Read Bridge is the covered footbridge that crosses the Singapore River at Clarke Quay, connecting the main cluster of restaurants and nightlife venues on the north bank with the quieter walkway and retail outlets on the south bank. Officially known as Read Bridge but sometimes still referred to by its colonial-era name, the bridge is one of the most photographed landmarks along the river. It also serves as a practical link for anyone exploring the precinct on foot.

This article covers the bridge’s history, its design, how to get there, and what you can see and do within a few minutes’ walk from either end. It is part of a broader guide to the Singapore River precinct.

History of Read Bridge

Read Bridge was first built in 1889, replacing an earlier wooden footbridge that had stood at the same location. The bridge was named after William Henry Macleod Read, a prominent Scottish merchant and consul for the Netherlands in Singapore during the 19th century. Read was also a founding member of the Singapore Chamber of Commerce and served as a municipal commissioner.

The original structure was a wooden bridge with a roof, designed to provide shelter for pedestrians crossing the river. In 1895, the bridge was reconstructed using steel and iron, giving it the form that remains largely intact today. The covered design was retained, making Read Bridge one of the few remaining covered footbridges in Singapore.

The bridge underwent major restoration in the 1990s as part of the broader Singapore River revitalization project. That project, led by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), aimed to transform the riverbanks from a working port and warehouse district into a vibrant commercial and entertainment area. The restoration preserved the bridge’s original cast-iron railings and roof structure while reinforcing its foundations.

In 2009, Read Bridge was gazetted as a conserved structure by the URA, meaning any future changes require approval to preserve its heritage character. The bridge is also part of the Singapore River Heritage Trail, which includes informational panels at both ends.

Design and Architecture

Read Bridge measures approximately 50 metres in length and 6 metres in width. Its most distinctive feature is the pitched roof covered with clay tiles, supported by cast-iron columns. The roof provides continuous shade, which is appreciated by pedestrians during the tropical heat of midday and during sudden rain showers.

The bridge deck is surfaced with timber planks, though the underlying structure is steel. The railings are original cast iron, painted in a dark green colour that matches the heritage colour scheme used on other conserved bridges along the river, such as Cavenagh Bridge and Anderson Bridge. Decorative metalwork includes scroll patterns and the year “1895” embossed on the side panels.

At night, the bridge is lit by warm-coloured LED lights installed beneath the roof beams. This lighting was added during the 2015 Clarke Quay revitalisation works and is designed to highlight the bridge’s silhouette without overwhelming the surrounding street-level lighting. The bridge is pedestrian-only; bicycles must be dismounted while crossing.

How to Get to Read Bridge

By MRT

The nearest MRT station is Fort Canning MRT (DT20) on the Downtown Line. From Exit A, walk down River Valley Road towards Clarke Quay. The bridge is about a 5-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, Clarke Quay MRT (NE5) on the North East Line is a 7-minute walk via the north bank walkway.

By Bus

Bus stops along River Valley Road serve the area. Services 32, 54, 195, and 195A stop at the “Opp Clarke Quay” bus stop (ID 04221), which is a 2-minute walk from the bridge’s south end. Services 63, 64, 65, 124, and 851 stop at the “Clarke Quay” bus stop (ID 04229) on the north bank.

By Taxi or Ride-Hailing

Drop-off points are available on both sides. On the north bank, taxis can stop along River Valley Road near the entrance to Liang Court. On the south bank, the drop-off is along Read Road, directly at the bridge’s foot. A ride from the city centre typically costs between S$8 and S$12 during off-peak hours.

By Boat

Riverboat tours operated by Singapore River Cruise and WaterB stop at the Clarke Quay Jetty, which is located about 50 metres east of Read Bridge on the north bank. A one-way ticket between Clarke Quay and Boat Quay costs S$4 for adults and S$2 for children. For more details, see the article on Singapore River boat tours.

Things to See and Do Around Read Bridge

Dining and Nightlife on the North Bank

The north bank of Read Bridge is where most of Clarke Quay’s nightlife and dining are concentrated. From the bridge, you can walk directly into the pedestrianised zone that includes the following establishments:

  • Hooters – 3A River Valley Road, #01-01. American-style sports bar with outdoor seating. Open daily from 11:00 to 23:00.
  • Brewerkz – 3C River Valley Road, #01-02. Craft brewery with a full menu of pizzas, burgers, and salads. A pint of house ale costs about S$12.
  • Molly Malone’s Irish Pub – 3D River Valley Road, #01-01. Traditional Irish pub with live music on weekends. Guinness is S$16 per pint.
  • Zhong Guo Bar – 3B River Valley Road, #01-03. Chinese-themed cocktail bar with dim sum snacks.

For a broader overview of the nightlife options, refer to the guide on Clarke Quay nightlife and dining.

Japanese Supermarket and Retail at Liang Court

On the north bank, about 100 metres west of Read Bridge, is the Liang Court complex. The anchor tenant is Meidi-ya Supermarket, a Japanese grocery store that has operated at Liang Court since 1990. The supermarket occupies the basement level and sells a wide range of Japanese products, including fresh sashimi-grade fish, Wagyu beef, sake, and snacks. A 200-gram pack of Hokkaido scallops costs approximately S$18. The supermarket is open daily from 09:00 to 21:00.

Above the supermarket, on Level 2, is Daiso, a Japanese dollar store where most items are priced at S$2.18 (including GST). The store carries kitchenware, stationery, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies.

Liang Court also houses a food court on Level 3 called Food Republic, which has several stalls serving Japanese, Korean, and local cuisine. A meal at the food court averages S$8 to S$12 per person.

For a full history of the complex, see the article on Liang Court history from the 1980s to 2020.

The South Bank Promenade

Crossing Read Bridge to the south bank brings you to a quieter walkway that runs along the river. This side is less built up than the north bank and offers unobstructed views of the Clarke Quay shophouses and the river itself. Benches and shaded areas are available along the promenade.

The south bank connects to the Robertson Quay promenade, which continues upstream for about 800 metres. That stretch is lined with cafes, wine bars, and boutique hotels. A walk from Read Bridge to Robertson Quay takes roughly 10 minutes at a leisurely pace.

Fort Canning Park

From the north bank of Read Bridge, a 10-minute walk up River Valley Road leads to the entrance of Fort Canning Park. This 18-hectare park sits on a hill that was once the site of a 19th-century fort and earlier, the residence of Singapore’s British governors. The park contains historical artefacts, a spice garden, and several walking trails. Entry is free.

The park is open daily from 07:00 to 19:00. The nearest entrance from Read Bridge is via the staircase at the junction of River Valley Road and Canning Rise.

Events and Festivals at Read Bridge

Read Bridge is occasionally used as a venue for public events. During the Singapore River Festival, which takes place annually in August or September, the bridge is lit with coloured lights and sometimes hosts live acoustic music performances. The festival also includes a night market along the north bank and a fireworks display over the river.

In 2023, the bridge was the starting point for the “River of Light” walking tour, organised by the Singapore Heritage Society. That tour, which ran on weekends in October, attracted about 200 participants per session. Tickets were S$15 per person and sold out within a week.

Private events such as wedding photo shoots and corporate dinners are also permitted on the bridge with a permit from the National Parks Board, which manages the riverbank public spaces. Applications must be submitted at least 14 days in advance. The fee for a commercial photo shoot is S$50 per hour.

Practical Tips for Visiting Read Bridge

  • Best time to visit: Early morning (07:00 to 09:00) for a quiet walk with fewer crowds. Evening (18:00 to 20:00) for the sunset view and the start of the nightlife scene.
  • Photography: The bridge is a popular spot for photography, especially at golden hour. Tripods are allowed but may require a permit if used for commercial purposes.
  • Accessibility: The bridge is fully accessible to wheelchair users and prams. The timber deck has a non-slip surface, and the slope at both ends is gentle.
  • Nearby toilets: Public toilets are available at the Clarke Quay block on the north bank (next to Brewerkz) and at the Liang Court complex (Levels 1 and 3).
  • Weather: The bridge’s roof provides cover during rain, but the sides are open, so you may still get wet if the wind drives rain sideways. For advice on planning around the weather, see the article on Singapore weather and budgeting tips.

Nearby Accommodation

Several hotels are within a 10-minute walk of Read Bridge. Options include:

  • Park Hotel Clarke Quay – 1 Unity Street. 4-star hotel with a swimming pool. Standard rooms from S$180 per night.
  • Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay – 177A River Valley Road. 4-star hotel with family rooms. Rates from S$200 per night.
  • Rendezvous Hotel Singapore – 9 Bras Basah Road. 4-star hotel about 15 minutes’ walk away. Rooms from S$150 per night.

For a full list of options, refer to the guide on hotels near Clarke Quay.

Related Articles

  • The Complete Guide to Liang Court and the Singapore River Precinct
  • Clarke Quay Nightlife and Dining
  • Fort Canning MRT Station Guide
  • Meidi-ya Supermarket Legacy
  • Singapore River Boat Tours