Where to Stay in Singapore: Marina Bay, Orchard, Sentosa
Singapore is small and connected by the MRT, so area choice is about atmosphere: Marina Bay for skyline and attractions, Orchard Road for shopping, Bugis for food and value, and Sentosa for resort stays.
Areas at a glance
Marina Bay
Home to Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, with waterfront restaurants, shopping centres and hotels.
Orchard Road
Singapore's main shopping street, lined with malls, dining, bars and cafés across Tanglin, Somerset and Dhoby Ghaut.
Bugis
Next to Kampong Gelam, the Bras Basah and Bugis district is known for cultural landmarks, shopping and street markets; Bugis MRT station serves the East-West and Downtown lines.
Sentosa
Singapore's resort island, with Resorts World Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore, beaches and hotels.
Getting there
From Changi Airport MRT station, change at Tanah Merah for the East-West Line into the city, or at Expo for the Downtown Line. Taxis and ride-hailing are also available.
Good for
- Families
- First-time visitors
- Short stopovers
- Shopping and food
Watch out for
- The Northeast Monsoon (December to early March) and the Southwest Monsoon (June to September) bring seasonal rain, according to the Meteorological Service Singapore.
Booking tips
- Marina Bay puts Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and waterfront dining in one area, which makes it an easy first base.
- Sentosa, Singapore's resort island, has Resorts World Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore, beaches and hotels.
FAQ
Where should families stay in Singapore?
Sentosa for Universal Studios and beaches, or Marina Bay for central sightseeing.
Can I take the MRT from Changi Airport?
Yes. From Changi Airport MRT station, change at Tanah Merah for the East-West Line, or at Expo for the Downtown Line.