Riverside (Singapore) - Riverside (Singapore)

Riverside is a district of the city of Singapore.

To know

Riverside is the central area of Singapore, located on the northern bank of the river that crosses it and corresponds to the area where Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles arrived at the beginning of the nineteenth century and where he founded the colony, and it is here that the government buildings are also located. The south bank, on the other hand, is characterized by skyscrapers and is home to financial institutions and large banks. In this area there is also the center of the nightlife of the city, especially in the long clubs Boat Quay, Robertson Quay is Clarke Quay.

How to orient yourself

How to get

The best way to get to Riverside is to take the MRT and get off at the stations Raffles Place is Clarke Quay. There are no convenient means on the west side of the river, in this case you have to walk or use other means such as buses or boats.

How to get around

The Esplanade / Merlion / Boat Quay area is really beautiful and ideal for a walk or a bit of jogging. During the day it can be very hot, in the evening it is cooler and breezy and you can admire the amazing skyline.

On boat

Use the Singapore River Cruises to visit the city center. They are located along the banks of the river, no reservations required and a single ride costs $ 3.

What see

The historic core of Singapore, or the colonial area founded by the British, and its historic buildings have unfortunately been almost completely lost and replaced by immense skyscrapers since the 1980s. Only a few government buildings and places of worship dating from the 19th century remain. If you are looking for that past then you should move to the island of Penang, in Malaysia.

Monuments

• 1.2868103.85451 Merlion. The very symbol of Singapore. An 8.6 meter tall statue visible on the south bank at the mouth of the river and in the area of Merlion Park. It is a place very visited by tourists, intrigued by the figure that represents a half-mermaid being (Wedmaid) and half lion (lion). 
• 1.2868103.85222 Cavenagh Bridge (Close to Fullerton Hotel). It is the only suspension bridge in Singapore and the oldest, built in 1869. A pedestrian bridge that crosses the mouth of the river. Note the sign indicating the ban on the transit of livestock. 
• 1.2878103.85163 Raffles statue, 1 Empress Place (Close to the Asian Civilizations Museum). The Monument to the Founder of Singapore is another well-known spot in the city and a great place to take a souvenir photo with the skyscrapers in the background. The statue is actually a replica, the original is located in the Victoria Theater. 
• 1.2931103.85484 Civilian War Memorial (The Chopsticks) (War Memorial Park, near Beach Rd). Erected in memory of the civilians who died during the Second World War. The memorial is located above the final resting place of the remains of some unidentified war victims. 

Museums

• 1.2875103.85125 Asian Civilizations Museum (ACM), ☎ 65 63327798. $ 5 or $ 10 for a ticket that is also valid for the Peranakan Museum. Mon 13: 00-19: 00, Tue-Sun 09: 30-19: 00. One of the newest, largest and most functional museums in Singapore. As the name implies, all of Asia is told here, with obvious emphasis on cultures close to Singapore. It also hosts temporary exhibitions. 
• 1.2963103.85466 Mint Museum of Toys, ☎ 65 63390660. adults 15S $, children (under 12) 7.50S $. Mon-Sun 9: 30-18: 30. A collection of 50,000 toys created by Chang Yang Fa, in a five-story building, comes from 25 countries and includes pieces of all kinds. A guided tour is recommended. 
• 1.2942103.84927 ^{[link not working]}Peranakan Museum, 39 Armenian St, ☎ 65 63327591. $ 8 or $ 10 for a ticket that is also valid for the ACM. Mon 13: 00-19: 00, Tue-Sun 9: 30-19: 00. Born from the Asian Civilizations Museum, it focuses on the Peranakan culture, the merchants of Sino-Malay and Indo-Malay origin. 

Historical buildings

• 1.2907103.85178 city ​​Hall (City Hall), 3 Saint Andrew's Road (Close to the Padang). This grand old building has seen many important events happen inside and outside its walls. It was the site of Japan's surrender in 1945 and was also where Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore declared self-government and subsequent independence from both the British Empire and the Malay Federation. Set to become Singapore's National Art Gallery in 2015. 
• 1.2898103.85129 Old Supreme Court (Old Supreme Court Building), 1 Saint Andrew's Road (Close to the Padang). The Old Supreme Court was built in a classical style, with Corinthian columns and an allegory of justice just below the main dome. The current Supreme Court building is just behind it and its "spatial" structure marks a nice contrast between the old and the new. It will become the National Art Gallery of Singapore in 2015. 
• 1.2923103.84910 Fire station (Central Fire Station), 62 Hill Street, ☎ 65 6332 2996. Free entry. Tue-Sun 10 am-5pm. The oldest fire station in Singapore, it also houses the Civil Protection art gallery (Civil Defense Heritage Gallery), which showcases the history of Singapore's firefighters complete with antique fire engines. There are guided tours (which require reservations) of the tower, which was the highest point in the city until 1920. 
• 1.2907103.848211 Old police station ("Old Hill Street Police Station" or "MICA Building"), 140 Hill Street. This marvelous neoclassical building catches the eye with its multicolored shutters. There is an air-conditioned atrium, inside which has a few art galleries and sometimes hosts performances, as part of the larger Ministry of Communication and Information. 

Other

• 1.2846103.85112 1-Altitude Viewing Gallery, 1 Raffles Place (Adjacent to Raffles Place Metro Station), ☎ 65 65325003. 25 $ on time 8: 00-17.30, 40 $ on time 17.30-22: 00. Mon-Sun 8: 00-22: 00. Opened in 2010, it is the best place to observe a breathtaking view of the city from a height of 282 meters. 

What to do

The riverside area is great for walking, featuring gardens, bridges and historic buildings, plus a lively and fun nightlife in the Clarke Quay and Boat Quay areas.

• 1.2882103.85151 Victoria Theater and Concert Hall, 9 Empress Place (Raffles Place MRT), ☎ 65 63384401. Built by the British in the 19th century, it was Singapore's main artistic hub until the esplanade was built. It still hosts several events. 

If you want something more exciting go to Clarke Quay:

• 1.2896103.84752 G-Max Reverse Bungy, 3E River Valley Road (Clarke Quay), ☎ 65 63381146. 45$. Mon-Fri 15: 00-00: 00, Sat-Sun 12: 00-01.00. Buckle up and let yourself be launched at 200 km / h. 

Jogging along the river is a great way to exercise and see the city, but if you want to pay for some air conditioning there are other options near Raffles Place MRT station.

• 1.2842103.85113 Fitness First, 1 Raffles Place # 06-00 (OUB Center), ☎ 65 65344333. $ 40 daily admission. Mon-Fri 6: 00-22: 00, Sat 7: 00-19: 00, closed on Sundays and holidays. Small gym with rooftop pool, two Jacuzzis and a tennis court. 
• 1.2842103.85194 True Fitness, 30 Raffles Place # 07-00 (Caltex House), ☎ 65 64383000. Mon-Fri 6: 00-23: 00, Sat-Sun 8: 00-18: 00. Huge two-story gym full of machines. Crowded in the evening, but come in the afternoon or on the weekend and you will have it all to yourself. 

Shopping

There are shopping malls near the City Hall MRT station. Anyone who is really keen on shopping must go to though Orchard Road.

• 1.2836103.85211 The Arcade, 11 Collyer Quay (Near Raffles Place MRT). Small shopping center in the heart of the financial district, made up of small shops. 
• 1.2923103.85452 CityLink Mall (City Hall MRT). It has the distinction of being an entirely underground shopping mall that connects the Riverside neighborhood to that of Suntec City and the Esplanade. You could go round and round here if you're not careful, as the mall runs from the City Hall MRT to the Esplanade MRT and vice versa. Get ready to face a human crush. 
• 1.2914103.853 Funan DigitaLife Mall, 109 North Bridge Road (City Hall MRT), ☎ 65 63368327. One of the best places to shop for electronics in all of Singapore. The stores are very safe and the risk of scams is very low. To test the equipment or get other information, you can use the shopping center's wifi connection.

Shopping Tax Free Shopping for tourists Visiting tourists are issued a Premier Tax Free Refund Voucher with a minimum weighing in of $ 100 at any Premier Tax-Free affiliate store. Refunds are given upon departure at Singapore Changi Airport. 

• 1.2923103.85084 Peninsula Plaza, 111 North Bridge Road (City Hall MRT), ☎ 65 63320329. Very popular with Myanmar natives who enjoy the food and home atmosphere. Note the large number of camera shops. 
• 1.2939103.85335 Raffles City, 252 North Bridge Road (City Hall MRT), ☎ 65 63387766. Mon-Sun 10: 00-22: 00. A large shopping mall above City Hall MRT station. Known for Jason's Supermarket shop famous for its food specialties. Raffles City Shopping Center includes clothing stores, bookstores, music, sporting goods, toys and beauty products. A mecca for lovers of shopping and brands such as Omega, Thomas Sabo, Cortefiel and Tommy Hilfiger. There are also large chains such as Marks & Spencer and Robinsons, Topshop, River Island and Skyla. The mall also houses numerous restaurants including Australian Double Bay and Brotzeit, and is connected to the Swissotel where the Equinox Restaurant and New Asia bar are located. 

How to have fun

In Singapore, nightlife centers around the river, particularly in Boat Quay, is Clarke Quay. Less known are the areas of Circular Road is Robertson Quay. Bars and pubs come and go so you have to find the hottest spot of the moment. All these areas can be reached on foot from each other.

Bars and pubs

• ^{[link previously not working]}Bar 84, 76 Robertson Quay, ☎ 65 62350002. Known as Magic Baryou can see the barman-magician Hashi-san entertain and the audience every night except Sunday. Soft lights and jazz make this place the ideal place for a quiet drink, attention that in addition to drinking and indoors they will make you pay for anything else you ask .. 
• Brewerkz, 30 Merchant Rd # 01-05 / 06 (Riverside Point, opp Clarke Quay), ☎ 65 64387438. 10$. Mon-Sun 12: 00-00: 00. Singapore's first microbrewery today produces 12 different types of beer, available in 6-glass samples for $ 10.49. Seating inside and out with great food and generous portions. Lunchtime prices drop to $ 3.50 per pint. 
• Hideout, 31B Circular Rd (top floor) (behind Boat Quay), ☎ 65 65369445. Wed-Thu 19: 00-00: 00, Fri-Sat 19: 00-03: 00. Famous for live music and tucked away on the third floor of an old Chinese shophouse. Local indie bands perform on Wednesday nights, other nights DJs play funk, hip hop, soul, jazz, house, break and techno music. 
• Em by the River, 1 Nanson Road # 01-05 (Gallery Hotel), ☎ 65 683 9691. 10$. Mon-Fri 11: 00-03: 00, Sat-Sun 9: 00-04: 00. Beautiful place near the river, a quiet bar during the day and a real happening at night. 
• ^{[link previously not working]}Eski Bar, 46 Circular Rd (behind Boat Quay), ☎ 65 65363757. Mon-Sun 17: 00-00: 00 (or later). If the tropical heat suffocates you, go to freeze (literally) at a temperature of -6 ° C, while the chillout zone is at 18 ° C. Try the Eski Blue or the Sleeping Polar Bear ($ 15 each). 
• Equinox, 2 Stamford Rd, ☎ 65 68373322. The five bars and restaurants here offer some of the best views of the city but the prices are quite high ($ 15 and up for a drink). For a cigar and live jazz go to the CitySpace (floor 70), while New Asia it's a more casual place. You enter from the Swissotel on Stamford Rd. 
• Harry's Bar, 28 Boat Quay, ☎ 65 5383029. Live music almost every night. 
• Long Bar, 1 Beach Rd (Raffles Hotel, 2nd floor), ☎ 65 64121816. 11:30-1:30. Here was born the Singapore Sling, the iconic drink of Singapore. The split-level bar is a bit of a tourist trap but it's also one of those must-see destinations for anyone visiting the city. 
• Marrakesh, 3D River Valley Road # 01-01 (Clarke Quay), ☎ 65 63387331. $ 12 / $ 15 for drinks. 13:0-1:00. The best thing to do here is to have one prepared shisha and smoke while watching passersby. 
• ^{[link not working]}Pump Room, 3B River Valley Road, The Foundry (Clarke Quay), ☎ 65 63342628. Mon-Sun 12: 00-03: 00. Microbrewery / bistro in the heart of Clarke Quay. Live music every night except Monday. 
• Timbre, 1 Old Parliament Lane # 01-04 (The Annex at The Old Parliament House), ☎ 65 63363386. Every day 18 - 1. Among the best views of the city and one of the few places in Singapore that specializes in local live music. 

Cafe

• Cosafe Maid Café, 30 Victoria Street # 01-11 (CHIJMES), ☎ 65 63392276. $ 5 coffee, $ 10 beer and wine. Tue-Sun 12: 00-2: 00. The waitresses will greet you in Japanese, dressed in mini skirts and ready to have a picture taken with you. Similar premises exist in Tokyobut the food and drinks are nothing special and cost the same as a normal Starbucks. 

Nightclubs

At the following nightclubs it is best to arrive early or there will be a long queue. ID is theoretically required, but is rarely checked.

• Attica, 3A River Valley Rd # 01-03 (Clarke Quay), ☎ 65 63339973. Mon-Sun from 17:00 until late at night. New York-style club with four different areas (the top floor is for members only). The bouncers are selective, dress smartly. 
• Home, 20 Upper Circular Rd, ☎ 65 65382928. Drinks $ 12, happy hour 18: 00-21: 00. In a mix of modern and retro, this club seeks to bridge the gap between Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. 
• Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St, ☎ 65 67382988. $ 35 admission also includes two drinks. The most famous in Singapore. The venue has different areas depending on the music played, from dance to quieter and more relaxed things and often hosts internationally renowned DJs. 

Where to eat

To eat there are options for every taste and price. Be warned though: restaurants in this area tend to be more expensive. West of the river, around Robertson Quay, lives a large Japanese community and their restaurants are excellent.

Moderate prices

• ^{[link previously not working]}Komalas, 111 North Bridge Rd, ☎ 65 63335644. Mon-Sun 8: 00-22: 00. McDonald's style fast food sol oche serves Indian vegetarian dishes on banana leaves instead of sandwiches and chips. Worth a visit for the dissonance with the place, $ 5 meals. 
• Lau Pa Sat, 18 Raffles Quay (Near Raffles Place MRT). Open 24 hours. A Victorian style hawker center, a little expensive but quiet. The satay here it is famous and there is a long line of stands on the south side (open only in the evening) with Fatman Satay (Stand # 1) which gets great reviews. 
• Song Fa Bak Kut Teh, 11 Bridge Rd (Clarke Quay MRT, opp Central), ☎ 65 65336128. $ 5.50 per dish. Tue-Sun 11: 00-21: 00. Famous the bak kut teh a light pork rib soup to eat with sautéed vegetables (mui choy), pancakes (you tiao) and rice. Very busy but the service is fast. 
• Yong Bak Kut Teh, 233 River Valley Road (Mohamed Sultan corner). Conveniently located and ideal for a late night snack, this coffee shop serves a great soup with herb-infused pork ribs. $ 5.30 per plate with rice and pancakes. 

Average prices

• Epicurious, 60 Robertson Quay # 01-02, ☎ 65 67347720. Tue-Fri lunch / dinner, Sat-Sun all day (breakfast until 1pm). Beautiful place famous for breakfast. Try Green Eggs and Ham, scrambled eggs with pesto and ham ($ 12), accompanied by freshly squeezed juice ($ 5). 
• ^{[link not working]}Ichibantei, 60 Robertson Quay # 01-13, ☎ 65 67333923. 10$. Mon-Sun 11: 30-23: 00. Probably the best restaurant ramen in Singapore, this Osaka restaurant affiliate serves generous portions of Japanese noodles. 
• Inle Myanmar Restaurant, 111 North Bridge Rd, ☎ 65 63335438. 5/10$. 11:00-22:00. This small venue serves the small Burmese community that works in the offices of the gem traders on the upper floors of the building. The food is an intriguing mix of Thai and Indian. 

High prices

If you don't want to spare your expenses and dine while admiring the view, go to the area of Boat Quay, Clarke Quay is Robertson Quay, on the riverside there are numerous restaurants. However, avoid restaurants that use touts to attract tourists, especially at Boat Quay.

• Gyu-Kaku, 81A Clemenceau Ave # 01-18 / 19 (UE Square), ☎ 65 67334001. 35$. Elegant with Japanese style barbecue, with large selection of wagyu (meat) and side dishes. Not suitable for vegetarians. 
• IndoChine Waterfront, 1 Empress Place, ☎ 65 63391720. 80$. Facing Boat Quay on a terrace outside the Asian Civilizations Museum, the restaurant offers Vietnamese / Lao / Khmer food and great river views at moderate prices. Great for romantic dates, booking is recommended. 
• Jade, 1 Fullerton Square (Fullerton Hotel), ☎ 65 68778188. Lunch 11: 30-15: 00, Dinner 18: 00-23: 00. One of the most renowned Chinese restaurants in Singapore. It can be very expensive. Very popular on weekends when for $ 28 you can get anything you want including soup, tea and specials like cuttlefish and wasabi shrimp. Book in advance. 
• Jumbo Seafood, 20 Upper Circular Road # B1-48 (The Riverwalk), ☎ 65 65343435. 50$. In a great location and part of the chain of restaurants famous for their chili crab. Another restaurant is located at Riverside Point across the river from Clarke Quay. 
• ^{[link not working]}Mimigar, 1 Nanson Road # 01-08 (Gallery Hotel), ☎ 65 62351511. 50$. Mon-Sun 18: 00-23: 00. Excellent restaurant in the typical style of Okinawa, the name means "pig ears" so expect special dishes. Try the noodles soki soba ($ 9) accompanied by rice liqueur awamori is shikwasa with lime. There are few seats and it is very busy on weekends, so come early or book. 
• Quayside Seafood Grill, Clarke Quay Block A (near Hooters), ☎ 65 63380138. 50$. One of the best places along the river, only open for dinner. 
• Viet Lang, 1 Old Parliament Lane, # 01-03 Annex Building, Old Parliament House (Behind the Victoria Theater / Concert Hall), ☎ 65 63373379. 40$. Among the best Vietnamese restaurants in Singapore. 

Very good too CHIJMES (30 Victoria St), the former convent of the Holy Child Jesus, now transformed into an elegant restaurant near the Raffles Hotel.

• Brazilian Churrascaria carnivore, 30 Victoria St # 01-29A (CHIJMES), ☎ 65 63349332. $ 33/48 lunch / dinner. A real one churrascaria Brazilian, with waiters walking by carrying skewers of excellent South American meat. Great selection of salads, wines, and beer Caipirinha. 
• Lei Garden, 30 Victoria Street # 01-24 (CHIJMES), ☎ 65 6339 3822. $50. One of the most expensive Cantonese restaurants in the city. The food is great and is well suited for business lunches, but you don't want to be the one footing the bill. 
• You are welcome, 80 Bras Basah Road (Fairmont Singapore 1F), ☎ 65 64316156. $40. The largest Italian restaurant in Singapore with 320 seats. Good pasta and pizza as well as tiramisu. 

Where stay

Unless you are crazy about shopping and want to spend time in the malls of Orchard Road, Riverside is one of the best places to stay.

Moderate prices

There are several hostels around South Bridge Road, is China Town, with single rooms and dormitories. The more expensive ones also have air conditioning, wifi and breakfast.

• Five Stones Hostel, 61 South Bridge Road, ☎ 65 6535 5607. 30/100$. Safe and welcoming with wifi, breakfast and air conditioning. Very popular, so book early. 

Average prices

There are several mid-range hotels around Havelock Road at the western end of the river, not the best area for shopping or anything .. SBS bus 51 from Havelock Rd leads to Chinatown, Clarke Quay and Orchard. In the city center the bus goes north to Eu Tong Sen Road / Hill Street, and back south via North / South Bridge Road.

• Carlton Hotel, 76 Bras Basah Road, ☎ 65 63388333. 200$. Standard hotel, but clean, comfortable and in a good location. 
• Copthorne King's, 403 Havelock Road, ☎ 65 67330011. 150$. Once a King's Hotel, it has recently been refurbished. The rooms are good in the wings, a little less in the central part. The location is not great but it is close to Mohammed Sultan. 
• Holiday Inn Atrium, 317 Outram Road, ☎ 65 67330188. 

High prices

In addition to the following see also those of Marina Bay, where you can find more.

• Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road (directly above Raffles Place MRT), ☎ 65 63397777. 300$. Once Raffles the Plaza and the tallest hotel in the world is now neither but is still one of the best in Singapore. The pool is shared with the neighbor Swissotel The Stamford. 
• ^{[link not working]}Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard (Marina Square), ☎ 65 63368111. 220$. Renovated in 2005, it has nothing extraordinary except the fabulous panorama that can be admired. 
• Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Rd, ☎ 65 63371886. 600$. An icon of Singapore, the most famous and expensive hotel, absolutely impeccable service. 

There are other luxury hotels along the river.

• Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square, ☎ 65 67338388. 500$. Obtained from the old central post office, this is the closest competitor to Raffles, even when it comes to price. 
• ^{[link previously not working]}Gallery Hotel, 76 Robertson Quay, ☎ 65 68498686. $238. It seems to be in an IKEA showroom, all glass and steel and with austere furnishings. But all in all it is comfortable and in a good location. 
• Grand Copthorne, 392 Havelock Road, ☎ 65 67330880. 230$. 
• ^{[link not working]}Novotel Clarke Quay, 177A River Valley Road (MRT Clarke Quay), ☎ 65 63383333. 120$. Reopened in 2005 with 401 well appointed rooms and stunning city views. 
• Swissotel Merchant Court, 20 Merchant Road, ☎ 65 63372288. 200$. Large 476-room hotel on Clarke Quay partly at the MRT station, the river side can be noisier due to the nightlife. 

How to keep in touch

Useful information

Laundries

• Systematic Laundromat, 11 Unity St # 01-22, ☎ 65 6732 1438. 6 $ for 4kg. One day washing (no self service). Call ahead for the price to avoid tourist surcharges of up to 200%. 

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Riverside (Singapore)
• Commons contains images or other files on Riverside (Singapore)

Shop window : the article respects the characteristics of a guide and its sections are extremely complete.