Where to stay in Singapore

Marina Bay is the postcard version of Singapore and the best fit for first-time visitors with a generous budget. Large hotels, shopping malls, gardens and the waterfront promenade are all close together. Days are easy to plan, with attractions within walking distance or a short train ride. Evenings glow with light displays and rooftop bars, and the views from the water are memorable. The area is polished but somewhat corporate, and food options skew towards upscale restaurants and food courts. If you want local colour or low prices, spend your days in other neighbourhoods and treat this as a splurge base for the skyline and the pool.

Getting around: MRT stations and covered walkways connect the waterfront, the gardens and the business district.

Orchard Road is Singapore's shopping boulevard, and it works nicely as a comfortable, convenient base. Hotels range from affordable to luxurious, and the covered malls make life easy with kids or during tropical downpours. By day you can shop, eat and relax in air-conditioned comfort. After dark the strip stays busy with diners and window-shoppers, though it is more family-friendly than rowdy. The Botanic Gardens are a short ride away, and the MRT reaches the rest of the island fast. Expect crowds at peak times and a polished, international atmosphere rather than a deeply local one.

Getting around: Several MRT stations run along the strip, with buses and taxis everywhere.

This district is a favourite for travellers who care about food and atmosphere. Temples, market stalls and colourful shophouses sit beside stylish cafes and cocktail bars. Mornings are for coffee and a traditional breakfast, afternoons for wandering and museum stops, and evenings for a late dinner and a drink. Prices are often lower than in the glossy waterfront zones, and the transport links are excellent. Many boutique hotels occupy renovated heritage buildings, which means charm but sometimes small rooms and limited facilities. Pick somewhere a little off the main strip if you value quiet nights. It suits couples, solo travellers and food-focused trips.

Getting around: Multiple MRT stations serve the area, and the central business district is a short walk.

Sentosa is a holiday island on the edge of the city, built for families and couples who want resort comforts. Theme parks, beaches, a golf course and a number of large hotels are all packed in a small area. Days can be spent entirely on the island, with pool time and attractions, then it is easy to head back to the mainland for a meal or sightseeing. Evenings are quieter, mainly beach bars and resort restaurants. Costs tend to be higher than in the city, and travelling to central areas takes time. Choose it for a relaxing break, not for exploring local culture.

Getting around: Reached by a cable car, monorail, bridge or boardwalk, with internal shuttles on the island.

Bugis and Kampong Glam suit travellers who want a central base with personality. You can browse street markets and malls in the morning, visit the mosque and craft shops around Arab Street in the afternoon, and enjoy a relaxed evening of cafes, bars and Middle Eastern or Malay food. The district is walkable and well connected, and prices are generally friendlier than at the waterfront. Hotel quality varies, so check recent reviews and room sizes. Weekend crowds can be heavy, particularly at night. It works well for couples, friends and independent travellers who like to wander without a fixed plan.

Getting around: Well served by MRT, with a major interchange at Bugis and plenty of buses.