StayAreas

Where to stay in Singapore

Singapore is small, safe and joined up by an excellent MRT, so you can't really choose badly; the choice is about atmosphere and budget. Stay at Marina Bay for the skyline and the big-name hotels; by the river at Clarke Quay for colonial sights and bars; in Chinatown for hawker food and good-value boutique hotels; in Kampong Glam and Bugis or Little India for character at lower prices; on Orchard Road for shopping; or on Sentosa for beaches and theme parks. It's hot and humid all year, with heavy showers most afternoons.

7 neighbourhoods compared · Typical mid-range hotel ~$270/night · Prices updated Oct 2026

Our recommendations

Compare Singapore neighbourhoods

Pick what matters to you and we'll rank the areas.

What matters most to you?
Typical price per night

  • Marina Bay

    ~$345/night · 5 min to centre

    Best for First visit, Upscale, Business

    Food
    4/5
    Nightlife
    4/5
    Transport
    5/5
    Quiet
    3/5
    View Marina Bay →

  • Civic District & Clarke Quay

    ~$270/night · 5 min to centre

    Best for First visit, Nightlife

    Food
    4/5
    Nightlife
    5/5
    Transport
    5/5
    Quiet
    2/5
    View Civic District & Clarke Quay →

  • Chinatown

    ~$215/night · 5 min to centre

    Best for Budget, First visit, Nightlife

    Food
    5/5
    Nightlife
    4/5
    Transport
    5/5
    Quiet
    2/5
    View Chinatown →

  • Kampong Glam & Bugis

    ~$200/night · 10 min to centre

    Best for Budget, Nightlife

    Food
    5/5
    Nightlife
    4/5
    Transport
    5/5
    Quiet
    3/5
    View Kampong Glam & Bugis →

  • Little India

    ~$170/night · 12 min to centre

    Best for Budget

    Food
    5/5
    Nightlife
    2/5
    Transport
    4/5
    Quiet
    2/5
    View Little India →

  • Orchard Road

    ~$295/night · 15 min to centre

    Best for Families, Upscale

    Food
    4/5
    Nightlife
    2/5
    Transport
    5/5
    Quiet
    3/5
    View Orchard Road →

  • Sentosa

    ~$385/night · 25 min to centre

    Best for Families, Upscale

    Food
    3/5
    Nightlife
    2/5
    Transport
    3/5
    Quiet
    4/5
    View Sentosa →

Typical mid-range double room per night, not live prices · Updated Oct 2026 · How we rate areas

Singapore neighbourhoods on the map

Typical hotel prices in Singapore

A typical mid-range double costs about $270 a night across the areas we cover. Budget hotels start around $150; luxury hotels average $590.

Sentosa, Marina Bay cost the most. Little India, Kampong Glam & Bugis are the cheapest, around $215 a night less than Sentosa.

These are typical rates outside peak events, not live prices. Updated Oct 2026.

AreaBudgetMid-rangeLuxury
Little India~$85~$170~$310
Kampong Glam & Bugis~$110~$200~$385
Chinatown~$115~$215~$425
Civic District & Clarke Quay~$155~$270~$615
Orchard Road~$155~$295~$615
Marina Bay~$195~$345~$845
Sentosa~$230~$385~$925

Singapore FAQs

What is the best area to stay in Singapore for first-time visitors?

Marina Bay, followed by Civic District & Clarke Quay, Chinatown. The waterfront around the bay, with Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, the Merlion and the Esplanade, and the financial district next door.

How much does a hotel in Singapore cost per night?

Across the areas we cover, a typical mid-range double costs about $270 a night, from around $150 for budget hotels to $590 for luxury. Little India (~$170) is the cheapest area and Sentosa (~$385) the most expensive. These are typical rates, not live prices.

Where should I stay in Singapore on a budget?

Little India, followed by Kampong Glam & Bugis, Chinatown.

Which Singapore neighbourhood is best for nightlife?

Civic District & Clarke Quay, followed by Chinatown, Kampong Glam & Bugis.

Where is the best area to stay in Singapore with kids?

Orchard Road, followed by Sentosa.

Which area is quickest to reach from Changi Airport?

Kampong Glam & Bugis: about 35 minutes (MRT to Expo, then the Downtown Line to Bugis). Marina Bay is next at about 40 minutes.