Experience Singapore: Top Areas to Stay for Every Indian Travelers

Singapore, an island city state with a dynamic buzz, seamlessly weaves together cutting-edge innovation with verdant parks and gardens and a vibrant multicultural past. For Indian tourists, its spotless tidiness, reliable public transport, cosmopolitan cuisine, and overpowering sense of security make it an unusually attractive destination. Whatever your budget or tastes, Singapore has a range of neighborhoods to suit all tastes and budgets.

Here's a guide to Singapore's best places to stay, emphasizing what Indian travelers will find most attractive, with approximate average nightly rates in Indian Rupees (₹) for a typical hotel room. Prices can fluctuate markedly depending on the hotel's star rating, time of year, advance bookings, and current specials.

Best Areas to Stay in Singapore for Indian Travelers

1. Little India: The Cultural & Economical Heart

Little India is a colorful, sensory delight that will instantly transport you to the subcontinent. It's very budget-friendly, and one of the best recommendations for travelers who want to save on accommodations. There are plenty of cheap Indian eateries offering scrumptious regional dishes, from South Indian thalis to North Indian curries, and loads of Indian-type shops selling everything from traditional clothing to spices and Bollywood music.

• Highlights: Visit the vibrant Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and Abdul Gafoor Mosque. Shop for gold ornaments along Serangoon Road, pick up fresh fruits and vegetables at Tekka Centre, and look for delicate saris.

• Average Price: ₹4,000 - ₹8,000 per night (for 2-3 star hotels and guesthouses, can go higher for boutique hotels).

• Best for: Budget tourists, culture lovers, families who value genuine Indian cuisine and shopping.

2. Bugis & Kampong Glam: Heritage & Hipster Vibes

Although not strictly Indian, these neighboring districts provide an excellent combination of history, culture, and contemporary buzz. Kampong Glam, Singapore's Malay-Arab quarter, provides distinctive shopping for carpets and textiles, while Bugis has its street markets and malls busting with activity. The districts have a fair choice of varied restaurants, including some good halal Indian choices, so they are easy for most Indian visitors to feel at home in.

• Highlights: Stroll through quaint Haji Lane for local boutiques, see the grand Sultan Mosque, and experience the vibrant Bugis Street Market.

• Average Price: ₹6,000 - ₹12,000 per night (for 3-4 star hotels).

• Best for: Mid-range travelers, culture seekers, shoppers, and those looking for an exciting atmosphere with a touch of history.

3. Chinatown: Cultural Immersion & Culinary Delights

Singapore's Chinatown is a vibrant heritage-rich district that features an amazing variety of street food, old-timey shophouses, and temples. Though the majority Chinese, Singapore's diversity ensures there are still different culinary influences present, and it's an excellent place to get affordable food, which is something that Indian travelers often love. It offers a different cultural experience within the easy reach of the other areas of the city.

• Highlights: Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, explore the vibrant Maxwell Food Centre for local hawker delights, and shop for souvenirs.

• Average Price: ₹5,000 - ₹10,000 per night (for boutique hotels and guesthouses).

• Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, foodies, history buffs, and those seeking a traditional Singaporean experience.

Also read: Indian Travelers’ Guide to the Best Spots to Eat in Singapore

4. Orchard Road: Luxury Shopping & Upscale Comfort

Orchard Road is Singapore's best shopping belt, with top-end malls, global brands, and luxury hotels. While it's slightly more expensive, Indian tourists enjoy the fact that everything is at their doorstep, from fashion houses to a variety of international and fine-dining restaurants, of which some are fantastic Indian options.

• Highlights: Treat yourself to retail therapy, dine at international standards, and unwind in upscale settings.

• Average Price: ₹12,000 - ₹30,000+ per night (for 4-5 star hotels).

• Best for: Luxury travelers, shoppers, and travelers looking for a comfortable and hassle-free experience with high-end facilities.

5. Marina Bay: Iconic Landmarks & Grandeur

Marina Bay is the very epitome of Singapore's modernity, containing its most recognizable icons. For an experience so extravagantly luxurious and unforgettable, this place is the best option. It provides incomparable views, international entertainment, and upscale dining, including upscale fine-dining Indian establishments.

• Highlights: See the Marina Bay Sands (with the SkyPark and Infinity Pool), visit the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, watch the spectacular Spectra light and water show, and stop by the ArtScience Museum.

• Average Price: ₹20,000 - ₹50,000+ per night (for 5-star luxury hotels).

• Ideal for: Luxury tourists, first-time travelers wanting to experience Singapore's best sights, and connoisseurs looking for high-end leisure and gourmet fine dining.

6. Sentosa Island: Island Retreat & Family Fun

Sentosa Island is Singapore's resort island, and it's a fun getaway in paradise with an abundance of activities. It's a great place for couples, families, and those who are in need of a peaceful beach holiday coupled with thrilling entertainment. Several of the resorts provide options for various palates, making eating out easy for Indian families.

• Highlights: Enjoy the excitement of Universal Studios Singapore, unwind on palmed beaches (Siloso, Palawan, Tanjong), explore S.E.A. Aquarium, and engage in other leisure activities.

• Average Price: ₹15,000 - ₹40,000+ per night (for luxury resorts and hotels).

• Ideal for: Families with kids, beachgoers, and those who want a resort vacation with plenty of entertainment options.

7. Clarke Quay & Riverside: Nightlife & Riverfront Charm

Situated on the Singapore River, Clarke Quay is famous for its nightlife, restaurants, and bars. It has a lively vibe, ideal for those looking to spend evenings out. The location also boasts easy proximity to museums and cultural attractions along the river. Though the majority international, there are wide-ranging options to accommodate various tastes.

• Highlights: Dine alongside the river, river cruise, and see the happening pubs and clubs.

• Average Price: ₹9,000 - ₹18,000 per night (for 4-5 star hotels).

• Ideal for: Budget travelers, couples, and nightlife and city center enthusiasts.

8. Katong & Joo Chiat: Peranakan Culture & Foodie Paradise

Such quaint eastern suburbs give you a taste of Singapore's offbeat Peranakan (Straits Chinese) heritage, characterized by its vibrant shophouse and unique cuisine. Not necessarily Indian-focussed, but a great district for gourmands in search of genuine local flavors and a less busy, more residential atmosphere away from the city centre. There are some great little gem restaurants here to discover.

• Highlights: Visit beautifully restored Peranakan shophouses, taste local cuisine such as Laksa and Katong Laksa, and roam around independent cafes and boutiques.

• Average Price: ₹7,000 - ₹14,000 per night (for boutique hotels and quaint guesthouses).

• Best for: Foodies, culture vultures, and tourists who want a local, unique experience.

9. Novena: Convenient & Family-Friendly with Medical Hub Access

Novena is a conveniently located area famous for its medical centers, malls, and residential atmosphere. For Indian tourists, particularly those coming for medical tourism or seeking a more relaxed and family-friendly location with good amenities, Novena provides an excellent balance. You can enjoy a good range of mid-range hotels and serviced apartments and have plenty of dining choices, including some Indian restaurants to serve patients and visitors.

• Highlights: Visit Novena Square and Velocity @ Novena Square for shopping and dining. It also houses various major hospitals and medical centers. The locale tends to be less crowded than the central tourist areas, offering a more relaxed environment.

• Average Price: ₹7,000 - ₹15,000 per night (for 3-4 star hotels and serviced apartments).

• Best for: Families, medical travelers, tourists looking for a more peaceful residential neighborhood with good amenities, and those seeking mid-range value with great connectivity.

10. Lavender / Jalan Besar: Emerging & Affordable Foodie Paradise

Bordering Little India, the Lavender and Jalan Besar neighborhoods are fast becoming popular for their mix of local character, up-and-coming hipster cafes, and great dining scene – usually at a less expensive price than in more central neighborhoods. There is a great chance to find the less-touristy, genuine Singapore here. You'll find a growing number of affordable eateries, including many local hawker centers and some excellent, lesser-known Indian and halal food spots that are beloved by locals.

• Highlights: Discover the vibrant street art in Jalan Besar, explore unique independent cafes, and delve into the diverse hawker fare at various food centers. It's also close to Mustafa Centre (in Little India), a 24-hour shopping paradise.

• Average Cost: ₹4,500 - ₹9,000 per night (for 2-3 star hotels, budget hotels, and guesthouses).

• Best for: Budget travelers, foodies, backpackers, and those who want an authentic, local experience with a thriving creative community and good transport connectivity.

Also read: 15 Adventurous activities to try in Singapore - Indian travelers Guide

Practical Tips for Indian Travelers

• EZ-Link Card: Purchase an EZ-Link card for easy and cost-effective travel on Singapore's good public transport system (MRT and buses). It's extremely efficient.

• Food: Although luxury hotels usually possess great international buffets, explore places such as Little India, hawker centers (such as Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat), and local restaurants for authentic and affordable cuisine. Do not fail to try the myriad of Indian regional foods in Little India!

• Shopping: Outside of the malls, venture into traditional markets in Little India and Chinatown for unusual souvenirs, spices, and ethnic attire. Mustafa Centre in Little India is a renowned 24-hour department store with everything under the sun at affordable prices, a popular haunt of Indian tourists.

• Attire: Singapore is, in general, cosmopolitan and modern. Although casual wear is standard, modest dressing is advisable when approaching places of worship. Wear light, airy clothing because of the tropical humid weather.

• Best Time to Visit: Singapore is a destination throughout the year, but the dry season (February to April) tends to have fewer rains. Nevertheless, anticipate day-in-day-out heat and humidity.

• Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Singapore and is often discouraged, especially in restaurants where a service charge is usually included.

Singapore's incredible diversity ensures that every Indian traveler can find their perfect fit, promising an unforgettable journey through a city that beautifully balances tradition with innovation.