Riverside Memories: Your Ultimate Guide to Clarke Quay
The central area of Singapore is home to most of the country’s iconic landmarks, and one landmark that you should definitely visit during your vacation is Clarke Quay.
Located right along the banks of the Singapore River, the quay is a historical landmark. The river has been a center of trade since 1819, which means that the quay has served countless bumboats and welcomed all kinds of merchants.
Right now, Clarke Quay is a tourist destination with many fun things to do and exciting dining options. If you’re planning to visit, feel free to use this article as your guide.
Things to Know
Address: 3 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179024
History and Background
— From: my_world_travel_2021
Clarke Quay is named after Sir Andrew Clarke, who served as the Governor of Singapore and Governor of the Straits Settlements. He also played a major part in making Singapore the main port for Malay states Perak, Selangor, and Sungei Ujong.
When modern Singapore was founded in 1819, the Singapore River became a center of trade.
To facilitate the flow of river traffic, Clarke Quay was used as a mooring space for bumboats. This went on until the latter half of the 20th century.
During this time, the river had gotten very polluted, so the government decided to relocate the cargo services, bumboats, and lorries and clean the river. Because of this, Clarke Quay became quiet.
Clarke Quay Today
— From: likableiniquity
After Clarke Quay stopped being a mooring space for commercial boasts and housing several warehouses in its vicinity, it was renovated to become a tourist spot. Now, the area is home to a shopping mall, restaurants, nightclubs, and other attractions.
You can also book tickets for river cruises and boat tours. These are popular among foreign tourists because they get to travel along the Singapore River and learn about how the river contributed to the rise of Singapore.
How to Get There
MRT: Riding the MRT is the best way to get to Clarke Quay because of the Clarke Quay MRT station.
Bus: Another mode of public transportation you can choose is the bus. The bus lines that stop near Clarke Quay Central are bus 145, 147, 166, 190, 197, 33 and 51.
Car: If you prefer to drive, there’s a parking lot within the mall’s premises. The parking rates are S$1.35 for the first hour and S$0.45 for every 15 minutes after. On Sundays and public holidays, the rates will have an additional payment of S$2.75 per entry.
Best Time to Visit
— From: aayansh__aryaman
You can come to Clarke Quay any time you want, but in my opinion, sometime between 5 and 7 pm is the best time to visit.
This is because the ambiance is the best at night. The lights from the buildings sparkle and reflect on the water, giving off peaceful and romantic vibes.
Additionally, if you want to go clubbing, happy hours are usually around the same time. Some can go until 9 pm.
What to Do
Cross the Read Bridge
— From: bennysaik
Address: 1B Clarke Quay, Singapore 179023
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Read Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in Singapore, and it’s right by Clarke Quay, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to check it out.
This bridge is a perfect example of the saying “Looks can be deceiving.” On the surface, it looks simple, but at night, it comes to life with lights!
There’s a flurry of activity here at night too. Some people are out partying, while others are attentively listening to Teochew storytellers who share epic tales from their soapboxes and stools.
Go on a stroll along the scenic riverside
— From: babybaipai
One thing I like doing when I’m in Clarke Quay is taking a stroll along the scenic riverside. Since the quay and the Singapore River are bustling with activity, there’s much to see when I walk on the promenade.
Additionally, walking here feels so serene—even though there are boats and people everywhere.
I usually listen to music while strolling aimlessly here and always feel better afterward. I highly recommend it!
Ride a river cruise or a boat tour
— From: yoshi_huh0419
Price: S$28 (adult), S$18 (child ages 3–12 years old)
Riding a river cruise or going on a boat tour is definitely the best thing to do in Clarke Quay. You’ll be able to explore the Singapore River on a replica of a tongkang (a type of historical wooden boat), so it’s almost like you’ve traveled back in time!
Additionally, when you go on a river cruise or boat tour, you’ll be able to see many of Singapore’s iconic landmarks, such as Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer, from a different perspective.
The boat will also stop at Boat Quay and Marina Bay, so you have more opportunities for exploration.
Get your heart pumping at G-Max Reverse Bungy
— From: hotelclover
Address: 3E River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, Block E, Singapore 179024
Price: S$45 (adult), S$35 (children under 18 years old)
Contact Number: +6597553310
Do you consider yourself a daredevil? If so, then you might like G-Max Reverse Bungy, an amusement company that specializes in high-flying, gravity-defying rides!
They offer two ride options. The first is the Slingshot, which catapults you into the air at a force of 3–5 Gs, similar to a volcano eruption, and the second is the GX5 Extreme Swing, which lets you soar high then plummet down 40 meters at 120 km/h.
Whatever you end up choosing—or you can choose both if you dare—one thing is certain: you’ll be screaming your lungs out, and by the time the ride ends, your body will feel like jelly, and your heart will be pounding so hard. It’s so worth it!
Check out the beautiful architecture of the Old Hill Street Police Station
— From: porschary
Address: 140 Hill St, Singapore 179369
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—8:30 am to 12:30 pm, 2 to 5:30 pm
- Closed on Saturday and Sunday
Near Clarke Quay is the Old Hill Street Police Station, and it will undoubtedly capture your attention the moment you set your eyes on it.
The main reason why you can’t take your eyes off this historic building is it’s bursting in color. The windows are painted in the different colors of the rainbow!
Aside from the colors, this building is also pleasing to look at because of its neo-classical architecture and symmetrical facade. It looks like it’s a building from 1930s England—such a great backdrop for your photos!
Get lost in nature at Fort Canning Park
— From: reikona0202
Address: ALong Hill Street, Canning Rise, Clemenceau Avenue, and River Valley Road, Singapore
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Fort Canning Park is located right opposite Clarke Quay, which is why many quay visitors check out the park as well. And I highly recommend you do so—the park is both a historical landmark and a green paradise.
For history lovers, this park will pique their interest because it holds so much of Singapore’s past. In particular, it’s home to the Battlebox, an underground command center where the British decided to give up to the Japanese during World War II.
Additionally, Fort Canning Park boasts beautiful landscapes of nature. The most popular spot here is the tree tunnel—a subterranean tunnel where the top is overrun with greenery, so looking up feels like you’ve fallen down a hole into a fantastical land.
Party with your friends
— From: djjaderasif
If you’re in the mood to party all night with your friends, then Clarke Quay is a great destination because this area is teeming with countless great clubs.
To make things better, these bars and clubs have different themes—there’s one that’s themed around old-school arcade games, another for hip-hop lovers, and so on and so forth.
Here are some recommendations that you might want to check out.
Where to Eat
Octapas
— From: mmanuellefoodies
Address: Blk 3E River Valley Rd, #01 – 07, Singapore 179023
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—5 pm to 2 am
- Friday and Saturday—5 pm to 3 am
- Sunday—12 pm to 2 am
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6568372938
You don’t have to go to Spain to enjoy authentic Spanish tapas. Instead, you can just stop by Octapas in Clarke Quay!
As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in tapas, which refers to finger foods in Hispanic culture. It also serves paella and pasta dishes and traditional chilled sangrias, so whether you’re starving or just want a light nibble, this place is for you.
Additionally, this restaurant hosts live music every night, so you’ll be entertained while dining here.
Sanchos
Address: 3D River Valley Rd, #01-07, D 179023
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—12 to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 1 am
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6563360212
Enjoy a casual night out with your loved ones at Sanchos, a restaurant specializing in Mexican cuisine. This restaurant boasts a vibrant yet cozy atmosphere, so you can really have a quality bonding time with your companions.
In terms of what to order, you can’t go wrong with the tacos (your topping options range from different meats to vegan alternatives) or the rib-eye steak. Of course, don’t forget to order the classic churros—indulgent and crispy, it’s the perfect dessert!
Verve Pizza Bar
— From: rachaelsim
Address: 3D River Valley Rd, Singapore 179023
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—5 pm to 2 am
- Thursday to Friday—5 pm to 3 am
- Saturday—5 pm to 4 am
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6583390131
Verve Pizza Bar is the perfect example of a restaurant that focuses on simple things being done right. Here, the pizzas are made the traditional way—they’re prepared using the freshest ingredients, handmade by the chef, and cooked in a stone-based oven.
Additionally, there’s a good variety of pizza flavors here. My favorite is Carnivora—it’s indulgent because of its tomato sauce and toppings of meat and cheese, and it also has a nice kick of spice—but the Margherita is also a good one.
If you’re with a group of friends, you might want to order any of their combo deals, which include a pizza and a bottle or two of beer.
JUMBO Seafood—Riverside Point
— From: happynancymocha
Address: 30 Merchant Rd, #01-01/02 Riverside Point, Singapore 058282
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5 to 11 pm
Pricing: $$$
Contact Number: +6565323435
If you’re craving seafood, JUMBO Seafood is a great option. After all, this seafood restaurant has been around since the 1980s, and in that time, it has received many awards and certifications, so you can only expect the very best here.
The menu here is quite extensive and includes other meats and vegetables in addition to seafood options. If you’re overwhelmed with the choices, you might want to order from the set menu instead.
The restaurant’s signature dish is the chili crab, so I recommend you give it a try. I also recommend ending your meal with the mango dessert—it’s sweet, sour, and refreshing!
Seafood Paradise
Address: 3A River Valley Rd, Block A #01-03, Singapore 179020
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5:30 to 10:30 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6563799410
Another great seafood restaurant in Clarke Quay is Seafood Paradise. This restaurant actually started as a humble hawker stall, but eventually, it expanded into a restaurant, and now it’s well-known not just in Singapore but also in countries abroad.
Seafood Paradise aims to combine tradition and innovation, so the menu features classic dishes with a modern twist. Some of the dishes you should try are the creamy butter crab with coconut crumbs and baked pork belly ribs with honey pepper sauce.
Jinju Modern Korean Bar
— From: sazshimii
Address: 3C River Valley Rd, Block C #01-09A, Singapore 179022
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—5 pm to 1 am
- Friday and Saturday—5 pm to 3 am
- Sunday—5 pm to 12 am
Pricing: $$$
Contact Number: +6588839019
Jinju Modern Korean Bar is where you go when you want a fun night out with your family and friends. This restaurant offers delicious Korean dishes, indulgent alcoholic drinks that will lift your spirits, and live music—what’s not to love?
Treat yourself to a heaping of marinated crab or oyster with kimchi granita—both are savory dishes with a strong kick of chili. The wagyu steak frites are a must-try, too—the tender meat paired with the salty, crispy fries is an addicting combination.
Hanjip Korean Grill House
— From: lovictorian
Address: 3C River Valley Rd, #01 – 11 Clarke Quay, Singapore 179022
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 12:30 pm, 5 to 12 am
Pricing: $$$
Contact Number: +6588829011
If your idea of a great dining experience is eating at a Korean BBQ spot, then you’ll love Hanjip Korean Grill House. Only established in 2020, Hanjip is one of the biggest Korean BBQ restaurants in Singapore—it boasts 5,000 square feet in size!
This restaurant only offers premier-cut meats, such as Kurobuta Berkshire Pork, Australia Wagyu, and USDA Prime Beef. The Australia Wagyu and USDA Prime Beef are also aged, so you can expect enhanced flavor and texture from them.
If you don’t eat meat, no worries because there’s a vegetarian menu. There’s also a private dining menu if you want a more intimate experience with your companions.
BBQ Box Prime
Address: 3C River Valley Rd, Blk C #01-10 Clarke Quay, Singapore 179022
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Friday—3 pm to 3 am
- Saturday—3 pm to 4 am
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6569044989
Another great BBQ restaurant in Clarke Quay is BBQ Box Prime. This restaurant offers several meat options, such as grilled chicken and Orleans-flavored pork skewer, and if you want to splurge, you might want to try the Hokkaido Mahokke (fried mackerel).
BBQ options aren’t the only things you’ll find here. You can also treat yourself to spicy grilled oysters, spicy enoki mushrooms, and rice noodles with clams.
Cuban Libre Cafe and Bar
Address: 3E River Valley Rd 01-03/04 @, Clarke Quay, The Circuit, Singapore 179024
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—6 pm to 3 am
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6584180203
At Cuban Libre Cafe and Bar, you’re sure to have a good time all night long. Here, you’ll be able to party like you’re in Cuba yourself, and you’ll also get to eat some of the most delicious contemporary Cuban classic dishes.
My favorite things to order here are the Tex-Mex, burritos, and jalapeño poppers. As for alcoholic beverages, I like the signature mojitos (especially the coconut mojito) and the special cocktails (Cubano sour and margarita picante).
If you’re not in the mood to party, no worries—there’s a designated al fresco area for you where you can simply enjoy your food while drinking in the riverside scenery.
SQUE Rotisserie and Alehouse
— From: dookdik56
Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen St, #01-70 The Central, Singapore 059817
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 11:30 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6562221887
Indulgence is the name of the game in SQUE Rotiserrie and Alehouse. My favorite from the menu is the platter of pork belly—the juicy meat paired with the salty, crunchy skin is just perfection—but I also like the roasted chicken, which came with mashed potato.
If you’re just looking for light snacks, you can order the Sque Bites, which are basically cubed striploins. For a more fun time, don’t forget to add cocktails and martinis to your meal!
Zorba the Greek Taverna
— From: paulinajhns
Address: 3A River Valley Rd, #01-01C to 01D Block A Clarke Quay, Singapore 179020
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday—5 to 11 pm
- Wednesday to Friday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 5 to 11 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 11:30 pm
Pricing: $$$
Contact Number: +6582185602
Finding an authentic Greek restaurant in Singapore is tricky, but luckily, there’s Zorba the Greek Taverna in Clarke Quay. So, you can now enjoy classic Greek dishes like pasticcio and moussaka along the waterfront.
This restaurant also works as a brunch spot; on Saturdays and Sundays, the menu is slightly different. It’s only during the weekend when you can order shakshuka, rosti eggs benedict, and Hestia’s feast.
To make your dining experience better, why not order a bottle of wine? They even have premium wines and rosé if you’re in the mood to splurge.
Mitsuba
— From: nikolai_eats
Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen St, #03-88, Singapore 059817
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 6 to 10 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6562270388
Go all out in Mitsuba—a Japanese restaurant in Clarke Quay that offers an authentic Japanese all-you-can-eat buffet. Be sure to come here with an empty stomach because you’ll definitely be devouring all types of sashimi, sushi, temaki, and more.
If buffets aren’t your thing, no worries because this restaurant also has set lunches and an a la carte menu. Don’t miss out on the Iberico pork ribs, Japanese wagyu steak, and crayfish with mentaiko sauce.
Additionally, if you love sweet treats like me, then be sure to try the black sesame ice cream or the green tea ice cream. They’re both creamy, sweet, and refreshing—the best way to end a meal.
Rendezvous Restaurant Hock Lock Kee
— From: birdbrainfarter
Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen St, #02-72 to 75/77/92 The Central, Singapore 059817
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6563397508
Rendezvous Restaurant Hock Lock Kee is an Indonesian restaurant that specializes in Western Sumatran cuisine. Some of the bestselling dishes here include nasi padang, chicken rendang, and sambal prawns.
Aside from the menu, another thing I love about this restaurant is its cozy feel. Whenever I eat here, I always feel like I’m back at home, eating the hearty dishes my grandparents used to make me.
If you’re interested, you can also book this restaurant for an event and request a menu that caters to your likes. The price would depend on your custom menu, so be sure to contact the restaurant at least three days before your planned celebration.
nomVnom Bistro
— From: emileecwen
Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen St, #3 – 105 / 106 / 107, Singapore 059817
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Friday to Sunday—11:30 am to 10:30 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6562244996
If you don’t eat meat, then nomVnom Bistro is the place to go in Clarke Quay. This vegan restaurant boasts a menu of indulgent dishes that will get your mouth watering at the sight of them.
I’m a big fan of the cheesy basil tempeh burger and Thai milk tea. I also can’t say no to the BamNut waffle—the crunchy and soft waffle topped with a drizzle of chocolate syrup and a scoop of ice cream just hits the sweet spot for me.
L’Atelier TiramiSu
— From: danielfooddiary
Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen St, B1-08/09, Singapore 059817
Operating Hours: $$
- Monday to Saturday—12 to 9 pm
- Sunday—12 to 7 pm
Pricing: $$
Contact Number: +6593898582
L’Atelier TiramiSu is heaven for dessert lovers—especially for people who are fond of tiramisu. This cake shop offers a few variations of this beloved cake, and each features a flavor combination that will surely delight your taste buds.
There’s the classic tiramisu if you prefer to stick to tradition. If you’re willing to try new flavors, I recommend the Brulee one—it tastes like salted caramel, and the layer of caramelized sugar on top adds the perfect crunch.
The Cookies and Raisins one is also pretty great—I know it sounds like a weird combination, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. It has an interesting flavor profile: it’s sweet and creamy with strong notes of rum.