Trying to figure out where to stay in Singapore? After multiple trips and staying in both hostels and hotels across the city, I’m breaking down the six best areas, including their pros, cons, and who each one is actually best for.
Singapore may be pretty small, but choosing the right neighborhood can make a big difference to your trip, especially when accommodation here isn’t exactly cheap.
While the MRT makes getting around incredibly easy, Singapore’s neighborhoods each have a completely different feel, selection of places to eat, and range of hotels. Plus it can seriously make or break your daily budget.
I’ve traveled to Singapore multiple times and stayed in both hostels and hotels across different budgets, sometimes solo, with my partner, or even with family.
This includes Wink @ Mosque Street in Chinatown and Hotel Mi Rochor, where I’ve now stayed three times, so I’ve learned what I personally look for in a good base: easy access to the MRT, affordable food nearby, and plenty to explore within walking distance.
In this guide, I’ll help you decide where to stay in Singapore by breaking down six of the best areas, including the pros and cons of each. I’ll also share my recommended hotels and hostels, along with who I think each neighborhood is best suited to.
Where You Should Stay In Singapore: The Best Areas Explained
🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Singapore: 12Go Asia
The Best Areas To Stay In Singapore At A Glance
If you just want the quick answer, Chinatown is definitely my top choice for backpackers, while Rochor and Little India are great if you want an affordable private room.
For nightlife, head to Clarke Quay, while Marina Bay is the obvious choice if you’re ready to splurge.
Still planning your trip? My 3 days in Singapore itinerary will help you work out which location suits your plans best.
| Area | Best For | Price Level | Nearest MRT | My Top Accommodation Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinatown | Backpackers and food | Budget to mid-range | Chinatown | Wink @ Mosque Street |
| Rochor and Little India | Affordable hotels | Budget to mid-range | Rochor or Little India | Hotel Mi Rochor |
| Bugis and Kampong Glam | Cafes and street art | Mid-range | Bugis or Nicoll Highway | The Sultan |
| Marina Bay | Luxury and iconic views | Luxury | Bayfront | Marina Bay Sands |
| Clarke Quay and Singapore River | Nightlife | Mid-range to luxury | Clarke Quay | Paradox Singapore Merchant Court |
| Orchard Road | Shopping | Mid-range to luxury | Orchard or Somerset | JEN Singapore Orchardgateway |
Keep in mind that these price levels are relative to Singapore. Even a “budget” private room here can feel pretty expensive compared to elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
1. Chinatown: Best For Backpackers And Food
Chinatown is easily one of my favorite areas to stay in Singapore, especially if you’re backpacking or traveling on a tighter budget.
I’ve stayed at Wink @ Mosque Street at least 3 seperate times, and I honestly love how easy it is to step outside and immediately find affordable food, interesting streets, and the MRT just around the corner.
Chinatown really is a great place to base yourself that still has plenty of character. You’ll be within walking distance of Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Maxwell Food Centre, temples, street art, traditional shophouses, and some pretty cool little stores, including the little Tintin Shop.
Chinatown MRT connects to both the Downtown and North East lines, so it’s easy to get around without constantly changing trains.
The food is another major reason to stay here. There are loads of hawker stalls and casual restaurants nearby, so you won’t need to go far for an affordable meal.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good selection of hostels and capsule hotels | The main streets can feel busy and touristy |
| Plenty of affordable places to eat | Hotel rooms and hostel pods are often pretty small |
| Chinatown MRT serves two train lines | It isn’t the best area for late-night partying |
| Lots to see within walking distance | Some shophouse accommodations don’t have elevators |
| Central location for exploring Singapore | Street-facing rooms can occasionally be noisy |
The Best Hotels And Hostels In Chinatown
Wink @ Mosque Street – Best Hostel
This is where I usually stay when I’m backpacking Singapore. It has air-conditioned capsule dorms, private lockers, and Chinatown MRT is only a couple of minutes away.
Honestly don’t expect a super social hostel scene here. I think a lot of people just stay a night or two between flying out to other countries as use it as a bit of downtime.
Keep in mind: There’s no elevator, and it’s a comfortable base rather than a party hostel.
Best for: Backpackers and solo travelers
Nearest MRT: Chinatown
Furama City Centre – Best Mid-Range Hotel
Furama City Centre is a good option if you want a private room with more space and access to an outdoor swimming pool. Honestly this is one of my favorite hotel stays in Chinatown.
Chinatown MRT, hawker centers, temples, and shops are all nearby, while Clarke Quay is also within walking distance.
Best for: Couples and families wanting more space
Nearest MRT: Chinatown
Keep in mind: It’s an older hotel, so some rooms can feel a little dated
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Mondrian Singapore Duxton – Best Luxury Hotel
Mondrian Singapore Duxton sits on the quieter Duxton side of Chinatown, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and bars. The hotel has modern rooms and a rooftop pool overlooking the city.
Keep in mind: It’s farther from the busiest part of Chinatown and considerably more expensive.
Best for: A stylish stay with a little more luxury
Nearest MRT: Maxwell
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2. Rochor And Little India: Best For Affordable Hotels
Rochor and Little India are my top choices if you want an affordable private room without staying too far from the center.
I’ve now stayed at Hotel Mi Rochor three times, so this is an area I keep returning to myself. You’ll have Little India, Bugis, and Kampong Glam within walking distance, plus loads of affordable places to eat nearby.
This is a really practical area to stay in Singapore too. Rochor MRT sits on the Downtown Line, while Little India MRT connects the Downtown and North East lines, making it super easy to reach Chinatown, Marina Bay, and other parts of the city.
There’s also plenty to see without catching the MRT. Little India Arcade, Tekka Centre, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, colorful murals, and plenty of restaurants are all nearby. I also loved eating at Lagnaa Barefoot Dining, which is definitely worth adding to your plans.
Rochor is slightly quieter than the center of Little India, so it can be a good compromise if you want easy access to the neighborhood without staying directly among its busiest streets.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Better value private rooms than many central areas | The streets around Little India can feel busy and chaotic |
| Several MRT stations nearby | Budget hotel rooms are usually quite small |
| Plenty of affordable food | Some streets can be noisy, especially during festivals |
| Walkable to Bugis and Kampong Glam | You won’t have the iconic views found around Marina Bay |
| Lots of street art, temples, markets, and local life | Hotels are spread across the area, so check the MRT location before booking |
Best Places To Stay In Rochor And Little India
Hotel Mi Rochor – My Personal Hotel Pick
I’ve stayed at Hotel Mi Rochor numerous times, and it remains my top affordable hotel pick in Singapore. It’s directly beside Rochor MRT, the rooms are modern, and there’s an outdoor pool and self-service laundry on Level 3.
On my most recent visit, I paid S$459.05 / US$358 for three nights. The rooms are compact, but that’s pretty normal in Singapore, and I think the location makes it good value.
I skipped the hotel breakfast because adding it to our three-night stay would have cost another S$110. There are plenty of cafes, bakeries, and inexpensive places to eat nearby, so I didn’t feel like we missed out.
You can read my full Hotel Mi Rochor review for everything you need to know.
Best for: Couples or solo travelers wanting an affordable private room
Nearest MRT: Rochor
Keep in mind: The rooms are small, so don’t arrive expecting loads of space.
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Wink @ Perak Road – Best Hostel
Wink @ Perak Road is a capsule hostel located only around 50 meters from Rochor MRT. It’s a really good alternative to the Mosque Street location if you’d prefer to stay closer to Little India, Bugis, and Kampong Glam.
Best for: Backpackers and solo travelers
Nearest MRT: Rochor
Keep in mind: This is a capsule hostel with shared facilities.
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One Farrer Hotel – Best Luxury Hotel
One Farrer Hotel is a more luxurious option with direct access to Farrer Park MRT.
It has good sized rooms, a large outdoor swimming pool, and a 24-hour gym, while Little India’s restaurants and shops are within walking distance.
Keep in mind: It’s farther from Rochor, Bugis, and Kampong Glam than the other two options.
Best for: Travelers wanting more space and facilities
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park
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3. Bugis And Kampong Glam: Best For Cafes And Street Art
Bugis and Kampong Glam are great choices if you want to stay somewhere with a little more personality and pizzazz. You’ll have Haji Lane, Sultan Mosque, street art, cafes, shops, and plenty of places to eat right outside your door.
Bugis has shopping malls and the MRT, while Kampong Glam has a much more interesting neighborhood feel. Staying between the two gives you a nice balance.
I spent a couple of hours walking around Kampong Glam and really enjoyed the area. Sultan Mosque is absolutely beautiful and stands above the surrounding streets, while nearby Haji Lane is packed with murals, stores, cafes, and bars.
Bugis MRT connects the Downtown and East West lines, making it easy to travel to Chinatown, Marina Bay, and Changi Airport. Little India and Rochor are also within walking distance, so this is a super handy area for exploring different parts of Singapore.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Close to Haji Lane and Sultan Mosque | Haji Lane can become crowded, especially on weekends |
| Loads of cafes, restaurants, and street art | Bars and street-facing rooms can be noisy at night |
| Bugis MRT serves two train lines | Hotels inside Kampong Glam can be a longer walk from the MRT |
| Easy to walk to Rochor and Little India | Accommodation can be more expensive than Little India |
| Good mix of hostels, boutique hotels, and luxury stays | Parts of Bugis feel more commercial than Kampong Glam |
Best Places To Stay In Bugis And Kampong Glam
Dream Chaser Boutique Capsule Hotel – Best Hostel
Dream Chaser Boutique Capsule Hotel puts you right in Kampong Glam, close to Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane, and Arab Street.
They have mixed, male-only, and female-only capsule rooms, making it a good option for solo travelers. It’s also somewhere a lot more interesting than the usual city center hostel.
Best for: Backpackers and solo travelers
Nearest MRT: Bugis or Nicoll Highway
Keep in mind: Both MRT stations are around a 10-minute walk away.
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The Sultan – Best Boutique Hotel
The Sultan is my top accommodation pick in Kampong Glam if you want somewhere that matches the neighborhood.
The hotel has just 61 rooms spread across ten restored shophouses, placing you within easy walking distance of Haji Lane, Sultan Mosque, cafes, and local restaurants.
Best for: Couples wanting a boutique hotel with character
Nearest MRT: Nicoll Highway
Keep in mind: The rooms have different layouts and sizes, so check the room category carefully before booking.
Andaz Singapore – Best Luxury Hotel
Andaz Singapore is a modern luxury hotel directly connected to Bugis MRT. It has good sized rooms, an infinity pool overlooking the city, several places to eat, and in one of the best locations in the area.
Best for: A luxury stay with excellent MRT access
Nearest MRT: Bugis
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4. Marina Bay: Best For Luxury And Iconic Views
Marina Bay is the place to stay if you want those famous Singapore skyline views and don’t mind paying for them. The location is hard to beat, but honestly, this isn’t an area I’d recommend if you’re trying to keep your accommodation costs low.
Truth be told, I haven’t stayed in Marina Bay myself (your girl’s usually looking for better value), but I’ve spent plenty of time exploring the area. There’s no denying how impressive it looks at night, especially when the skyline lights up and the Spectra show begins.
Staying in Marina Bay puts Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum, Merlion Park, and the waterfront within easy reach. You can explore during the day, return to your hotel for a break, and then straight back outside for the Gardens by the Bay light show.
There are several MRT stations, including Bayfront, Esplanade, Promenade, and Raffles Place. Just remember that Marina Bay is larger than it looks on a map.
Most restaurants and hotels here are expensive, although Lau Pa Sat and Makansutra Gluttons Bay provide some more affordable food options nearby. You’re for sure paying for the location, skyline, and convenience.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Some of the best skyline views in Singapore | Hotels are seriously expensive |
| Walkable to major attractions and light shows | Fewer cheap places to eat |
| Several MRT stations around the area | It can feel more polished than local |
| Excellent luxury hotels and rooftop pools | Busy around major attractions and events |
| Beautiful area for walking in the evening |
Best Places To Stay In Marina Bay
Marina Bay Sands – Best Iconic Stay
If staying at Marina Bay Sands is on your bucket list, this is definitely worth the splurge. I haven’t stayed here yet, but I for sure want to one day.
Hotel guests receive access to the famous rooftop infinity pool, while Gardens by the Bay, The Shoppes, the ArtScience Museum, and the Spectra Light Show are all nearby.
Best for: A one-off Singapore splurge
Nearest MRT: Bayfront
Keep in mind: It’s extremely expensive, busy, and not every room faces the skyline you may be picturing.
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PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay – Best Alternative To Marina Bay Sands
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay offers a quieter luxe stay while keeping you close to the waterfront. The hotel is known for its huge garden-filled atrium, while many rooms overlook either the bay or the city skyline.
Best for: Luxury without staying inside the Marina Bay Sands complex
Nearest MRT: Esplanade
Keep in mind: It’s still a luxury hotel, so don’t expect it to be a genuinely cheap alternative.
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The Fullerton Bay Hotel – Best For Skyline Views
The Fullerton Bay Hotel sits across the water from Marina Bay Sands, giving you a brilliant view of the skyline rather than placing you inside it.
It also has a rooftop swimming pool and bar, with Merlion Park and the waterfront promenade just a short walk away.
Best for: Couples, special occasions, and Marina Bay views
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place
Keep in mind: You’ll be on the opposite side of the bay from Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands.
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🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Singapore: 12Go Asia
5. Clarke Quay And Singapore River: Best For Nightlife
Clarke Quay and the Singapore River are the best areas to stay if you want restaurants, bars, and nightlife all within handy walking distance. The riverside is especially nice in the evening when the temperatures cool down and everything starts lighting up.
Clarke Quay is the busiest part, while Boat Quay has plenty of riverside restaurants and bars.
Farther west, Robertson Quay and Havelock feel quieter and are better if you want the riverfront location without being directly among the late-night crowds.
The main downside is the price. Drinks, restaurants, and hotels around the busiest waterfront sections can be expensive, and some streets get pretty noisy at night.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Loads of bars and riverside restaurants | Drinks and meals can be expensive |
| Great atmosphere in the evening | Busy areas can be noisy at night |
| Central and walkable to Chinatown | Parts of Clarke Quay feel touristy |
| Several MRT stations along the river | Havelock hotels are farther from the main nightlife |
Best Places To Stay Near Clarke Quay And The Singapore River
CUBE Social At Boat Quay – Best Hostel
CUBE Social has private capsules and pods beside the Singapore River, with restaurants and bars right outside. It also has different common spaces and a rooftop bar, making it a good choice if you want to meet other travelers.
Best for: Backpackers wanting nightlife and a social atmosphere
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place
Keep in mind: Boat Quay can remain noisy late into the evening.
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Paradox Singapore Merchant Court – Best Central Hotel
Paradox Singapore Merchant Court is directly beside Clarke Quay MRT and across from Clarke Quay Central.
It also has a large outdoor pool, making it my top location pick if you want to be close to the nightlife in the evening and have somewhere to cool down and relax during the day.
Best for: Couples and travelers wanting to stay centrally
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay
Keep in mind: Rooms here are generally more expensive than those farther along the river.
Furama RiverFront – Best For A Quieter Stay
Furama RiverFront is farther west toward Havelock, away from the busiest part of Clarke Quay. Honestly I did perfer the Chinatown location, but this is definitely more of a resort style hotel.
It has an outdoor pool and Havelock MRT is around a five-minute walk away, but you’ll need to catch the MRT, take a taxi, or walk to reach the main nightlife.
Best for: Families and travelers wanting a quieter riverside base
Nearest MRT: Havelock
Keep in mind: You won’t be staying directly in Clarke Quay.
6. Orchard Road: Best For Shopping
If shopping is top priority when deciding where to stay in Singapore, Orchard Road is the obvious choice. It’s lined with huge malls, restaurants, and hotels covering almost every price level.
Though, if you plan to check out the main sights of Singapore, I’d personally lean toward Chinatown or Rochor, where more of the highlights are right outside your door.
Orchard Road is extremely convenient though, with Orchard, Orchard Boulevard, Somerset, and Dhoby Ghaut MRT stations spread along the area. However, the road is around 2.5 kilometers long, so always check which station is closest to your hotel before booking.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Huge selection of hotels | Not my top choice for sightseeing |
| Excellent MRT connections | Lacks the neighborhood feel of Chinatown or Little India |
| Shopping and restaurants everywhere | Hotels and restaurants can be expensive |
| Convenient during wet or extremely hot weather | Orchard Road is long, so locations vary |
| Plenty of luxury and international hotel brands | You’ll need the MRT to reach most major attractions |
Best Places To Stay On Orchard Road
YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road – Best Affordable Hotel
YOTEL Singapore offers one of the more affordable private hotel options along Orchard Road. It has compact cabin-style rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and a super handy location close to the malls around Orchard MRT.
Best for: Travelers wanting a modern room without luxury hotel prices
Nearest MRT: Orchard
Keep in mind: The rooms are seriously compact, with standard rooms measuring around 14 square meters.
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JEN Singapore Orchardgateway – Best Overall Hotel
JEN Singapore Orchardgateway is my top accommodation pick on Orchard Road. It’s directly connected to Orchardgateway Mall and Somerset MRT, with a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the city.
Best for: Shopping and excellent MRT access
Nearest MRT: Somerset
Keep in mind: Its central location means the surrounding area is almost always busy.
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Should You Stay On Sentosa Island?
When deciding where to stay in Singapore, Sentosa Island can be tempting, especially if you’re planning to visit Universal Studios Singapore. However, I’d only stay here if Sentosa is going to be the main focus of your trip.
Sentosa has plenty of resort-style hotels, swimming pools, fun themeparks, and beaches. Transport around the island is easy, and free on the Sentosa Express and island buses once you’re there.
The downside is that every trip into central Singapore requires an extra connection. Hotels and restaurants are also more expensive, with fewer affordable hawker-style options than you’ll find in Chinatown or Little India.
Stay on Sentosa Island if:
- You’re planning several days at its theme parks and attractions.
Stay elsewhere if:
- You only have two or three days in Singapore.
- Most of your plans are around Chinatown, Marina Bay, or Gardens by the Bay.
Should You Stay Near Changi Airport?
Honestly, no. Staying near Changi Airport only makes sense if you have a short stopover, or arrive super late and are flying straight out the following morning.
Jewel Changi is well worth exploring, but you can visit before your departure or after landing without basing your entire trip nearby.
An airport hotel is practical for one night, but it isn’t where I’d stay for a Singapore sightseeing trip.
You can compare the MRT, taxis, and Grab in my guide to getting from Singapore Airport to the city.
🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Singapore: 12Go Asia
FAQs About Where To Stay In Singapore
What is the best area to stay in Singapore?
Chinatown is my overall pick for the best area to stay in Singapore, especially for backpackers. It’s central, well connected by MRT, and surrounded by affordable food and things to see, while Rochor is my alternative if you’d prefer a decent priced hotel.
What is the cheapest area to stay in Singapore?
I’ve found Little India is usually the cheapest area to stay in Singapore, with a good selection of hostels and affordable hotels. You’ll also have plenty of affordable and pretty delicious food options nearby.
Should you stay near an MRT station in Singapore?
Yes, definitely. I always prioritize staying within a 5 minute walk of a Singapore MRT station, as it makes getting around much easier. This is definitely a must for me when booking my Singapore hotel.
Are there any areas to avoid staying in Singapore?
Singapore is very safe overall, but I’d avoid staying around Geylang’s red-light district. I’d also skip far-out residential areas such as Woodlands.
Wrap Up: Where Should You Stay In Singapore?
After multiple trips, my answer is pretty simple: Chinatown is my top area for backpackers, while Rochor is my pick if you want an affordable private hotel.
I usually stay at Wink @ Mosque Street when I’m backpacking, while Hotel Mi Rochor has become my go-to hotel and basically my second home at this point.
Marina Bay, Orchard Road, Sentosa, and Clarke Quay all make sense for certain trips, but I wouldn’t pay extra to stay there unless luxury, shopping, resort time, or nightlife is a major priority.
Honestly, your exact neighborhood won’t make or break your trip because Singapore’s public transport is so good. Just book somewhere close to an MRT station, this is an absolute must for me and it should be for you as well.
If you’re still planning your trip, you can find all my Singapore travel guides in one place, covering everything from itineraries and transport to food and attractions.
Any Questions? Let Me Know In The Comments!
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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.
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