An Asian getaway to visit Singapore, the « Garden City »? Here are the best places to stay in Singapore!
A city-state in Southeast Asia, Singapore is a republic built on an archipelago of 63 islands with a total surface area of 719.1 km². With a population of 5,535,000, it can be difficult to find local accommodation, especially as Singapore holds first place on the podium of the world’s most expensive cities. An Asian dragon that has built its global reputation on economic prosperity, Singapore boasts one of the highest standards of living on the planet.
Located south of the island of Pulau Ujong, Singapore is densely populated, but the lush equatorial vegetation and numerous parks and botanical gardens that dot the city offer a welcome haven of peace in the midst of the megalopolis. Here’s a mini-guide to where to stay in Singapore.
Central Singapore and Marina Bay
Photo credit: Flickr – Etienne Valois
With no litter, graffiti or chewing gum on the streets, Singapore will amaze you with its cleanliness. But behind the gleaming facades and beautiful sidewalks, Singapore is also a melting pot of Chinese, Malaysian, Indian and Western cultures, with cuisine, music and fashion. If you’re only in town for a few nights, staying in central Singapore is certainly the most practical solution for you. Close to the center, you’ll be hard pressed to miss theMarina Bay Sands hotel, whose iconic silhouette has become a symbol of the City-State. It features a world-famous infinity pool, a 24/7 casino and a luxurious shopping mall.
Find a hotel in the center of Paris
Find an Airbnb in the center
Little India
Photo credit: Flickr – julajp (A while busy)
Little India is a district described as a world apart. Located in the south of Singapore, near Kallang, Little India is home to the exotic, non-Westernized Singapore of the Indian community. Saries, the smell of curry, fabric stores, flower stalls and spice boutiques punctuate the district’s commercial life. An inexpensive district served by the MRT subway, Little India is a colorful mix of old colonial buildings in shades of ochre, yellow, blue, red and green. If you’re on a tight budget, this is the place to sleep: you’ll find cheap dormitory hostels or… capsule hostels!
Find a hotel in Little India
Find an Airbnb in LittleIndia
China Town
Photo credit: Flickr – Jabid Ishtiaque
Chinatown is Singapore’s largest district. It’s a mix of religions and cultures, with Buddhist temples, Hindu temples – Sri Mariamman – and the mosque, making it very cosmopolitan. Nightlife is very lively, especially on Duxton Hill and Club Street. The best way to mix with the Singaporean population is to go out: this is where you’ll find the city’s trendiest bars and restaurants.
Find a hotel in China Town
Find an Airbnb in China Town
Geylang
Photo credit: Flickr – G’z
To the south of the city center is Geylang, the favorite neighborhood of the French: it’s lively, and home to many shared apartments – an ideal plan if you’re staying for a while – and if you want to stay in Singapore without the language barrier. In Asia, it’s not always necessary to cook: in the Geylang district, there are many food courts where you can eat cheaply.
Find a hotel in Geylang
Find an Airbnb in Geylang
Holland Village
Photo credit: Flickr – Andrew
Holland Village is the island’s historic district, popular with locals and expatriates alike. It’s bobo Singapore, with a wide range of accommodation on offer, from houses and hotels to apartments and youth hostels. The nearby Botanical Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – offer pleasant strolls. Nice cafés and restaurants adjoin this central, multicultural district, but British colonization is, alas, still visible, particularly in the architecture. An ideal area in which to stay in Singapore, despite everything, while enjoying village life.
Find a hotel in Holland Village
Find an Airbnb in Holland Village
Serangoon
Photo credit: Flickr
Further north of the city center lies the most popular district for the French: Serangoon. Singapore is home to Asia’s largest French community, and the Lycée Français de Singapour is located here. On the other hand, prices are rather high.
Find a hotel in Serangoon
Find an Airbnb in Serangoon
Main photo credit: Flickr – Kai Lehmann