Where it all began
Immerse yourself in the Lion City’s boundless energy and bustling nightlife along the Singapore River.
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Immerse yourself in the Lion City’s boundless energy and bustling nightlife along the Singapore River.
Take a stroll along the Singapore River and see how the city came to be.
Indulge in a trendy myriad of drinking and dining experiences along the Singapore River.
Hop on a Singapore River cruise and relive moments of the past.
From its origins as a fishing village known as Temasek, to its role as a trading port under the British Empire, the Lion City’s history has been inseparable from that of the Singapore River.
It was at the river’s mouth that Sir Stamford Raffles—the founder of modern Singapore—first stepped onto the island, and where prince Sang Nila Utama saw the mythical lion after which our city is named.
Photo by Edward Tian
During the colonial era, the Singapore River became a flourishing hub of commerce, with dock hands toiling along its dusty banks, and flotillas of boats docked along its three quays.
These days, the Singapore River is a beloved nightlife district and tourist hotspot, with buzzing bars, eclectic eateries and iconic clubs spread across Robertson Quay, Boat Quay and Clarke Quay.
A much-beloved stomping ground for bar-hopping travellers, cocktail connoisseurs and local party-goers, the neighbourhood boasts a range of buzzing bars, pubs and clubs.
Rock the stage at live music bar Crazy Elephant, dance the night away to retro tunes at The Pump Room, or experience childhood nostalgia at Level Up. Decked out in neon-themed décor, the latter is a concept bar that pays homage to the golden age of video game arcades.
For a world-class clubbing experience, pay a visit to Zouk. This legendary night club has been around for close to three decades, garnered numerous accolades, and has played host to a legion of internationally acclaimed DJs.
Alternatively, lovers of underground beats and experimental tunes can pay a visit to Headquarters, while those looking for both music and merriment should party on at Canvas, which regularly features live comedy nights alongside an eclectic range of tunes.
To expand your culinary horizons, take a stroll down the Singapore River, and experience flavours from all over the globe.
Take a jaunt back to 19th-century Singapore with a visit to Tongkang River Boat Dining. This experiential restaurant is housed aboard Singapore’s last surviving tongkangs (light wooden trade boats), and specialises in Western cuisine.
Other dining establishments along the river include Tomo Izakaya—which boasts a menu of diverse Japanese small dishes—and Wings Bar, a 1940s aviation-themed eatery.
While quieter than Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, Robertson Quay’s laid-back charm and host of stellar dining spots makes it the perfect spot for the discerning gourmand. Feast on tacos at casual Mexican eatery Super Loco, indulge in sumiyaki (charcoal-roasted meats) at Shunjuu Izakaya, and partake in Korean barbeque at Ju Shin Jung.
Check out the Singapore Repertory Theatre’s events calendar, and catch talented thespians in a range of stage performances.
Occupying the two-century-old building that was once Singapore’s first Parliament House, The Arts House proudly showcases some of the Lion City’s most talented artists, writers and performers.
Be sure to try the delectable chilli crab at Red House Seafood Restaurant, one of Singapore’s oldest seafood restaurants.
Looking for a good read on your flight back home? Books Kinokuniya at Liang Court stocks over 150,000 Japanese, English and Chinese titles.
Get your fashion fix at Charles and Keith, a home-grown fashion brand that stocks a range of footwear, apparel and accessories.
Pick up a Lion City-themed memento from ARIGATOU, a concept store by local designs and craft store Supermama.
Step back into the past with a stay at The Warehouse Hotel. This beautiful, 37-room boutique is housed in a former godown (warehouse) that has been lovingly refurbished.
Drop by one of these centres in downtown Singapore to get more information about Singapore, purchase tickets to attractions and tours or pick up a souvenir. Find out more
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