Boat Quay is one of the most popular and lively destinations in Singapore, where you can enjoy a variety of dining and nightlife options along the scenic Singapore River. Whether you are looking for local delicacies, international cuisines, casual pubs, trendy clubs, or cultural attractions, Boat Quay has something for everyone. In this article, we will show you the best places to eat, drink, and have fun in Boat Quay, as well as how to get there and what to expect from this vibrant area.
How to Get to Boat Quay
Boat Quay is located in the central business district of Singapore, and it is easily accessible by different modes of transportation. Here are some of the ways you can get to Boat Quay:
MRT:
The nearest MRT station to Boat Quay is Raffles Place, which is on the East-West Line and the North-South Line. From there, you can walk for about 10 minutes along the river to reach Boat Quay.
Bus:
There are several bus stops near Boat Quay, such as Boat Quay, Opposite Hong Lim Park, and Opposite OCBC Centre. You can take buses such as 51, 63, 80, 124, 145, 166, 174, 197, 851, or 961 to get to these stops.
Taxi:
You can also take a taxi to Boat Quay, which is convenient and fast, especially at night. However, be aware of the peak hour surcharges and the ERP charges that may apply depending on the time and route.
Walking:
If you are already in the vicinity of Boat Quay, such as Clarke Quay, Chinatown, or Marina Bay, you can also walk to Boat Quay and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river and the city.
The Best Restaurants in Boat Quay
Boat Quay is a food lover's paradise, where you can find a wide range of dining options, from local hawker fare to international fine dining. Here are some of the best restaurants in Boat Quay that you should not miss:
Song Fa Bak Kut Teh: If you want to taste one of the most iconic dishes in Singapore, you should try the bak kut teh (pork rib soup) at Song Fa, which has been serving this dish since 1969. The soup is rich and peppery, and the pork ribs are tender and succulent. You can also order other dishes such as braised pig's trotters, salted vegetables, and youtiao (fried dough fritters) to go with your soup.
Absinthe: For a more upscale and romantic dining experience, you can visit Absinthe, which is a French restaurant that specializes in seafood and meat dishes. Some of the signature dishes include the lobster bisque, the foie gras terrine, the roasted duck breast, and the grilled wagyu beef. You can also enjoy a selection of wines and cocktails, as well as the namesake absinthe, which is a potent liquor with anise flavor.
Bella Pasta: If you are craving for some authentic Italian food, you can head to Bella Pasta, which is a cozy and casual restaurant that serves fresh and homemade pasta, pizza, and salads. You can choose from a variety of pasta dishes, such as the carbonara, the bolognese, the seafood linguine, and the truffle ravioli. You can also try their thin-crust pizzas, such as the margherita, the quattro formaggi, and the prosciutto e funghi.
Jumbo Seafood: No visit to Boat Quay is complete without trying the famous chili crab, which is a spicy and tangy dish that features fresh and succulent crabs cooked in a tomato-based sauce. Jumbo Seafood is one of the best places to enjoy this dish, as well as other seafood delicacies, such as the black pepper crab, the cereal prawns, and the fried squid. You can also order some mantou (steamed or fried buns) to dip into the sauce and soak up the flavor.
Meat Smith: If you are a meat lover, you will love Meat Smith, which is a modern smokehouse that offers a variety of smoked and grilled meats, such as brisket, ribs, chicken, and lamb. You can also try their fusion dishes, such as the tandoori chicken, the beef rendang, and the butter chicken. You can also pair your meat with some sides, such as the mac and cheese, the cornbread, and the coleslaw.
The Best Bars and Clubs in Boat Quay
Boat Quay is also a nightlife hotspot, where you can find a diverse and vibrant range of bars and clubs, from pubs and lounges to live music and comedy venues. Here are some of the best bars and clubs in Boat Quay that you should check out:
Canvas Club: If you are looking for a place to dance and party, you should go to Canvas Club, which is a nightclub that features local and international DJs, live bands, and performers. You can enjoy various genres of music, such as hip hop, house, techno, and reggae. You can also drink and mingle at the bar, which serves cocktails, beers, and shots.
RedDot BrewHouse: If you are a beer enthusiast, you should visit RedDot BrewHouse, which is a microbrewery that produces and serves its own craft beers, such as the lager, the pale ale, the wheat beer, and the stout. You can also try their seasonal and specialty beers, such as the green monster, the lime wheat, and the monster green lager. You can also order some snacks and mains, such as the chicken wings, the fish and chips, and the burgers.
The Spiffy Dapper: If you are looking for a more sophisticated and intimate bar, you should try The Spiffy Dapper, which is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar that is hidden on the second floor of a shophouse. You can enjoy a variety of cocktails, such as the old fashioned, the negroni, and the martini. You can also customize your own cocktail, by choosing your base spirit, flavor, and style. You can also nibble on some cheese and charcuterie boards, or order some food from the Indian restaurant downstairs.
Cat Café Neko no Niwa: If you are an animal lover, you will love Cat Café Neko no Niwa, which is a cat cafe that allows you to interact and play with adorable and friendly cats. You can also enjoy some drinks and desserts, such as coffee, tea, cakes, and ice cream. You can also buy some cat-themed souvenirs, such as mugs, magnets, and stickers. You will need to pay an entrance fee, which varies depending on the duration of your stay.
The Penny Black: If you are looking for a more traditional and relaxed pub, you should visit The Penny Black, which is a British-style pub that offers a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. You can watch live sports, play pool, or listen to live music at this pub. You can also drink and dine at this pub, which serves beers, wines, spirits, and classic pub grub, such as the fish and chips, the shepherd's pie, and the bangers and mash.
The Best Cafes and Cultural Sites in Boat Quay
Boat Quay is not only about food and drinks, but also about culture and history. You can find some alternative and relaxing options in Boat Quay, such as cafes, museums, galleries, and temples. Here are some of the best cafes and cultural sites in Boat Quay that you should explore:
The Book Café: If you are a bookworm, you will enjoy The Book Café, which is a cafe that doubles as a library and a bookstore. You can browse and read from a collection of books, magazines, and newspapers, or buy some books to take home. You can also enjoy some food and beverages, such as sandwiches, salads, soups, coffee, tea, and smoothies.
Asian Civilisations Museum: If you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of Asia, you should visit the Asian Civilisations Museum, which is a museum that showcases the diverse and rich heritage of Asia, especially the regions that are connected to Singapore. You can see various exhibits and artifacts, such as ceramics, textiles, sculptures, and paintings, from different countries and periods, such as China, India, Southeast Asia, and the Islamic world.
Singapore Tyler Print Institute: If you are an art lover, you should check out the Singapore Tyler Print Institute, which is a gallery and a workshop that focuses on printmaking and papermaking. You can see various artworks and exhibitions, such as prints, paintings, sculptures, and installations, by local and international artists. You can also join some workshops and courses, where you can learn and practice the techniques and skills of printmaking and papermaking.
Thian Hock Keng Temple: If you are looking for some spiritual and architectural beauty, you should visit the Thian Hock Keng Temple, which is a temple that is dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea. It is also the oldest and most important Hokkien temple in Singapore, and it is built in the traditional Chinese style, without using any nails. You can admire the intricate and colorful carvings, paintings, and statues that adorn the temple, and learn about its history and significance.
The Arts House: If you are looking for some literary and cultural events, you should check out The Arts House, which is a venue that hosts various programs and activities, such as readings, talks, workshops, festivals, and exhibitions. You can also explore the building, which was formerly the Parliament House of Singapore, and see its historical and architectural features.
Boat Quay is a must-visit destination in Singapore, where you can experience the best of dining and nightlife along the beautiful Singapore River. You can also discover the culture and history of Boat Quay, and enjoy some alternative and relaxing options. Whether you are a foodie, a party animal, a bookworm, or a culture vulture, Boat Quay has something for you.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Boat Quay today, and have a blast in this amazing area. You can use this link to find more information and resources that can help you.
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