CLARKE QUAY

Clarke Quay is a riverside historical quay, which is a platform to load goods and people into the boat. Sitting on the Singapore River, this Quay was once a major trading port and now is famed for being surrounded by fun arenas like cafes, clubs and restaurants. The location is majorly known for its beautiful architecture which holds modernism and a bit of rustic charm.

Clarke Quay is named after Andrew Clarke, the second governor of Island-city Singapore. Clarke Quay was a major trading port earlier and when the port was shifted to another place, the Quay was completely revamped to turn it into a major entertainment center it is today.

It involved a total overhauling of the infrastructures of the place and also bringing in entertainment and facilities that would cater more to the urban young. Renowned names in the clubbing industry like Attica, London’s Ministry of Sound brought in to brighten up the nightlife of this area by giving them 24 hours operating licenses. Additionally, Singapore tour package options now include exclusive access to these vibrant nightlife venues.

The warehouses and storage were converted to thriving restaurants, retail stores and nightclubs. With all these changes the area saw a tremendous difference in footfalls and this lead to better business opportunities and development of the area and became one the must visit places in Singapore.

With the development of the MRT Stations the traffic in Clarke Quay went on increasing and it reached its one million visitors a month mark in 2012. Clarke Quay is now a vibrant, colorful and lively entertainment center with excellent dining options and it has the best nightlife in Singapore.

Restaurants and eateries cover up almost 60% of the space in Clarke Quay giving visitors an amazing range of cuisines to try out.

With an eclectic mix of local and international players this area has the most happening nightclubs and the best parties in Singapore. The most popular nightclubs here are Zouk, Canvas, Crazy Elephant, Attica, The Pump Room to name a few. One of the most thrilling experiences in Clarke Quay is the Reverse Bungee at G-Max.

It is one of the most sought after attraction of adrenaline junkies. The speed goes up to 200 kmp as you are thrown up back and forth in the air. The challenge is to keep your eyes open when you are up there.

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Highlights

• Clarke Quay gets its initial life from the beating heart of the Singapore River.
• One can ride on the bumboats that are used to dock and unload the tropical wares for trade and commerce across the river.
• Attica and Zouk are the two best nightclubs for people who love to relish the thumping dance beats and fierce intoxicating aura.
• Headquarters by The Council is for those who are fond of brave and bold musical takes that are distant from the billboard charts.
• The Clark Quay also offers great places for eating at Ramen Keisuke Lobster King.
• Although the place is relatively delightful at night, no one cannot ignore the famous attractions of Clarke Quay.

How To Reach

By Taxi: You can easily find taxis from anywhere in Singapore, however this means of transport can turn out a bit expensive. Also, there is no specific application for booking the taxi, thus you will have to find it outside.

By Bus: Bus numbers 54, 32 and 195 can be easily availed from several bus stops and operate for the route towards Clarke Quay only. You can easily find these buses from the nearby stops and can avail them at a minimal price.

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Best Time To Visit

The best time when you can enjoy a trip to Clarke Quay is during the evening hours when the docks are not very busy. Other than this, you can also visit here during the night hours to enjoy the nightlife found here.

Learn More: Things to Do in Clarke Quay

Other Essential Information

Here is the list of Clarke Quay Nightlife

a. Attica: Attica is one of the best places to spend your night under the leading lights in Clarke Quay’s Singapore clubbing scenery. You can witness the extravagant blend of house, electronic hop, and hip-hop music. The reveling holidaymakers keep on the musical party night thumping until the early morning hours.

There are two giant dance floors that can accommodate around 500 people. However, the bar remains packed on busier nights. If you head downstairs, you will observe the latest blockbuster hits, R&B, and hip hop.

b. Zouk: Zouk is one of the profound night scenes that brings your love for music alive. The several interconnecting clubs make up the famous bar of Clarke Quay Singapore, where you can experience the live shows of Chemical Brothers and Tiesto.

The Clarke Quay’s Zouk has garnered several “Best Nightspot Experience” awards. There are three different rooms to enjoy Capital, Zouk, and Phuture music. Therefore, the place will instill the feeling of Concert but within the club in the main city.

c. Harry’s @ Boat Quay: Harry’s @ Boat Quay is another prominent nightlife attraction of Clarke Quay. It was started back in the year 1992 and has become a reputable brand in the present. People visit this place to enjoy the live jazz acts. Harry’s @ Boat Quay is a flagship eatery and bar chain that offers sensational indoor and outdoor vibrations.

The place provides a space to watch sports with their friends, along with high-quality continental food and beer. They can also enjoy quiz nights, especially on Wednesdays.

d. Canvas Nightclub: Popularly known for classy interiors, Canvas Nightclub is situated in the middle of Boat Quay and Clarke Quay in Singapore. As the name suggests, the place gives wings to the imagination to do something creative.

The pleasant ambiance and bright yellow color of the interiors will fill your eyes with warmth. Several local and international performers lift the aura of the place with live bands, standup comedy, local music, and hip hop by the DJ.

e. G-Max Reverse Bungy: G-Max Reverse Bungy is Singapore’s first extreme experience of thrilling rides in the most bumbling area of Clarke Quay. One can feel their hearts sinking on the latest rides of Slingshot. The freeball from GX-5 Extreme Swing allows you to keep in your drinks and dinner.

Numerous adrenaline junkies visit this place to challenge their fears and peers. The exhilarating free falls or vertical shots will unleash your inner daredevil by falling with a speed of 160 kilometers per hour.

f. The Quayside: The Quayside is a place for business endeavors and significant networking events. The place is a perfect example of a work-life balance that is driven by considerable, dynamic, and fun-loving people. Along with various facilities, attractions, and transport connections for everybody, people from all walks of life come here to capture the motivational dialogue that fosters social harmony.

The professionals in The Quayside offer a vast range of knowledge in interior design, architectural design, property management, and urban planning.

g. Crazy Elephant: If you are not fond of the extravagant life of nightclubs, this is the right place for you. Crazy Elephant offers live gigs in the category of jazz, blues, and rock. The place is highly recommended by both locals and expats.

The soothing ambiance and the casual atmosphere of Crazy Elephant will allow you to dive deep into the relaxing vibrations. The Crazy Elephant ensures that the visitors have a great time in the sophisticated and classy musical destination.

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Restaurants at Clarke Quay

a. Princess Terrace Cafe: This iconic restaurant in Clarke Quay has been successfully serving the most loved Penang buffet for decades. The mouth-watering spread mainly consists of satay chicken, duck mee sua, Penang laksa and Penang curries. 

b. Kinara Northwest Frontier: This is a popular restaurant serving popular North Indian delicacies and styled in the Rajasthani Haveli style. The restaurant offers a range of tandoor and tawa items in an elegant and refined ambience.

c. Octapas: This is a colorful eatery serving some delectable Spanish delicacies such as paella, pan-fried chorizo and many more alongside fruity and refreshing sangrias. The live music makes this place more colorful and high-spirited.

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d. Peony Jade: With two Michelin Bib Gourmand under their belt, Peony Jade serves the most delectable selection of dumplings. These dumplings comes in many shapes, colors and sizes forming a collection of traditional dumplings as well as in-house creations. 

e. Violet Oon Satay Bar & Grill: This wonderful restaurant serves a great selection of authentic Peranakan cuisine with specialities such as Hae Bee Hiam Sea Bass with chinchalok relish, Prawn satay, Pan fried pork belly and Chicken Satay.

f. Ricciotti: A wonderful Italian restaurant along the Singapore River serving classic Italian dishes such as tortelloni di bufala, raviolis, grilled sea bass and Tartufo. 

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Best Places to Shop at Clarke Quay 

a. Clarke Quay Central: A contemporary-styled structure with over 280 shops. The Mall is a mainly a fashion and accessories hub with an extensive food court. There are many well known fashion brands outlets here such as Giordano, Charles and Keith, Hang Ten, bYSI, Skyroom and several other well-known brands.

b. Liang Court: This modern structure is a mixed-development complex comprising of a shopping mall, the 326 roomed Novotel Hotel and Somerset serviced apartments. The mall has stores such as MEIDI-YA supermarket, Kinokuniya, Audio House and Kopitiam. Liang Court also has many salons, banking services, retail stores and about 20 restaurants.

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c. Sunday Market at Clarke Quay: This is the most renowned of all flea markets in Singapore opened every Sunday from 10AM to 6PM. Here you can find a myriad collection of curios, collectibles, comic books, designer wear, accessories and many more.

d. UE Square Shopping Mall: UE Square is a large futuristic complex primarily catering to retail and F&B as well as office rentals. The Mall has a variety of stores such as independent wine and liquor retailers such as Temple Cellars and The Straits Wine Company. Beauty salons, restaurants serving Vietnamese, Japanese, Western cuisines, a ballet studio, spas and many more.

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e. Funan Digital Life: Also known as Funan IT Mall, this is the most extensive gadgets, electronics and electrical stores in Singapore. A comprehensive range of Computers, phones, TVs, cameras and homewares too are available here. It also has an excellent selection of fashion outlets, salons and restaurants as well.

f. Clarke Quay independent stores: Clarke Quay is a wonderful mix of excellent shopping malls, boutiques, quaint shop houses, street shopping and a variety of retail stores. Purchase a range of pewters from Royal Selangor Pewter Store or unique jewellery, pottery and other things from the many colorful pushcarts. If you are keen, you can also learn the art of pewter making from Selangor who offers such classes. 

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Best Hotels to Stay in Clarke Quay

a. Swissotel Merchant Court: This riverfront hotel is a luxury hotel with 2 in-house restaurants, a bar, a full service spa and several other amenities for a comfortable stay. Located next to an MRT station near the Boat Quay and overlooking the Clarke Quay Swissotel Merchant court is an ideal place to stay while in Singapore.

b. Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay: This is a comfortable hotel and overlooking the Singapore River. The hotel offers a swimming pool, free wi-fi, bathtubs, fitness centre, air conditioning, business centre and play area. There are many attractions within walking distance of this hotel such as the Boat Quay, Peranakan Museum and many others.

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c. Hipstercity: Ideally located near City Hall MRT station this comfortable hotel has all the basic amenities to make your stay in Singapore a comfortable and memorable one. The hotel offers free wi-fi, airport shuttle and air conditioned rooms.

d. Park Regis Singapore: Located within walking distance from Clarke Quay Central and Singapore River the hotel features an outdoor pool, free wi-fi in public areas, fitness centre, business centre and concierge services. Room amenities include a minibar, ensuite bathrooms, LCD TVs, etc.

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e. Holiday Inn Express Singapore: The hotel features 442 rooms and within walking distance from Singapore River, Robertson Quay and Clarke Quay Central. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a 24-hour business centre, free wifi in public areas, rooftop terrace, in-house restaurant and designated smoking areas.

f. Heritage Apartments @ Clarke Quay: Located at about 10 minutes walking distance from Clarke Quay MRT Station and Raffles Place MRT Station, Heritage Apartments offers fully furnished, air-conditioned Service Apartments with free wi-fi, ensuite bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchenette and a complimentary Handy phone.

g. Carlton Hotel Singapore: This is a luxury hotel in downtown Singapore offering 940 rooms, 4 in-house restaurants, a bar and lounge, a full service spa, an outdoor pool, a business centre and free wi-fi in public areas.

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Places to Visit near Clarke Quay



a. Singapore Flyer: This giant observation wheel located in Marina Bay is the largest in Asia and offers the most spectacular views of the city of Singapore. Each capsule is fully air conditioned and the ride takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The best time to ride the Flyer is at dusk.

b. Little India: The beauty of Little India is the vibrancy of the place and the tradition it upholds. This district is famous for its beautiful Hindu and Buddhist Temples, traditional eateries and 24/7 shopping arcade. Located about 3 Km from Clarke Quay, Little India has several attractions to keep you enthralled.

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c. National Gallery Singapore: Located at a mere 1.4 Km from Clarke Quay, The National Gallery Singapore has over 8000 pieces of modern Singaporean and Asian artworks. It is housed in two of the most iconic places of Singapore - the City Hall and the former Supreme Court. 

d. Gardens by the Bay: located at approximately 4Km from Clarke Quay, Gardens by the Bay is a spectacular, massive and unique garden next to Marina Bay Singapore. The special features of this Garden are the Supertrees which are vertical structures about 9 to 16 storeys tall. Get tickets of Gardens by the Bay

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Tips for Visiting Clarke Quay

- Best time to visit Clarke Quay is between 5 to 7PM to catch the Happy Hours in many of the Bars here. Happy hours are generally till 7 PM or 9PM in most bars. Check before you go.

- The nightclubs here are a rage, however the drinks are exorbitantly priced. If you want to enjoy the nightclubs but not spend so much on drinks then buy a bottle from outside and finish your drinks before you go to these nightclubs.

- Take a boat cruise just before sunset for the best insta-worthy pictures of the River and the Quay.

- Try to keep valuables at a minimum, wear comfortable shoes and carry a camera.

- Take the river cruise to enjoy the views as you cruise along the river.

- Book entry tickets prior to going to reduce waiting time. Most tickets are available online for facilities like river cruise, reverse bungee, etc.

- If you want to explore Clarke Quay during the day and also eat in the area then make sure you find out which restaurants are open during the day. Most of them only open in the evenings and at night.

- Head to the North Bridge Road near Clarke Quay station to enjoy a great view of the fantastic laser show put up at Marina Bay Sands that starts at 8:30PM and 9:30PM every evening. 

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