Central Area Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Area

Facts and practical information

Welcome to the vibrant Central Area of Singapore, the heart and soul of this bustling city-state. This dynamic district is a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, boasting iconic landmarks, cultural treasures, and a thriving business hub.

One cannot miss the majestic Marina Bay Sands, a world-renowned integrated resort that dominates the city's skyline. This architectural marvel features a luxurious hotel, a vast convention center, high-end shops, and a dazzling rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views of the city. Adjacent to Marina Bay Sands is the iconic Gardens by the Bay, a sprawling nature park that showcases a stunning collection of flora from around the world. The Supertree Grove, with its towering, tree-like structures covered in vibrant vertical gardens, is a must-see.

For a taste of Singapore's rich history and heritage, head to the historic district of Chinatown. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you explore the colorful streets, lined with traditional shophouses, bustling markets, and authentic eateries. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, a magnificent architectural masterpiece that houses a sacred relic of Buddha. Be sure to savor the delectable local cuisine at one of the many hawker centers, where you can indulge in mouth-watering dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and laksa.

A short walk from Chinatown will lead you to the vibrant district of Little India. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this bustling neighborhood, where the vibrant colors of sarees and the scent of spices fill the air. Explore the bustling streets filled with shops selling traditional Indian goods and sample the mouth-watering Indian cuisine at the local eateries.

No visit to the Central Area is complete without a trip to the historic Raffles Hotel. This colonial-era landmark exudes old-world charm and elegance. Take a step back in time as you sip on a Singapore Sling at the famous Long Bar, where this iconic cocktail was first created.

Alternative names: Area: 6.89 mi²Elevation: 98 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 1°17'50"N, 103°50'31"E

Location

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Central Area Top Attractions

Central Area Attractions - What to See and Explore

Central Area offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Tan Kim Seng Fountain, Lim Bo Seng Memorial, Objectifs, First Generation. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Memorial • Downtown Core
Tan Kim Seng Fountain
The Tan Kim Seng Fountain is a fountain in Singapore that was erected in 1882 in honor of notable philanthropist Tan Kim Seng for his donations for the Singapore’s first reservoir and waterworks.
Memorial • Downtown Core
Lim Bo Seng Memorial
The Lim Bo Seng Memorial is an octagonal pagoda-like war memorial at Esplanade Park, Singapore. It was erected in 1954 in honour of the late Lim Bo Seng for his heroic acts and selfless sacrifice during the World War II.
Museum • Art museum
Objectifs
Objectifs is an independent non-profit visual arts space in Singapore that aims to cultivate original voices in visual storytelling, and to inspire and broaden perspectives through the power of images.

Monuments and statues • Downtown Core
First Generation
First Generation is a bronze sculpture by Singaporean sculptor Chong Fah Cheong. The sculpture was created as part of a series of sculptures by various sculptors, in the Open Air Interpretative Centre project by the Singapore Tourism Board. Chong's sculpture was the first to be unveiled on December 31, 2000.
Protected area • Bukit Merah
Bukit Pasoh Road
Bukit Pasoh Road is a road in Tanjong Pagar within the Outram Planning Area of Singapore. The road starts from Neil Road which is one way, but becomes two ways, when the road forks out into two parts, with one becoming Teo Hong Road, with both roads ending at New Bridge Road.
Bridge • Singapore River
Clemenceau Bridge
The Clemenceau Bridge is a pre-stressed concrete road bridge across the Singapore River in Singapore. The first bridge was opened in 1940 and was refurbished in 1991.
Bridge • River Valley
Jiak Kim Bridge
The Jiak Kim Bridge is a pedestrian bridge in Singapore. The bridge spans the Singapore River near Robertson Quay. Constructed in 1999, it was named after Tan Jiak Kim, grandson of famous merchant and philanthropist Tan Kim Seng and son of Tan Beng Swee.
Park • Downtown Core
Waterboat House Garden
Waterboat House Garden is a small park located near the mouth of the Singapore River, near the Central Business District in Singapore.
Neighbourhood • Downtown Core
Downtown Core
The Downtown Core is the historical and downtown centre of the city-state of Singapore and the main commercial area in Singapore excluding reclaimed lands with many integrated resorts such as the Marina Bay Sands, one of the most expensive buildings in the world, with the most expensive standalone casino at Bayfront Avenue.
Park • Downtown Core
Tanjong Pagar Park
Tanjong Pagar Park, formerly known as Tanjong Pagar RICOH Park, is an urban park situated around the Guoco Tower in Singapore. The entire complex is located above Tanjong Pagar MRT station.
Protected area • Outram
Neil Road
Neil Road is a one-way road in Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar in the planning areas of Outram and Bukit Merah in Singapore. The road starts at the junction of South Bridge Road, Maxwell Road and Tanjong Pagar Road and ends at Kampong Bahru Road which then merges into Jalan Bukit Merah.
1°17'31"N • 103°50'51"E
Raffles House
Raffles House is a single-storey building built on the Fort Canning Hill, Singapore. The original building was a wood and atap structure built in 1822 that was used as a place of residence by Sir Stamford Raffles.
Museum • Art museum • Modern art museum
Art Plural Gallery
Art Plural Gallery is an art gallery in Singapore. It shows modern and contemporary art and design. It has been called one of the ten best contemporary art galleries in Singapore and in 2013 was named as one of the world's best new galleries.
Hill • Outram
Pearl's Hill
Pearl's Hill, briefly Mount Stamford, is a small hill in Singapore. Located in the vicinity of Chinatown, it is one of the few surviving hills in the city area.
Museum • Museum district
Museum Planning Area
The Museum Planning Area is a planning area located in the Central Area of the Central Region of Singapore. The area plays a "bridging role" between the Orchard area and the Downtown Core, which necessitates proper transport networks for vehicles, pedestrians and public transport.
Convention center • Downtown Core
Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre
The Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre is a convention centre located in the Central Area of Singapore. It was opened on 30 August 1995, and has a total floorspace of 42,000 m2. The building underwent a modernisation program from October 2012 to June 2013.
Library • Outram
Library@chinatown
library@chinatown is a library in Chinatown, Singapore. It is located inside Chinatown Point. The nearest MRT station is Chinatown MRT station.
1°17'44"N • 103°51'7"E
Caldwell House
Caldwell House was a historical building designed and built by George Drumgoole Coleman from 1840 to 1841 in Singapore. It was the oldest building of the CHIJMES complex since 1854. It currently serves as a venue known as the Alcove at Caldwell House for wedding functions.
Universities and schools • Rochor
LASALLE College of the Arts
LASALLE College of the Arts is a publicly-funded post-secondary arts institution, and a soon-to-be University of the Arts by 2023 in alliance with Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore.

Things to See and Do in Central Area by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Central Area.

Shopping

Yue Hwa
Central Region, Central Area
ShoppingDepartment storeOutram
Funan
Central Region, Central Area
ShoppingShopping centreDowntown Core
Capitol Singapore
Central Region, Central Area
ShoppingShopping centreDowntown Core
Change Alley
Central Region, Central Area
ShoppingShopping centreDowntown Core
Tiong Bahru Plaza
Central Region, Central Area
ShoppingShopping centreBukit Merah

Museum

Objectifs
Central Region, Central Area
MuseumArt museumRochor
Art Plural Gallery
Central Region, Central Area
MuseumArt museumModern art museumMuseum
Museum Planning Area
Central Region, Central Area
MuseumMuseum districtMuseum
Wetterling Teo Gallery
Central Region, Central Area
MuseumArt museumRiver Valley

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Memorial

Tan Kim Seng Fountain
Central Region, Central Area
MemorialDowntown Core
Lim Bo Seng Memorial
Central Region, Central Area
MemorialDowntown Core
Old Ministry of Labour Building
Central Region, Central Area
MemorialNeoclassical architectureOutram
Tan Teck Guan Building
Central Region, Central Area
MemorialNeo-georgian architectureNeoclassical architectureBukit Merah

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Neighbourhood

Downtown Core
Central Region, Central Area
NeighbourhoodDowntown Core
Bras Basah
Central Region, Central Area
NeighbourhoodDowntown Core
Yan Kit Swimming Complex
Central Region, Central Area
NeighbourhoodOutram
Tanglin Police Division
Central Region, Central Area
NeighbourhoodKallang
Central Police Division
Central Region, Central Area
NeighbourhoodBukit Merah

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Day trips

Central Area – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Central Area, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Singapore Flyer, Merlion, Jurong Bird Park.

1.5 miE
Amusement, Amusement park, Observation decks and towers
Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer, a giant observation wheel that punctuates the skyline of Singapore, is an iconic attraction within the city-state's vibrant entertainment landscape. Soaring at an impressive height of 165 meters, the Flyer is one of the world's tallest Ferris...
1.1 miSE
Monuments and statues
Merlion
The Merlion, an iconic landmark of Singapore, stands as a majestic testament to the city-state's origins and rich cultural tapestry. This emblematic statue, representing a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, is situated at Merlion Park...
9.5 miW
Zoo
Jurong Bird Park
Nestled within the lush greenery of Singapore's western region, Jurong Bird Park stands as an avian paradise, home to a myriad of bird species from around the globe. Established in 1971, this sprawling 20.2-hectare park is Asia's largest bird park, offering sanctuary...
3.2 miSW
Amusement, Amusement park
Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore is a dynamic amusement park located within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island, Singapore. Since its grand opening in 2011, it has become one of the most sought-after destinations for thrill-seekers and movie enthusiasts alike.
2.5 miSW
Dancing, Nightlife
St James Power Station
St James Power Station stands as a proud historical landmark in Singapore, a testament to the country's industrial heritage and architectural innovation. This grand edifice, constructed in 1927, was Singapore's first coal-fired power station and played a pivotal role...