Things to Do in Clarke Quay, Singapore

Clarke Quay is one of Singapore's most vibrant entertainment districts, located along the historic Singapore River in the heart of the city. This former commercial riverside wharf has been transformed into a bustling hub of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues, all housed in beautifully preserved 19th-century shophouses and warehouses. The area comes alive after dark with its colorful lighting, outdoor dining terraces, and lively atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists. The district seamlessly blends Singapore's colonial heritage with modern entertainment, offering everything from fine dining establishments to casual riverside cafes, rooftop bars with stunning city views, and some of Asia's hottest nightclubs. During the day, Clarke Quay provides a more relaxed atmosphere perfect for riverside walks, shopping, and enjoying the historic architecture, while evenings transform the area into Singapore's premier nightlife destination.

Top Things to Do in Clarke Quay

Singapore River Cruise

Take a scenic boat cruise along the Singapore River to see the city's historic landmarks and modern skyline from a unique perspective. The cruise passes by iconic sights including the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, and the colonial district while providing commentary about Singapore's history and development.

Booking Tip: River cruises cost around S$25-35 per adult and run every 15-20 minutes from 9am to 11pm. Book sunset cruises in advance as they're most popular, and choose operators that offer multilingual commentary for the best experience.

Nightlife Bar Hopping

Experience Clarke Quay's legendary nightlife scene by exploring its diverse collection of bars, pubs, and rooftop lounges. From craft cocktail bars to sports pubs and wine bars, the area offers something for every taste, with many venues featuring outdoor terraces overlooking the river.

Booking Tip: Most bars don't require reservations except on weekends and for rooftop venues. Happy hour typically runs 5-8pm with drinks ranging from S$12-25. Look for venues offering river views and check dress codes for upscale establishments.

Riverside Dining Experience

Enjoy al fresco dining at one of Clarke Quay's many riverside restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. The outdoor dining terraces provide a perfect setting to watch the river traffic while savoring everything from local Singaporean dishes to international fine dining.

Booking Tip: Make dinner reservations 2-3 days in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Expect to pay S$30-80 per person for dinner. Choose restaurants with river-facing terraces for the best ambiance and arrive before sunset for optimal lighting.

Historic Architecture Walking Tour

Explore the beautifully preserved colonial-era shophouses and warehouses that give Clarke Quay its distinctive character. These colorful heritage buildings now house modern establishments while maintaining their historic facades, creating a unique blend of old and new Singapore.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks are free and best done during daytime hours when lighting is optimal for photos. Consider joining organized heritage tours (S$15-25) for detailed historical context, or download the Singapore Heritage Trail app for self-guided exploration.

G-Max Reverse Bungy

Experience an adrenaline rush on Asia's first reverse bungy ride, where you're catapulted 60 meters into the air at 200km/h. This extreme attraction offers spectacular views of the Singapore skyline and river during the brief but thrilling ride experience.

Booking Tip: Rides cost S$45 per person and operate daily from 6pm to 2am. Book online for slight discounts and to avoid queues. Weight restrictions apply (45-120kg), and comfortable clothing is recommended. Consider riding just after sunset for the best city views.

Getting There

Clarke Quay is easily accessible via the Clarke Quay MRT station on the North East Line (Purple Line), which connects directly to the entertainment district. From Changi Airport, take the East West Line to Dhoby Ghaut, then transfer to the North East Line - the total journey takes about 45 minutes and costs around S$2.50. Alternatively, taxis from the airport cost S$25-35 and take 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. The area is also well-connected by bus routes and is within walking distance of the Central Business District and Marina Bay area.

Getting Around

Clarke Quay is highly walkable, and most attractions, restaurants, and bars are within a few minutes' walk of each other along the riverside promenade. The area connects seamlessly to nearby Boat Quay and Robertson Quay via scenic riverside walkways. For longer distances, the MRT system provides excellent connectivity, while buses and taxis are readily available. River taxis and bumboat services offer a scenic way to travel between the different quays along the Singapore River, operating from 9am to 11pm daily.

Where to Stay

Clarke Quay Central

Robertson Quay

Boat Quay

Marina Bay

Raffles Place

Chinatown

Food & Dining

Clarke Quay offers an impressive array of dining options ranging from hawker-style casual eateries to upscale fine dining restaurants. The area is particularly known for its riverside dining terraces where you can enjoy international cuisines including Italian, Japanese, Mexican, and contemporary Asian fusion. Don't miss trying local Singaporean dishes at the various zi char stalls and restaurants, or head to nearby Lau Pa Sat hawker center for authentic local street food. Many establishments offer outdoor seating with river views, and the area comes alive during dinner hours with a vibrant atmosphere perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.

When to Visit

Clarke Quay can be visited year-round due to Singapore's tropical climate, but the best experience is during the evening hours from 6pm onwards when the area comes alive with dining and nightlife. The cooler months from December to February offer slightly more comfortable weather for outdoor dining and walking. Weekends are busiest with both locals and tourists, while weekday evenings provide a more relaxed atmosphere. The area is particularly magical during sunset hours when the historic buildings are beautifully illuminated and the river reflects the city lights.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekday evenings for a more relaxed atmosphere and easier restaurant reservations, as weekends can get very crowded

Many bars and restaurants offer happy hour specials from 5-8pm, making it an ideal time for drinks with river views before the dinner crowd arrives

Download the Singapore River Trail app for self-guided walking tours with historical information about the area's transformation from a commercial port to entertainment district

Things to Do in Clarke Quay