Wat te doen in Singapore? Heel erg veel! Singapore is wat ons betreft een bestemming waar je absoluut een keer naartoe moet. Singapore is een ideale stopover of startpunt voor een rondreis door Azië en combineert moderne architectuur, groene parken, kleurrijke wijken en geweldig eten. Deze stad heeft toch wel een beetje ons hart veroverd! In deze blog delen we onze favoriete bezienswaardigheden in Singapore, praktische tips voor vervoer, de leukste wijken, hawker centres, restaurants en fijne plekken om te overnachten. Zo haal je het meeste uit je bezoek aan deze bijzondere stad.
General information on Singapore
Are you planning your trip to Singapore? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and applying for the SG Arrival Card. You can find all information on Singapore here.
Tips for transport in Singapore
In our opinion, the most fun and practical way to explore Singapore is the old-fashioned leg car! We did an awful lot of walking, occasionally taking the bus, metro or a Grab taxi. Ideal because it gives you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace.
Metro (MRT) of Bus
Het openbaar vervoer in Singapore is heel goed georganiseerd. Het metronetwerk is dan ook uitgebreid en brengt je snel naar vrijwel elk deel van de stad. Daarnaast zijn de metro’s goed onderhouden, schoon en hebben ze airconditioning (wel zo lekker met die warmte!).
Buy tickets: At every metro station, you will find ticket machines where you can easily pay in cash. Just enter your destination and the amount appears. You will then get a ticket that allows you to both check in and out at the entrance gates. It is also possible to access the gates directly with your Visa or Mastercard. A single ride costs about SGD 2 on average, which is about €1.40.
Route outline: If you use the app maps.me, you can enter your final destination and choose the option to travel by public transport at the top. The app will then show you the walking route to the nearest metro station and show you exactly which line to take, where to change and where to get off. Super handy, as this saves you another search. In addition, you can also use the app offline by downloading the map in advance. If you don't want that, consider a local SIM card or eSIM, for example via Airalo.
Tip: Wil je drie dagen onbeperkt met de metro kunnen reizen? Kies dan voor de Singapore Tourist Pass! Deze pas kost ongeveer €20,- en is verkrijgbaar op de luchthaven of bij diverse grote MRT-stations in de stad.
Bus: The same goes for buses! They are a good addition to the metro network and take you to places that are not directly near an MRT station.
Grab taxi or meter taxi
We are big fans of Grab and use this app during all our travels in Asia. It is therefore the ideal way to travel around quickly, cheaply and easily! This option is often slightly cheaper than a meter taxi, although it won't make much difference. Where the difference for us is that you can see in advance what a ride will cost you, you can pay in cash but also link your credit card, and you can see exactly how long it will take for the taxi to reach you.
Tip: For the Grab app, you need internet. It is therefore convenient to buy a local SIM card or arrange for an e-sim card, for example through Airalo.
Bike
Voor de avontuurlijke reiziger zijn er deelfietsen beschikbaar via apps zoals Anywheel en SG Bike. Een leuke manier om de stad op je eigen tempo te verkennen. Uiteraard kun je ook kiezen voor een complete cycle tour via, for example, GetYourGuide. This will give you more information about this impressive city right away
Tip: Want to combine Singapore with a Malaysia roundtrip? Then check out our complete route through Malaysia and Singapore For handy transport tips and more!
What to do in Singapore?
Singapore is een bruisende wereldstad en of je nu houdt van futuristische architectuur, streetfood, natuur of cultuur: deze stad heeft het allemaal. Ondanks dat Singapore qua oppervlakte klein is, barst het van de bezienswaardigheden en verborgen parels. Van indrukwekkende highlights zoals Marina Bay Sands en Gardens by the Bay tot lokale hotspots zoals Haji Lane en de hawker centres, je komt hier tijd tekort. Lees hieronder alles over de leukste plekken om te bezoeken, must-sees die je niet mag overslaan én onze persoonlijke favorieten die je reis nét dat beetje extra geven!
In het kort: wat doen in Singapore?
| Zoek je dit? | Beste keuze |
|---|---|
| Eerste keer Singapore | Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands en Chinatown |
| Gratis activiteit | Spectra lichtshow en Supertree lichtshow |
| Mooiste wijk | Kampong Glam of Little India |
| Beste eten | Hawker centres zoals Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat en Makansutra |
| Met kinderen | The Jewel, Gardens by the Bay en Night Safari |
Singapore in 2 – 3 dagen: handige planning
Heb je 2 tot 3 dagen in Singapore? Dan kun je de belangrijkste highlights goed combineren zonder dat je dagen te vol worden. Dit is hoe wij je bezoek zouden indelen:
- Day 1: Verken Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands en sluit af met de Spectra lichtshow.
- Day 2: Bezoek Little India, Kampong Glam, Haji Lane en Chinatown. Eet ’s avonds bij een hawker centre.
- Day 3: Ga naar The Jewel op Changi Airport, Orchard Road, Sentosa of kies voor een fietstour of food tour.
1. Explore Singapore's airport
Changi Airport has been voted the most beautiful in the world several times, and believe us: it is totally justified. This airport is a sight in itself! So we definitely recommend you take a walk around here to The Jewel a spectacular building with an indoor jungle and the highest indoor waterfall in the world. And if that's not enough, you will also find a cinema, several botanical gardens as well as plenty of nice places to relax after your flight.
Tip: stop by the information desk to check what's currently going on, there's always something fun to do.
2. Visit Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is really a must-see if you are in Singapore. This is because it is not just a city park but part of the dream to transform Singapore into a “city in a garden”. And it shows in everything. Since 2007, people have worked very hard on this huge project and in 2011 the gardens officially opened to the public. Since then, the park has grown to a whopping 101 hectares, filled with plants from all over the world.
In the middle of the gardens are the world-famous Supertrees, gigantic metal ‘trees’ up to 50 metres high, completely overgrown with ferns, climbing plants and orchids. Standing under these giants makes you feel tiny for a moment, but at the same time amazed at how green and innovative a city can be.
Dit is ook zeker een plek waar je een keer in de avond naartoe moet want elke avond worden de Supertrees gevuld met duizenden lichtjes! Deze Supertree lichtshow kun je gratis bezoeken en vindt dagelijks plaats om 19:45 en 20:45 uur
But it does not stop there, as there is much more to experience:
The Cloud Forest: Truly insane! Here you step into a cloud forest with a 35-metre-high indoor waterfall, tropical plants and a walkway that slowly takes you upwards ever further to the top of the building. We recommend going in right at 09:00 to avoid the crowds. We had booked our tickets in advance and were literally face to face with the waterfall with only 1 other person!
Tip: In the Cloud Forest dome is spread fog every hour. These fog moments take place every hour (from 10:00). Want to experience this properly? Then make sure you are inside at least half an hour beforehand so that you are in a good spot when the mist is spread.
The Flower Dome: Unfortunately, it did not fit into our schedule but this is a huge dome filled with flowers and plants from arid climates such as South Africa, California and the Mediterranean.
OCBC Skyway: At the Supertree Grove, you can buy a ticket for the Skyway, a high-altitude walkway between the tops of the Supertrees. The views of the park as well as the Singapore skyline from here are truly fantastic.
Tip: Buy your tickets online in advance from the official website to avoid queues at the entrance, especially on weekends, it will save you a lot of time. Admission prices for Cloud Forest and Flower Dome start at SGD 35 (€31) per ticket.
3. Watch the sunset from Marina Bay Sands deck
Marina Bay Sands hotel is perhaps the most famous and iconic building in all of Singapore. And...This mega hotel with three towers and that surfboard-shaped roof has the world's largest rooftop infinity pool on the 57th floor. Despite only allowing you to swim if you book a room, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset there.
SkyPark Observation Deck: For 28 SGD (about €19), you can go up the SkyPark Observation Deck, where you have a view of the entire city. Especially around sunset, the view here is magical: the sky turns pink, orange and purple, and slowly you see the city light up as it gets dark.
Tip: Again, you tickets het beste van tevoren online kan kopen zodat je niet in de rij hoeft te staan. Handig, want zo weet je zeker dat je de zonsondergang niet mist!
4. Go to the Spectra light show
A great combination with a sunset from Marina Bay Sands deck is the waterfront light show “Spectra”. This can be seen for free every night at 20:00 and 21:00 and on weekends (Friday and Saturday) also at 22:00!
So instead of opting to take public transport or a Grab taxi from Marina Bay Sands, make it an evening stroll! Walk across the Helix Bridge, visit the ArtScience Museum if you have time, and enjoy the magical atmosphere around Marina Bay for a while.
5. Get lost in the colourful chaos of Little India
Singapore may be super-modern, but what makes this city really special is its mix of cultures. Chinese temples, Indian smells, Malay flavours and Arabic architecture: it all comes together here. And although the city is quite multicultural by now, there are still neighbourhoods where you really are in another world for a while.
Little India is daar het perfecte voorbeeld van. Zodra je deze wijk binnenwandelt, lijkt het alsof je in een compleet andere stad terechtkomt. Denk: kleurrijke gevels, Indiase muziek, kraampjes vol kruiden en geurige bloemenkettingen én overal street art. Plekken die je zeker niet mag overslaan zijn Tekka Centre (market) and House of Tan Teng Niah (colourful colonial building).
6. Discover the Arab district (Kampong Glam)
Ideally combined with the Little India district is the Arab district (Kampong Glam). In fact, these two districts are within walking distance of each other. In Kampong Glam, you will find the impressive Sultan Mosque, Arabic food shops, carpet and perfume shops as well as a lot of hip street art and boutiques. You will also find the famous street Haji Lane. Een gezellig straat om lekker een drankje te doen en te genieten van live muziek. Wij raden je wel aan om rond het einde van de middag deze straat te bezoeken want dat komt deze straat pas echt tot leven!
Read also: The ultimate itinerary for Malaysia and Singapore + tips
Read also: Travelling from Langkawi to Singapore. Check out our tips!
7. Explore cosy Chinatown
Here you step into a world full of red lanterns, traditional temples, fragrant food stalls and atmospheric streets. It is a place buzzing with life and you can eat very good food here. Wander down Pagoda Street and be sure to make a stop at the impressive Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a beautiful four-storey building where you can learn more about Buddhism and the history of the district. A little further down you will also find a colourful Hindu temple (Sri Mariamman) and a small mosque. It is precisely this contrast that makes Chinatown so unique.
Besides, Chinatown is the place for street food lovers. And... that is exactly what we are! Be sure to visit the stalls on the Chinatown Night market or Maxwell Food Centre and order a plate of chicken rice or our favourite dumplings.
8. Eat like a local at hawker centres
Singapore mag dan supermodern zijn, het beste eten vind je vaak op plastic stoelen onder tl-verlichting. Ja echt waar! Aangezien alles georganiseerd is in Singapore, is dit dat ook. In Singapore vind je namelijk hawker centres. Dit zijn overdekte food courts waar tientallen kraampjes de heerlijkste lokale gerechten serveren voor een paar euro. Ga voor klassiekers als Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, satay of char kway teow. En vergeet vooral de sugarcane juice of een ijskoude kopi (koffie Singapore-style) niet.
Our favourite hawker centres:
- Makansutra Gluttons Bay: This is where we ate several times! In fact, this open-air hawker centre has a view of the stunning Marina Bay skyline. Okay... you can't see this from every seat... but we loved walking around Singapore afterwards. This place has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike who want to enjoy authentic Singaporean food.
- Maxwell Food Centre: Located just steps away from Chinatown. This is one of Singapore's most famous hawker centres and for good reason. Here you'll find, among other things, Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, a stall that became world-famous after chef Gordon Ramsay tried to top the dish (spoiler: he didn't succeed).
- Lau Pa Sat: In the heart of the financial district stands this beautiful 19th-century building with cast-iron structure. A popular lunch spot for office workers during the day, the street next door turns into a veritable satay paradise in the evening. Order a mix, plop down on one of the plastic chairs and soak up the atmosphere.
- Newton Food Centre: Known from the film Crazy Rich Asians, and it shows: this place is just a bit fancier than the average hawker. Yet it remains affordable and atmospheric.
- Tekka Centre: Midden in Little India vind je dit kleurrijke en geurige food centre. Hier draait alles om Indiase en Maleise smaken. Probeer een versgebakken roti prata, biryani of een geurige curry met naan. Binnen is ook een lokale markt met fruit, kleding en bloemen, perfect om even rond te struinen na je lunch.
- Old Airport Road Food Centre: In het zuidoosten van Singapore vind je een van de oudste en meest geliefde hawker centres van de stad: Old Airport Road Food Centre. Dit is echt een klassieker onder de hawkers centres, met meer dan 150 kraampjes is er hier iets te vinden voor iedereen.
Tip: Klik op de naam van het hawker centre hierboven en je wordt direct doorgestuurd naar Google Maps. Super handig, want zo check je meteen de openingstijden, reviews en foto’s. Ideaal, toch?
9. Street art spotting in Singapore
In such an organised city like Singapore, you might not have seen this coming, but there is also a surprising amount of street art here. From colourful murals to artistic graffiti, those who pay close attention will discover veritable open-air galleries in various spots around the city. One of the best neighbourhoods to spot street art is Little India. Here, entire walls have been transformed into vibrant works of art, often depicting Indian culture, mythology and everyday life. Be sure to walk through Hindoo Road, Belilios Lane and Kerbau Road, there you will find Singapore's most photographed street art.
Also in Kampong Glam (the Arab Quarter), and especially around Haji Lane, you will come across many different spots. This art is often more modern, with influences from fashion, pop culture and the Middle East.
10. Other things to do in Singapore
There are so many great tips for Singapore that it is impossible to do everything if you only stay there for two to three days. Do you have some extra time in this impressive city? Lucky you! Singapore has SO much to offer that it would be a waste to only stick to the highlights. So... below you will find even more inspiration!
- Explore the city with a bicycle tour: Want to get to know the city in an active and original way? Get on a bike and let a local show you around. During this cycle tour via GetYourGuide discover hidden spots and hear fun facts about this city. Highly recommended!
- Walk above the jungle on the TreeTop Walk: Walking shoes are also no luxury in Singapore. Because besides Gardens by the Bay, Singapore also has Windsor Nature Park, a peaceful park just outside the city centre. You can do a hike of about 6km here, passing a spectacular suspension bridge on the way. Do bring plenty of water, wear good shoes and lubricate yourself with mosquito spray, because you really are in the tropics here for a while!
- Go shopping (or watch) on Orchard Road: To be fair, we are not really shoppers! But Orchard Road is still worth a stop because this is, after all, Singapore's shopping heart. This kilometre-long boulevard is bursting with gigantic shopping malls, high-end brands, food courts and cafés where you can take a break. Whether you come to actually buy something or just want to window shop: Orchard Road is an experience in itself.
- Drinks at Clarke Quay: Fancy a cosy evening? Clarke Quay is the place to end your day in style. Along the waterfront are all kinds of bars and clubs, from laidback drinks to dancing into the early hours. The atmosphere is top-notch and the neon lights add a festive touch.
- Chilling out on Sentosa Beach (Tanjong Beach Club): Okee.. een beetje fout maar als je even wilt ontsnappen aan de drukte van de stad is Sentosa Island een leuke toevoeging aan je reis. Op Sentosa Island vind je witte zandstranden en een relaxte vibe. Vooral bij Tanjong Beach Club hangt een laidback sfeer waar je heerlijk kunt luieren met een cocktail.
- Visit the Night Safari: Not an ordinary zoo, but one you can visit at night. In the dark, you see how lions, elephants and other nocturnal animals come to life. Super fun to do if you're still suffering from jet lag, as this safari only starts when the sun goes down.
- Go on Food tour: Want to discover multiple culinary hotspots in Singapore in one day without having to plan it yourself? With a organised food tour Sample the best dishes, get background stories about the city and discover places you might walk past on your own!
Restaurants in Singapore
Although we mostly ate at the hawkers we mentioned at point 8, there are also a number of restaurants in Singapore that are definitely worth a visit. For those looking for a fine brunch spot, an atmospheric dinner or a drink with a view, these are our recommendations:
- Common Man Coffee Roasters: A popular spot for brunch and really good coffee. Located in the Robertson Quay area, close to some nice boutiques and concept stores.
- Din Tai Fung: This Chinese chain may not be typically Singaporean, but its dumplings are so good we want to mention it anyway. You'll find branches all over the city, often in big malls.
- Latteria Mozzarella Bar: Cosy Italian in the atmospheric Duxton Hill area.
- LeVeL33: A rooftop restaurant and brewery with great views over Marina Bay. A good alternative to the more expensive bars on Marina Bay Sands and especially nice for craft beer lovers.
- Tiong Bahru Bakery: This French bakery is where you get really tasty croissants! Perfect for a quick breakfast or coffee break and you can find them in several places in the city.
Wondering where else you can eat great food? Then read our blog 8x the best restaurants in Singapore and our blog on the top six hawkers in Singapore, where you will find the very best local food.
Our favourite spots in Singapore
Singapore is niet goedkoop maar met wat planning kun je voor ieder budget een fijne slaapplek vinden. Wij boeken onze accommodaties meestal vrij last minute, dat was in dit geval niet zo handig en we raden je dat dan ook zeker niet aan! Gelukkig kwamen we een last-minute deal tegen want alle vooraf opgeslagen favorieten waren niet meer beschikbaar. Benieuwd welke er op ons lijstje stonden? Bekijk ze hieronder:
- Park View Hotel: This is where we stayed ourselves, due to finding a nice deal. No fuss, but clean, well located and affordable for Singaporean standards too. Ideal if you want to be central and prefer to spend most of your budget on food or sightseeing.
- Lyf Bugis (rather Hotel G): A hotel we were tipped a lot, right in the centre and really nicely decorated!
- Hotel Mi: A modern, practical choice in a prime location. Big plus: the spacious swimming pool. Perfect for unwinding after a hot day in the city.
- Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel: Also a capsule hotel, but just a bit more stylish. Ideal for solo travellers or if you are mainly looking for a clean, quiet place to sleep in a lively area such as Chinatown or Kampong Glam.
- Marina Bay Sands: Yaa... of course this one just had to be on the list, even though we already knew in the Netherlands that it would totally not fit into our budget. After all, staying here is not cheap, but it is an experience in itself. Think: sleeping in one of Singapore's most iconic buildings, having breakfast with skyline views and swimming on the roof in the world's most famous infinity pool.
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Veelgestelde vragen over wat te doen in Singapore
Ga je binnenkort naar Singapore en wil je snel weten wat handig is om vooraf te plannen? Hieronder beantwoorden we de meestgestelde vragen over Singapore, van het aantal dagen dat je nodig hebt tot gratis bezienswaardigheden, leuke wijken en de beste plekken om lokaal te eten.
1. Hoeveel dagen heb je nodig voor Singapore?
Voor Singapore heb je minimaal 2 tot 3 dagen nodig. In die tijd kun je de belangrijkste bezienswaardigheden zien, zoals Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Chinatown, Little India en Kampong Glam.
2. Wat moet je zeker doen in Singapore?
Bezoek zeker Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, The Jewel, Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam en een hawker centre. Dit geeft je een goede mix van moderne architectuur, cultuur, groen en lokaal eten.
3. Is Singapore geschikt als stopover?
Ja, Singapore is perfect als stopover. De stad is veilig, schoon en overzichtelijk, en veel bezienswaardigheden liggen relatief dicht bij elkaar. Daardoor kun je ook in korte tijd veel zien.
4. Wat kun je gratis doen in Singapore?
Gratis activiteiten in Singapore zijn onder andere de Spectra lichtshow, de Supertree lichtshow bij Gardens by the Bay, wandelen door Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam en Marina Bay.
5. Wat is de leukste wijk in Singapore?
De leukste wijken in Singapore zijn wat ons betreft Kampong Glam, Little India en Chinatown. Kampong Glam is kleurrijk en creatief, Little India is levendig en chaotisch, en Chinatown is ideaal voor tempels en streetfood.
6. Waar kun je het beste eten in Singapore?
Voor lokaal eten kun je het beste naar hawker centres zoals Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, Makansutra Gluttons Bay of Tekka Centre. Hier eet je betaalbaar en proef je veel lokale gerechten.
Singapore is wat ons betreft geen bestemming waar je weken blijft hangen, maar absoluut een stad die mega tof is voor een paar dagen. In twee tot drie nachten krijg je al een goede indruk van deze hypermoderne, georganiseerde en verrassend groene stad. De mix van culturen, het heerlijke eten en het contrast tussen futuristische architectuur en oude wijken maken Singapore een perfecte tussenstop of startpunt van je reis door Azië. Wij hopen dat deze tips jou helpen met het plannen van jouw reis. Heb je nog vragen? Dan kun je ons altijd een bericht sturen via Instagram.
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