Singapore is one of the easiest cities in Asia for first-time travellers. It’s clean, safe, organised and extremely easy to navigate.
Choosing the right area can save you time, money and stress — especially if you’re coming from Europe and want a comfortable, smooth trip.
This guide breaks down the best areas to stay, including who each area is for, price levels, pros/cons and hotel recommendations.
🏙 1. Marina Bay
Best for: first-timers, couples, premium stays, Instagram spots
Marina Bay is the most iconic area in Singapore — futuristic skyscrapers, waterfront promenade, and the famous Marina Bay Sands.
Why stay here
- Best views in the city
- Close to Gardens by the Bay
- Perfect for celebrations / couples
- MRT lines everywhere
Downsides
- Expensive hotels
- Can feel “touristy”
Hotel picks
- Marina Bay Sands ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- The Fullerton ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- The Ritz-Carlton Millenia ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🛍 2. Orchard Road
Best for: shopping, comfort, first-time EU travellers
Orchard Road is Singapore’s main shopping boulevard — malls, cafés, food courts, everything modern and clean.
Why stay here
- Easy transport
- Great mid-range hotels
- Lots of restaurants
Downsides
- Busy + commercial
Hotel picks
- Yotel Orchard ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Hilton Orchard ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Holiday Inn Orchard ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🕌 3. Bugis & Kampong Glam
Best for: affordable stays, culture, food lovers
One of the most colourful parts of Singapore — mosques, cafés, indie shops and cool nightlife.
Why stay here
- Great value hotels
- Lots of cafés + street food
- MRT lines everywhere
Downsides
- More noise than Marina Bay
Hotel picks
- Hotel G Singapore ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Mercure Bugis ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Parkroyal on Beach Road ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🧧 4. Chinatown
Best for: food lovers, culture, mid-range hotels
Chinatown is a great spot if you love markets, temples and easy access to hawker food.
Why stay here
- Best hawker centres
- Affordable hotels
- Great atmosphere
Downsides
- Can get crowded
Hotel picks
- The Scarlet ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Capri by Fraser ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌆 5. Clarke Quay & Riverside
Best for: nightlife, modern restaurants, river walks
Beautiful riverside area with bars, nightlife and amazing evening views.
Why stay here
- Perfect for nightlife
- Beautiful evening walks
- Close to Marina Bay
Downsides
- Noisy in the evening
Hotel picks
- Park Hotel Clarke Quay ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Swissôtel Merchant Court ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Studio M Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🛌 Quick comparison table
| Area | Best for | Budget | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina Bay | Luxury + first-timers | €180–450 | Futuristic, premium |
| Orchard Road | Shopping + convenience | €90–200 | Modern |
| Bugis | Affordable + cafés | €70–160 | Trendy |
| Chinatown | Food + markets | €60–150 | Cultural |
| Clarke Quay | Nightlife | €80–180 | Lively |
✈️ Best area for your first Singapore trip
If you’re flying from Europe and want the best balance:
👉 Bugis or Orchard
= most convenient + best value + great transport
For couples or premium travel:
👉 Marina Bay
= iconic views + premium comfort
For food lovers:
👉 Chinatown
= best hawker centres + easy access