Where to stay, and what to see, eat and drink along the Singapore River? We guide you along this bustling waterfront precinct near the CBD
Singapore’s lifeline for over 150 years, this 3.2-km long river that flows through the Central Business District was once bustling with trade and commerce. Today, the Singapore River and its famous quays – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay – are littered with world-class restaurants, hip watering holes, cool guesthouses and iconic attractions, promising an exciting adventure ahead.
Tongkang Riverboat Dining
Hop onboard one of the last surviving pair of tong kangs (traditional riverboats used for carrying goods back in the day) for a unique dining experience. One houses a bar for post-work drinks, while the other is where you can feast on succulent meats and seafood cooked on volcanic Serpentine stones from the European Alps.
Tongkang Riverboat Dining, #01-06, 3D River Valley Road, Singapore 179023, p. 6333 4868
The Arts House
Built in 1827, this multi-disciplinary arts centre was Singapore’s first Parliament House. Here, art enthusiasts can look forward to engaging programmes and festivals, including the Singapore Writer’s Festival and the Singapore International Festival of Music.
The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429, p. 6332 6900
Dallas Restaurant & Bar
What used to be a former congregation spot for members in the gambier and pepper community in Singapore is now a sleek all-American dining spot. Be sure to order the massive slabs of fiery baby back ribs if you feel carnivorous!
Dallas Restaurant & Bar, 31 Boat Quay, Singapore 049820, p. 6532 2131
The Mad Men Attic Bar
Getting here takes a little bit of effort – look out for the alley next to The Pecking Order on North Canal Road, find the glass door at the back of the restaurant, and take the elevator up to the fourth floor. Its black forest mojito, Aussie beers, chilli cheese dog, raucous atmosphere, and great live music will be worth it.
The Mad Men Attic Bar, #03-02, 11 North Canal Road, Singapore 048824, p. 9822 1789 (11am-4pm) / 6222 3529 (4pm onwards)
The Port By Quarters Hostel
Nestled in between the bars and restaurants along Boat Quay, this capsule hostel – also Singapore’s first – offers a comfortable and affordable stay along the Singapore River, with picturesque views of the city’s skyline.
The Port By Quarters Hostel, 50A Boat Quay, Singapore 049839, p. 6816 6960
People Of The River
Picture the old days through the myriad of sculptures here, depicting the life of people who used to work and live along the Singapore River.
Red House Seafood Restaurant
Established in 1976, Red House is one of the best spots in Singapore for crab. Select your crab (Sri Lankan mud, Scottish brown, Alaskan King) and have it any way you like – wok-fried and tossed in white pepper, charcoal grilled, or with salted egg yolk… take your pick!
Red House Seafood Restaurant, #01-14 The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238252, p. 6735 7666
Clarke Quay
Apart from being one of the city’s hottest nightlife destinations with exciting happy hour deals and great restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisines, Clarke Quay is also where you can be a human slingshot with G-Max, a thrilling ride that launches you up at a terrifying speed of 120mph.
G-max, 3 River Valley Road, Singapore 179024, p. 6338 1766.
Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT)
Experience Broadway, the West End, and the richness of Singaporean culture at this local theatre. SRT is known for staging highly popular and critically acclaimed productions such as the Shakespeare in the Park series, and Spider Woman, which stars local and regional performers.
Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT), 20 Merbau Road, Singapore 239035, p. 6221 5585
Asian Civilisations Museum
Presenting over 5,000 years of recorded history across 11 galleries, discover a diverse collection of Asian artefacts – including detailed sculptures of Buddha and the Gandhara culture – in this museum.
Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555, p. 6332 7798
Singapore Insider is published quarterly, in partnership with Singapore Tourism Board. Pick up the printed edition for free at Singapore Visitor Centres island-wide, including Orchard (junction of Cairnhill Road and Orchard Road), orchardgateway, ION Orchard (Level 1 Concierge), and Chinatown Visitor Centre (2 Banda Street), or download the digital version.