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A Guide to Boat Quay in Singapore That’ll Make You Stay Past Midnight
Back when I was a teenager, I made an online friend who later went on a student abroad program in college. When he chose Singapore, I was genuinely excited to finally meet up in person. But he had a very specific request—he wanted to visit Boat Quay.
At first, I thought, “Okay… sure, we can go to Boat Quay.” I’d been there plenty of times before, so I didn’t expect much. Apparently, he was interested in checking out the restaurants along the river and soaking in the view.
Once we got there, he kept commenting on how beautiful everything looked. And it made me see the place in a new light.
Living in Singapore, it’s easy to take familiar spots for granted, but seeing Boat Quay through someone else’s eyes reminded me just how much charm this historic riverside district holds.
Where is Boat Quay?
Boat Quay is located in the central region of Singapore. It is bounded to the west by the Elgin Bridge, to the north by the Singapore River, to the east by the Cavenagh Bridge, and to the south by South Bridge Road and Circular Road.
How to Get to Boat Quay
By Bus: Take Bus 10, 32, 33, 51, 61, 63, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, or 197 and alight at the Boat Quay bus stop (Stop 03019 – Opp The Treasury).
This stop is along North Bridge Road, just a short 2-minute walk to the quay via Parliament Place or Empress Place.
By MRT: Ride the MRT to Raffles Place Station (EW14/NS26) and exit via Exit G or H. Walk around 4 to 6 minutes along Battery Road, then cut across Circular Road or directly toward Boat Quay by the river.
By Taxi: Set your destination to “Boat Quay” or “Circular Road”. Taxis and Grab cars usually drop off along Circular Road or South Bridge Road. There’s no formal taxi stand, but drop-offs are common near the corner of North Canal Road.
By Private Car: You can set your GPS to “Circular Road” or “Boat Quay” when driving, though it’s important to note that there is no dedicated parking directly at the quay itself. However, there are several nearby parking options within walking distance.
These include One Fullerton, accessible via Fullerton Road; the Parliament House Carpark, reachable through North Bridge Road; and The Riverwalk Carpark, located at 20 Upper Circular Road.
Keep in mind that Boat Quay is a pedestrian-friendly area, and certain roads, such as Circular Road, may have restricted vehicle access in the evenings.
What to Do and See in Boat Quay
Take time to explore the landmarks right around the corner
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My friend and I wandered around and noticed some pretty cool historical landmarks I had completely forgotten about.
Boat Quay is famous for its rows of two- and three-story shophouses, many of which have been standing since the 19th century. A lot of them feature Art Deco design, and today they’re home to some really trendy restaurants.
You’ll also spot the Cavenagh Bridge, one of Singapore’s oldest bridges. A shopowner nearby told us it was sometimes called the Suspension Bridge Quay because of how close it sits to this iconic structure.
And, of course, Boat Quay is the very spot where Sir Stamford Raffles first anchored in 1819. There’s a statue commemorating this moment, marking the start of Singapore’s history.
Walk through history as you check out nearby cultural sites
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There are plenty of places nearby to explore. If you want to continue your history adventure, it’s easy to hop on the next train or bus to other cultural sites along the river.
Merlion Park is a great first stop and just a short stroll away. Here you’ll find the iconic Merlion statue, half-fish and half-lion, representing Singapore’s origins and identity.
My personal favourite has to be the Asian Civilisations Museum, located just across the river. This museum offers a look into Asia’s rich and diverse heritage through its extensive collection of artefacts, spanning Southeast, South, and West Asia.
The Fuk Tak Chi Museum is also nearby. This smaller exhibit focuses on the cultural roots of early Chinese immigrants, using artefacts and stories to give visitors a more unique perspective.
Hop on a river cruise and see the city from a different angle
Media Credit: @rivercruise1987
Phone: +65 6336 6111; +65 6336 6119
Pricing: $$ – $$$
Website: https://rivercruise.com.sg
The main highlight of our trip was the river cruise—I was already excited the moment I booked the tickets online. We went for the classic option, the Bumboat cruise, which lasts about 40 minutes along the Singapore River.
During the ride, we passed by iconic sights like Clarke Quay, Marina Bay, the Fullerton Hotel, Merlion Park, and of course, the rest of Boat Quay that we hadn’t explored on foot.
One of the best parts was the audio-visual commentary provided in English, which shared interesting tidbits about the landmarks we passed.
Now, if money weren’t a concern, I definitely would have tried the dining or the themed cruises. The dining cruise comes with a gourmet meal while gliding past illuminated landmarks at night.
The themed cruises, on the other hand, sometimes feature light shows, live performances, or seasonal decorations, turning the river ride into a full-on entertainment experience.
Where to Eat and Drink in Boat Quay
Dumpling Darlings
Media Credit: @dumpling.darlings
Address: 86 Circular Road
Phone: +65 8889 9973
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 3 PM: 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Website: https://www.dumplingdarlings.com.sg/
Dumpling Darlings is a casual dining spot that specialises in noodles and, you guessed it, dumplings.
My friend absolutely devoured a plate of the Smoked Duck Dumplings. He mentioned being able to taste the caramelised leek and shiitake mushroom, alongside the rich flavour of the smoked duck itself.
It was incredibly fragrant, and when we asked the server about it, they told us it also had balsamic vinaigrette and hoisin mustard.
For my part, I went with the Veggie Mandu. It’s a lighter, vegetarian-friendly dumpling packed with Korean umami flavours, thanks to the pickles inside. Each bite was fresh and tangy, a perfect counterbalance to the richer dumplings.
Dungeon by IL Fiore
Media Credit: @dungeonbyilfiore
Address: 30 Raffles Pl, #01-16/17 CIMB Plaza
Phone: +65 6223 3551
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – Closed
Website: https://www.facebook.com/IL-Fiore-Restaurant-Bar-100557263381342/
Next on the list, we have Dungeon by IL Fiore, an underground bistro with medieval-themed decor. This place is designed with stone walls and dim lighting to create the feel of a dungeon, but cleaner and nicer to dine in.
I didn’t come here with my friend, but I did visit with my family. We ordered a couple of their signature dishes, like the Pork Trotter Bee Hoon.
We listened intently while the server was explaining how the pork trotter was tender and gelatinous. And once we had a taste, it was so good that we actually had to stop my dad from finishing up all the bee hoon noodles.
To top it all off, I had the Homemade Iced Lemon Tea, which you can customise to your preferred sweetness. It paired really well with the food since the tartness of the lemon cut right through the richness of the dishes.
Offtrack
Media Credit: @offtrack.sg
Address: 34 N Canal Road, #01-01
Phone: +65 8748 0408
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 6 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 5 PM to 1 AM
- Sunday – Closed
Website: http://www.offtrack.sg/
Last on the list is a music-focused bar known for its diverse music curation. From jazz and soul to ambient and deep cuts, Offtrack features DJs and record selectors.
Its reputation is well-earned, landing it at #23 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025.
When I asked the staff for a recommendation, they suggested the Dashi Mascarpone Dip with housemade sourdough roti. The dish combines creamy mascarpone with umami-rich dashi, accented by perilla oil and bursts of ikura, or salmon roe.
It comes with fluffy sourdough roti reminiscent of naan, making each bite a mix of textures and flavours. No wonder it became one of their best sellers.
On the drinks front, the house classic is The Saturn. The cocktail has a bright and fruity presentation, featuring fresh passionfruit and lemon. Its acidity is likely mellowed out by the nutty-sweet almond from the almond liqueur.
Where to Shop in Boat Quay
Clarke Quay Central
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Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen Street
Pricing: $ – $$$
Operating Hours: Daily – 11 AM to 10 PM
Website: https://www.fareastmalls.com.sg/Clarke-Quay-Central/
My friend wanted to check out what the malls were like in Singapore, so I took him to Clarke Quay Central. It’s an urban-chic, five-level retail podium that’s situated along the Singapore River.
He checked out a bunch of stores, like fashion and accessories, personal care, and lifestyle shops.
They even have a Don Don Donki outlet, and if you’ve ever been to any branch of this Japanese discount store chain, you know this is where it gets good.
We spent most of our time in the mall here, sifting through each aisle of beauty products, electronics, and snacks we didn’t know existed.
Where to Stay in Boat Quay
Kinn Capsule
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Address: 39 South Bridge Road
Phone: +65 8771 4801
Pricing: $
Check-in time: 3 PM
Check-out time: 11 AM
Website: https://staywithkinn.com/kinn-capsule/
Kinn Capsule is a minimalist, modern capsule-style accommodation that’s just steps away from Boat Quay. It’s built with a Japanese-inspired aesthetic that I’d compare to Muji!
To save on some cash, a lot of solo travellers pick this place since it has hotel-grade super single mattresses, blackout blinds, and a personal locker—all for an affordable price.
From what I’ve heard, there’s also high-speed Wi-Fi, shared bathrooms, and weekly housekeeping, so you don’t have to worry about the mess of other people too much.
But you can hang out at the rooftop terrace for some peace and quiet if things get too noisy during the day.
21 Carpenter
Media Credit: @21carpenter_sg
Address: 21 Carpenter Street
Phone: +65 6373 6988
Pricing: $$
Check-in time: 3 PM
Check-out time: 12 PM
Website: http://www.21carpenter.com.sg/
If you’re not too into capsules, then you could try the 21 Carpenter boutique heritage hotel.
The hotel is divided into two wings: the Heritage Wing and the Urban Wing.
The Heritage Wing occupies the original shophouse levels and retains the charm of the past, while the Urban Wing is a newer extension featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and sleek, contemporary aesthetics.
One of the highlights has to be the rooftop infinity pool and lounge, which offers stunning views of the city skyline and Marina Bay. Guests can also unwind at the Garden Terrace, a serene outdoor space great for relaxing with a drink.
You can even enjoy complimentary Linus bikes for exploring the neighbourhood, access to a partner fitness club, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and sustainable practices such as energy-efficient lighting, recycling initiatives, and locally sourced toiletries.
Habyt Clarke Quay
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Address: 37A Hongkong Street
Phone: +65 6653 3858
Pricing: $$
Check-in time: 3 PM
Check-out time: 11 AM
Website: city.championhotel.com.sg
Another short walk away from Boat Quay is Habyt Clarke Quay, originally known as Champion City. They can be found in Singapore’s central downtown area, where you can access riverfront dining and the city’s nightlife!
Plenty of guests prioritise this place not only for the location, but also for the rooms, since they were designed ideally for solo travellers or budget-conscious guests.
The layout is compact but still functional, making it easy to settle in without feeling cramped.
Just like the capsule hotel, this spot has a rooftop terrace, which also offers panoramic views of the Singapore River and the surrounding cityscape.
I’d say Habyt Clarke Quay remains an appealing option for travellers who want comfort and a taste of Clarke Quay’s lively atmosphere.
