Clarke Quay & Singapore River Guides

Clarke Quay and the Singapore River

Clarke Quay sits on the Singapore River, a short walk from the business district. A quay is a riverside landing place. This stretch of river was once the centre of Singapore's trade, with small boats carrying goods to warehouses on the banks. Today those old warehouses and shophouses hold restaurants, bars and cafés.

The riverside is really three areas in a row, from Boat Quay near the river mouth upstream to Robertson Quay. Each has its own feel, so it helps to know which one suits your plans.

How the three quays differ

Boat Quay

Boat Quay is closest to the river mouth. A row of low shophouses faces the water, with the office towers of the business district behind. Restaurants set out tables along the river, and the area fills with office workers after work. Raffles Place MRT station is a short walk away.

Clarke Quay

The middle quay is the liveliest of the three. Its painted warehouses hold restaurants, bars and clubs. It is calm by day and gets busy at night, especially at weekends. Our Clarke Quay page has more detail.

Robertson Quay

Robertson Quay is the furthest upstream and the quietest. Apartments and hotels line the banks, along with cafés, brunch spots and casual restaurants. It suits a slow breakfast or an evening walk by the water. The Warehouse Hotel, a boutique hotel in an old riverside warehouse, is at this end.

Things to do along the river

• Take a river cruise. The Singapore River Cruise uses bumboats, small boats styled on the old cargo boats. They run between the quays and Marina Bay. An evening trip shows the city lights.
• Walk the riverside path. A flat path runs along the banks from Robertson Quay to Boat Quay and on to Marina Bay. It is pleasant early in the morning or after dark.
• Climb Fort Canning. Fort Canning Park rises just behind the quays. It has shady paths, gardens and historic sites.
• Visit a museum. The Asian Civilisations Museum stands by the river near Boat Quay. Its collections cover art and culture from across Asia.

Eating and drinking by the river

Riverside restaurants cover many cuisines, from Asian seafood to Western grills. At Riverside Point, across the water from the clubs, Jumbo Seafood (Riverside Point) serves chilli crab. This is crab cooked in a sweet and spicy tomato-chilli sauce. On New Bridge Road, Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (New Bridge Road) is a popular stop for peppery pork rib soup.

Tables with a river view usually cost more than food a few streets back. For a cheaper meal, walk to Hong Lim Market & Food Centre on the Chinatown side. Our Best Hawker Food in Singapore list has more low-cost ideas.

Nightlife and the law

The quays are among Singapore's main nightlife areas, with bars, live music and clubs. The legal drinking age is 18, and venues may ask for ID. Singapore does not allow drinking in public places late at night, so keep drinks inside licensed venues. Drink responsibly, and plan your ride home before you go out. Our Singapore Nightlife Guide covers other areas.

Getting there and where to stay

Clarke Quay MRT station, on the North East Line, is just across the river from the warehouses. Fort Canning station, on the Downtown Line, is also close. From there, the riverside walk to Robertson Quay or Boat Quay is flat and easy.

Staying by the river puts you between the city centre, Chinatown and Orchard Road. Options include Paradox Singapore Merchant Court, a four-star hotel, and Pullman Singapore Hill Street, a five-star hotel. For a boutique stay, look at Hotel Fort Canning in the park above. Light sleepers may prefer Robertson Quay, which is quieter at night.

FAQs about Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay

What is the difference between Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay?

The main difference is the mood. The middle quay has clubs, bars and restaurants that stay busy late. Robertson Quay, further upstream, is quieter and better known for cafés, brunch and relaxed riverside dining.

Is the riverside worth visiting during the day?

Yes, though it is much calmer. Daytime is good for a river cruise, a riverside walk and a visit to Fort Canning Park. Come back after dark to see the lights.

Which MRT stations are closest to the river?

For the middle quay, use the station of the same name on the North East Line, then cross the bridge. Fort Canning station on the Downtown Line is also close. Raffles Place station is best for Boat Quay.

Can I take a boat from the quays to Marina Bay?

Yes. River cruise boats stop along the quays and run down to Marina Bay. Check the operator's website for routes and the latest prices before you go.