Robertson Quay – from trading center to lifestyle oasis
Before Robertson Quay became the lively hotspot on the Singapore River that it is today, it was an important trading center. In the 19th century, the warehouses served as a central hub for goods such as spices, rice, and rubber, driving Singapore’s economy.
In the 1990s, however, the area took a whole new direction. The old warehouses were renovated and transformed into trendy restaurants, bars, and art galleries. The promenade along the river was also modernized, and the area became a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Today, Robertson Quay is a mixture of modern architecture and historical elements. You can still see traces of the past, but instead of warehouses, there are now cool cafés, stylish hotels, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to stroll and linger. It is this unique mix of history and modernity that makes Robertson Quay so unique. As you walk through the streets, you can still feel the old trading history, but with a modern twist.
Robertson Quay – why you have to discover this area in Singapore
When you visit Singapore, there are many places you should definitely put on your list – but Robertson Quay has a special place in our hearts. Not only is this area incredibly charming, but it also offers a perfect mix of restaurants, cafes, art, and laid-back vibes right on the Singapore River. We were lucky to spend four days in this corner of the city, and we’re taking you on our little tour of Robertson Quay.
Strolling along the Singapore River
After breakfast, we went for a relaxing stroll along the Singapore River. The promenade is beautifully laid out, and as you stroll along, you will discover small sculptures, charming restaurants, and even some art galleries. We particularly liked that Robertson Quay is much quieter than the hectic Clarke Quay. Here, you can feel Singapore’s life pace from an entirely different perspective: relaxed yet exciting.
Art and culture
In the afternoons, we often explored art and culture. Not far from Robertson Quay is the STPI Creative Workshop & Gallery, which is definitely worth a visit. There are regular exhibitions here; the best thing is that you can even watch artists work on-site or participate in a workshop yourself. If you’re interested in art, you’ll love this small but lovely place.
Sports facilities: from yoga to weight training
Robertson Quay offers some great opportunities to start the day in a sporty way, whether it’s yoga, Muay Thai, or gyms. We opted for a yoga session at “Freedom Yoga.” The studios here are super modern, and the classes are also suitable for beginners. After the class, we felt relaxed and ready for the day.
A walk to Tiong Bahru Market
If you take a little time in the morning, you can detour from Robertson Quay to the charming Tiong Bahru district. It’s a pleasant walk, and Tiong Bahru Market is perfect for a quick snack or an authentic hawker-style breakfast. Be sure to try the dumplings or the traditional kaya toast!
Conclusion: Why Robertson Quay belongs on your Singapore list
After four days in Robertson Quay, we can say that this area has everything you need to get to know Singapore from a quiet, relaxed side. From delicious food to art to a laid-back promenade, Robertson Quay offers the perfect mix of urban chic and cozy. It’s a place where you can take a deep breath, enjoy the beauty of Singapore, and still discover a lot. Most importantly, it’s wonderfully connected to the rest of the city.
So the next time you’re in Singapore, make sure you plan some time in Robertson Quay – you won’t regret it!
Our stay at the InterContinental Robertson Quay – four days of pure indulgence
We spent our time in Singapore in two areas, one of which was Robertson Quay, where we stayed at the InterContinental Robertson Quay – and we have to say, it was a very good decision. The hotel is modern, luxurious, and cozy simultaneously, and the area is perfect to experience and explore Singapore.
We had a King Classic River View room overlooking the Singapore River, and that view alone was reason enough to love the hotel. There was just something magical about looking out over the calm water with your first coffee in the morning or watching the city lights in the evening. The hotel room had ultra-modern furnishings and the bathroom area was also fully equipped. Everything was built with an open-plan concept, but you can also separate the bedroom from the bathroom area with a pull-out partition if required. However, we didn’t do this. Another big plus point for us was that we could work well with the WiFi, and there was even a small seating area.
A perfect start to the day – breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel was a highlight every morning. The selection was huge, and whether it was fresh fruit, fluffy pancakes, or savory options such as avocado toast and Asian dishes – there was something for everyone. We’ve definitely never tried so many different breakfast dishes in such a short time. Everything was fresh and delicious and served in a relaxed atmosphere so that we could start the day in peace. As we had booked with access to the Club InterContinental Lounge, we could choose between breakfast in the lounge and the “Publico” restaurant. We particularly enjoyed breakfast on the outdoor terrace of the Club InterContinental Lounge. However, we also have to say that breakfast in the hotel’s adjoining restaurant, “Publico,” was also great, with even more choices.
Sport, relaxation, and a bit of action
Even though it was hard to leave breakfast, we took the time to try out the hotel gym. It’s super modern and the training there was really fun. Afterward, we usually went straight to the pool to relax and soak up some sun after our workout. It is located in a beautiful outdoor area, is pleasantly quiet, and is perfect for relaxing. We spent hours there reading, relaxing, and simply enjoying the time.
The hotel’s bike rental service was a special extra, which is included for hotel guests. One afternoon, we rode along the Singapore River and explored Robertson Quay and the surrounding areas. The paths are great for cycling, and there are little cafés and nice places to stop everywhere. It was great to experience the city from a different perspective and a nice way to stay active at the same time.
The ICSRQ also offers a program called “The Quay Insider Program.” This offers hotel guests additional privileges during their stay and the opportunity to book activities outside the hotel. For example, we visited the “Freedom Yoga” studio one day and took part in a hot yoga class for beginners, which was great fun and perfectly instructed so that even absolute beginners were able to keep up. We came into contact with locals again here and found it very relaxed how people do sport in Singapore, which we usually only know very anonymously from Germany.
There are also other great activities to discover within walking distance of the hotel. You can visit various galleries, linger in cafés or go shopping. Our personal highlight here was The Ice Bath Club. This members-only club offers saunas, ice bathing, and a heated bath. You usually spend an hour here and make several rounds. We started with the sauna, then went to the ice bath and heat bath. The ice baths offer two different levels (6 degrees and 12 degrees). Both levels are definitely an incredible mental challenge.
On the other hand, the heat bath uses additives to help relax your muscles and body. There are plans on display in the studio showing you how best to alternate between the different options. The studio also has a café so you can order a snack or tasty coffee before or after.
Evenings in the Club Lounge – canapés and cocktails with a view
Another plus point of our stay was the access to the Club InterContinental Lounge. It offers afternoon tea in the early afternoon and canapés and cocktails in the evening. Afternoon tea is the perfect time to fortify yourself with tasty snacks and enjoy tea or coffee. In the evening, you can enjoy the sunset on the lounge terrace with delicious canapés and perfectly mixed cocktails. The selection was excellent and everything was served with so much attention to detail. But what we liked best was the relaxed atmosphere – the perfect way to end the day while gazing into the distance and watching the sunset.
Conclusion: A hotel that leaves nothing to be desired
After four days at the InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay, we were absolutely thrilled. Everything was perfect, from the service and the hotel room to the extras such as the pool, gym, and bicycles. It was just the right mix of relaxation and activity, and we felt completely at ease. So, if you are looking for a place in Singapore that is modern, stylish, and cozy at the same time, we can highly recommend the InterContinental Robertson Quay in Singapore.
