7 Activities and Attractions to Explore as You Stroll Along Singapore River

The Singapore River runs parallel to Alexandra Road, flowing through the Marina Reservoir in the southern part of the city-state.

The Singapore River served as a commercial and financial hub during the British colony, with boats docked along its three quays (Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay) to trade.

While the sound of water flow seems soothing, taking a swim in the Singapore River, with or without proper swimming equipment, is prohibited and unsafe even to professional swimmers. Since swimming is not permissible, there are other exciting activities and attractions you can explore across the river.

Dine at Farah Diana Steamboat & Grill

Farah Diana Steamboat and Grill is a Muslim-owned restaurant and is only an eight minute-drive away from the Singapore River via Havelock Road. They offer unlimited marinated meats, vegetables, seafood, and drinks for 90 minutes while you enjoy the calming views of the riverside.

For marinated meats selection, the restaurant serves black pepper chicken, Char Siew chicken, satay chicken, beef satay, beef black pepper, and lam black pepper.

You may book a table reservation via WhatsApp from 4 PM to 11 PM.

Location: Farah Diana Steamboat & Grill, 73 Boat Quay

Take Your Kids at The Joy of Toys Singapore

Just five minutes away from the Singapore River, The Joy of Toys is a must-visit for families with crawling babies or toddlers. This family-friendly recreational place features an indoor playground filled with wooden toys, mechanical toy vehicles, puzzles, and brain teasers, among others.

The indoor play space serves as a place to unwind and aims to “stimulate the minds of the young and old” through developmental toys. Booking is not required but before your visit, you should check their real-time crowd meter to know the capacity limit, ensuring safety COVID-19 pandemic measures.

Location: The Joy of Toys Singapore, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street #03-51 Clarke Quay Central

Staycation at Studio M Hotel

Studio M, Singapore's first loft-style hotel, is just a three-minute walk from the city-state's famous river. It is surrounded by entertainment venues as it is located near Robertson Quay, Central Business District, and Orchard Road.

Guests can choose from Studio, Premier, and Executive Lofts with a three-metre-high ceiling, measuring 22 square meters each, and both offer a picturesque view from the Singapore River. Other amenities you can indulge in at Studio M include an open-air gym, a 25-metre lap pool, and a variety of dining options.

Location: Studio M, 3 Nanson Road

Chill Out at Bar.Celona

After appreciating the beauty of the Singapore River, you may invite your friends to hang out and have some drinks at Bar.Celona.

The restaurant specialises in Spanish and international tapas while sipping on Spain’s famous sparkling wine – CAVA. Imported directly from CAVA’s manufacturer, Bar.Celona also offers cava cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Its food selection includes Spanish and fusion cuisine and dishes such as fresh oysters with cocktail sauce, spicy smoky almonds fried and tossed in spiced sea salt, chicken taco with smoked pineapple salsa, octopus carpaccio, and grilled lamb with chimichurri and confit piquillo, to name a few. They also have sharing platters menu which consists of truffle fries with parmesan cheese, cured meat platter (chorizo bellota, Salchichon Jamon, marinated veggies), and cheese platter (Queso con tarfu, Idiazabal Tetilla, almonds, olives).

Location: Bar.Celona, 30 Robertson Quay, #01-10/11

Play at Holey Moley

Holey Moley is a mini golf course and bar that is only a four-minute drive away from the Singapore River.

Forget the usual circular hole in the ground, Holey Moley amped up the game with their “extra” series of holes. You can swing your golf irons and land your ball through holes found at Crappy Gilmore, Teevel Knievel’s ring of fire, Vincent Van Golf, Zappy as Larry, Gotta Ring to it, and more.

Feeling thirsty after the game? To get your fill of food and drinks, stop by Holey Moley's Caddyshack bar, which serves wines, beers, and cocktails. The gourmet kitchen offers giant burgers, pizza, hotdogs, and fries.

Holey Moley is open every Monday to Friday from 3 PM to 11 PM and Saturday to Sunday from 12 PM to 11 PM

Location: Holey Moley, 3B River Valley Rd, Clarke Quay

Join Workshops at STPI Gallery

For lovers of arts and workshops, STPI Gallery is an “internationally renowned space” for contemporary arts in the Lion City and is a two-minute drive away from the Singapore River.

Founded in 2002, STPI is a non-profit organisation that experiments with art using print and paper. It aims to champion the world of contemporary arts through collaboration with international artists and local community engagement.

To check the latest exhibitions and art fairs, visit the STPI website.

Location: STPI - Creative Workshop & Gallery, 41 Robertson Quay

Try Seafood at House of Seafood Clarke Quay

Last but not least on our list. House of Seafood Clarke Quay is a riverside seafood restaurant that serves an extensive menu of fresh and savoury produce from the ocean. The restaurant is known for its award-winning chili crab.

Their ready-to-eat crab menu costs S$79.70 and comes in three popular flavours including salted egg crab, chili crab, and black pepper crab. For health-conscious diners, House of Seafood’s crab feast has no added preservatives and is certified by SETSCO.

The restaurant is open on weekdays from 11 AM to 2 PM and 5 PM to 11 PM and 11 AM to 11 PM every weekend.

Location: House of Seafood Clarke Quay, Blk A - 3A River Valley Road (Along Riverside), Clarke Quay