Categories > Guides and Tips
H1: A Scenic Quay-to-Quay Guide to the Singapore River Walk
- What to Expect
- Stops along the Singapore River Walk
- Starting Point: Collyer Quay
- Second Stop: Cavenagh Bridge
- Third Stop: The Fullerton Hotel
- Fourth Stop: Raffles Place
- Fifth Stop: The Heart of the Civic District
- Sixth Stop: Sir Stamford Raffles Statue Marker and Boat Quay
- Seventh Stop: Clarke Quay
- Eighth Stop: Read Bridge
- Ninth Stop: Former Thong Chai Medical Institution
- Tenth Stop: Alkaff Bridge and Robertson Quay
- FAQ
When planning outings for friends visiting from abroad, I usually think of popular tourist spots like Chinatown, Marina Bay, or Sentosa Island. Recently, though, I’ve been opting for more unique adventures that serve a dual purpose: getting in a good walk while visiting multiple sites in a single day.
One great example is the Singapore River Walk. This self-guided walking trail leads you through some of the best sights along the Singapore River, including the Quays and the Civic District. I highly recommend it, which is why I’ve put together this detailed trail guide!
What to Expect
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If you’ve enjoyed a Singapore River Cruise, I highly recommend taking your time to explore the Quays with the Singapore River Walk. This self-guided tour lets you leisurely discover the top spots from Collyer Quay to Robertson Quay at your own pace.
The trail basically traces the Singapore River’s development since the 19th century. The most important sites you’ll find along the route, however, are Raffles Place, the Fullerton Hotel, Merlion Park, Cavenagh Bridge, Clarke Quay, and more.
You’ll basically go on an adventure across Lion City’s bustling Civic District and the Quayside with the Singapore River as a marker. Simply follow the banks of the river and see where it’ll take you!
Stops along the Singapore River Walk
Starting Point: Collyer Quay
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Address: Collyer Quay, Downtown Singapore
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
The first stop in the river walk is Collyer Quay. Once a bustling port that welcomed travellers on ships, the area has turned into a bustling enclave filled with restaurants, pubs, clubs, and bars.
Two key landmarks in this area are Clifford Pier and the Customs House. Clifford Pier once served as the main departure point for sailors, while the Customs House functioned as the lookout point, both playing vital roles in maritime history.
Tips:
- The Fullerton Bay Hotel offers great views of Marina Bay. I highly recommend dropping by the hotel from Collyer Quay to get a few pictures on the terrace!
- Likewise, you can also visit The Clifford Pier Restaurant to gain access to its patio facing the bay.
Second Stop: Cavenagh Bridge
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Address: 1 Fullerton Square
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Located just off the west side of Collyer Quay, the iconic Cavenagh Bridge is a late 19th-century structure and Singapore’s oldest bridge still in its original, pristine condition. It was designated a National Monument in 2019.
Both locals and tourists visit the bridge to enjoy its scenic views of the Bay, while cyclists include it in their routes through the Civic District. In my view, no trail along the river is truly complete without stopping at this historic and picturesque landmark.
Tip:
- I highly recommend getting an ice cream sandwich from the friendly uncle selling them along the Quays. You’ll find him just by the entrance of the bridge. Lots of locals consider him to be one of the OG ice cream sandwich uncles in the city, so be nice!
Third Stop: The Fullerton Hotel
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Address: 1 Fullerton Square
Contact Details: +65 6733 8388
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Immediately to the right of the bridge is the Fullerton Hotel, an iconic building in the Civic District, so you shouldn’t miss out on a quick stop. And don’t worry, you won’t need to spend thousands of dollars just to enter the beautifully preserved colonial hotel.
Take a few moments to snap some photos of its impressive facade and the elegant grand lobby. Inside, you’ll find the Fullerton Historical Gallery, which showcases significant artefacts and details about the hotel’s past as the former General Post Office.
Tip:
- Don’t be afraid to ask the concierge for a tour around the hotel grounds. You won’t have to pay for anything, either! You’ll need to register for it in advance, though, so plan your visit accordingly if you want to add the additional tour to this trail. Learn more about it here.
Fourth Stop: Raffles Place
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Address: 5 Raffles Place
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
After the hotel, you’ll step into Raffles Place, the island’s original commercial district that attracted merchants and shoppers during the 19th century. Today, you’ll find a good mix of colonial buildings and towering skyscrapers.
Notable points of interest at this stop include Market Street, the Masjid Moulana Mohamed Ali, and Change Alley.
These areas once served as key meeting spots for businessmen, with the exception of the mosque, which became Singapore’s first and only underground mosque in 1994.
Tips:
- Need to get some money exchanged? There are many foreign exchange kiosks around Change Alley, with ones inside The Arcade offering some of the best exchange rates in the area.
- There are tons of eateries around Raffles Place if you’re looking for a quick bite before moving on to the next stop. If you bought snacks with you, you can picnic on the open grounds at Raffles Place Park.
Fifth Stop: The Heart of the Civic District
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Address: 1 Parliament Place
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
After crossing the Anderson Bridge just to the right of the hotel, you’ll end up at Empress Place. A little further down towards the east is where the heart of the Civic District is located.
Here, you’ll find the Victoria Concert Hall, the Parliament House, the Asian Civilisations Museum, and The Arts House. This is also where you’ll find colonial statues of Sir Stamford Raffles, the Ho Chi Minh Monuments, and the Dalhousie Obelisk.
This area alone houses a plethora of history, heritage, and culture, so take your time exploring the grounds!
Tip:
- The Parliament House is the seat of government in Singapore, and you can book a guided tour around the building if you have time and cash to spare.
- Just note that guided tours are subject to screening, meaning all participants must undergo security checks.
- You’re also not allowed to take any photos and videos during the whole tour, but you’re free to take photos outside!
Sixth Stop: Sir Stamford Raffles Statue Marker and Boat Quay
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Address: Bonham Street
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
As you continue further up the river, you’ll come across the Sir Stamford Raffles Statue (not to be confused with the original at Empress Place). What makes this statue unique is that it marks the spot believed to be where Raffles first landed in Singapore.
Walk up towards North Bridge Road and you’ll end up at Boat Quay. This area is close to the Old Hill Street Police Station, the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery, and the sprawling Fort Canning Park.
Tip:
- Boat Quay is what I like to call the “midway” point because it’s at the centre of most of the iconic spots along the Singapore River Walk. If you have some time, make a detour to Fort Canning Park and explore the gardens. There’s a Tree Tunnel there that’s particularly popular among Instagam-savvy tourists!
Seventh Stop: Clarke Quay
Address: 3 River Valley Road
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Clarke Quay is easily one of my favourite hangout spots along the Quayside, and for good reason. It’s home to some of the most vibrant pubs and bars, as well as a variety of excellent restaurants offering cuisines from around the world.
A key highlight of this area is the collection of historic buildings along the riverbanks. Notable among them are the River House, the Cannery, and Whampoa’s Ice House, all constructed in the late 1880s.
Tip:
- Clarke Quay is home to the G-Max Reverse Bungy, a towering bungee-swing attraction perfect for thrill-seekers. It’s a popular spot for tourists looking for an adrenaline rush, and if you have the time—and the nerve—it’s definitely worth the ride!
Eighth Stop: Read Bridge
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Address: 1B Clarke Quay
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
After exploring Clarke Quay, cross Read Bridge and spend a few minutes taking in the views of both sides of the river from the centre. Lots of people cross this bridge every day, but the crowds are fewer in the early mornings.
The bridge was supposed to be a replacement for the Merchant or Tock Seng’s Bridge, but it was eventually converted into a pedestrian bridge in the early 1990s. People today use the bridge to cross from Clarke Quay to Merchant Road.
Tip:
- I highly recommend dropping by the bridge again at night to see the lights turn on. This gives a magical effect on the water below, giving you a sparkling backdrop for pictures on the bridge.
Ninth Stop: Former Thong Chai Medical Institution
Address: 50 Chin Swee Rd, #01-01 Singapore Thong Chai Building
Contact Details: +65 6733 6905
Operating Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 7:30 am to 11:15 am, 12:30 pm to 4:15 pm, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Wednesday, 7:30 am to 11:15 am, 12:30 pm to 4:15 pm
Saturday, 7:30 am to 11:15 am
After exploring Clarke Quay, cross Read Bridge and follow the riverbank to the former site of the Thong Chai Medical Institution. Gazetted as a National Monument in 1973, this building is a beautifully preserved example of traditional Chinese architecture.
Today, the building still serves as a medical institution giving free healthcare to locals and foreigners. Just note that they specialise in traditional Chinese medicine here in case you’re thinking about getting treated another time!
Tip:
- While you’re there, feel free to make a donation to the clinic. Every little help goes a long way since they don’t close their doors to foreigners and tourists.
Tenth Stop: Alkaff Bridge and Robertson Quay
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Address: 1 Havelock Road, Robertson Quay
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Cross the Alkaff Bridge and arrive at Robertson Quay, the perfect conclusion to the Singapore River Walk. The vibrant, tongkang-shaped bridge is easy to spot with its striking colourful design, painted by famed Filipina artist Pacita Abad.
After snapping a few photos at the bridge, wrap up your trail with a leisurely stroll through Robertson Quay. This lively area along the river is home to a variety of restaurants, hotels, and arts venues, offering plenty to explore at your own pace.
Tip:
- Avoid touching the paint on Alkaff Bridge! As one of Pacita Abad’s final works before her passing in 2004, extensive conservation efforts have been made to preserve its vibrant colours. Help maintain its condition by keeping your hands off the railings!
