Raffles Place

Raffles Place is the central square and financial district in Downtown Core, Singapore, located south of the Singapore River. Originally planned as Commercial Square by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1822, it is now the heart of Singapore's Central Business District. The area is notable for its cluster of skyscrapers, historic buildings, Raffles Place Park, and Raffles Place MRT interchange, serving as a major business and visitor hub.

Visitors can expect an open urban square surrounded by high-rise office towers, banks, and historic shophouses, with Raffles Place Park providing landscaped greenery, seating and sculptures in the centre. The area is paved and pedestrian-friendly with underground linkways connecting to the MRT station, shopping arcades and food courts. Visitors can walk around the square, view colonial-era buildings alongside modern architecture, and access the Singapore River waterfront nearby.

Designated as Commercial Square in Sir Stamford Raffles' Town Plan of 1822 as the commercial centre of the colonial settlement. Renamed Raffles Place in 1858 in honour of Stamford Raffles. Developed as the main commercial and financial hub during the 19th and 20th centuries, with land reclamation and high-rise development transforming it into Singapore's Central Business District.

Serves as the symbolic and functional heart of Singapore's financial and business district, representing the city's development from a colonial trading port to a global financial centre. The square is a focal point for business, commerce and urban life, surrounded by institutions and landmarks that reflect Singapore's economic heritage.