There’s NO place like Singapore! Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia and one of the most popular travel destinations in the world! In case you’re planning a trip there soon, this Singapore travel guide is here to help. It contains my selection of the 12 best things to do in Singapore, as well as the best places to stay, where and what to eat, which tours to take, how to get around the city. And, if you can believe it, lots of personal extras too!

There are so many places to visit in Singapore, you won’t even believe it – from the incredible michelin star food stalls and charming, authentic neighbourhoods to the world-famous Gardens by the Bay and stunning Marina Bay Sands. There is a LOT of fun to be had. I truly believe it is worth it to stay for at least 3 days in Singapore in order to tick all the big sites off your bucket list. And after reading my Singapore guide, you will surely be tempted to stay an additional 3 days more!

Let’s go!

First of all, where is Singapore and why should I go?

Singapore is located right on the southern tip of Malaysia and close to Indonesia. It incorporates one main island and several other smaller islets. Singapore is a place of rich culture and history, with a vibrant nightlife, killer shopping scene and lots of world-renowned attractions. Plus an unbelievable skyline!

Just think about it: who hasn’t heard of the Marina Bay Sans at least once before? Who hasn’t seen at least one picture of the Gardens by the Bay? Singapore, also known as the “Lion City” (you’ll see why below) awaits with loads of iconic landmarks and exciting adventures to be had.

In short, there’s a lot to see, do and eat in Singapore. I actually spent 6 years growing up here as a kid, so I know a LOT about this awesome little country. And I absolutely love it. With my insider knowledge, let’s get you convinced too! Keep reading to find out everything there is to know in my complete Singapore travel guide:

Singapore Travel Guide – 12 Best things to do in Singapore

There is so much to see and do in Singapore. Heck, I even found an article on the web with 150 (!!!) things to do in Singapore – how can you even manage that? Where do you even start? No worries, in order to make your life easier, I have made a list with 12 of the BEST tourist spots out there. Only the Creme de la creme, trust me.

1 – Gardens by the Bay

D’uh, of course I’m starting the list with the best place in Singapore for allllll tourists out there! I’m sure everyone has heard about it and, in my humble opinion, although this spot is super touristy, there is no denying that it’s pretty darn cool. 

The Gardens by the Bay, located in the Marina Bay area, is a super modern green space made of “Supertrees”, as they call them – the Supertree Grove. These are metal structures resembling colourful trees at 25 to 50 m tall, covered in lush plants and flowers. It’s basically an urban garden in the heart of the city. There are also two conservatories here – the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome (the biggest glass greenhouse in the world!), both of them are completely worth visiting and great for photos. After all, you can’t go to Singapore and not see its main landmark, right? Simply mind blowing!

PRICE: 20 SGD (15 USD) for one conservatory and 28 SGD (21 USD) for two conservatories on the official website. 8 SGD (6 USD) for the OCBC Skyway (an elevated alley between the Supertrees). BUT! I have found a combo 1-day ticket that includes all conservatories for 20 SGD on GetYourGuide here. It is strongly advised to book your ticket online and in advance.

TIP: I recommend visiting TWICE. Yep, twice. Once in the morning to see the flowers and do the canopy walk, and again in the evening so you can catch the free light show at 7.45 or 8.45 PM daily. 

TIP #2: If you’re planning on visiting both the Gardens and Marina Bay Sands Skypark, I found this ticket on Klook for 32 SGD (24 USD) altogether (20% discount).

2 – Marina Bay

Ah, yes, another world-renowned attraction in Singapore! Marina Bay is a beautiful, luxurious bay in the centre of Singapore and it hosts plenty of stylish attractions. No visit here can be boring, especially if you tick the following off your list:

MARINA BAY SANDS SKYPARK AND HOTEL

Probably the most awe-inspiring and sought-after accommodation in all Singapore! This is truly an iconic resort located right on the bayfront, with three towers and a huge terrace. Unfortunately, you cannot visit the hotel or the Skypark (its superb infinity pool) unless you’re staying there (I know, bummer!), but you can go to the Observation Deck, which is pretty impressive as well. Which brings me to my next point…

MARINA BAY SANDS OBSERVATION DECK

There’s a nice observation deck at the 57th level of the hotel where you can see some pretty incredible 360-views of the city! Entrance fee is 23 SGD (17 USD) and there’s no time limit to stay here. BUT! I have found a better offer on Klook here for 22 SGD entrance with milk tea included.

TIP: If you don’t want to pay the ticket just to sit there, alternatively, you can go to CÉ LA VI (also on the 57th floor) and take in the view with a drink in hand, but there may be a minimum spend for seated tables. I recommend making a reservation on their website beforehand or maybe send them an email for updated info.

MARINA BAY WATERFRONT PROMENADE

A beautiful 3.5 kilometer-long promenade on the Bayfront. It’s the best place in Singapore to take a walk and admire the impressive architecture, as well as people-watch. There are also public events happening here from time to time!

3 – Singapore Botanic Gardens

52 hectares of lush greenery in the city – can you believe it? Although Singapore is strongly urbanised, it’s still the greenest city in Asia – and the Botanic Gardens, the first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city, are an excellent example. The Botanic Gardens are 162 years old and a beautiful place to check out the local flora and fauna, stroll by the lake or chill out under the shade of a tembusu tree. 

One of the highlights of this place is the National Orchid Garden where you’ll find more than 1.000 species of orchids. 

PRICE: Free to visit the Gardens in general. It’s 5 SGD (3.70 USD) for the Orchid Garden. You can also book a walking tour of the Orchid Garden if you want to be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide.

4 – Explore the Quays

The quays, located along the Singapore river, are some well-known spots for eating, enjoying a drink, dancing in a nightclub or simply walking the riverside. There are three of them, as explained below:

BOAT QUAY: Lots of cool International restaurants and pubs and the perfect place to relax and unwind after a full day of exploring the city.

CLARKE QUAY: The best nightlife hotspot after the sun sets. Also the most popular of the 3, as there are always tourists and locals roaming around here.

ROBERTSON QUAY: A bit more elegant than quirky Clarke quay, this is the ideal place to enjoy a glass of wine and watch the people passing by.

5 – Sentosa Island and Universal Studios

Needless to say that my Singapore travel guide would be incomplete without mentioning Sentosa Island! Sentosa Island is a full day of fun in itself and it’s a must-do for anyone that visits Singapore. There are plenty of beautiful beaches, eateries and bars on this resort-style island, as well as Universal Studios Singapore – one of the top things to do in Singapore with kids! There are also 4D cinemas here, as well as museums, aquariums, parks, watersports and more.

You can get to the island either by walking and bicycling (for free) or by using the island’s Express train – a one-way trip is 4 S$ (3 US$). 

PRICE: Entrance to Universal Studios is 81 S$ (60 US$) for adults and 61 S$ (45 US$) for kids. BUT! I have found cheaper adult tickets on Klook for 77 S$.

RELATED READ: This was just a short introduction about this unique place. For more information, I recommend reading my dedicated post: Things to do on Sentosa Island, Singapore.

6 – Merlion Park

The “merlion” is an imaginary creature famous in Singapore. It’s actually its mascot! The statue has a lion head and the body of a fish and it was created by a Singaporean sculptor called Lim Nang Seng. The original one can be seen in none other than the Merlion Park in the Marina Bay area, right on the waterfront. 

There’s also a larger statue on Sentosa Island so, regardless of which one you spot, it’s a must see during your trip, and a great free attraction to enjoy!

PRICE: Free

7 – Go on a food tour

If you ask me, I’d say that no Singapore travel guide is complete without at least one food tour. Yes, the gastronomy in Singapore is incredible and you MUST try the local dishes. Whenever I travel back to Singapore, I’m always most excited for the food!

As you explore the city, you’ll surely stop at different restaurants and hawker stalls to enjoy Singapore’s insanely good gastronomy. Or, even better (especially if you’re short on time), you can book a food tour. This way you’ll ensure that you don’t miss anything important and that you tick all the most popular eateries around town. A local guide will take you around the city and explain each dish while you munch. I say it’s a win-win situation!

Here are some pretty cool food tours I can recommend:

• Private Guided Food Tour with Tastings (244 S$, 10 tastings included from 3 different cultures, just you and your guide!)
• Chinatown Food Tasting & Walking Tour (45 S$)
• Hands-On Cooking Class (99 S$)

8 – Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

A huge zoo with more than 3.600 animals set in a rainforest! Singapore Zoo is one of the most well-organised in the entire world and visiting it is a nice activity for both adults and children alike. But the coolest thing you can do here is to join a Night Safari. This activity takes place from Thursday to Sunday as well as on public holidays, starting at 6.30 PM and ending at 12 AM. It’s the first safari park for nocturnal animals and it’s adjacent to the main zoo. There’s also a River Safari near it as well.

PRICE: 41 SGD (30.5 US$) for Singapore Zoo at the gate, 32.80 SGD if you buy it online on the official website. 53 SGD (39.5 US$) for Night Safari at the gate, 37.10 SGD if you buy it online on their official website.

TIP: If you want to see both the zoo and the Night Safari, I recommend getting a combo 2-Park Admission for 74.10 SGD. More information here.

9 – Singapore Flyer

Just like in many other cities in the world, Singapore has its own ferris wheel as well. It’s called the Singapore Flyer, it’s located in the Marina Bay area and it’s the largest one in Asia. The views from up there are pretty stunning!

You can either take a classic ride or one that includes the local cocktail (Singapore Sling) or champagne. I think it’s up there as one of the most romantic things to do in Singapore for couples!

PRICE: 33 SGD (24.50 US$) for the standard flight that takes 30 minutes – you can buy it here. The premium beverage combo is 60 SGD (44.60 US$) for Singapore Sling and 70 SGD (52 US$) for champagne and you can buy your tickets here. There’s also the option of sky dining for 150 SGD/person (111 US$).

10 – Drink Singapore’s signature cocktail at Raffles Hotel

I mentioned the Singapore Sling above and now it’s time to tell you a little bit about it. The Singapore Sling is Singapore’s signature cocktail, a gin-based drink dating back to 1915. The original one was first served at Raffles Hotel (Long Bar) and is THE place to try one, especially if you visit Singapore for the first time! A visit to the Raffles Hotel is well-welcomed as well, as it’s one of the iconic colonial buildings in Singapore.

PRICE: 30 S$ (22 US$).

FUN FACT: The cocktail was created especially for ladies in the colonial era in Singapore. During those times, gentlemen were frequently sipping on alcoholic drinks, but ladies were not allowed to do so (boo!) – they could only drink fruit juices or teas. So Ngiam Tong Boon, Raffles’ bartender, created the Singapore Sling which looks like a juice but it actually has gin in it, as well as pineapple and lime juice, grenadine, curaçao, Bénédictine and cherry liqueur. Yummy!

11 – Do some shopping on Orchard Road

Singapore is a well-known shopping hub and one of the best places to shop ‘til you drop is Orchard Road. This is a 2 kilometer-long shopping street right in the city centre where you’ll find anything from luxury shops to fun activities (VR computer games anyone?) to upscale dining options and bars. Even if you don’t have the desire or budget to buy anything fancy, I recommend you to at least take a walk down Orchard Road to truly understand how much of a shopping mecca Singapore actually is!

TIP #1: All the malls along Orchard Road are interconnected by underground walkways, so there is no need to go outside into the heat and humidity.

TIP #2: If you’re lucky enough to visit Singapore during the “Great Singapore Sale”, you’ll benefit from tons of discounts in various shops! This is a well-known annual sale season that takes place all over the city, usually in June and July.

12 – Sri Mariamman Temple and Chinatown

Chinatown is one of the BEST neighbourhoods in Singapore to visit if you want to truly understand the mix of cultures found in this city-state. Chinatown is two square kilometers wide and it’s the place where you’ll find Chinese temples, souvenir shops, street food stalls and more. You simply cannot set foot in Chinatown without trying some authentic food – especially as the hawker stalls here are so cheap and SO good! Many of the food stalls have even been awarded michelin stars! The Chinatown Complex and Maxwell Food Centre are great places for this.

While you’re there, make sure you check out Sri Mariamman Temple, a super colourful Hindu temple dating from 1827. It’s dedicated to Mariamman goddess and, just like you’d expect, it’s full of intricate carvings and built in the Dravidian style. Plus, it’s THE oldest Hindu temple in Singapore!

For more highlights of Chinatown, be sure to check out the Buddha Tooth Relic and Thian Hock Keng Temple. 

PRICE: Free

BONUS: Extra things to do in Singapore

Singapore is considered to be one of the best cities in Asia for its landmarks, posh activities, rooftop views and incredible promenades. If you have more time to spend in the city (lucky you!), I have created the following list which includes some extra activities to do in Singapore that didn’t make it to my top 12. Not because they’re not worth it, but rather because there’s never enough time to do and see everything here! Check out the list below and mix & match anything that sounds interesting for your itinerary:

• ArtScience Museum – There are regular museums in the world and then there’s the ArtScience Museum in Singapore. It’s set in a lotus-shaped building (it’s impossible not to notice it!) and it hosts numerous interactive exhibits. One of them is the “Future World” exhibition, which I totally recommend for an immersive experience! The price is 18 SGD for one exhibition, 25 for two and 32 SGD for all-access. You can only buy individual tickets for 1 exhibition on their official website, but I found a cheaper option on Klook for 16 SGD. The all-access tickets are available at the gate.
• Little India – Just like Chinatown, you MUST visit Little India as well if you have the time. Little India is really charming and it’s a great neighbourhood for traditional dishes and souvenirs – make sure to try the roti prata!
• Jurong Bird Park – Biggest wildlife park in Asia (over 20 hectares). This is where you’ll find over 5.000 birds, so it’s a paradise on earth for all nature lovers. Tickets are 34 SGD on the official website, but I found cheaper tickets for 30.60 SGD on Klook here. You can also get the ParkHopper ticket (Zoo, Night Safari, River Safari and Jurong Bird Park) for 90 SGD on the official website.
• Haji Lane – cool neighbourhood with vibrant, colourful buildings. This is a photographer’s heaven and a great place for restaurants, bars and indie shops.
• Thian Hock Keng Temple – Singapore’s oldest Chinese temple and one of the most beautiful traditional buildings in town. It was built in 1840 and it was declared a national monument in 1973. One of the best places to visit in Singapore for free.
• S.E.A. Aquarium – One of the best things to do in Sentosa! This aquarium has more than 100.000 marine animals from 45 different habitats and it’s quite impressive. It is recommended to purchase your tickets in advance – 41 S$/person (30.50 US$) on the official website but I, of course, searched for a better deal. There are cheaper tickets on Klook for 37 S$.
• National Gallery Singapore – One of the biggest collections of modern art in Southeast Asia; they have different exhibitions in two different buildings. Tickets are 20 SGD/person (15 US$) but I found a cheaper option on Klook here for 14 SGD. A good save! They also offer free guided introductory tours. More information here.
• National Museum of Singapore – The best place if you want to learn more about Singapore’s history and culture, anything from food, fashion, film and more. Tickets are 15 S$ (11 US$) on the official website but I found cheaper tickets on Klook for 13.60 S$. More information here.
• Bukit Timah Nature Reserve – Continuing with my list of Singapore attractions for nature lovers, here’s Bukit Timah. It’s set in a rainforest and you can see all sorts of animals here, from squirrels to flying lemurs. And the best part? Entrance is completely free!
• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum (BTRTM) – Set in Chinatown, this is one of the best things to visit if you’re interested in Buddhist temples. This 4-story building hosts a 2 meters-high solid gold relic! Entrance is free of charge (but donations are encouraged) and they also organise guided tours.
• Haw Par Villa – A unique, bizarre outdoor park created by the Tiger Balm founder (Aw Boon Haw). The park is full with more than 1.000 odd-looking statues that picture Chinese morals. Free entrance.

Best Singapore tours by type of traveller

I know, I know, my list of fun activities in Singapore is quite massive! If you’re feeling a bit lost and you don’t really know how to organise your itinerary, I’m here to help! I recommend booking some organised tours, especially if you’re low on time and keen to see it all. These will take you to the most popular attractions and a local guide will tell you share their knowledge about each of them. There are also Singapore sightseeing buses, food tours and more. Find my personalised recommendations below:

• Singapore Hop On Hop Off Bus – The best idea if you’re planning on visiting multiple landmarks. You can hop off the bus at your desired stop and then hop on again when you’re done. Available on 6 routes for one full day;
• Singapore: Marina Bay 2-Hour Mini Segway Tour – if you want to discover the Marina Bay area in a different way;
• Sentosa Island Segway Guided Tour – in case you want to explore the island and its main highlights in a quick and easy way;
• Chinatown Food Tasting & Singapore Walking Tour – for all my foodies out there;
• Hidden Treasures and Local Secrets Private Tour – a private tour during which you’ll discover the city like a local, without all the touristy fluff;
• 4-hour Kayak Fishing Tour – if you’re tired of walking and just want a different experience.

TIP: If you know you’ll be visiting a lot of things around the city, you may consider getting a Go Singapore Explorer Pass. You can buy it for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions and you’ll get a better total price. Just be sure to make your calculations before buying!

Where to stay in Singapore

In case you’re wondering where to stay in Singapore, this hotel section is for you. Luckily for us travellers of the world, Singapore has countless accommodation options for all preferences and budgets. After all, choosing the best place to stay is a crucial element of your trip to Singapore! 

The best areas to stay in Singapore are: Marina Bay, Little India, Chinatown and the Quays. By the way, this section is just a short round-up, but I recommend checking out my dedicated accommodation guide here: Where to Stay in Singapore.

And here are my recommended accommodation options, sorted by price range:

BIG SPLURGE. Marina Bay Sands

BOUTIQUE HOTEL. Raffles Singapore

MID-RANGE. Hotel Soloha @ Chinatown

BUDGET HOTEL. ST Signature Tanjong Pagar

HOSTEL. Spacepod@SG

APARTMENT. Pan Pacific Serviced Suites Beach Road

Where to eat in Singapore and what dishes to try

I know I mentioned about the food in Singapore before and how good it is, but I just can’t help it! Whenever you travel to Singapore, regardless if it’s your first or 10th time here, you’ll definitely love the gastronomy and its exotic influences. Here are some yummy dishes to eat while you’re in town, at the hawkers centres (street food stalls) or at different eateries around the city:

BEST RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE:

• Hawker Centers – I know, this is not a restaurant, but the name of the street food stalls in Singapore. I truly believe that the best way of trying Singapore’s delicious dishes is to go out and indulge in the local food courts. You can find is all at the hawker centres, scattered all around the city. Plus, it’s a great way to save some money, as the food here is WAY more affordable than in restaurants (ranging from 2 to 10 SGD on average – 1.50 to 7.50 US$). Try: Maxwell Hawker Centre, Newton Circus, China Town Complex 
• Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle – A Michelin-star chicken rice stand? Yep, only in Singapore! No, I’m not joking!
• Alley on 25 – Wondering where to eat breakfast in Singapore? This place is perfect for a fabulous breakfast and brunch!
• Siri House – for delicious modern Asian dishes.
• PS. Cafe – Brunch, lunch, truffle fries! The one located in Dempsey is best for date night.  
• Rang Mahal – fine dining and a combo of Indian and Western dishes.

RELATED READ: If you’re interested in this delicious subject, I recommend checking out my dedicated guide: Singapore Foodie Guide – What Dishes to Try and Where to Eat.

How to get around in Singapore

Singapore is one of the easiest cities to navigate in Asia, which is a great bonus for us tourists! The public transport options are plenty and they work smoothly and on schedule. Don’t be intimidated by the multiple names and abbreviations, as I’ll tell you everything you need to know about getting around in Singapore below:

MRT

This is Singapore’s local underground train (Mass Rapid Transit), also known as the fastest and most convenient public transport option for both tourists and locals. There’s at least one MRT station close to all the main attractions. The cost for one trip is around 4 S$ (3 US$). 

You can also get a Singapore Tourist Pass for 1 to 3 days if you plan on using the MRT system a lot. The cost for this one is 10 S$ for one day, 16 S$ for two days and 20 S$ for three days. It’s the best way to save some money while discovering the city!

BUS

Just as good as the MRT system, although a bit slower. The cost for one trip ranges from 1.40 to 2.50 S$ and you buy it on the bus, but you’ll need the exact change. The good news is that the Singapore Tourist Pass works on buses too! 

Oh, and I’d also recommend getting a SIM card with Mobile Data at the airport so you can use Google Maps, especially if you’re using the bus often.

TAXI

Quick, comfy but the least pocket-friendly. The good thing is that all taxis are metered in this country, so no need to negotiate the price before starting the ride like in other places in Asia. The starting cost is 3 S$ and it increases by 0.22 S$ for every 400 meters. Also, please note that there are surcharges if you’re taking a taxi late at night, sometimes even 50% more than the metered sum!

There’s also Grab available here, which is the Asian version of Uber.

GETTING FROM CHANGI AIRPORT TO THE CENTRE

You can do so by taking the SMRT (subway) – travel time 45 minutes, 2.40 S$. Or the airport shuttle (9 S$, 1 hour), public bus (2.50 S$, 1 hour) or a taxi (20-40 S$ or 60 S$ for a Maxi Cab – perfect for a bigger group). In case you don’t want to waste time and search for the best way to reach the centre from Changi Airport, you can also book a private airport transfer beforehand. I recommend this one, which is around 32 S$ per vehicle.

BONUS: My top travel tips for Singapore

Of course I couldn’t let you leave this post without offering you my best travel tips to know before going to Singapore! Singapore is one of the most interesting destinations in Asia and I’m sure you want to be fully prepared before visiting. Here we go:

Best time to visit Singapore

Singapore is one of the world’s best destinations to visit all year round. The weather here is hot (26 to 28°C) and humid (over 80% at all times) all year round. But you might want to avoid the rain/monsoon season, which is from November to January. 

How many days to spend in Singapore?

I’ll say it again, even if I already said it so many times in this article, there are endless things to do in Singapore! You can eat your way through the hawker centres, enjoy the main landmarks, explore the national parks and way more. If you want to make sure you see all the main tourist spots, I recommend spending at least 4 days in Singapore.

Is it safe to visit Singapore?

Yes, Singapore is a very, very safe country, regardless if you’re travelling in a group or as a solo traveller. It’s one of the safest countries in the world! 

Yay, you have reached the end of my Singapore guide! In this post I combined all the unmissable, fun places to go in Singapore, especially during your first time to the city. I have also offered you personalised recommendations for the best hotels, tours and eateries in the city, as well as precious info about getting around and my top travel tips for Singapore. In short, you’ll find everything you need to know about Singapore here! 

If you’re a tourist planning a trip to Singapore, this guide is here to help you regardless of your budget, itinerary or travel style. I only hope you’re staying for more than one night! 😉

In case you want to read more about Singapore, I recommend clicking here to find all my articles about this incredible country.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Singapore?

• Check out all my Singapore Travel Guides here.
• Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
• Time to book your tour in the city? Head over here!
• Did you not get travel insurance yet??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
• Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Singapore so you don’t miss a thing!

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