Romantic Spots along Singapore River
Every city you love has a romantic river. Paris has the Seinne, and London has the Thames. Well, Singapore has the Singapore River. She has seen all of Singapore’s rise and fall, from the very beginning. She witnessed the ebbs and flows of the nation’s every passion. The lifeline of this bustling city-state now throngs with bars, cafes, and restaurants. On weekends, happy crowds take leisurely walks by the banks, where joggers and cyclists zip between them. You may know its more recognisable neighbourhood, Clarke Quay. But if you want a quick escape from the bustle, there are hidden corners for a little more space and time to soak in the quiet beauty of the Singapore River. Read on for romantic spots along the Singapore River that we’ve found.
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Singapore River: The Flow of History
The river runs nearly 3.2 kilometres long, all the way to Kim Seng Bridge. Her history could have dated as far back as the Majapahit Empire. Originating from Bukit Timah Hill, the storied waterway has been a party to Singapore’s resilience and transformation. It served as the nation’s lifeblood, connecting the industrial establishments upriver to traders at Marina Bay. But as the city grew prosperous, the river fell into neglect. Clean-up and revitalization of the river only began in the 1980s and 1990s, transforming it into today’s alluring waterway.
Its banks have seen skyscrapers rise from shophouses and warehouses. Condominiums have taken the place of sawmills and distilleries. Waters that once teemed with barges and lighters to the harbour at the river’s mouth have since given way to iconic ferry tours. If you’re lucky, you could even spot families of otters merrily swimming along its bends.
Sparking Romance along the Singapore River
You’d be remiss if your mind turns to Clarke Quay and its buzzy restaurants and bars. But Clarke Quay is only one aspect of the river’s charm. There’s plenty to see and do with your significant other if you want to escape the thronging crowds at Clarke Quay, and have more time and space to enjoy each other’s company. So here are some romantic hideouts we’ve discovered along the Singapore River.
1. Robertson Quay
It’s like Clarke Quay’s snappy, fashionable sister. There are plenty of swanky restaurants across all kinds of cuisine. Want a hearty brunch before embarking on the rest of the romantic weekend? Toby’s Estate is the one to go to, with its decadent coffee and hearty all-day breakfast mains. Want that quintessential Italian dinner for Valentine’s? Head to Rosso Vino for authentic Italian pasta and risotto. For those wanting a French twist on your romantic dinner, we recommend Les Bouchons Rive Gauche. Can’t decide yet? The Quayside has a constellation of restaurants that will serve any palate, from sushi to braised lamb burritos.
2. Kim Seng Park
The park is sandwiched between Kim Seng Bridge and Robertson Bridge, not far from the Great World MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line. Of course, the rest of the Alexandra Park Connector is beautiful as it runs from Tanglin Road to Zion Road. But we love Kim Seng Park for how the verdant trees line the path, and how the footpath bends gently with the river. The trees are so tall and lush that you can’t even see all the high-rises. When you walk underneath the trees in the evening, a beautiful blend of gold and emerald colours the scene. It’s as if time has ceased to exist, and there is only this tiny stretch of peace.
3. Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall
Victoria Hall is a mainstay of Singapore’s arts and culture scene. The major theatre companies in Singapore have stage productions there. It’s also home to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO)—Singapore’s flagship orchestra. The weekend before this Valentine’s, why not catch ‘Love is in the Air’, where we dive into the blistering romance that lies in the melodies of Robert and Clara Schumann, the most famous couple in the history of Romantic classical music.
Or you can explore the theatre by touring its hallowed halls and the Clock Tower. Like the Singapore River, the Victoria Theatre has been through many lifetimes too. It was built as a Town Hall with a theatre in 1862, though it was too small for either purpose. From 1862 to 1876, it housed the Singapore Library as well. A public hall was built later in 1901 to memorialise the passing of Queen Victoria, before its iconic clock tower was designed to give the impression of a single building. Victoria Hall, as we know it, was born. The new hall now consisted a stage, stalls and pit on the ground floor, a dress circle, a promenade and a gallery on top of the foyer.
4. Asian Civilisation Museum
The museum is located in the Empress Place Building, which originally housed government offices during British colonial rule. In 2003, the Asian Civilisation Museum moved from its premises at the Old Tao Nan School on Armenian Street. The museum pioneered a focus on pan-Asian cultures and civilisations in the region. The esteemed museum continues exploring and showcasing the material history of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia, from which the diverse ethnic groups of Singapore trace their ancestry.
So why not look inwards to find balance with your significant other? The ACM explores wellness and the wholeness of body, spirit, and mind with Body and Spirit: The Human Body in Thought and Practice. It features over 100 objects from the National Collection, private collectors, and local communities. Featuring an impressive display of sacred and ritual art from Singapore and Southeast Asia that examines how religions view the human body through rituals, healing practises, pilgrimages, and divine images.
5. Fort Canning Park (Bukit Larangan)
The museum is located in the Empress Place Building, which originally housed government offices during British colonial rule. In 2003, the Asian Civilisation Museum moved from its premises at the Old Tao Nan School on Armenian Street. The museum pioneered a focus on pan-Asian cultures and civilisations in the region. The esteemed museum continues exploring and showcasing the material history of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia, from which the diverse ethnic groups of Singapore trace their ancestry.
So why not look inwards to find balance with your significant other. The ACM explores wellness and the wholeness of body, spirit, and mind with Body and Spirit: The Human Body in Thought and Practice. It features over 100 objects from the National Collection, private collectors, and local communities. Featuring an impressive display of sacred and ritual art from Singapore and Southeast Asia that examines how religions view the human body through rituals, healing practises, pilgrimages, and divine images.
Want to Stay Long-Term in Singapore River & Clarke Quay?
SOHO @ Central
Why not wake up to the river every day? Perched atop Clarke Quay MRT station (North East Line), SOHO @ Central is where you can let the Singapore River inspire a new way of life. Everything you need for business, entertainment, and recreation is all at your doorstep. It’s only a 5-minute walk from City Hall MRT, an interchange for the North South Line and East West Line.
Our studio apartment for rent there enjoys a column-free design and 4.5m floor-to-floor height, providing flexibility and creativity in carving your own living spaces and working spaces. The unit comes fully furnished with a fully-equipped kitchenette, making it an exciting home away from home for business travellers and digital nomads alike.
