamic in Singapore. Explore the buzzing downtown area, where skyscrapers, glittering malls and quaint shophouses are sit beside each other, each filled with a dazzling array of shops, bars and restaurants. When you're ready for a tropical escape, make your way to the sandy beaches of Sentosa for a quieter island retreat.
Step through the archways and back in time at Raffles Hotel Singapore, a rare find and one of the few remaining great 19th century hotels in the world. Opened in 1887, its striking colonial facade cuts a sharp figure against the skyscrapers of downtown Singapore.
Over a century on, the legendary Raffles service endures amidst the building's beautifully preserved architectural and design details. Immerse in a grandeur and elegance like no other, knowing you're roaming the same halls and suites as some of history's most illustrious characters.
This iconic hotel is also in prime position to explore what makes the city tick. Located in the vibrant cultural district, you’ll be within walking distance of splendid sights and cultural attractions, including the Singapore Flyer, St Andrew’s Cathedral, National Gallery Singapore, and Esplanade, Theatres on the Bay.
Discover downtown Singapore from your very own oasis in the city centre. From the moment you rise, spectacular floor-to-ceiling views offer a glimpse of the liveliness that thrums below, and the surrounding dining and cultural excursions around the city.
Rising above Tanjong Pagar MRT station, this luxury hotel is your launchpad to the rest of the city. But first, start with the neighbouring streets lined with unique shopping and dining offerings.
Only a short walk away is Chinatown, where you can discover the majestic Buddha Tooth Relic Museum and Temple in the middle of the city, and immerse in local cuisine in the area's expansive markets and complexes.
Get even closer to the thick of it all at ibis Singapore Bencoolen, located at the intersection of culture, shopping and business in the city. Shop to your heart’s desire at the Bras Basah and Bugis shopping district just down the road, or head to Little India, where colourful shophouses offer a feast for both the eyes and the belly.
Entryways to Singapore’s history and contemporary arts are close by too, including museums, galleries and intricately designed Hindu and Chinese temples. Make a pit stop at the boutiques and cafés along Haji Lane and its surrounding streets, which make way for lively bars and live music spilling onto the streets after the sun sets.
Wherever you’re headed, this sleek, economic hotel brings you closer to where you need to be. With four MRT stations at your disposal, this is also one of Singapore’s most well-connected districts.
Away from the city centre, Sentosa is home to a vibrant energy of its own. Just off the southern shores of the mainland, a mix of entertainment, natural, sporting, dining and wellness offerings draws visitors daily. There’s plenty to see and do — through it all, Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa offers a space to retreat and recharge.
Nestled on a cliff above Tanjong Beach, this resort hotel is a tranquil haven amidst the goings-on at Sentosa. Here, the island’s natural beauty is heightened by a touch of luxury, from lush botanical surroundings to panoramic views of the sea.
Ease into a state of relaxation while basking on golden sands or indulging in world-class spa treatments. When you’re ready to up the ante, Sentosa’s family-friendly amusement parks, water parks, aquariums and adventurous sports await.
Local Culture and Cosy Neighbourhoods
On the outskirts of the city centre, Singapore’s neighbourhoods are just as dynamic, and full of laidback charm. Heritage buildings and historical sites create memorable sightseeing opportunities, but the biggest stars are the relaxed atmosphere and the wide-ranging menu of local fare on offer.
Food lovers, look no further than the East Coast of Singapore. The dizzying selection of dining options range from unassuming eateries and hawkers serving up authentic local food to quirky cafés, upscale bistros, and specialty grocery stores.
This vibrant district is also where you can experience both rich Peranakan culture and history, and contemporary cool. Throughout, pastel Peranakan architecture decorates the streets, which are dotted with Peranakan food outlets — as well as trendy boutiques, and vintage clothing and record stores.
In the middle of it all is Grand Mercure Singapore Roxy. Surrounded by heritage buildings and shops, yet just a short walk from the beach, this is your spot to sit back, relax and feel the pulse of Singapore’s culture both past and present.
The eclectic landscape of the Balestier and Novena neighbourhoods is a testament to Singapore’s broad cultural influences and rich history. A stroll through the area could take you from intriguing modernist architecture to Chinese Baroque shophouses, then to glittering high-rise buildings.
Along the way, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it’s time to eat. Grab a treat from an old school bakery and wash it down with specialty coffee at a hidden café — or go for a heartier meal of authentic cuisine at one of many fuss-free restaurants.
Dine and explore from ibis Singapore Novena, in the middle of the iconic Balestier Road. A stone’s throw from the Orchard shopping district, enjoy easy access from the hotel to the city’s best attractions from this budget-friendly hotel.
Entertainment & Shopping
A trip to Singapore would be amiss without experiencing the city’s most contemporary lifestyle attractions. First stop is Orchard Road, one of Asia’s most well-known shopping and entertainment destinations, packed with every type of retail offering imaginable, including the world’s top fashion and luxury houses. For more artistic or cultural pursuits, set your sights on City Hall and the Civic District, where the city’s museums, performance venues and nightlife are at your fingertips.
Let the style-forward spirit of Orchard Road be your guide at Pullman Singapore Orchard. Designed around the fashion powerhouses of Orchard, this 5-star hotel carves out a space in the heart of the district to work, play, and rest, while keeping apace with the latest trends.
Playful, boundary-pushing designs invite fresh perspectives and endless innovation — down to dining experiences, where you’re invited to immerse in captivating spaces, and inspired gastronomy and mixology. When it’s time for a break, let your downtime make as much of a statement as your work does, and recline at the only beach club in the middle of the busy shopping district.
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Tucked away on Stevens Road, one of Singapore’s most premier estates, Novotel Singapore on Stevens and Mercure Singapore on Stevens offer a lush tropical sanctuary right beside the best of the city’s shopping and entertainment attractions. With Orchard Road just down the road, it’s easier than ever to dip in and out of buzzy events, brunch appointments and shopping excursions in the iconic district.
When you need a change of scenery, the Singapore Botanic Gardens are within easy reach too. Leave the bustle of the city behind and escape to the UNESCO Heritage Site for grassy lawns, enthralling gardenscapes and astounding botanical diversity.
Throughout your stay, the serene hotels on Stevens will always be here for you to retreat to at the end of a long day.
The culturally attuned will appreciate Fairmont Singapore and Swisôtel The Stamford’s proximity to the Civic District, the epicentre of arts, heritage and lifestyle in Singapore.
A stroll around may be enough to admire the area’s monuments and architectural marvels, but step inside and you’ll find there’s more than meets the eye. Within some of Singapore’s notable buildings are extensive collections of art and heritage objects, theatres, concert halls, and a host of lively bars and restaurants.
Back at your own private balcony or the rooftop bar, let your eye travel from the stately historical buildings right below to dazzling skyscrapers on one side, and Marina Bay, Singapore River and beyond on the other. Reaching up to 73 floors above ground, breathtaking views can be found all around.
