Raffles Place, Financial district in Downtown Core, Singapore
Raffles Place is an administrative district and financial center in downtown Singapore that spreads along the southern waterfront. The area contains modern glass-and-steel high-rises housing banking institutions and corporate headquarters, with some older buildings still standing between the newer towers.
The district started as Commercial Square in the 1820s, a simple marketplace, and gradually developed into Singapore's main financial center. This transformation sped up in the 1960s when high-rises began replacing older structures, creating the skyline we see today.
The area shows Singapore's modern prosperity through its skyline, where contemporary towers stand alongside older colonial structures from earlier times. Office workers fill the streets during business hours, and the public spaces between buildings serve as gathering spots for lunch breaks and meetings.
The Raffles Place MRT station is a major transportation hub connecting the area to multiple train lines and buses throughout Singapore. The district is best explored on foot as it is fairly compact, with most key locations easily accessible.
Three skyscrapers—One Raffles Place, Republic Plaza, and UOB Plaza—each reach about 280 meters high and together form a striking landmark in Singapore's skyline. Built at different times, their similar heights and close proximity make them especially noticeable from many viewpoints across the city.
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