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Boat Quay
In the mid 19th century, Boat Quay operated as the center of Singapore’s trade and business center. Located just upstream from the Singapore River mouth, Boat Quay was of both economic and cultural importance to the people of the city, and many shops and warehouses were built in the area. Today, the area remains popular and bustling, but for different reasons. The shops have been converted into bars and pubs and the warehouses into clubs and restaurants. Boat Quay is where the people of Singapore come to wind down after a busy day in the new central business district behind it.
Dine at one of the city’s best seafood restaurants as you gaze across the river. There are dozens of options, so take your time choosing. Al fresco dining is common along the river; after sunset the breeze off the river provides a welcome change to Singapore’s hot afternoons. Try traditional local noodle dishes or enjoy international fare at the wide range of restaurants available.
After you eat, visit some of the local bars. Meet the local workers at one of the hip bars or chat with fellow tourists. While the bars closest to the water are more aimed at tourists, those a block back from the quay are more authentic, and the prices reflect this. Wander through the Boat Quay pedestrian mall, just back from the river, and do some evening shopping.
Boat Quay is located in Singapore’s downtown center on the south bank of the river. The area can be reached on foot from many downtown hotels, and there is some parking available in the area for a fee. Boat Quay is served by bus and MRT, with three stations within walking distance.
Guide to Exploring around Boat Quay
Lodging Near Boat Quay
Hotel Mi
41 Bencoolen Street, SingaporeLocated in Bencoolen, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and National Museum of Singapore. Peranakan Museum and Raffles City are also within 15 minutes.
Peninsula Excelsior Hotel
5 Coleman Street, SingaporePeninsula Excelsior Hotel places guests on the eastern fringe of Canning Park, and a 6-minute drive from the Singapore Flyer observation wheel, which overlooks Marina Bay. The street circuit for the Singapore Grand Prix runs close to the hotel, and City Hall Metro Station is a 7-minute walk away.
Carlton Hotel Singapore
76 Bras Basah Road, SingaporeThe hotel is strategically located in the heart of Singapore just a few steps from Suntec City International Exhibition & Convention Center, Raffles Place and Orchard Road. Airport is a 20-minute drive away.
Marina Mandarin
6 Raffles Boulevard Marina Square, SingaporeMarina Mandarin is opposite the shops of Marina Square and 10 minutes on foot from Esplanade Park. Guests can walk 7 minutes west to Esplanade Metro Station or the same distance south to Marina Bay. One of the world's tallest Ferris wheels, the Singapore Flyer, is a 10-minute stroll from the hotel.
Hotel G Singapore
200 Middle Road, SingaporeLocated in Bencoolen, this hotel is steps from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Sri Krishnan Temple, and Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple. National Design Centre and Maghain Aboth Synagogue are also within 5 minutes.
Swissotel Merchant Court
20 Merchant Road, SingaporeThe 12-story hotel is by the river, across a small street from Clarke Quay train station, 500 meters (550 yards) from the financial hub, and near the central business district. The Singapore River and Chinatown are also nearby.
Hotel Clover The Arts
58 South Bridge Road, SingaporeLocated in Core area of Singapore, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Boat Quay, Asian Civilisations Museum, and Raffles Place. Chinatown Heritage Center and Raffles City are also within 15 minutes.
5footway.inn Project Boat Quay
76 Boat Quay, SingaporeLocated in Central Business District, this hostel is within a 10-minute walk of Boat Quay, Raffles Place, and Asian Civilisations Museum. Chinatown Heritage Center and Thian Hock Keng Temple are also within 15 minutes.
