Planning a trip to Singapore? While this vibrant city-state offers many great places to stay, some areas are best avoided.
From noisy red-light districts to far-flung residential zones, I’ve rounded up the 10 worst spots for tourists.
Save time, money, and potential headaches by steering clear of these locations.
Read on to make the most of your Singapore adventure! Don’t worry – I’ll also share the best places to stay at the end. 😊
1. Geylang
When booking a place to stay in Singapore, steer clear of Geylang.
The area is considered the only red-light district in the country. Being a red-light district, the place can get crowded with locals and tourists.
Neon lights brim the dark alleyways, leading to many brothels. The youthful vibrance envelopes the pathways, with bars and adult entertainment shops.
Because of the nonstop buzz at nighttime, it can be bothersome to relax at night. For a good night’s sleep, there are more serene places in Singapore.
Read More: 10 Places I Regret Not Visiting in Singapore
2. Little India
The rich culture of Little India is not to miss out. However, in terms of accommodation, this might not be the best option. The noise and crowd can be unbearable, especially during weekends.
During Saturdays and Sundays, locals flock to the area, adding to the noise level. Since the streets are often jam-packed, staying here can disrupt your comfort.
In addition, it’s quite difficult to navigate. Most hotels around the area are basic, with no distinct amenities.
Read More: Top 11 Things to Do in Little India Singapore
3. Joo Chiat
You can’t deny the architectural charm of Joo Chiat.
The Peranakan culture thrives through the colorful structures and vivid ambiance. Yet even with its vibrant shophouses, it’s not ideal to stay here.
The vicinity is just small, limiting your activities. As a result, you might look for other parts of the country with attractions.
This can be stressful if you don’t have extra time to travel for long periods.
There are only a few accommodations as well. Most of these are even overpriced, making it not a practical option.
Read More: 11 Beautiful Hidden Spots Tourists Don’t Know in Singapore
4. Jurong
If you want to save time from traveling back and forth, skip Jurong from your selection. This is an industrial district that’s far from the metropolitan area.
Its far-flung location makes it not suitable for tourists. You spend longer commuting time just to reach the city’s main attractions. Lengthy travel duration also means added expense to your trip.
Plus, the IMM Mall is the only entertainment spot in the area. There are limited dining options around too.
Read More: 10 Worst Places in Singapore You Must Avoid
5. Sentosa Island
While Sentosa Island is a fun-filled destination, its accommodations are not for everyone. Most hotels are targeted at tourists, so these are quite expensive.
Aside from the exorbitant prices, its location is distant from the city. This means you need to allocate some time to reach popular tourist sites.
Perhaps the only consolation is the variety of entertainment and scenic beaches. However, this can also be a downside because many tourists visit the island.
So, if you’re only spending a day in Sentosa, it’s best to choose a place near the city. There are more practical options within the metropolis for your convenience.
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6. Changi Airport
If you’re on a Singapore vacation, picking a place near the airport may not be a good idea. Although it’s a nice choice for layovers, the area is far from the city.
The distant location requires you to spend long travel times. It’s also an added expense because of the extended trips.
Since you’re staying near Changi Airport, airplane noise can impact your comfort.
So, it’s not recommended to book your hotel within the airport vicinity. Don’t miss out on the ultimate Singapore adventure and choose a place that’s closer to many activities.
Read More: 11 Attractions I Regret Not Visiting at Changi Airport
7. Harbourfront
Although Harbourfront is good for those exploring Sentosa Island, it’s not recommended for your overall stay. It’s generally a transit spot that can get crowded with day-trippers.
The chaotic ambiance may not appeal to tourists who want to relax.
In addition, there are only limited hotels in the area. Its location is the main reason why there aren’t many attractions around.
If you want to be near the metropolitan section, try other places instead. There are lots of suitable districts that are strategically situated within the city.
Read More: 3 Days in Singapore Itinerary: How to Do It Under S$ 370!
8. Balestier Road
In terms of a variety of tasty food options, Balestier Road is commendable. The place also comes with some historical sites. However, it’s not the perfect pick for your accommodation.
During peak hours, the area can get crowded. Plus, traffic congestion may cause discomfort to your overall trip.
Constant noise surrounds the area. Moreover, hotels within the vicinity are mostly old-fashioned.
Read More: 10 Unique Things That Only Exist in Singapore
9. Novena
Despite its central location, Novena is a downer for places to stay in Singapore.
You can’t expect vibrant spots and a fun ambiance here. It’s because most hospitals and medical centers are stationed in the area.
The few malls and restaurants are not enough to compensate for the overall atmosphere. Staying in Novena means seeing a constant flow of people going in and out of hospitals.
Because of the surroundings, there aren’t many activities to do after sunset. So, if you’re looking for an exciting vacation vibe, opt for other districts instead.
Read More: 10 Secret Spots Only Locals Know in Singapore
10. Tampines
It’s hard to debunk the appeal of Tampines as a place for locals. But when it comes to tourists, it’s not the most ideal place to relax after your day adventures.
One reason is because of the location, which is far from the city center. Second is the fact that Tampines is mostly residential, which means limited attractions for you.
Save money on daily commutes to top tourist spots by picking a more practical area. Don’t miss out on the scenic sites and modern charms with accommodation within the city.
Read More: 11 Things You Should Never Do In Singapore
The Best Places to Stay in Singapore
After exploring the places to avoid, here are the top 3 areas I recommend for your stay in Singapore:
- Orchard: The heart of shopping in Singapore, Orchard Road offers luxury hotels, endless retail options, and easy access to public transport. It’s perfect for those who love to shop and want to be in the center of the action.
- Clarke Quay: Ideal for nightlife enthusiasts, Clarke Quay boasts a vibrant atmosphere with numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs along the Singapore River. It’s also within walking distance to many attractions.
- Bugis: A great mix of old and new, Bugis offers affordable accommodations, great street food, modern shopping malls, and cultural sites. It’s well-connected and provides a taste of both traditional and contemporary Singapore.
