The best things to do along the Singapore River in 2026 are the Asian Civilisations Museum on Empress Place, a bumboat cruise from Clarke Quay to Marina Bay, Fort Canning Park and its wartime Battlebox, the Peranakan Museum, The Arts House in the Old Parliament building, and an evening on the quays at Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay.
The Singapore River is where the city began as a trading port. Its banks now link the colonial Civic District to the bars and restaurants of Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay, with a riverside path running all the way to Marina Bay. Do the museums by day and the quays by night. For where to stay and eat, see our riverside hotels and riverside restaurants guides.
Asia's cultures and trade, in a riverside colonial building.
The Asian Civilisations Museum, in a colonial building on Empress Place, traces the connections between Asian cultures through trade and faith, with highlights including the Tang Shipwreck treasures.
It is one of Singapore's finest museums.
Good to know: Don't miss the Tang Shipwreck gallery.
1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555
A bumboat ride past the quays to Marina Bay.
Bumboats carry visitors from Clarke Quay down the river past Boat Quay, the Fullerton and the Merlion into Marina Bay and back, with commentary on the river's history.
Take one at dusk to see the city light up.
Good to know: Board at Clarke Quay Jetty; dusk is the best time.
Clarke Quay Jetty, 3 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179024
A historic hilltop park with gardens, ruins and a wartime bunker.
Fort Canning Hill was the seat of Singapore's ancient Malay kings and later a British fort. Today it is a park of heritage gardens, an archaeological dig, the famous tree tunnel staircase and the Battlebox bunker.
It is a green, shady break above the river.
Good to know: Find the tree tunnel staircase for a classic photo.
River Valley Rd, Singapore 179037
The underground bunker where Singapore's fall was decided.
The Battlebox is a WWII underground command centre beneath Fort Canning, where British commanders decided to surrender Singapore to the Japanese in February 1942. Guided tours recreate the tense final days.
It is one of Singapore's most compelling history visits.
Good to know: Book a guided tour; entry is by tour only.
2 Cox Terrace, Fort Canning Park, Singapore 179622
A jewel-box museum of Peranakan culture.
The Peranakan Museum, in a former school on Armenian Street, celebrates the culture of the Peranakans, with exquisite beadwork, porcelain, jewellery and wedding traditions.
It is a short walk from Fort Canning and Clarke Quay.
Good to know: Combine with Fort Canning Park next door.
39 Armenian St, Singapore 179941
Singapore's oldest government building, now an arts venue.
The Arts House occupies Singapore's oldest surviving government building, the Old Parliament House, built in 1827, now an arts venue with exhibitions, talks and films.
The bronze elephant outside was a gift from the King of Siam in 1871.
Good to know: Check the programme for free exhibitions.
1 Old Parliament Ln, Singapore 179429
Riverside warehouses turned bars, restaurants and clubs.
Clarke Quay's restored 19th-century godowns now house bars, restaurants and clubs under a canopy, the liveliest nightlife strip on the river.
It is busiest after 9pm.
Good to know: Come after dark; it is quiet by day.
3 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179024
Shophouse restaurants and bars facing the CBD skyline.
Boat Quay was the busiest part of the old port; its row of shophouses beneath the CBD towers now houses restaurants and bars with tables along the river.
It is a good place for a riverside dinner.
Good to know: Walk the riverside path from here to the Merlion.
Boat Quay, Singapore 049836
Clarke Quay is Singapore's riverside nightlife hub, with bars, restaurants and clubs in restored warehouses, plus river cruises from its jetty. By day, Fort Canning Park is next door.
About 40 minutes for the standard loop from Clarke Quay to Marina Bay and back.
Yes. It is one of the best museums in Singapore, with collections tracing the trade and cultural links across Asia, including treasures from a 9th-century shipwreck.
An underground WWII command bunker in Fort Canning Park, where the British decided to surrender Singapore in 1942, now open for guided tours.
Yes. A riverside path runs from Robertson Quay past Clarke Quay and Boat Quay to the Fullerton and Marina Bay, about 3km.