Raffles Hotel

The Basics

The Raffles Hotel Singapore’s landmark status makes it a must-visit for any Singapore visitor, guests and nonguests alike. Join a walking tour and explore Singapore’s colonial past, sip afternoon tea in the Tiffin Room, order a classic Singapore Sling in the Long Bar, or simply marvel at the spectacular colonial architecture. Then, visit other points of interest like the Raffles Landing Site and buzzy Clarke Quay, both common stops on Singapore city tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

• A stop at the Raffles Hotel is a must for history buffs, architecture fans, and first-time visitors to Singapore.

• Visit the hotel on your own or as part of a historic sightseeing tour.

• Be sure to check the dress code for the experience you’re planning; the hotel’s bars and restaurants range from casual to somewhat formal.

• Don't leave without trying the famed Singapore Sling cocktail, invented by Ngiam Tong Boon at the Raffles Hotel in 1915.

How to Get There

The Raffles Hotel is located just a couple of minutes from Singapore’s famous Orchard Road shopping street and 20 minutes from Changi International Airport. It’s also easy to reach by rapid transit—take the metro to the Raffles Place MRT stop.

When to Get There

What type of experience you’re looking to have will determine the best time to visit the hotel. Many travelers come for a Singapore Sling at the historic Long Bar or Billiard Room, both open throughout the day and into the night. Another popular option is an afternoon visit for high tea. The hotel itself is operational year-round.

The Man Behind the Name

Like many buildings, roads, and monuments in Singapore, the Raffles Hotel gets its name from Sir Stamford Raffles, the British statesman who founded modern Singapore in February 1819. Interestingly, Raffles also founded the London Zoo—one of the world’s oldest—as well as Singapore’s first botanical garden on Fort Canning Hill. Mt. Sophia was named after Sophia Hull, Raffles’ second wife.