Visiting Singapore soon? Let me help you choose the right neighborhood for your stay.
While Singapore is generally safe and well-connected, some areas may not be ideal for booking your accommodation.
They might be too far from attractions or simply too busy for a home base.
I’ll share which areas to skip for your hotel choice and suggest better options, so you can make the most of your time in this amazing city. 😊
1. Geylang
a. Neighborhood Atmosphere
- Geylang is known for its red-light district, which may make some visitors uncomfortable
- The streets stay busy and loud at night, which could affect your sleep
- Some parts of Geylang can feel less safe at night compared to other areas in Singapore
- The area doesn’t have the same modern, tourist-friendly feel as places like Orchard Road or Marina Bay
- If you like shopping, you’ll find fewer options here than in Singapore’s main shopping districts
b. Limited Distance from Tourist Spots
- Geylang sits in Singapore’s east, far from most places you’ll want to visit
- You need to spend about 25-30 minutes on the train to get to popular areas like Marina Bay or Orchard Road
- Want to visit Gardens by the Bay or Sentosa? That’s an even longer trip – about 35-40 minutes
- Getting to cultural spots like Chinatown or Little India takes 20-25 minutes
- Unlike staying in the city center, you’ll spend more time traveling to see the sights
c. Getting Around
- While you can use MRT stations like Aljunied and Paya Lebar, you often need to change trains to reach tourist spots
- There are buses, but the routes can be confusing if you’re new to Singapore
- You’ll spend extra time traveling each day, which means less time for sightseeing
Switching between different trains or buses adds time to your journey
Read More: 10 Places I Regret Not Visiting in Singapore
2. Little India
a. Neighborhood Atmosphere
- The streets get super packed, especially on weekends and during festivals
- It can be hard to walk around with all the people shopping
- If you’re not used to busy places or traveling with kids, it might feel overwhelming
b. Basic Accommodation Choices
- You won’t find many fancy hotels here
- Most places to stay are budget-friendly hotels or hostels
- If you’re looking for luxury stays, you might be disappointed
c. Not Much Nightlife
- There’s not much to do at night in Little India
- Unlike Clarke Quay or Marina Bay, you won’t find many bars or clubs
- You’ll probably need to travel to other areas for evening fun
- Not ideal if you like staying out late
d. Food Options
- Tekka Centre is nearby with good Indian, Malay, and Chinese food
- Most restaurants serve Indian food, so you might miss other cuisines
e. Limited Shopping Options
- No big shopping malls in the area
- Hard to find international brands or luxury shops
- You’ll need to go to places like Orchard Road for serious shopping
f. Easy to Get Around
- Little India’s location is actually pretty good
- The MRT station connects you quickly to other places
- Just 10-15 minutes to Marina Bay by train
- Gardens by the Bay is a few stops away on the Downtown Line
- You can walk or take a short train ride to Bugis and Kampong Glam
- It’s easy to explore other parts of Singapore from here
Read More: Top 11 Things to Do in Little India Singapore
3. Joo Chiat
a. Neighborhood Atmosphere
- Think quiet residential streets rather than exciting city vibes
- Looking for nightlife? You won’t find much here – better head to Clarke Quay or Boat Quay
- You’ll miss out on the energy and excitement that downtown Singapore offers
b. Distance from Major Attractions
- You’ll find yourself quite far from Singapore’s main sights since Joo Chiat sits in the east
- Getting to places like Marina Bay, Orchard Road, or Chinatown takes about 30-35 minutes by train
- Want to visit Sentosa? Plan for 40-50 minutes of travel time
- If you’re in Singapore for just a few days, you’ll spend a lot of time commuting instead of exploring
c. Fewer Dining and Shopping Options
- While you can find some tasty local food, your choices are more limited than in central areas
- The nearby Parkway Parade mall is nice but can’t compare to the massive shopping options on Orchard Road
- If you love exploring markets, you’ll find more variety in Bugis or Chinatown
d. Airport Distance
- Good news: you’re just 10-15 minutes from Changi Airport by taxi
- Bad news: being close to the airport doesn’t help much when you’re exploring Singapore day-to-day
Read More: 11 Beautiful Hidden Spots Tourists Don’t Know in Singapore
4. Jurong
a. Neighborhood Atmosphere
- Jurong is mainly a residential and industrial area, which might not give you the exciting Singapore experience you’re looking for
- You won’t find the same buzz and energy here that you’d get in central Singapore
- There are very few scenic spots or pretty places to take photos and explore
- The area might disappoint if you’re hoping to experience authentic Singaporean culture
b. Distance from Major Attractions
- Staying in Jurong means you’ll be pretty far out in western Singapore
- Get ready for long commutes to see Singapore’s famous sights
- Popular attractions like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa are 45-60 minutes away by public transport
- Popular areas like Chinatown and Orchard Road shopping district are also quite far
- Long travel times will eat into your precious vacation hours
c. Limited Public Transport Options
- While Jurong has MRT stations, they’re only on the East-West line, meaning you’ll need transfers for most destinations
- Buses serve the area well, but journeys to central Singapore take a long time
d. Shopping Opportunities
- Local malls like JEM and Westgate are available, but mainly offer standard international brands
- Very few unique or independent boutiques compared to areas like Haji Lane
e. Airport Connectivity Issues
- Changi Airport is on the complete opposite side of Singapore from Jurong
- Getting to the airport can take an hour or more, depending on traffic
- You’ll need to leave super early for your flight
- Expect to pay more for airport taxis due to the long distance
Read More: 10 Worst Places in Singapore You Must Avoid
5. Sentosa Island
a. Neighborhood Atmosphere
- Staying in Sentosa means missing out on real Singapore life
- You won’t get to experience the buzz of local neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little India, or Kampong Glam
- The island feels more like a resort than the real Singapore, with none of the bustling street life
- You’ll find very few hawker centers here – and these food courts are a huge part of Singapore’s identity
b. Distance from Major Attractions
- Being on a separate island makes it tricky to explore the rest of Singapore
- Getting on and off Sentosa means always taking the monorail, cable car, or a taxi
- You might feel a bit stuck on the island, away from the city’s energy
- It takes much longer to reach popular spots like Marina Bay, Orchard Road, or Chinatown than if you stayed in the city center
c. Cost Considerations
- You’ll pay more for hotels on Sentosa than similar ones in the city
- Food and drinks cost more here because it’s designed for tourists
- Transport costs add up quickly when you need to keep traveling to the main island
- Most attractions on Sentosa have entry fees, which can get expensive
- Shopping here is limited and pricier than in central Singapore
d. Dining Options
- You’ll have fewer restaurant choices than in the main city
- The famous Singapore hawker centers are hard to find here
- Get ready to pay more for your meals than you would elsewhere in Singapore
Read More:
6. Changi Airport
a. Neighborhood Atmosphere
- The airport area feels quite isolated and doesn’t give you a real taste of Singapore’s spirit
- You’ll miss out on exploring unique areas like the beautiful old buildings in the Civic District or the lively streets of Chinatown
b. Distance from Major Attractions
- While you can take the East-West Line from the airport, you’ll need to switch trains to reach most places
- It takes quite a while to get to popular spots, which cuts into your vacation time
- You’ll spend extra time and money traveling to must-see places like Marina Bay, Sentosa, or Gardens by the Bay
c. Limited Dining Options
- Yes, the airport has restaurants, but they’re mostly chain outlets and food courts
- You won’t get to experience Singapore’s famous hawker centers, where you can try real local food at great prices
- You’ll be too far from amazing food spots like Newton Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, or Maxwell Food Centre
d. Higher Costs
- You’ll pay more for hotels and food near the airport than in the city
- Getting to and from the city center for sightseeing will add up in transport costs
- You won’t have easy access to local markets and shops where you can find cheaper souvenirs and everyday items
- You’ll miss out on many free activities and events that happen in the city center
e. Airport Connectivity
- Good for Flights: Being near the airport works well if you have very early or late flights
- Far from City Life: But this means you’re quite far from everything else Singapore has to offer
Read More: 11 Attractions I Regret Not Visiting at Changi Airport
7. Harbourfront
a. Neighborhood Atmosphere
- You’ll mostly find shopping malls and office buildings here, missing out on Singapore’s authentic neighborhood charm
- Once the malls close, the area gets pretty quiet – not ideal if you want to experience Singapore’s vibrant nightlife
- Unlike lively areas like Bugis or Chinatown, you won’t get to see much of daily Singaporean life
- Most people come here just to shop or visit Sentosa, rather than to experience real Singapore
b. Food Choices Are Limited
- Most restaurants are in malls – you won’t find many authentic local food spots
- The only hawker center nearby (Seah Im) is quite small and often packed
- You’ll be missing out on amazing food havens like Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat
- Mall food courts are your main option, which means less variety and authenticity
- Want a late-night bite? You’ll have fewer choices compared to central Singapore
c. Shopping Isn’t as Diverse
- Yes, VivoCity is big, but it’s just another mall with standard shops you can find anywhere
- You won’t discover unique local shops like those in Haji Lane or Tiong Bahru
- There are no traditional markets or street shopping experiences here
- You could be enjoying more interesting shopping at Orchard Road or in cultural districts instead
d. Getting Around is Easy Though
- You’re right next to Sentosa Island with Universal Studios and the S.E.A. Aquarium
- The MRT station connects you well to other parts of Singapore on both the North-East Line (purple) and Circle Line (yellow)
- Chinatown is just three stops away on the North-East line
- Popular spots like Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands are about 20-30 minutes away by train
Read More: 3 Days in Singapore Itinerary: How to Do It Under S$ 370!
8. Balestier Road
a. Neighborhood Atmosphere
- Balestier is more of a local residential area, lacking the vibrant atmosphere of tourist hotspots
- The area is relatively quiet at night, with fewer entertainment options compared to areas like Clarke Quay
- You won’t find the same level of cultural immersion as in Chinatown or Little India
- The neighborhood has a mix of old and new, but might not offer the “wow factor” first-time visitors often seek
b. Inconvenient Public Transport Access
- You’ll need to walk about 15 minutes just to reach the closest MRT stations at Novena or Toa Payoh
- Most trips require changing between different trains or buses to reach popular spots
- Without a nearby MRT station, you’ll spend more time planning routes and might need to rely on pricier taxis
c. Distance from Major Attractions
- You’ll find yourself pretty far from Singapore’s main tourist spots while staying in Balestier
- Getting to Marina Bay Sands or Gardens by the Bay will take you around 35-40 minutes by bus or train
- Planning to visit Sentosa Island? Be ready for an hour-long journey on public transport
- Shopping at Orchard Road means a 30-minute trip using buses and trains
- Want to explore Chinatown or Little India? You’re looking at about 30 minutes of travel time each way
Read More: 10 Unique Things That Only Exist in Singapore
9. Novena
a. Neighborhood Atmosphere
- Novena is mostly where locals live, so you won’t find many tourist activities here
- If you’re looking for Singapore’s famous cultural spots, you’ll find more in Chinatown or Bugis
- There’s not much happening after dark compared to lively areas like Clarke Quay
- It’s a quiet area – great if you want peace, but might be too calm if you’re after excitement
b. Distance from Major Attractions
- While Novena is in central Singapore, it’s not the best spot if you want to be close to tourist sites
- To get to Marina Bay, you’ll need to spend about 35 minutes on trains and switch lines at Newton
- Planning to visit Sentosa? Be ready for an hour-long journey with several train changes
- Gardens by the Bay is about 35 minutes away by train
- Orchard Road shopping is closer – just 10 minutes by train – but most other attractions are quite far
c. Limited Dining and Nightlife Options
- Few dining options – Whampoa Food Centre is nearby but not walkable
- Mall food courts in Velocity@Novena Square lack authentic hawker atmosphere
- Missing the variety found at Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat
- No nightlife spots compared to Clarke Quay and Boat Quay
- Most eateries close early – limited late-night food choices
Read More: 10 Secret Spots Only Locals Know in Singapore
10. Tampines
a. Neighborhood Atmosphere
- You’ll be in a quiet residential area that’s built for locals, not tourists
- There’s very little nighttime entertainment or activities to keep you busy
- Most facilities and amenities are designed for residents’ daily life rather than visitor experiences
- The entertainment options are limited, which might leave you feeling like you’re missing out on Singapore’s vibrant side
b. Distance from Major Attractions
- Be prepared to spend quite a bit of time traveling. Most famous attractions are pretty far away
- Want to see Marina Bay? That’s a 1-hour train ride
- Planning a Sentosa trip? You’re looking at 1 hour and 30 minutes of travel
- Visiting Gardens by the Bay? It’s a 1-hour and 10-minute journey
- Shopping at Orchard Road? Expect a 1-hour trip
- Exploring Chinatown? That’ll take about 1 hour
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.
