10 Best Things to Do in Clarke Quay
What is Clarke Quay Most Famous For?
The best attractions in Clarke Quay offer visitors a great range of things to see and do beyond its renowned nightlife. While Clarke Quay is celebrated for its stunning waterside restaurants and exciting collection of bars and clubs, it boasts so much more for visitors to explore.
Many of the top-rated attractions are conveniently located within walking distance of MRT stations, and our carefully curated selection features a variety of family-friendly activities and cultural visits, ideal for daytime exploration. This ensures you’ll have ample time to experience Clarke Quay’s bustling nightlife when the sun sets.
What are the best things to do in Clarke Quay?
1. Singapore River
The heartbeat of Singapore
Good for: Food, Nightlife
The Singapore River lies at the heart of Clarke Quay, providing the central artery for this area’s thriving nightlife scene. However, the river offers visitors much more than just a picturesque spot to come for food and drinks. Boat tours are available that cruise up and down the entire length of the river, taking advantage of all the interesting sights along the way, and ending up in Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and eventually the Marina Bay.
The river snakes under historically important bridges such as Clemenceau Bridge and Anderson Bridge, and passes important Singapore landmarks such as the Merlion and Esplanade on its way into the Singapore Strait. Read more
Singapore River
2. Asian Civilizations Museum
Thousands of treasures from every corner of Asia
Good for: Families, History
The Asians Civilizations Museum is a gorgeous colonial British-style building that’s a walking distance from the Clarke Quay or Raffles Place MRT stations. It’s home to some of Singapore’s finest collections and exhibitions, showcasing the region’s long and diverse history.
A good 2 or 3 hours should be set aside to explore the plethora of galleries and displays, each providing something fascinating even if you don’t consider yourself to be a history buff. From the discovery of the island state to its well-documented colonialization and cultural diversification, and all the way up to present day, the Asian Civilizations Museum traces it all with over 14,000 square meters of floor space and a wide array of artifacts from across Asia. Read more
Location: 1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555
Open: Saturday–Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm, Friday from 10 am to 9 pm
Phone: +65 6332 7798
Asian Civilizations Museum
3. Statues of Sir Stamford Raffles
Honoring the legacy of Singapore’s founder
Good for: Families, Photo
The city-state honors its founder Sir Stamford Raffles with several statues. One of the most renowned is the dark bronze statue that proudly stands before Victoria Theatre, symbolizing Raffles’ pivotal role in Singapore’s history.
A striking replica, crafted from pure white poly-marble, is located at North Boat Quay, commemorating the exact spot where Raffles first landed on the island in 1819. These statues are beloved landmarks, attracting locals and visitors alike, especially during the cool evenings when the areas come alive with activity.
Location: Victoria Theatre and North Boat Quay, Singapore
Statues of Sir Stamford Raffles
4. Fort Canning Park
A lush oasis in central Singapore
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Fort Canning Park is a small, green hill that’s right in the middle of central Singapore. One minute, you’re surrounded by gleaming modern offices and sprawling malls, and the next (if you step foot inside the mark), you’re transported into what seems like a different world.
Lush trees and vegetation are in rich supply at this unexpected spot, which is particularly popular for joggers, dog walkers, or just anybody fancying a break from the sprawling metropolis that is Singapore. Fort Canning Park can be found just behind the main complex of bars and restaurants at Clarke Quay and can be easily reached from both Clarke Quay and City Hall MRT stations. Read more
Fort Canning Park
5. Raffles Place
Modernity meets history in the Central Business District
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Raffles Place and its surroundings, located just outside the entrance of Raffles Place MRT, are now dominated by towering skyscrapers like UOB Plaza and OUB Building. As Singapore’s primary business and financial hub, often referred to as the Central Business District, it is a vibrant area bustling with activity.
From the viewing room of UOB Plaza One, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Singapore River, the civic district with its colonial structures, and Boat Quay. Despite the modern skyline, remnants of Singapore’s past as a bustling colonial outpost are still evident, offering a glimpse into its rich history. Read more
Location: 1 Raffles Place, Singapore 048616
Raffles Place
6. Central Fire Station & Civil Defense Heritage Gallery
Stunning architecture and an interesting museum
Good for: Families, History, Photo
The Central Fire Station & Civil Defense Heritage Gallery might seem like an unusual vacation spot. However, after one glance at this landmark, the oldest fire station in Singapore, you’ll understand its popularity. The colonial-style exterior is simply stunning, with a traditional red and white color theme that really stands out among the area’s modern malls and office blocks.
Inside the fire station you’ll find the equally impressive Civil Defense Heritage Gallery, and you can walk around for free whilst learning about the interesting history of this important Singapore landmark. A great activity for kids too, especially as they get to hold some of the fire station’s equipment, sit in a truck, and even don a fireman’s helmet.
Location: 62 Hill St, Singapore 179367
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +65 6332 2996
Central Fire Station & Civil Defense Heritage Gallery
7. Boat Quay
Spectacular city views and waterfront dining
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Photo
Boat Quay is the water area between North Bridge Road and Anderson Bridge, just walking distance from Clarke Quay Station. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, or admiring the spectacular views from one of the surrounding eateries, this is one of the main focal points in the area.
For the best experience, head to North Bridge Road near the Clarke Quay station and look south for views of the CBD and Marina Bay Sands, which hosts laser shows at 8 pm and 9 pm daily, with an extra show at 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. You can then peruse down one of the waterside lanes packed full of colorful bars and restaurants.
Boat Quay
8. Hong San See Temple
A tranquil cultural gem near Clarke Quay
Good for: History, Photo
Hong San See Temple is an over a century-old Chinese temple near Clarke Quay, ideal for those seeking more than nightlife and shopping. Located on Mohamed Sultan Road, the temple is comprised of a series of buildings, courtyards, and statues, creating a tranquil place of worship for Buddhists, as well as an interesting photo-op for the ever-growing number of tourists.
Designated a national monument in 1978, it also received an Award of Excellence in the 2010 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The temple is just a short, picturesque 10-minute walk from Clarke Quay Station.
Location: 31 Mohamed Sultan Rd, Singapore 238975
Open: Daily from 8 am to 5 pm
Phone: +65 6737 3683
Hong San See Temple
9. The Arts House
A landmark of history and a thriving arts hub
Good for: History, Photo
Just a quick walk over North Bridge Road from Clarke Quay, The Arts House is a cultural gem in Singapore, nestled in a 200-year-old building. This beautifully preserved colonial structure once served as the city’s first Parliament House and now functions as a vibrant arts venue, dedicated to showcasing local talent in both written and visual arts.
With 9 versatile spaces available, including a screening room for private film showings and The Play Den for performances, The Arts House is a hub for film festivals, art exhibitions, and live shows. The historical Chamber, where Parliament once convened, now hosts recitals, conferences, and fashion shows.
Location: 1 Old Parliament Ln, Former Parliament House and Annex Building, Singapore 179429
Open: Daily from 10 am to 9.30 pm
Phone: +65 6332 6919
The Arts House
10. G-Max Reverse Bungy
The ultimate adrenaline rush
Good for: Nightlife, Adventure
The G-Max Reverse Bungy is a landmark in itself at Clarke Quay, especially when the giant bungy structure is illuminated at night. This is definitely one attraction geared towards those craving their daily dose of adrenalin.
The daredevils that try it out are launched skywards at 200 km/h to a height of 60 meters. Though open from 4.30 pm every day, G-Max Reverse Bungy is best enjoyed when the sun goes down and the city is lit up in spectacular fashion. Read more
Location: 3E River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, Block E, Singapore 179024
Open: Daily from 4.30 pm to 11.30 pm
Phone: +65 6338 1766
G-Max Reverse Bungy
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