City: Central Area/City Area
Top Things to do in Central Area/City Area
Top 10 Neighborhoods in Central Area/City Area, Singapore
The Singapore cityscape looks like it was ripped from the pages of a science fiction comic book. If you’re hungry for a true Singapore experience, sample the myriad street foods or take a cultural cooking class. The Botanic Gardens and the Gardens By the Bay offer a slice of horticultural heaven, and the observation deck of the Sands SkyPark makes you feel like you’re high above the clouds. The banks and walkways along the Singapore River bustle with local activity.
Restaurants in Singapore
1. Goodwood Hill
2. Kampong Glam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 476 reviews
Its major landmark, the Sultan Mosque, sits in the heart of this enclave and is open to all visitors, as is the nearby Malay Heritage Centre, where you’ll learn about Malay history and culture.
Reviewed By Christopher_SNZ - Singapore River, Singapore
I have the pleasure of writing a review for Kampong Gelam area - perhaps one of the last, or the last jewel of heritage in Singapore. Kampong Gelam has a tremendous amount to offer if you look closely enough - from its generational Muslim food stalls, to the Sultan Mosque where regional travelers of the old world used to visit before continuing their pilgrimage. Several streets away from the Mosque is Haji Lane, where the pace and vibrancy goes to a new level with its colourfully painted streets and shop houses - with a feel that transforms as soon as the sun sets with its nightlife and food/drink. There are so many surprises to be found here, a definite must visit for someone that enjoys small streets and quaint antiquity that cannot be found anywhere else on the island - infused and held up by truly passionate shopkeepers and community members.
3. Emerald Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By luxetrip
Beautiful and colorful street! Reminded me so much of Notting HIll in London with its row of homes beautifully kept with lush trees and plants. Great to explore while taking a break from shopping in the nearby Orchard Road.
4. Central Business District
5. Chinatown
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 14,401 reviews
For a fascinating peek into Singapore’s Chinese culture and history, Chinatown is good place to start. Here, you’ll enjoy a mix of heritage visits to museums, shopping as well as a good variety of food options, sure to leave a traveller happy and satisfied at the end of the day.
Reviewed By 190joannb - Portadown, United Kingdom
What an array of traditional Chinese food on offer!! Every thing you imagine Chinese cuisine is and MORE!!!! Also the vendors along the strip are interesting and you can pick up a great few bargains
6. Little India
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4,054 reviews
An experience for all five senses. Start at the Tekka Centre, a traditional wet market and food court where fresh meat, seafood, vegetables, fruits and dry goods are sold. Cruise down Serangoon Road to find more groceries, restaurants, teahouses, tailors and Mustafa Centre, a massive department store selling anything and everything. Visit during Deepavali, the Hindu festival of light, held in October or November.
Reviewed By 20grace13 - Point Cook, Australia
I’ve been to lots of different Chinatowns but never a Little India. We went at 10:00am in the morning and really enjoyed it, the streets were clean and the smell of the India food was mouthwatering. The people in the market stalls were polite and welcoming and proud to show you their beautiful handmade wares. There was also some stunning artwork around the place and the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, which is one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples, was absolutely stunning. I think it’s definitely worth a visit!
7. Arab Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,301 reviews
Visitors who enjoy a little bargaining will find it here among the historic shops selling textiles, perfume and more. Along with traditional Muslim food offerings, some Western restaurants have settled into the area, creating a Singaporean blend of cultures. Make sure to stop at the island’s largest mosque, the Sultan Mosque, a landmark in the Kampong Glam Malay Heritage District.
Reviewed By ntalabany - London, United Kingdom
Taking a stroll through the lively and energetic Haji Lane and nearby Arab Street transports you from Singapore straight into the bazaars of Istanbul or Kairo. It is a colourful mixture of restaurants offering deliciously smelling Arabian delights and exotic looking small shops selling Oriental trinkets, intricately patterned kaftans and even a proper carpet merchant. Narrow Arab Street is filled with small bars and cafes providing seemingly endless choices for a drink and snack. In the background looms the large Masjid Sultan mosque which unfortunately was closed at the time of this visit. The area was teaming with tourists on a Saturday afternoon trying to get the perfect selfie in front of one of the quirky murals. We spent about half an hour walking up and down the pedestrianised streets ducking in and out of shops in order to catch a blast of cool air as relief from the heat. Fun place to explore.
8. Robertson Quay
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By insertnamerighthere - Singapore, Singapore
Firstly, the location is really great to be next to the Riverside and it's not too crowded. A good place to get a leisurely stroll before and after. There's lots of different high end cuisines here - Italian, Japanese, Persian even. Good place to have a comfortable night out with good food. Also can go from restaurant to nearby bars. I like shabestan and wine connection.
9. Haji Lane
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,042 reviews
Reviewed By Tata_2700 - Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
ブギス駅、アラブストリートの近くにある細い通りで、雑貨屋さんやバー等の飲食店が軒を連ねていました。建物の壁全面に描かれたウォールアートがオシャレでした。 It's a narrow street near Bugis Station and Arab Street. There were many interesting shops, restaurants and bars. The "wall art" drawn on the entire wall of the building was trendy.
10. Tanjong Pagar
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Kim025Singapore - Singapore, Singapore
Chinatown comprises four precincts-Telok Ayer, Kreta Ayer, Bukit Pasoh and Tanjong Pagar. Tanjong Pagar MRT station is a very convenient starting point for exploration of Tanjong Pagar precinct. This station has a great varieties of cafes and restaurants. My favourite coffee break stop is at the Guzman Y Gomez where most kinds of barista coffee costs $2 with a large public seating space just outside the cafe. Tanjong Pagar Food Centre offers a cheap option for local food. A walk here include admiring the shophouses along Tras Street, Tangjong Pagar Road, Craig Road, Duxton Road and Duxton Hill. Duxton Road used to be popular for its opium and gambling dens and cheap brothels due to its proximity to Jinrikisha Station. However nowadays it is popular for its restaurants and hotels. A lovely bookshop, Littered with Books, is also worth a look here. Duxton Hill is a tranquil, cobblestoned road lined with restaurants located in lovely conserved shophouses with its gorgeous gardens. There is a well-known second hand shop in Craig Road which claims to "buy junks & sell antiques". Ballad of Anna May, located at 42 Craig Road, is the first coffee specialty shop in Singapore to bring in Proud Mary beans. The most outstanding building along Tanjong Pagar Road is Jinrikisha Station which was built in 1903. In 2007, Hong Kong movie superstar, Jackie Chan, bought this property for $11 million. A short street linking Tanjong Pagar Road and Tras Street is Cook Street. At the junction is a four-storey apartment block built in 1937 in the Modernism style. It was designed by HR Arbenz who has an engineering background. Another short parallel street is Murray Street with the Murray Terrace, an Art Deco streetblock with exposed brickwork and unique lion head rain spouts. It was built in 1929 and consists of 14 shophouses.
