BOAT QUAY. The seat of Singapore's economic development, Boat Quay was also a popular site among Chinese immigrants who built rows of shophouses along the south side of the river in the belief that the carp-belly shape of the shoreline would bring them luck. Today, those shophouses have been renovated and are now the center of an eclectic and lively dining and entertainment district. Some of the hot spots: Harry's Bar is known as THE place for jazz and networking, the Penny Black is a cozy Victorian pub, while Molly Malone's is as authentic an Irish bar as you'll find outside of Ireland (having been built on the Emerald Isle and shipped to Singapore). Individual business hours vary; some bars may have a cover charge.

CHIJMES. The Chijmes shopping, dining and entertainment complex is an excellent example of historic architecture being revamped for modern use. Founded in the 1800s, the Catholic "Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus" started out as a small house but over the years grew to include a beautiful Gothic-style chapel and school. The convent moved to a more modern space in the early 1980s leaving the entire sprawling complex vacant. Fortunately, much of the complex was spared and today houses a wide variety of businesses. Among the restaurants are Lei Garden and Esmirada Grill & Wine Bar. Bars and nightclubs are abundant, and include the ever-popular Irish-themed Father Flanagan's, and Insomnia, popular for live music. Individual business hours vary; nightclubs may have a cover charge.

CLARKE QUAY. Every Sunday, colorful Clarke Quay has a big flea market where you can find some great deals on out-of-the-ordinary items. The rest of the week, the colorful former warehouse district is a fun place to look for antiques and home furnishings, kitschy souvenirs and t-shirts. Food options are nearly boundless ­ nosh on satay from a street vendor or partake of a fine sit-down dinner at an upscale restaurant. Nightlife is hopping here as well ­ there is truly something for every taste and preference, from intimate jazz bars to hard-partying dance clubs. And adventurous types will want to check out the G-Max Reverse Bungy, a thrill ride if ever there was one!

ORCHARD ROAD. Emerald Hill is a prestigious street with a row of former shophouses that have been converted into upscale nightspots. At #5 Emerald Hill Cocktail Bar you'll find a classy space that capitalizes on architectural details and an exceptional array of cocktails and shooters. Que Pasa is a trendy wine and tapas bar decorated to resemble a "Spanish provisions store" with shelves of wine and canned goods, barrel tables and wood. Ice Cold Beer is the most casual and hardest-partying of the three, and boasts special ice tanks that perfectly chill your beer in no time flat (well, almost), plasma TVs, darts and pool, plus good pub grub, all to the tune of classic rock standards.

CLARKE QUAY. Make it past the giant terracotta warrior replicas looming scarily in the entrance and you'll find yourself in the decadent yet cozy Bar CoCoon, where trendy locals and savvy expats unwind after a hard day's slog at the office. Ladies' night on Wednesdays offers one-for-one deals. Need an escape from Singapore's extreme heat? Head into the minus-15 degrees Celsius Ice Palace, and just before the hypothermia hits, warm your innards with a shot ­ or several ­ of vodka.