13 Best Things To Do In Clarke Quay Singapore In Year 2022
Do you think that the attractions in Clarke Quay revolve solely around nightlife, restaurants, and not much else?
Think again! In this post, we’re going to uncover all the things this historical quay has to offer.
If you’re looking for things to do that are:
- Fun and culturally unique to Singapore
- Within walking distance from an MRT station
- Within close radius to Clarke Quay
Then this post is for you! No matter if you’re travelling solo or as a family — keep reading because there’s plenty of adventure-filled historical sites and activities in Clarke Quay!
1. Set Sail To The Singapore River
2. Venture To The Asian Civilisations Museum
3. Stroll Along The Historical Boat Quay
4. Tour The Battlebox
5. Gaze In Awe Of Old Hill Street Police Station
6. Discover Lion City’s Culture At Fort Canning Park
7. Cross The Cavenagh Bridge
8. Get An Adrenaline Rush At G-Max Reverse Bungy
9. Explore The Civil Defence Heritage Gallery
10. Discover Chinese Heritage At Hong San See Temple
11. Party Through The Night At Zouk
12. Calling All History Buffs To The Arts House
13. Visit St Andrew’s Cathedral
13 Best Things To Do In Clarke Quay
1. Set Sail To The Singapore River
Hop on a bumboat and embark on the Singapore River Cruise, where you’ll get to soak in the city’s soaring skyscrapers and dazzling architecture in comfort and style.
- An audio-guide narrates your journey from Clarke Quay to Boat Quay and to Marina Bay
- The whole trip lasts 40 minutes — but you’re free to disembark during any stops to explore the city on foot
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00am — 10:00pm
Entrance Fee: S$25 (Adult), S$15 (Child)
2. Venture To The Asian Civilisations Museum
From grand stories of the Indian Ocean trade to extraordinary religious sculptures, the Asian Civilisations Museum is bursting with Asia’s rich and vibrant heritage.
- Go on a free guided tour and wander through a myriad of Asian cultures documented across thousands of years
- Admire the treasures from the Tang Shipwreck, including prized Chinese ceramics and gold and silver relics
- Explore the Ancient Religions gallery, including phenomenal paintings, illustrations and ritualistic sculptures representing Indian religions
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place MRT Station
Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am — 7:00pm
Fridays: 10:00am — 9:00pm
Entrance Fee:
Singaporeans & Permanent Residents: Free
Non-Singaporean: S$20 (Adult), S$15 (Concession, Senior, Student, Special Access), Free (6yrs and below), S$60 (Family of five)
3. Stroll Along The Historical Boat Quay
Boat Quay is decked with heaps of amazing restaurants and bars, with gorgeous architecture and buzzing nightlife — it’s one of the best things to do in Clarke Quay at night!
Highlights:
- Feast at popular dining spots like The Lighthouse Restaurant, DePizza and The Courtyard — just to name a few!
- Once the busiest port for marine trade, you’ll find remnants of the old dock during your river-side stroll along the historical landmark
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay & Raffles Place MRT Station
4. Tour The Battlebox
Ever wondered how Singapore, then known as the impenetrable fortress in the Second World War, succumbed to the Japanese?
Unearth the answers in the Battlebox, a British underground war bunker that was the grounds for “the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history”.
- The Battlebox is accessible through guided tours only which can be pre-booked online
- Realistic wax sculptures and authentic relics accompanied by narrated video clips are used to create a convincing retelling of historic events
- Learn about the Fall of Singapore during the Second World War
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut & Fort Canning MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 9:30am — 5:30pm
Entrance Fee: S$20 (Adult), S$10 (Child)
5. Gaze In Awe Of Old Hill Street Police Station
Old Hill Street Building Police Station is a former police station constructed in the 1930s, best known for its gorgeous Neo-Classical architecture and over 900 kaleidoscopic windows.
Highlights:
- The dazzling rainbow hues of the exterior makes it the perfect backdrop for an Instagram-worthy snapshot
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay MRT Station
6. Discover Lion City’s Culture At Fort Canning Park
Once home to Malay royalties in the medieval era and the site of former British war bunker, Fort Canning Park is a history buff’s dream come true.
A combination of nature and history, this historical landmark is perfect for a day outdoors and one of the best things to do in Clarke Quay.
- The location of the Battlebox, a former British underground command center
- Sightsee at ASEAN Sculpture Garden, Spice Garden, Princess Pond and many more
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning MRT Station
Lighting Hours: 7:00pm — 7:00am
7. Cross The Cavenagh Bridge
Cavenagh Bridge is one of the oldest bridges and the only suspension bridge in Singapore, linking the Civic District to the Commercial District across the Singapore River.
Highlights:
- Meet the sculptured figures of The River Merchants, A Great Emporium, and From Chettiars to Financiers, erected nearby the bridge, depicting trade from the 1900s
- Watch the ferries and boats pass under during your walk over the bridge
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place MRT Station
8. Get An Adrenaline Rush At G-Max Reverse Bungy
The G-Max Reverse Bungy catapults the rider into the air and wrenches them back to the ground at a speed of about 50-meters per second. Exhilarating? Totally!
If getting hurled into the air at neck-breaking speed is your idea of fun — then this is one of the best things to do in Clarke Quay!
- You’ll be strapped into an open-air capsule attached to bungee cords then catapulted up to 60-meters into the sky from the ground
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 4:30pm — 11:30pm
Entrance Fee: S$45 (Adult), S$35 (Student)
9. Explore The Civil Defence Heritage Gallery
The Civil Defence Heritage Gallery is a small museum documenting the history of fire fighting in Singapore and dedicated to improving public appreciation for civil defence.
It’s also housed within the Central Fire Station, the oldest fire station in Singapore.
Highlight:
- Marvellous exhibits of old-school fire engines, uniforms, water pumps and more
- Dive into modern fire fighting techniques and rescue mission exhibits
- Learn about the Bukit Ho Swee Fire and its devastation to the people and their homes
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay & City Hall MRT Station
Opening Hours: Tuesday — Sunday: 10:00am — 5:00pm
Closed On: Monday
Entrance Fee: Free
10. Discover Chinese Heritage At Hong San See Temple
The Hong San See temple was established by Singapore’s Hokkien community over a century ago, primarily worshipping the deity Guang Ze Zun, the God of Fortune.
In recognition of its outstanding preservation, the temple has received a UNESCO Award of Excellence.
Highlights:
- The two dragons prancing with a blazing pearl is a great backdrop for pictures
- Columns are engraved with poetry, entwined with dragons and carvings of magpies, phoenixes and peonies
- Buy joss sticks from the temple keeper to pray in the temple
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning & Clarke Quay MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 8:00am — 6:00pm
Entrance Fee: Free
11. Party Through The Night At Zouk
Zouk is the hottest and trendiest superclub in Singapore’s clubbing scene that draws ravers in droves.
It’s one of the best things to do in Clarke Quay — filled with dancing and awesome music, it’ll be a night you won’t forget!
Highlights:
- Zouk spans two stories, dazzled in neon futuristic elements against an industrial warehouse aesthetic and fits a whopping 1500 ravers
- The building is comprised of different zones and themes including Phuture, Capital and RedTail Bar
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay MRT Station
Opening Hours:
Wednesday & Thursday: 10:00pm — 3:00am
Friday & Saturday: 10:00pm — 4:00am
Closed On: Sunday, Monday & Tuesday
Entrance Fee: S$30 (Men), S$25 (Ladies)
12. Calling All History Buffs To The Arts House
Once occupied by Singapore’s first parliament, the 200-year old building is now home to The Arts House.
Championing the country’s creative scene, they host various events including indie films, art shows, exhibits and more — you’ll have a unique experience depending on the day you visit.
Highlights:
- Visit the Old Parliament and see Lee Kuan Yew’s seat as Prime Minister
- Go on a self-guided tour and learn about history-making political events including how Singapore gained independence
Nearest MRT: City Hall & Raffles Place MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00am — 10:00pm
Entrance Fee: Free
13. Visit St Andrew’s Cathedral
St Andrew’s Cathedral is a marvellous white and blue-accented Neo-Gothic church, home and oasis for many in the city, and also the largest Anglican cathedral in Singapore.
Highlights:
- The Cathedral Cafe acts as a pitstop for visitors to sip coffee and enjoy the ambience
- Having served as a field hospital during the Second World War, the cathedral has plaques and engraved headstones placed to remember war efforts
Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT Station
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00am — 6:00pm
Closed on: Public Holidays & Sundays (open for worship only)
Entrance Fee: Free