Boat Quay

Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay


Closest to the river mouth, this was once Singapore’s centre of commerce, and it remained an important economic area into the 1960s. By the mid-1980s, many of the shophouses were in ruins, businesses having shifted to high-tech cargo centres elsewhere on the island. Declared a conservation zone by the government, the area has undergone a significant facelift and is now crammed with pubs, touristy eateries and entertainment venues.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay attractions

1. Large Reclining Figure

0.09 MILES

Seemingly rising out of the water, this is one of artist Henry Moore's largest commissions.

2. Raffles Landing

0.11 MILES

This spot, between the Asian Civilisation Museum and Old Parliament House, marks the place where Sir Stamford Raffles landed in Singapore on 29 January…

4. Bird

0.13 MILES

A voluptuous bronze sculpture by Colombian figurative artist Fernando Botero.

5. Asian Civilisations Museum

0.15 MILES

This remarkable museum houses the region's most comprehensive collection of pan-Asian treasures. Its galleries explore the history, cultures, textiles and…

6. Old Parliament House

0.17 MILES

Built in 1826, the Old Parliament House is Singapore's oldest government building. Originally a private mansion, it became a courthouse, then the Assembly…

7. Parliament House

0.17 MILES

Often referred to as 'new Parliament', the building is situated behind the Old Parliament House. It was opened in 1999 and proceedings are open to the…

8. Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall

0.18 MILES

Completed in 1862, the Victoria Theatre was one of Singapore's first Victorian Revivalist buildings, inspired by the Italian Renaissance. It reopened in…