Where to Stay in Singapore City for the First Time: A Complete Guide

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Singapore City

First time in Singapore and wondering where to drop your backpack?

I’ve stayed in pods all over the city, from Chinatown to Lavender, and learned the hard way that choosing the right neighborhood is half the battle.

This guide will help you land in the perfect spot so you can focus on hawker food, not transit logistics.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Singapore City

Best for Hostel Newbies

Atelier Hostel8.9

from $22.25 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

Kinn Capsule Hotel8.9

from $26.81 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

Dream Chaser Boutique C...8.8

from $21.49 | More Details

This is not an ad. We help you find the perfect hostel and compare prices from Hostelworld and Booking. You can save up to 23.7%

Top Neighborhoods to Stay in Singapore City

Chinatown

Shophouse hostels under red lanterns, temples next to cocktail bars, and Maxwell Hawker Centre two minutes away.

• Pro tip: Visit Buddha Tooth Relic Temple at dusk to dodge crowds.
• Best for: Food-loving solo travelers.

Little India

Colorful streets, 24-hour eateries, and spice in the air around Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.

• Pro tip: Swap hostel toast for €1 roti prata at Tekka Centre.
• Best for: Budget travelers chasing cheap beds and big flavors.

Bugis & Kampong Glam

Street art, indie shops, and laid-back bars wrapped around Sultan Mosque.

• Pro tip: Catch golden-hour photos on Haji Lane before crowds roll in.
• Best for: Artsy backpackers and digital nomads.

Lavender & Jalan Besar

Quiet lanes, big food halls, and quick MRT links.

• Pro tip: BYO beer to Jalan Besar Stadium steps for free football vibes.
• Best for: Travelers who value sleep and fast airport access.

Clarke Quay & Riverside

Neon riverside bars, boat cruises, and late-night beats.

• Pro tip: Pre-drink at a hawker centre to dodge pricey pints.
• Best for: Night-owls chasing skyline views.

Marina Bay

Sci-fi gardens, skyline lasers, and wallet-testing prices.

• Pro tip: Watch the Supertree light show free from the boardwalk.
• Best for: Flash-packers and couples craving iconic views.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Singapore City

1. A Travellers Rest-Stop
2. Bunkz N Bedz
3. Fernloft City at River Valley
4. Draper Startup House for Entrepreneurs
5. The InnCrowd Backpackers Hostel 1 - best for Solo Traveller

A Travellers Rest-Stop

9.1

"GREAT PLACE! One of the best hostels I stayed in. The rooms as well as the hostel are pretty clean more

Bunkz N Bedz

9.0

"Steve, the owner was brilliant! He walked us to the restaurant and even provided Dettol [ more

Fernloft City at River Valley

8.1

"Fantastic hostel with a very friendly staff - I moved into this hostel with my friend and we stayed more

Draper Startup House for Entrepreneurs

8.4

"…It is easy to meet other travelers in this common area, but the hostel overall has a more subdued more

The InnCrowd Backpackers Hostel 1

9.2

Little India

"…Best hostel in Singapore, if not the region, I reckon. I love the area in which it's located, the more

Top 10 Tips for Your First Time in Singapore

• Grab an EZ-Link card at the airport MRT.
• Mall AC is freezing—carry a light jacket.
• Eat at hawker centres during peak hours for fresh food.
• Tap water is safe; refill bottles at fountains.
• Tissues on tables mean the seat’s taken (chope culture).
• Use Grab or Gojek after midnight; taxis add surcharges.
• Queue up—line cutting is a no-go here.
• Cover shoulders for temple visits.
• Chew gum responsibly—fines are real.
• Plan indoor breaks midday; humidity is brutal.

Hostels in Singapore City Are the Best Option — Here’s Why

Singapore hostels blend capsule comfort with social perks: privacy pods, rooftop lounges, spotless showers, and lightning-fast Wi-Fi, all steps from MRT stations.

You save cash, meet travel buddies, and still enjoy the city’s legendary cleanliness and safety.

5 Hidden Gemz in Singapore City (by Hostelgeeks)

How it works

Final Recommendations

Pick a neighborhood that matches your style, book a pod near an MRT stop, and let Singapore’s mix of street food and skyline magic do the rest. Pack light—laksa bowls await.

Backpacking Singapore City? Here’s What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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Solo Travel Singapore City

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About the author: Nour De Wilde Salhab

A Lebanese-Congolese-French-Belgian girl as likely to be found climbing a volcano in Indonesia or reading a sci-fi book by the sea in the South of France. Always on the hunt for remarkable experiences. My two favorites so far: volunteering in emergency medical services in Lebanon and solo backpacking around the world. Life is enjoyable in all its facets, from its healthy extremes to its mundane slows.