Singapore has a myriad of attractions to keep its visitors intrigued and amazed during their vacation. In every experience, you realise that it showcases a unique aspect, making each day you spend here extraordinary.
Right from the multicultural vibes when one strolls through the ethnic streets of Little India and Chinatown to the breathtaking views of the nature-urban blend from Gardens by the Bay, or as you walk across Henderson Waves, all these will surely impress you. The wildlife experiences, tucked into fascinating, themed adventures in the north of Singapore at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, and the fun amplified at the extravagant Sentosa Island in the south, garner a lot of awe from locals and tourists alike.
But apart from the well-known attractions, if you look deeper into Singapore, even the smallest section is teeming with stunning attractions and fascinating experiences. One such spot to visit is Clarke Quay – a lively riverside quay which is quite popular for its nightlife and dining scene. If you haven’t heard about it, let us introduce you to this vibrant street in Singapore and also give you a rundown on the top things to include in Singapore packages.
Clarke Quay – A Brief Introduction
Clarke Quay, named after Sir Andrew Clark, who was Singapore’s second colonial governor, has a historical side. Back when the Singapore River was the backbone of trade, the surrounding areas became commercial places, and Clarke Quay, in particular, became a centre for cargo services. It had warehouses that used to bustle with 19th-century traders unloading spices and silks from creaky bumboats moored along the river.
But as trade grew two-fold, these cargo services were shifted elsewhere in Singapore, and this area was cleaned and revamped into a vibrant section for fun, thrill, and entertainment. Today, this place lures you in with its pastel-painted warehouses that are converted into a variety of waterfront restaurants, trendy cafes, DJ clubs, and thrilling adventure activities, along with pleasant Singapore River vibes. As a lively, bustling hub of a modern city and nestled along the gentle curve of the river, it is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Singapore.
Things To Do In Clarke Quay
Singapore River Cruise
The best way to get acquainted with Clarke Quay and the surrounding attractions is by taking a ride on a Singapore River boat. The way the river reflects those pastel-hued buildings and illuminations after dusk is magical to witness. On the river, the urgency of the city and the hustle and bustle of life feel slowed down, offering you a perspective as if everything is moving in slow motion. Hop on a bumboat cruise for 40 minutes of a mellower scenery of Clarke Quay, as well as the surrounding riverfront spectacles like Marina Bay and the iconic Merlion Statue. The Singapore River Cruise experience is the ideal way to enjoy postcard-perfect views of Singapore’s iconic city skyline.
CQ @ Clarke Quay
This is one of the most happening hubs in Singapore, which pulses with energy from dawn till the wee hours of the night. Revamped in 2024, the places which were once stuffed with trading goods now serve as a five-block haven of shops, restaurants, and casual hang-out spots. CQ @Clarke Quay features quirky facades in bright colours and pod-like dining spots lining the riverside. Zouk, one of the most exhilarating nightclubs, housed in CQ @ Clarke Quay, is a hit among youngsters and those who love to party. But, if you are not so keen on loud music and flashy ambience, head to Harry’s – a subtle bar where you can enjoy jazz performances with refreshing, home-crafted drinks. Want to unveil your inner singing talent? K.Star, Singapore’s one-and-only themed karaoke bar, lets you do that as well! Additionally, pamper your taste buds at a variety of dining spots that offer an assortment of cuisines from all over the world. This is the place to check out for enjoying the best entertainment-based activities to do in Clarke Quay.
Clarke Quay Dining Experiences
Clarke Quay is the happy place for foodies! Over 100 spots line the riverfront, from casual hawker stalls to upscale restaurants. Book a table at Here Kitty Kitty to dine amid beautiful aesthetics or go low-key at a satay skewer stand, where smoky grilled meat with nutty dipping sauce, laksa, and chicken rice await. You will also stumble into some spontaneous street performances, which sort of makes you pause and soak it all in. Places like Seafood Paradise, Pocha!, Il Clay Supper Club, and Fu Lin Restaurant & Bar offer the finest, sumptuous culinary experience in an amazing ambience.
G-Max Reverse Bungy
Adventure seekers! Clarke Quay’s got exciting thrills as well, with a guaranteed high dose of adrenaline rush in less than 10 minutes! Set on the riverside, just as you enter Clarke Quay, this attraction is neatly positioned without blocking views or pedestrians’ paths. Strap on to the seat of this ride that gives a stomach-lurching jerk and catapults you into the air vertically, jolting you with a rush of adrenaline and anti-gravity soar. If you do not keep your eyes shut in fear, you will be rewarded with views of Marina Bay Sands and Helix Bridge. Heads up! This is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Priced less than SGD 50 per person, it is money’s worth for those who look forward to daring adventure activities in Singapore.
GX-5 Extreme Swing
One of the most heart-pumping, high-thrill adventure activities in Clarke Quay to check out is a giant, multi-seater swing called the GX-5 Extreme Swing. It is set right adjacent to the G-Max Reverse Bungy experience. Try it once for the feel of being dangled between two poles before swinging out at 120 km/h, wind swooshing past you as you scream your lungs out in fear and excitement. It is one of the most exhilarating rides you can experience in Singapore, along with friends and family. You can even go for a combo experience with the reverse bungy ride if you are up for it. Definitely, it would be the best dose of high-speed thrill and adrenaline rush you would ever experience back-to-back in Singapore. Do go for this ride first and then check out the restaurants and dining places, as the ride would be better experienced if you have not had a sumptuous, full-bellied dinner.
Old Hill Street Police Station
As one of the city’s distinguished attractions and a colonial landmark, the Old Hill Street Police Station instantly catches your eye with 927 bright windows, vividly painted in yellow, red, blue, green, and orange. It was considered to be one of the biggest buildings in Singapore before the surrounding areas underwent massive redevelopment, and grand skyscrapers started emerging along Marina Bay. Built in 1934 as a police station during Singapore’s colonial era, it is now an architectural marvel and a picturesque photo stop for visitors. The rainbow-shuttered windows make it an Insta-worthy attraction that pops against the hues of the Quay in the morning sunlight. Since it is just a stone’s throw away from Clarke Quay, you can easily weave it into your Clarke Quay tour. We suggest you start your trip in Clarke Quay with this attraction during the late-afternoon hours before heading to explore fascinating thrills, entertainment and nightlife.
Clarke Quay Central
Though you would not feel like leaving the open-air venues and the scenery at Clarke Quay, if you feel like shopping for a bit, head to Clarke Quay Central – a five-storey shopping complex that’s a paradise for shopaholics. Brimming with shops featuring apparel, home décor and furnishings, electronics, cosmetics, jewellery shops and plenty of family recreational and fine-dining experiences, the mall is a great spot to spruce up your wardrobe and try a classy dish. From this mall, you can also see the entire Clarke Quay in its grand, illuminated splendour at night. You won’t have any trouble finding the mall because it is located directly above the Clarke Quay MRT Station.
Conclusion
What sets Clarke Quay apart is how it caters to every mood, blending the calm of a riverside stroll with the buzz of a night out. It is the kind of place where visitors can wander nonchalantly and enjoy the trendy side of Singapore. Clark Quay is all about good food, good thrills, and a vibrant zeal of energy to complement them. Even if all you do here is take a leisurely walk along the promenade that hugs the water’s edge, lined with those iconic shophouses and food outlets, it is enough to send you into a jolly mood. It is fun, accessible, and affordable, and there is certainly no place for boredom at all!
