Bugis & Kampong Glam

Changi

Chinatown

East Coast

Indonesia

Marina Bay & Civic District

Sentosa Island

About Us

TRAVJOY

CITIES

XMLID_468_.svg

Chat with us

mail_send_envelope_envelope_email_message_unopened_sealed_close_8cc78e55d6.png

query@travjoy.com

GET HELP 24 / 7

Trav_Logo_aa739c59ff.svg

Experience Providers

Affiliates

Creators & Influencers

PARTNERS

upi.svg

Discover_a828ad0dd1.svg

Paypal_05b4c0b013.svg

Visa_c472a14759.svg

Mastercard_fc8c29e8bd.svg

PAYMENTS WE ACCEPT

linkedin.png

facebook.png

SOCIAL MEDIA

business.svg

Business

couple.svg

Couple

kids.svg

Kids

luxury.svg

Luxury

elder.svg

Seniors

solo.svg

Solo

adventure.svg

Adventure

art-and-heritage.svg

Art & Heritage

cruising-water.svg

Cruising & Watersports

f-and-b.svg

F & B

tours.svg

Guided Tours

Hidden Gems

icons.svg

Icons

Nature & Parks

nightlife.svg

Nightlife

shopping.svg

Shopping

shows.svg

Shows

theme-parks.svg

Theme Parks

TJ__TravJoy Logo.png

TravjoyLogo

Search

My Wishlist

Adeline Ee - Singapore LE.jpg

Singapore

Since 1887, this storied hotel has defined colonial elegance in Singapore—host to celebrities and royalty, and birthplace of the famed Singapore Sling cocktail. Its white arcades and courtyards still exude old-world tropical charm amid the city.<br/>
Ceiling fans stir the warm air under lofty verandas. The scent of frangipani drifts through colonial courtyards, mingling with the clink of china and soft piano notes echoing from the Grand Lobby.<br/>
- National Monument (gazetted 1987)
- World’s 6th Best Hotel (World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024)
- Forbes Travel Guide ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8 years running)


tabler_icon_sparkles_2ccf094353.svg

Highlights

All Experiences

Deep Dive

• Singapore Sling – The original 1915 recipe was lost for decades until a lucky discovery of notes in the hotel’s archives. The current famous pink recipe is a recreation that still uses grenadine, gin, and pineapple juice to emulate the original’s flavor.

• Tiger Under the Table – Yes, there was an actual tiger incident! In 1902, a wild tiger escaped from a nearby circus and hid under Raffles’ Bar & Billiard Room. It was eventually shot by a reserve officer, making newspaper headlines worldwide.

• Literary Legacy – W. Somerset Maugham set some of his short stories at Raffles Hotel. He once quipped that Raffles stood for “all the fables of the exotic East,” a testament to how the hotel’s atmosphere inspired creative minds.

tabler_icon_bulb_1_7ae3c600db.svg

Did You Know?

• Armenian Founders: Raffles was established by the Sarkies Brothers (Armenian hoteliers) who opened its doors in 1887. It started as a 10-room bungalow by the beach; successive expansions added wings, including the famous veranda-wing in 1894.

from writers like Somerset Maugham (who penned stories in the garden) to Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin and royalty such as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. These halls echo with their anecdotes.

• Famous Guests: Over the decades, Raffles hosted the rich and famous

• War and Peace: The hotel has seen turbulent times. In WWII, it was renamed Syonan Ryokan under Japanese occupation, and legend says staff buried silverware in the Palm Court to hide it. When the war ended, British soldiers liberated Raffles and found the Japanese officers enjoying a final cocktail toast in the ballroom.

from the cast-iron portico to the breezy verandahs

• Architectural Conservation: Declared a National Monument on its centenary in 1987, Raffles underwent meticulous restorations (in the 1990s and again in 2017-2019). Architects preserved its distinct Neo-Renaissance tropical style

• Birth of the Sling: The hotel’s bartenders innovated in the early 20th century. The Singapore Sling was crafted in 1915 by Ngiam Tong Boon at Long Bar as a ladies’ cocktail disguised in pretty pink. This marketing genius turned the hotel into a cocktail destination, a tradition that carries on today.

Raffles Hotel is entwined with Singapore’s colonial history and cultural lore. Exploring its background reveals how it evolved from a beachfront bungalow to a world-renowned icon that has witnessed wartime dramas, literary creations, and society’s changing tides.

Explore Deeper

• Long Bar: The must-visit two-story bar for a taste of the original Singapore Sling. It opens from late morning to late night. Expect a lively colonial vibe (and yes, toss your peanut shells on the floor!)

• Raffles Courtyard: A breezy al fresco bar in the hotel’s central open courtyard. Offers happy hour cocktails and light bites amid palm trees – an excellent spot to relax in the early evening.

tabler_icon_soup_d25b37ff02.svg

Food & Coffee Shops

• Best Time: Evenings are magical – around 5-7pm the hotel is bathed in golden light and the atmosphere is lively with live piano music in the lobby. Alternatively, late mornings on weekdays are quieter for exploring the arcade and lobby without crowds.

• Hack: To avoid Long Bar’s infamous queue, visit right when it opens (around 11am) or later in the afternoon between lunch and dinner rush. Also, if the Long Bar is full, you can order the same original Singapore Sling at Raffles Courtyard bar with less wait.

• Hidden Gem: There’s a small History Gallery in the Raffles Arcade (near the gift shop) with vintage photographs and artifacts from the hotel’s past – it’s free to enter and offers a quick, enriching self-tour of Raffles’ heritage.

Insider Tips

• Layout: Raffles is composed of several wings around central gardens. The main lobby leads straight through to the Palm Court. To the left (north) of the lobby is the Raffles Arcade (shopping wing), and to the right are restaurants like the Tiffin Room.

• Signage: Directional signs in elegant script guide you to key sites ("Long Bar upstairs", "Tiffin Room", etc.). The Arcade hallway has clear signage to shops and bars. When in doubt, uniformed staff are stationed throughout and are very helpful with directions.

• Guest-Only vs Public: Public areas include the ground-floor lobby, courtyards, Arcade shops, and dining venues. Access to upstairs corridors or the hotel guest pool/gym require a keycard. If you’re on a self-tour, remain on the ground level unless escorted on a paid tour or by staff.

• Tours: If you desire a deeper look, inquire at the concierge about the History Tour. They run a scheduled heritage tour for guests (and sometimes the public by appointment) that walks you through the hotel’s stories and some exclusive areas.

Internal Navigation

Know Before You Go

- • MRT: City Hall MRT (East-West & North-South Lines) is a 5-minute walk (exit via Stamford Road and walk towards Beach Road). Esplanade MRT (Circle Line) also is about 5 minutes via underground link to Raffles City mall next door.
- • Taxi/Rideshare: Easiest to be dropped at the main entrance on Beach Road (just tell the driver ‘Raffles Hotel’). A doorman will be there to assist. If driving, note there is limited valet parking for guests only.
- • Entrances: The grand main entrance on Beach Road leads into the lobby. A side entrance on North Bridge Road takes you directly into Raffles Arcade. All public entrances are step-free (with ramps) and wheelchair-accessible.

Getting There & Entrances

- • Washrooms/lockers/ATMs/cafés: Public restrooms for visitors can be found in the Arcade and near the lobby (spotless and well-appointed). No public lockers or ATMs inside – nearest ATM is in Raffles City mall next door. Multiple cafes/bars on-site (Raffles Courtyard for casual drinks, Ah Teng’s bakery is now Raffles Boutique Café in the arcade for coffee and pastries).
- • Baby care/prayer/relaxation: No dedicated nursing room for non-guests, but the spacious restroom lounges could serve in a pinch. No prayer rooms on premises, given it’s a hotel. Plenty of seating in the courtyards and lobby areas for a rest – the atmosphere is leisurely, and staff won’t mind if you sit and soak it in.
- • Notable missing/unexpected: Access to guest areas (like the pool, guest room wings, and rooftop) is exclusive to residents – day visitors are limited to ground-floor public spaces, Arcade shops, and dining outlets. Also, note the dress code: while not extremely strict, the hotel expects visitors to be dressed respectfully (e.g., no swim shorts).

Amenities

Know Your FactsOnce You Reach

Approx Price For Two

Best Places to try

Cuisine

Operating Hours

Popular Drinks

Signature Dishes

Snapshot

Tips

What it is

Once You Reach

Persona Fit

• Signature Shot: Capture the hotel’s iconic façade – stand across Beach Road to fit the grand white colonial frontage and palm-lined driveway in frame. Best done in early morning or at dusk when lighting is softer.

• Interior Photos: The Grand Lobby’s chandelier and period furniture make a great shot. Use a wide-angle to encompass the space. Photography is allowed in public areas, but be discreet and avoid flash to respect the calm ambiance.

• Details & Angles: Don’t miss the details – the spiral staircase in the lobby’s corner or the antique grandfather clock. The second level of the Arcade gives a nice overhead perspective of the courtyard and lobby if accessible.

Photography Tips

Yes – visitors are welcome in Raffles Hotel’s public areas. You can stroll through the grand lobby and wander the airy courtyards freely. Many non-guests visit for the dining experiences: enjoy a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar, afternoon tea at the Grand Lobby, or dinner at one of its restaurants. Just remember to dress appropriately (smart casual attire) to respect the hotel’s elegant environment.

Can I visit Raffles Hotel even if I’m not staying there?

Smart casual wear is recommended when visiting Raffles. While you don’t need formal attire during the day, avoid very casual items like flip-flops, swimwear or gym clothes. In the evening and in venues like the Tiffin Room or Writers Bar, a collared shirt and proper footwear (and equivalent attire for ladies) would be appropriate. Essentially, neat and presentable attire will ensure you blend in at this iconic luxury hotel.

Do I need to dress up to go to the Raffles Hotel or its bars?

tabler_icon_question_mark_55f1ecf32f.svg

Plan Your Visit

Pro Tips

tabler_icon_circle_check_f0176ff04a.svg

National Gallery Singapore — expansive art museum housed in historic buildings (5-minute walk), showcasing Southeast Asian art and offering a rooftop view of the Padang

CHIJMES — a vibrant dining and nightlife enclave in a beautifully restored convent building right across the street, perfect for continuing the elegant atmosphere with dinner or drinks

Esplanade Theatres on the Bay — an iconic durian-shaped performing arts center 10 minutes away, where you can catch a concert or simply enjoy waterfront views along Marina Bay

Things To Do Nearby

Explore the high-rise neon jungle of Singapore and get spirited around this vibrant futuristic city in comfort and style aboard the Big Bus Singapore. 

This tour will help you find your feet before exploring the many cultural gems and bucket-list wonders Singapore has to offer, with two sightseeing routes focused on the city’s modern culture and traditional heritage.

**Yellow Line (City Route):** Blends iconic landmarks with Orchard Road shopping hot spots.

**Red Line (Heritage Route):** Lets you discover the cultural variety and distinctive architecture of Little India and Chinatown.

Be dazzled by the jet-streaming colours of the enormous Fountain of Wealth, see the famous Marina Bay Sands complex,
the spectacular Gardens by the Bay, and lots more, as you weave around the incredible waterfront scenery of the Lion City.

Big Bus Tours Singapore

Big Bus Singapore: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Singapore Hop-on Hop-off Tours

tiqets.svg

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Singapore from a unique perspective! Get to know Singapore on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, with city highlights, hidden gems, storytelling, and a local treat - this tour has it all! 

Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Singapore at its best but from the eyes of a local. Check out main landmarks like Colonial District, Tiong Bahru Market, Chinatown and uncover hidden gems and city secrets with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. And the cherry on top, a local treat is included.

Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups.

Withlocals

Singapore PRIVATE TOUR: Highlights & Hidden Gems by CAR or Foot

viator.svg

Raffles Hotel

Singapore: Raffles Hotel

Persona Fit

Highlights

2 Curated Booking Options

Adeline Ee

Table of Contents

Once You Reach

Similar Options you'd love