Where to stay

Pick the area first, the hotel second.

Best areas

• CBD / Marina Bay: easiest for first-timers
• Chinatown / Telok Ayer: best for food and nightlife
• Joo Chiat / East Coast: slower, more local, good value

Useful rule

If you’re only here for 2–3 nights, stay central. Singapore is small, but the wrong hotel still wastes time.