Categories > Guides and Tips
Best Things to Do in Clarke Quay That Aren’t Just Partying
- Go on a riverboat cruise along the Singapore River
- Explore the historic Fort Canning Park
- Drink and party until sunrise at ZOUK
- Dare yourself to take a ride on Slingshot Singapore
- Pose next to the Sir Stamford Raffles statue
- Get a free tour around the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery
- Learn about pan-Asian culture and civilisations at the Asian Civilisations Museum
- Play games and drink at Level Up Arcade and Live Music Bar
- Catch a movie or an art exhibit at the Arts House Screening Room
- Sing to your heart’s content at K.Star Karaoke Bar
- Conquer your fear of heights and go climbing at Climb Central
- Tour Clarke Quay on a scooter or bike with City Scoot!
- Take a colourful Instagram photo of the Old Hill Street Police Station
Named after Singapore’s second governor general, Sir Andrew Clarke, Clarke Quay is one of the island’s most popular destinations along the Singapore River.
Over the years, the riverside commercial hub quickly turned into a vibrant enclave for partying and clubbing. Locals and tourists flock to the many pubs, bars, and entertainment sites to experience the Singaporean nightlife.
But there’s more to Clarke Quay than just partying. We listed down the best things to do in and around the area!
Go on a riverboat cruise along the Singapore River
Address: CLARKE QUAY, JETTY, Singapore 058282
Contact Details: +6563366111
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
If exploring Clarke Quay on foot is wearing your feet down, why not see the sights from a riverboat cruise along the Singapore River? A Singapore River Cruise takes you through iconic sights along Clarke Quay (and you don’t have to break a sweat!).
Passengers enjoy a traditional bumboat ride with wide windows for capturing photos and videos. These river cruises hold historical significance as a key transport mode in colonial Singapore.
As you cruise the Singapore River, you’ll feel the refreshing breeze and see the city lights come alive. The route includes Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Marina Bay Sands, with insights into the river’s rich trading history in the 18th century.
| Tip: The Singapore River Cruise operates throughout public holidays, extending its hours until 10:30 pm. However, it’s important to note that it is closed only during Chinese New Year. |
Explore the historic Fort Canning Park
Address: Fort Canning, Singapore
Contact Details: +6518004717300
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Nestled behind Clarke Quay Mall lies Fort Canning Park, a historical gem in Singapore. This park, rich in history, served as both a defence centre and home to Malay royalty during British colonial times.
Today, visitors can explore various historical artefacts scattered throughout the park, including cannons, gateways, and cobblestone pathways. A highlight is the Tree Tunnel, where a spiral staircase leads to a breathtaking canopy of trees overhead.
Fort Canning Park is also home to a number of smaller gardens like the Sang Nila Utama Garden, Raffles Garden, Spice Garden, and the ASEAN Sculpture Garden for tourists who want a quieter stroll in the park.
| Tip: Following a day of outdoor exploration, we suggest stopping by the Fort Canning Heritage Gallery situated in the southern section of the Fort Canning Centre. Here, you’ll encounter exhibits showcasing pivotal historical insights and artefacts relating to Singapore’s British colonial past and the fort’s prominence during that period. And the best part? Admission is free! |
Drink and party until sunrise at ZOUK
Address: 3C River Valley Road 01-05 to #02-06, Singapore 179022
Contact Details: +6590068549
Operating Hours: Wednesday, 10:00 pm to 3:00 am, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 pm to 4:00 am
Clarke Quay is known among locals and tourists as a hub for clubbing and Singaporean nightlife, so if you’re visiting for the first time, a visit to ZOUK Singapore would be a great introduction to the local club scene.
ZOUK is the largest nightclub in Clarke Quay with a guest capacity of over 1,500 people. Aside from clubbing, the venue is also rented for fashion shows, art exhibitions, and film screenings during the day.
Safe to say, this place is packed each night it’s open. Pulsating music from guest DJs, neo-industrial-themed interiors, lighting systems, and bass-boosting sound systems keep guests occupied until the wee hours of the morning.
| Tip: Zouk Singapore offers table reservations with pricing that fluctuates based on the featured DJ or special events. For specific pricing information, it’s recommended to reach out to the club directly. Minimum age requirement for Zouk access is 18 years old. Tickets can only be purchased from Zouk’s official ticketing platform, and guests are required to show identification and their tickets upon entry. |
Dare yourself to take a ride on Slingshot Singapore
Address: 3E River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, Block E, Singapore 179024
Contact Details: +65 9755 3310
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 4:30 pm to 11:30 pm, Friday and Saturday, 5:30 pm to 1:30 am, Sunday, 4:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Are you an adrenaline junkie with a love for heights? If yes, take a thrilling ride on Slingshot Singapore and see the Singapore skyline in a different light that takes you 70 metres above ground at 120 km/per hour.
The ride is definitely not for the faint of heart, as it’s the tallest slingshot ride in Asia. You’ll be catapulted into the sky at a force of about 3 to 5 Gs, so it’s possible to feel completely weightless while you’re up in the sky.
Tickets cost about $45 per adult. Each ride can accommodate three guests at a time, so try convincing two of the most daring friends in your circle to join you!
| Tip: Slingshot Singapore has no age requirement, but they have a minimum height requirement of 125 cm. Slingshot Singapore also operates the GX5 Extreme Swing, which is a towering swing that takes you 40 metres above ground. You can ride both rides on the same day through their Scream Combo deal of $80 per adult. This gives you admission to both attractions at a discounted rate. Students and guests 18 years old and below get a discount. Rates start at $35 for a single ride and $65 for the Scream Combo. |
Pose next to the Sir Stamford Raffles statue
– From shirlyhamra
Address: North Bank, Singapore 179555
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Looking for a super touristy thing to do in Clarke Quay? If you walk a little further down the Singapore River and stop by the North Bank near Parliament House, you’ll stumble upon the white statue of Sir Stamford Raffles.
Stamford Raffles is known as the British governor of the Dutch East Indies who founded the port city of Singapore in 1819. The spot where the statues are located is universally accepted as his landing spot when he first arrived on the island.
There are actually two statues of Stamford Raffles in Singapore: the white marble one near Clarke Quay and a bronze statue in front of the Victoria Theatre. There are plaques located below each statue for more information about him!
| Tip: You can actually catch the Sir Stamford Raffles statue via the riverboat cruise along the Singapore River! |
Get a free tour around the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery
Address: 62 Hill St, Singapore 179367
Contact Details: +6563322996
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
The Civil Defence Heritage Gallery may be small, but it holds an important collection of memorabilia dating back to the 1800s. The gallery aims to show visitors the history of Civil Defence in Singapore, complete with historic fire trucks and equipment.
The gallery is located inside the Central Fire Station, the oldest existing fire station in Singapore. The building is beautifully preserved and a tourist attraction in itself, so snapping a few photos from the outside is a must for travellers!
Admission to the gallery is free of charge, and guided tours are available upon request. You’ll need to book a tour ahead of your visit, however, to ensure there will be someone assigned to guide you when you arrive!
| Tip: The Civil Defence Heritage Gallery is located near the SCDF Emergency Preparedness Centre where they host guided tours for kids and adults. Children need to be at least 10 years old to visit the centre, however. If you’re in the area, keep your eye out for a fireman veteran named Encik. He has been in service in the fire station for over 40 years and has lots of historic stories to share if you ask him! |
Learn about pan-Asian culture and civilisations at the Asian Civilisations Museum
Address: 1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555
Contact Details: +65 6332 7798
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Friday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Located just a short walk from Clarke Quay Shopping Mall is the Asian Civilisations Museum, a national gallery dedicated to pan-Asian culture and civilisations. It forms part of the four major museums on the island, so it’s a must-visit for tourists!
You’ll find exhibits featuring Asian decorative art, textiles, sculptures, and special exhibitions showcasing artefacts from different parts of Asia and the world. Galleries are divided into three parts: Maritime Trade, Faith and Belief, and Materials and Design.
Notable permanent galleries include Textile Masters To The World: The Global Desire For Indian Cloth, an exhibit dedicated to Indian textile production, and the ACM and Anima Mundi, a gallery dedicated to Chinese Christian art and artefacts.
| Tip: The Asian Civilisations Museums host guided tours in English every day. Tours are also available in multiple languages like Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French, and German. Note that apart from English tours, the guided tours in a specific language are only available on specific visit dates, starting at 11:00 am. Check out this page for more info about when tours in your preferred language are available! |
Play games and drink at Level Up Arcade and Live Music Bar
Address: 3A River Valley Rd, #02-04 Blk A Clarke Quay, Singapore 179020
Contact Details: +65 9231 4992
Operating Hours: Monday to Tuesday, and Thursday, 5:00 pm to 1:00 am, Friday to Saturday, 5:00 pm to 3:00 am, Sunday, 5:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Looking for a more casual yet fun introduction to Singaporean nightlife? Located right next to the Read Bridge along Clarke Quay is Level Up Arcade and Live Music Bar, a casual hangout for people who love drinking, playing, and jamming to music.
The bar opened in 2017 with the goal of creating a shared social space for young locals and tourists to convene and play retro arcade games while enjoying rounds of drinks. Live band entertainment features local artists, too!
There are air hockey, basketball, beer pong, and laser gun machines as well as claw machines where you can take home prizes. Bar bites like fries and nachos are also served here to keep your energy levels up!
| Tip: Level Up Arcade and Live Music Bar’s reservation portal requires a minimum of four guests to book a table. They accept walk-ins for less than that number, but tables are usually fully booked on Fridays and weekend nights. The arcade games are available to play as long as you order a drink. Each drink you order rewards you with a token you can use to play games. The more you order, the more chances to play! |
Catch a movie or an art exhibit at the Arts House Screening Room
Address: 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
Contact Details: +65 6908 8810
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 9:30 pm
For an activity that’s more befitting travellers with elegant or artsy tastes, a movie screening or art viewing at the Arts House is a must! The Arts House was built in 1827, and was originally used as a courthouse, then as the Parliament House in 1964.
Today, the historic building is home to many of Singapore’s resident artists, ranging from national dance troupes to orchestras. Its screening room is used for private movie screenings or events, seating 75 guests in its large theatre.
You can catch ongoing art exhibitions from local and international artists or a movie screening from local and foreign filmmakers. Check this page out for any upcoming screenings or events you can attend!
| Tip: Unfortunately, there are no parking areas located within the Arts House premises. If you’re visiting the Arts House via private car, the nearest parking areas are at Parliament House, the Fullerton Hotel, and the National Gallery Singapore. Parking rates vary between these areas. If you’re dropping by on foot, the Arts House entrance is a 15-minute walk from Clarke Quay MRT Station! |
Sing to your heart’s content at K.Star Karaoke Bar
Address: 3C River Valley Rd, Blk C #02-04, Singapore 179022
Contact Details: +65 6908 2575
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 2:00 pm to 3:00 am, Friday to Saturday, 2:00 pm to 4:00 am, Sunday, 2:00 pm to 3:00 am
Do you love singing K-pop songs in the shower but never had the guts to sing live? You can turn your shower-singing concert dreams into a reality at K.Star Karaoke Bar!
No one will judge your belting skills (except your friends) here, as you get a whole karaoke room to yourselves and sing to your heart’s content across the bar’s wide list of songs. To lessen the nerves, order a cocktail or two before taking the mic!
At first glance, the place doesn’t look like your typical karaoke bar, as there are many Instagrammable spots inside. You can even adjust the lighting systems inside your karaoke room to get into the mood (or dim them enough to hide your face if you’re shy!)
| Tip: K.Star Karaoke Bar’s sound system has an automatic countdown timer, so if you booked a room close to closing hours, the system will shut down in time for closing. Expect the lights and sounds to shut off even if you’re still singing a song. The management can’t keep track of all guests singing inside the rooms, so just be aware of their closing hours if you’re there until late! |
Conquer your fear of heights and go climbing at Climb Central
Address: 107 North Bridge Rd, #B2-19/21 Funan, Singapore 179105
Contact Details: +65 6906 3918
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
You don’t need any climbing experience to try rock climbing at Climb Central. The rock climbing gym welcomes guests of all ages and skill levels with specific areas designed for first-timers.
The facility features climbing walls between 4 metres to 16 metres, equipped with auto-belays and rope gear to keep climbers secured. If you’re looking for a more challenging climb, you can also try their bouldering gym.
First-time rates differ from regular or membership rates. A single-entry pass costs $27.25 for adults and $19.62 for children.
First-timers can get a pass for $38.15, which already includes equipment rental and a 15-minute briefing!
| Tip: Climbers coming with a child can avail of the adult-child pass, which will set you back around $33.79. The pass lets adults with children aged 5 to 12 years old climb together at a discounted rate. Any additional child will cost just $19.62. Alternatively, monthly passes are also available starting at $196.20 per person. This includes unlimited entry and gear rental for one month. If you’re unsure, you can also get multi passes for 5 or 10 entry dates starting at $114.45! |
Tour Clarke Quay on a scooter or bike with City Scoot!
Address: 1 North Bridge Rd, #B1-55/56 High Street Centre, Singapore 179094
Contact Details: +65 9893 3839
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Are you tired of walking? Give yourself a boost in speed by touring Clarke Quay and nearby tourist spots on a bike or scooter from City Scoot!
The bike and scooter rental company offers two types of tours within the city: Adventures in the City and Enchantment of Marina Bay. The meeting point is at City Scoot along Esplanade, which is just a 5-minute walk from Clarke Quay.
Tours take about four hours long with a guest capacity of two to twelve people. Places to explore in this tour are the Raffles landing site, Thian Hock Keng Chinese Temple, Kampong Glam, Fullerton, Merlion, and more!
| Tip: Although City Scoot is child-friendly, the distance (approximately 17 kilometres) may tire them out before the tour ends. The Adventures in the City tour is labelled as intermediate. However, City Scoot does offer a bicycle with a child seat for rent. You’ll need to contact City Scoot beforehand to avail of this type of bicycle for your tour. |
Take a colourful Instagram photo of the Old Hill Street Police Station
– From worldnomads
Address: 140 Hill Street #01-01A, Old Hill Street Police Station, Singapore 179369
Contact Details: +1800 837 9655
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Easily one of the most Instagrammable spots in Singapore, the Old Hill Street Police Station is a beautifully preserved colonial building clad with 927 rainbow-coloured window frames.
The building itself was first built in the 1930s and served as the headquarters for Singapore’s police until the 1980s. Today, it’s a National Monument, and its facade is frequently visited by tourists for photo opportunities.
Safe to say, a photograph or selfie in front of this preserved building is a must for anyone visiting Singapore for the first time. We like to think it’s a great introduction to the many preserved colonial buildings in the city!
| Tip: It’s alright to take casual selfies outside the Old Hill Street Police Station, but if you’re taking photos or videos for professional use or want to take photos inside the building, prior permission is required. It’s best to add the phrase “Permission for the use of images of/filming/photography at Old Hill Street Police Station” as your subject header when you send an email inquiry in order for the staff to quickly find your request. |
