What to do in Singapore? Lots and lots! As far as we are concerned, Singapore is a destination you absolutely must visit once. It is the ideal stop when touring Asia and a crazy city. Don't expect jungle tours or pristine beaches, but a vibrant city full of impressive architecture, atmospheric neighbourhoods, green oases and an exquisite cuisine. Surely, this city has won our hearts! It is also one of the cleanest, safest and greenest cities in Asia. Discover this special mix of cultures, eat delicious food in one of the Hawkers, explore the beautiful botanical gardens or visit colourful neighbourhoods. Read all our tips for your visit to Singapore below and find out how to get the most out of your trip.
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) or Bus
Public transport in Singapore is very well organised. The metro network is therefore extensive and takes you quickly to almost every part of the city. In addition, the metros are well-maintained, clean and air-conditioned (which is nice in this heat!).
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: Want unlimited metro travel for three days? Then choose the Singapore Tourist Pass! This pass costs about €20 and is available at the airport or at several major MRT stations in the city.
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
For the adventurous traveller, share bikes are available through apps such as Anywheel and SG Bike. A fun way to explore the city at your own pace. Of course, you can also opt for a 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 a vibrant metropolis and whether you like futuristic architecture, street food, nature or culture, this city has it all. Despite being small in area, Singapore is bursting with sights and hidden gems. From impressive highlights like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay to local hotspots like Haji Lane and the hawker centres, you'll run out of time here. Check out our overview of the best places to visit, must-sees not to miss as well as our personal favourites that will give your trip that little bit extra!
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.
This is also definitely a place you should visit once in the evening because every night the Supertrees are filled with thousands of lights! You can visit this Supertree light show for free and it takes place daily at 7:45pm and 8:45pm
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 best to buy online in advancen so you don't have to queue up. Convenient because that way you can be sure not to miss the sunset!
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 the perfect example. As soon as you walk into this neighbourhood, you feel as if you enter a completely different city. Think: colourful facades, Indian music, stalls full of spices and fragrant flower necklaces and street art everywhere. Places not to be missed are 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. A cosy street to enjoy a drink and live music. We recommend visiting this street around late afternoon, when it really comes alive!
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. Eating like a local at hawker centres
Singapore may be super-modern, but the best food is often found on plastic chairs under fluorescent lights. Yes really! Since everything is organised in Singapore, so is this. In fact, Singapore is home to hawker centres. These are covered food courts where dozens of stalls serve the most delicious local dishes for a few euros. Go for classics like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, satay or char kway teow. And don't forget the sugarcane juice or an ice-cold kopi (Singapore-style coffee).
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: In the middle of Little India, you'll find this colourful and fragrant food centre. Here, it's all about Indian and Malay flavours. Try a freshly baked roti prata, biryani or a fragrant curry with naan. Inside is also a local market with fruit, clothes and flowers,perfect for a stroll around after your lunch.
- Old Airport Road Food Centre: In the southeast of Singapore, you will find one of the city's oldest and best-loved hawker centres: Old Airport Road Food Centre. A true classic among hawker centres, with more than 150 stalls, there is something here for everyone.
Tip: Click on the name of the hawker centre above and you will be redirected directly to Google Maps. Super convenient, as it allows you to instantly check opening hours, reviews and photos. Ideal, right?
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): Okay... a bit wrong but if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Santosa Island is a nice addition to your trip. On Sentosa Island, you'll find white sandy beaches and a laid-back vibe. Tanjong Beach Club in particular has a laidback atmosphere where you can lounge with a 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 not cheap but with some planning you can find a nice place to sleep for any budget. We usually book our accommodations quite last minute, which was not so convenient in this case and we definitely don't recommend it! Luckily, we came across a last-minute deal as all the pre-saved favourites were no longer available. Wondering which ones were on our list? Check them out below:
- 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.
Found another nice place to stay?
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As far as we are concerned, Singapore is not a destination you will linger in for weeks, but definitely a city that is mega cool for a few days. Two to three nights will already give you a good impression of this ultramodern, organised and surprisingly green city. The mix of cultures, the delicious food and the contrast between futuristic architecture and old neighbourhoods make Singapore a perfect stopover or starting point of your trip through Asia. We hope these tips help you plan your trip. Still have questions? Then feel free to drop us a line at Instagram.
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