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.
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 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 great food, classic cocktails and a lively atmosphere can consider dropping by Barbary Coast, a beautiful cocktail bar housed within three historic shophouses.
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 My Little Spanish Place— which boasts a menu of tapas-style dishes and European classics—and Violet Oon Satay and Bar, which sells a variety of locally-inspired tipples and Peranakan* fare.
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 enjoy Korean barbeque at Ju Shin Jung.
*The term is an Indonesian/Malay word that means “local born”, which generally refers to people of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage.
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.
Get your fashion fix at Charles and Keith, a home-grown fashion brand that stocks a range of footwear, apparel and accessories.
You may also pick up a Lion City-themed memento from Supermama, a local designs and craft store.
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.
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