Riverside Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, activities, food, and culture with our comprehensive travel guide to Riverside, Singapore.


Introduction to Riverside

Riverside is one of the most vibrant and picturesque areas in Singapore. Situated by the Singapore River, it offers visitors an abundance of natural and cultural attractions. Riverside boasts a rich history that dates back to colonial times and is dotted with historical landmarks and museums that tell the story of Singapore’s past. In addition to the history, the area is known for its fantastic views of the city skyline and delicious food.

List of Places to Visit in Riverside

Visitors to Riverside have so much to see and do. Here are the top places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Asian Civilisations Museum - Home to an extensive collection of artifacts from various Asian cultures.
  • National Gallery Singapore - Houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary Southeast Asian art.
  • Merlion Park - Iconic landmark which celebrates Singapore’s roots as a fishing village.
  • Singapore River Cruise - Enjoy a relaxing boat ride down the historic river while taking in the stunning views.

Natural Attractions of Riverside: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Fort Canning Park - A lush green space that provides a picturesque setting for picnics, outdoor concerts, and festivals.
  • Gardens by the Bay - A spectacular indoor and outdoor garden, complete with giant supertrees.
  • Marina Bay Sands Skypark - A must-visit for those seeking stunning views of the city skyline from atop one of the world’s most famous hotels.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Riverside

For those looking to explore Riverside on foot or by bike, there are several fantastic options:

  • Southern Ridges Trail - A scenic 10 km trail that takes you through lush forests and stunning panoramic views of the city.
  • Punggol Waterway Park - A picturesque park, perfect for cycling and strolling along the waterway.
  • Marina Bay Loop - A 6 km route that takes you through some of the best sights in the city.

Best Things to Do in Riverside: Activities and Tours

There is an abundance of activities and tours available in Riverside. Here are some of the best:

  • Food Tour - Sample the delicious local cuisine in a guided food tour.
  • Street Art and Mural Tour - Wander the streets and alleys of Riverside, discovering some of the city’s most impressive street art and murals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Riverside

Here is a week-long itinerary for visitors looking to explore everything Riverside and Singapore have to offer:

Day Activity
1 National Gallery Singapore and Singapore River Cruise
2 Fort Canning Park and Asian Civilisations Museum
3 Marina Bay Sands Skypark and Gardens by the Bay
4 Punggol Waterway Park and Food Tour
5 Southern Ridges Trail and Street Art and Mural Tour
6 Chinatown and Little India
7 Sentosa Island

Food and Drink Scene of Riverside

One of the best parts about Riverside is the delicious food. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Chili Crab - A Singaporean staple, this delicious dish features succulent crab in a spicy chili sauce.
  • Hainanese Chicken Rice - A dish that is synonymous with Singapore, it features succulent steamed chicken served with fragrant ginger rice.
  • Laksa - A spicy noodle soup made with coconut milk, seafood, and spices.

Local Beverages

  • Teh Tarik - A satisfyingly sweet and creamy tea made with condensed milk.
  • Kopi - A strong and flavorful coffee made with sweetened condensed milk.

Where to Stay in Riverside: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

For those looking to stay in Riverside, there is no shortage of great options. Here are some recommendations:

  • Marina Bay Sands - Iconic hotel with stunning views and luxurious amenities.
  • The Fullerton Hotel Singapore - A grand neoclassical landmark on the waterfront.
  • Riverside Backpackers - A budget-friendly option for those looking for a hostel experience.

What to Buy in Riverside: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some great souvenirs and local products to bring home from Riverside:

  • Peranakan Jewelry - Traditional jewelry that reflects an important part of Singaporean culture.
  • Carvings - Stunning carvings made from jade, ivory, and other materials.
  • Orchids - A beautiful and fragrant souvenir that is synonymous with Singapore.

Local Culture and Customs of Riverside

Singapore is a diverse and multicultural city. Visitors should be respectful of local traditions and practices when visiting Riverside. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Language - English is widely spoken in Singapore, but it can be helpful to learn some basic phrases in Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil.
  • Etiquette - It is important to be respectful when visiting religious sites and to dress modestly.
  • Tipping - Tipping is not customary in Singapore.

Best Time to Visit Riverside

The best time to visit Riverside is between February and April when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear. Avoid visiting in November, December, and January when the region experiences heavy rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Riverside

Do:

  • Try the Local Cuisine - Singaporean food is delicious and diverse, and Riverside is a great place to try it.
  • Visit the Museums and Galleries - Riverside is home to some of the best museums and galleries in the city.
  • Take a Boat Tour - The Singapore River Cruise is a fantastic way to take in the sights of Riverside.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in Public - Smoking is banned in public areas and could result in a hefty fine.
  • Litter - Singapore is known for its cleanliness, and littering is taken seriously.

Safety and Health

Safety in Riverside

Singapore is a safe city, but it is always a good idea to take precautions. Here are some safety tips:

  • Watch Your Belongings - Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so it’s important to keep your belongings close at all times.
  • Be Aware of Traffic - Traffic moves on the left in Singapore, so be mindful when crossing the road.
  • Stay Hydrated - Singapore’s high temperatures and humidity can be tough on your body, so be sure to drink plenty of water.

Health in Riverside

Singapore has a high standard of healthcare. Visitors should ensure they have adequate health insurance and take measures to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses.

Getting to Riverside: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Riverside is easy, thanks to Singapore’s excellent transportation system. Here are some options:

Airports Near Riverside

  • Changi Airport - The main airport in Singapore, is located about 20 km from Riverside.

Bus Stations Near Riverside

  • City Hall Bus Terminal - Located in the heart of the city, the bus terminal provides connections to destinations across the island.

Other Options

  • MRT - Singapore’s efficient subway system provides connections to destinations across the island.

How to Get Around in Riverside

The best way to navigate Riverside is on foot or bike. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available.

Where to Go Next from Riverside: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are plenty of exciting destinations in Singapore and the surrounding areas to explore after visiting Riverside. Here are some top picks:

  • Orchard Road - One of Singapore’s most famous shopping districts.
  • Sentosa Island - A tropical island getaway with thrilling rides and attractions.
  • Bintan Island - A paradise island just across the waters of Singapore, with crystal-clear waters.
  • Johor Bahru, Malaysia - Just across the causeway from Singapore, Johor Bahru is known for its food and shopping.

Conclusion

Riverside is one of Singapore’s most vibrant and picturesque areas. It offers visitors a wealth of cultural and natural attractions, fantastic food, and endless opportunities for fun and adventure. By using this comprehensive guide, visitors can explore the best that Riverside and Singapore have to offer.

The Merlion and the CBD skyline The Merlion and the CBD skyline Sir Stamford Raffles strikes a pose Sir Stamford Raffles strikes a pose The Asian Civilisations Museum The Asian Civilisations Museum City Hall and the Old Supreme Court City Hall and the Old Supreme Court Yueh Hai Ching Temple Yueh Hai Ching Temple Inside Lau Pa Sat, also known as Telok Ayer Market Inside Lau Pa Sat, also known as Telok Ayer Market Shophouse restaurants and bars on Boat Quay Shophouse restaurants and bars on Boat Quay Map of Mohamed Sultan and Clarke Quay Map of Mohamed Sultan and Clarke Quay Raffles Hotel Raffles Hotel