Clarke Quay Travel Guide

Clarke Quay is Singapore's number one nightlife hot spot. Walking towards Clarke Quay from Boat Quay, the first nightspot to greet you is Home Club, an underground club favoured by hipsters, if such a blanket statement is permitted. Host to the local dj, electro, drum and bass scene, it is best visited on Fridays where the youth of Singapore welcome the weekend. As you reach Clarke Quay, the mood heats up and laughter gets louder. The banks of Clarke Quay are lighted up in neon blue and lined with restaurants sheltered in red lily pad-like shelters which reflect the entire mood of the place- eclectic, sensual and heaps fun. Shoppers keen on Japanese fare should head to Central Mall nearby.

Across the Singapore River, the first screams of ecstasy and fright may be thanks to the G-Max Bungee, a reverse bungee where you get a quick adrenaline fix being catapulted into the sky. A bit further upriver, Read bridge is a place where most clubbers mingle over their convenience store bought beers (much cheaper than the ones sold in clubs, but still overpriced) before they head down to party at Attica, Zirca, Azzucar and The Arena. Entertainment isn't just limited to the clubs and bars. Every first Thursday of the month, the central foundry area, where a fountain indulges children and adults alike, stages jazz performances for free. During holidays or celebrations such as Lunar New Year, Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the sheltered, fully air-conditioned area of Clarke Quay lights up in celebration with performances.

Bars in Clarke Quay are generally rowdier than in the adjacent Boat Quay and Robertson Quay, and are frequented by locals, expats and foreigners of all (legitimate) ages. For the fairer sex, Clarke Quay is where you can abuse your feminine privileges on Wednesdays only, with complimentary entry and drinks from house pours to champagnes and martinis. Amenities are close, with ATMs, convenience stores and taxi stands all within a stone's throw of one another. Expect long taxi queues on weekend nights though, or be bold and cross the street to shorten the waiting time for both you and the driver.

Although Clarke Quay is a playground for night revelers, it is also worth a visit in the day. Lunch promotions and sets capped at $15 max are available in restaurants such as Tomo Izakaya, Hooters, Le Noir and any others. Most of the restaurants here are mid-range to high-end, and while acclaimed in their own right, you will certainly get a better deal elsewhere. Similar to Boat Quay, the choices are endless - from Asian such as in Coriander Leaf or Forbidden City to Australian in The Pump Room.