The best cities, you can be a complete stranger to and still somehow feel at home. Singapore is one such city. Within about an hour of arriving, Adam and I were wistfully googling “how to move to Singapore”, and within a few days, both unequivocally declared it our favourite city.
There’s records of the city-state as a bustling port as far back as the 14th century. It’s seen periods of Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial rule, as well as a brief but traumatic Japanese occupation during WW2. Add these influences to the influx of Chinese, Indian, and other Asian communities over the centuries, all of which have contributed to a thoroughly modern, culturally vibrant metropolis.
Singapore has a reputation as an international city for business, however there’s plenty of draws for tourists. Sights are plentiful, and the aforementioned history is fascinating to discover. Last but very much not least, it boasts a food scene so excellent that it’s arguably the best foodie destination in the world.
I know I start a vast number of my city guides with this sentiment, but I should state that this is far from a conclusive be all and end all Singapore guide. Across two visits I’d like to think I’ve got a pretty good first timer's itinerary. However I suspect it’s the kind of city it would take years, if not lifetimes, to get to know thoroughly. The food scene alone is so varied that you could probably hit up a new Michelin or must-try viral spot daily and still never get through them all. But I’ve tried to wade through the hype to concisely curate the can’t-miss experiences. As such, read on for the best things to do in Singapore.
Singapore 101
Money in Singapore: Singapore uses the Singapore dollar ($). Card is widely accepted, but it's worth having some cash on you as occasionally hawker stalls may be cash only.
When to visit Singapore: February-April is considered best weather-wise, whereas December-January is the rainiest period. Visit in August to experience the National Day festivities, though expect prices to rise accordingly. Ultimately Singapore is popular year-round, there's really no bad time!
How long to spend in Singapore: Singapore is compact enough that you could comfortably tick off the highlights in 3-4 nights, however to do it justice (and eat your way around all the hawker centres!) I'd recommend 5-7 nights. Check out my Singapore 3 day itinerary to help plan your days.
Getting to Singapore: Singapore is served by one of the World's best international airports, Changi. Changi is conveniently central, around 45 minutes to an hour by train into the centre, or 20-30 minutes by taxi. If you're travelling from Malaysia there are also coaches available across the border, bookable via redBus.
Getting around Singapore: Singapore has an extensive public transport system of rail and bus. You can purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel for one, two, or three days, or use contactless payment cards. Alternatively, Grab is Singapore's go-to ride hailing app.
5 Best Things to do in Singapore: Visit Gardens by the Bay, eat hawker food, visit a museum or gallery, dine at 808 (after exploring Joo Chiat), and see the sunset from a rooftop. But more on all of that below!
Where to Stay in Singapore
JOO CHIAT
Laidback Joo Chiat’s main claim to fame is the row of picturesque Peranakan Houses that flank Koon Seng Road. However it also hosts a number of trendy restaurants, cafes, and budget-friendly hotel options. The only drawback is that it’s a bit further out from many of the main sights.
CHINATOWN
If street eats are high on your Singapore bucket list, Chinatown is your best bet. Many of the famous hawker centres are within the neighbourhood, including Maxwell, Hong Lim, and Chinatown Complex. It’s also very convenient for sightseeing, with museums and Marina Bay within walking distance.
KAMPONG GLAM
Be in the heart of it all in vibrant Kampong Glam, a conveniently central spot with striking mosques, bustling Haji Lane, enticing bakeries and Middle Eastern restaurants.
ORCHARD
For a more cosmopolitan vibe, Singapores glossiest luxury hotels and designer brands are found in the towering blocks and shiny malls around Orchard. Orchard MRT makes getting around convenient, however there’s less of Singapore’s rich culture on display here.
Hotels in Singapore
BUDGET HOTELS IN SINGAPORE
I should caveat this, by saying that I use the term "budget" loosely here. If there’s one area where Singapore stumbles, it’s budget-friendly accommodation options. Space is at a premium, and affordable options are often claustrophobically tiny rooms with no window. If you’re on a budget, I’d recommend booking well in advance. Check the room size to ensure you’re not splashing out on a broom closet!
The Sultan: Rooms under £100 a night are hard to come by in Singapore, but The Sultan is one of the few. The building itself is a stylish heritage property in Kampong Glam, conveniently located for exploring the neighbourhood and further afield.
Stories Joo Chiat: If you're going to stay in a shoebox, it may as well be a stylish one. Stories has recently been beautifully refurbished, and is conveniently located on Joo Chiat Road.
KēSa House: A basic stay with small rooms, however the Chinatown location next to Maxwell MRT makes this a prime base for exploring Singapore.
MID RANGE HOTELS IN SINGAPORE
Capri by Fraser China Square: Clean, modern serviced apartments in an excellent central location.
The Clan Hotel: Moody, minimalist interiors, and an enviably central location make this a stylish choice for those looking for a stay that channels Singapore's urban sophistication.
Oasia Hotel Downtown: A good stay for those looking for comfort and a range of amenities, with two pools and a fitness centre on site.
LUXURY HOTELS IN SINGAPORE
Pan Pacific Orchard: This towering Orchard spot (pictured) boasts great views, ample bedrooms, and one of the coolest pools in the city. It’s particularly sexy lit up at night. Read my full review here.
Capella Singapore: A sleek resort stay away from the bustle of the city, on Singapore's Sentosa Island.
The Fullerton: The Fullerton’s plush position on the waterfront would be enough of a draw, but the property itself is a breathtaking old world luxury gem.
Raffles Singapore: An icon of Singapore, Raffles is THE luxury hotel in the city. As such, the prices are fairly eye-watering, but if you’re looking for a signature Singapore experience, it’s hard to beat. Or, just swing by the bar for an iconic Singapore Sling!
PARKROYAL Pickering: It’s hard to walk past the awe-inspiring edifice of Parkroyal Pickering without stopping to stare. Swathes of greenery spill out from the sides of one of the best pools in the city. A very quintessential Garden City stay.
Artyzen: A unique design stay with elegant Art Deco interiors and a standout rooftop pool.
Things to do in Singapore
Gardens by the Bay
Singapore’s flagship sight is indisputably Gardens by the Bay, a large open green space housing a number of different garden and greenhouse areas. At its heart is The Supertree Grove, a collection of towering plant structures in the centre of the park. Though it’s spectacular enough from the ground, you can also purchase tickets to walk through the OCBC Skyway ($14), or see it from the Supertree Observatory ($14). But arguably the best experience is the twice nightly light show, free at 19:45 and 20:45 every evening.
In fact, the very best thing about Gardens by the Bay is the fact that the grounds themselves are free to wander. That said, there are a number of ticketed areas that are well worth doing. The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest (open 9am to 9pm, last entry at 8pm), for instance, are two greenhouses hosting botanical installations and exhibitions in immersive spaces. On our visit, the Cloud Forest was Jurassic Park themed, whilst the Flower Dome showcased a Peranakan-themed orchid festival. At $46 for a combo ticket, they’re a worthy addition to your Gardens by the Bay itinerary. There’s also the Floral Fantasy area with further installations, however we didn’t quite make it there - an excuse to return!
I’d plan a half day to fully explore the gardens. If you visit in the morning you’ll have a quieter experience, or visit at golden hour and stay for the light show. If you have the time, I’d recommend doing what we did - exploring the park at opening whilst it’s relatively quiet, then heading back in the early evening for the light show another day. Best of both worlds!
Museums in Singapore
Singapore is home to an excellent museum and art gallery scene, to the extent that I could very easily dedicate a whole separate post to the subject. Many of these are found in the downtown district between Bras Basah and Chinatown, making it easy to do a day of museum and gallery hopping, should you be so inclined.
It can be overwhelming trying to whittle down which to visit, so I’d recommend checking updated listings of current exhibitions to make your picks. I chose to visit the Peranakan Museum, which hosts a range of permanent and temporary exhibits showcasing the rich Peranakan culture of Singapore. Peranakans are those who have migrated to Singapore and assimilated with local communities, leading to the resulting mixed heritage and developing a unique Peranakan culture through food, design, and dress. I had fallen in love with the maximalist aesthetics and delicious cuisine of the Peranakan community in George Town, Malaysia, so learning more about its roots and identity within modern-day Singapore was particularly interesting.
I also spent an afternoon exploring the National Museum, which hosts an in-depth permanent exhibition charting Singapore’s history from the 14th century, through colonial rule and into the present day. It’s very well documented, balancing historical information with immersive experiences and exhibits. There’s also a number of temporary exhibitions further exploring the national history, identity, and other key themes. The National Museum is open from 10-7pm, with last admission at 6:30pm.
Other Museums and Galleries worth exploring in Singapore:
- ArtScience Museum: A blend of art, science, culture and technology exhibitions in this Marina Bay Sands-based Museum.
- Asian Civilisations Museum: A museum dedicated to the artistic heritage and culture of Asia.
- National Gallery: Discover Singapore's art curation with a focus on Southeast Asian Art.
There are still so many more beyond these, so I recommend doing your research depending on your interests to find the perfect spot for you!
Explore the neighbourhoods
I’ve already touched on these within “Where to stay”, however Singapore has a number of unique neighbourhoods worth exploring. These neighbourhoods are lively microcosms reflecting the cultures of the various nations who have built communities in Singapore.
Of all the things to do in Singapore, a wander around Chinatown is a must. Discover Michelin-lauded hawker stalls secreted away in apartment blocks, plus plenty of markets and restaurants beside. I'd recommend spending at least one afternoon and evening exploring (okay, mostly eating) your way around.
Another neighbourhood worthy of a stroll is Kampong Glam. Haji Lane is its commercial heart, with souvenir stalls, boutiques, vintage shops and food outlets all vying for attention. Follow the Kampong Glam heritage trail to discover the many fascinating sights and history around the neighbourhood, or grab a bite to eat at one of the many Middle Eastern restaurants.
Craving a curry? Singapore’s Little India is also a popular haunt, with striking temples and mosques, as well as plenty of places to stock up on Indian and South Asian products such as gold jewellery. No frills canteens serve up heaving plates of curries and rotis at purse-friendly prices. A can't miss sight in the neighbourhood is the house of Tan Teng Niah, a colourful and uniquely Singapore shophouse.
Koon Seng Road
Singapore's prettiest road is so aesthetically pleasing, it's worthy of a dedicated mention. Koon Seng Road, just off Joo Chiat, is lined with pastel-hued Peranakan houses. These early 20th-century buildings showcase unique architectural and design details including colourful floral tiles and stained glass windows. If you want to take photos unimpeeded, I recommend visiting early as it can get crowded, then heading to breakfast at Common Man (see below).
The Singapore Flyer
Singapore has a truly uniquely skyline, and it's best viewed from sky high. The Singapore Flyer allows you to do just that, with the observation wheel offering up panoramic views over Marina Bay and the city beyond. When I took a spin it was pleasantly quiet, with no jostling for space required to enjoy the views. There are a number of special experiences available to book, including dinner and champagne packages. The journey takes around 30 minutes, and at time of writing tickets are $40pp.
Heading to Malaysia? Check out my travel guides to Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown, Penang
Street Food and Hawker Centres in Singapore
Of all the best things to do in Singapore, it's street food scene cannot be missed. In fact, it's easily my favourite food destination in the world, largely down to the prevalence and variety of incredible street and hawker food. Chinese, Indian, Peranakan, and Malay influences have led to a particularly vibrant food culture that is best discovered across the city's many hawker centres. These centres are often found in residential apartment blocks or open air complexes, hosting dozens of different food stalls. Often these will focus on one or two key dishes, perfected over decades, and many have received Michelin recognition. Despite this, they're pleasantly affordable, alleviating the burden of an otherwise fairly expensive city.
During both our trips to Singapore we ate the vast majority of our meals around the various hawker centres. We didn't quite get to them all (you'd need weeks!), but covered many of the main centres and "must-try" dishes. Almost all the centres have their hero stalls, the ones that are lauded as the best of the best, have gone viral, and subsequently attract long queues. I've tried and tested these, but beyond the famous spots, there's plenty more besides. I recommend taking a wander, weighing up your options, and getting a few different dishes to share!
Newton Centre
Newton Food Centre is one of the best known and arguably most touristy of the city's hawker centres. Its claim to fame is the opening Singapore scene in blockbuster Singapore-set Crazy Rich Asians. The open air spot is lined with stalls, with dozens of seats filling the central courtyard. As for what to order? We'd heard good things about the chilli crab at Alliance Seafood, however at an eye-watering $55 we decided to forego it in favour of their BBQ stingray ($15). I’ve somehow never tried stingray before and it was a pleasant surprise, a meaty chunk of fish liberally coated in a rich, spicy sauce.
We also tried the Heng carrot cake with prawn ($7 for a small). Carrot cake is a popular dish in Malaysia and Singapore, however it’s far removed from what us Brits think of as carrot cake. In fact, I’ve yet to try an Asian interpretation that even tastes of carrot. Heng’s interpretation is more like a prawn omelette, and is well worth trying. My last recommendation is R & B Express's satay skewers, at 10$ for 10 pieces. These were skinny satay skewers, with a deliciously flavour packed dipping sauce.
Hong Lim Market and Food Centre
Hong Lim is not the kind of hawker centre you'd easily stumble upon. Tucked away in a Chinatown apartment block, it's set back from it's flashier neighbours, Chinatown complex and Maxwell Food Centre. However, it also has some of the best hawker food around, with several Michelin recognised stalls.
The most popular is Ji Ji Wanton Noodle, as testified by the lengthy queues that form at lunchtime, but the signature char sui wanton noodle is worth the wait. The crispy wantons are ludicrously moreish bites of texture, and the sauce coating the nuggets of char sui goodness is tart with just a hint of sweetness. It comes with a bowl of wonton soup that it doesn’t entirely seem to need, but I’m not complaining.
I also tried the "Famous Sungei Road Laksa", proudly proclaiming its standing since 1956. The laksa is $7 for a small, or $12 for a large. The lady taking orders took clear pride in the food, carefully plating up a steaming bowl topped with all sorts of seafood and spicy sauces. It was hearty and warming, and the small more than enough for one. Another lauded dish is the duck rice from Ah Heng ($4.50/$6.50) - a fairly underwhelming dish visually, but with good flavours.
Satay Street
If there's one thing to do in Singapore that I could happily repeat every time I visit, and not tire of, it's satay street. Every evening, the road behind food centre Lau Pa Sat (which is also worth visiting in its own right) is given over to stalls selling heaping piles of freshly grilled satay. Long communal tables line the street, packed with punters happily tucking into skewers of lamb, beef, and prawns, lightly charred and served with sticky, sweet satay sauce. There's a number of different stalls to choose from, but the most popular are 7 and 8, as attested by the large queues. We did try another vendor too, which was decent, but the sauce wasn't quite as sumptuous. However, if you don't want to wait, there's not much between them!
Maxwell Food Centre
Maxwell Food Centre is easily found in the heart of Chinatown, hence is one of the more popular food centres. It's got a few claims to fame, and is therefore a bustling spot around lunch and dinner. On a Thursday lunchtime, when we visited, the mood is lively, and tables are in hot demand.
The Tian Tian Haianese chicken rice is the star of the show here, thanks to something known (by me, at least) as the Bourdain effect. Anyone who’s travelled much in Asia will know the drill. Pictures of the famed food writer’s visit are emblazoned over the stall, Michelin Bib gourmand plaques proudly presented, snaking queues of foodie fans, and those enticed by the lure of the queue (that thankfully moves fairly fast).
The chicken rice comes in S, M, and L, at 5, 6, and 9 dollars respectively. It is doled out in military fashion, and at first glance fairly underwhelming. But appearances deceive, and a surprising amount of flavour is packed into simple ingredients. If you’re looking for a kick, a mysterious orange sauce brings the heat. We also tried oyster cake and wanton mee at other stalls, which were tasty enough, but nothing to write home about.
More Singapore Food Centres for your Bucket List
I sadly didn't have the opportunity to make it to every food centre and street food enclave in Singapore. However if you're looking for more inspiration for things to do in Singapore, here's a few of the other spots worth adding to your bucket list. For a full guide to Singapore's hawker centres, and what to try, I recommend reading this guide.
- Old Airport Road Food Centre, Mountbatten - one of Singapore's best loved hawker centres, with plenty of popular stalls
- Chinatown Complex, Chinatown - a mix of both clothes and food stalls at this Chinatown mainstay
- Tekka Centre, Little India - many of the hawker centres are more focussed on Chinese and Malay flavours, but this Little India spot is your go-to for South Asian flavours
- Lau Pa Sat, CBD - combine with satay street for an ultimate Singapore night out
- Hawker's Street ION, Orchard - stylish Orchard's closest thing to street food, in a plush shopping mall
- Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre, Tiong Bahru - A historic Bourdain and Phil Rosenthal approved centre tucked away from the main tourist routes
For more Asia destinations, check out my Asia Travel Guide
Restaurants and Dining in Singapore
Mother Dough Bakery
Kampong Glam is home to countless hip bakeries and cafes, and we found ourselves searching for regular morning pastry fixes whilst staying in the area. Mother Dough was one such, a cool local spot that actually reminded me nostalgically of our own local bakery back home in London.
On our visit we tucked into a savoury croissant with bechamel and ham (we think, they didn’t bother to elucidate), and a hefty almond croissant. They hit the spot, that perfect pastry balance of flaky, crispy crust, and gooey, sumptious interiors. I’d been struggling with coffee in our last destination, the Philippines (turns out, I do not like Filipino coffee beans…), and Mother Dough’s iced latte was a welcome change, perfectly sweetened but not overly so, and just strong enough without veering into bitterness.
Common Man Coffee Roasters
Because it's simply not one of my guides without a good brunch spot! You'll find half a dozen branches of hip coffee and brunch cafe Common Man scattered around the city, and they're well worth a visit. We popped into the Joo Chiat branch after an early morning visit to Koon Seng Road, in search of breakfast goods and a decent cup of coffee. Breakfast is served from 07:30-4pm (4pm breakfast, why not?), and it's a seriously stacked menu. There's a full breakfast, pancakes, even an ox cheek eggs benedict. Or order from the main menu for salads, burgers, and pasta if you're so inclined. We devoured the mixed berry french toast and croissant croque monsieur, both beautifully presented dishes that set us up perfectly to start the day.
808 Restaurant
Our very first night in Singapore we found ourselves hungry, and headed on down Joo Chiat in search of somewhere to eat. Enter 808 Eating House, an unassuming Asian fusion spot that had a rating on Google Maps so high, we knew we had to check it out.
I'm happy to report that the Google reviews did not lie. The menu is a mix of small and big plates, designed for sharing, with hints of Singaporean and modern Asian flavours. These are elegant, highly innovative dishes, miles removed from the rustic, no frills meals served up in the city's many hawker joints.
The duck fat financiers are a must, such delightfully moist morsels akin to a French madeleine, served up freshly warm with a pate that makes me question my long-held dislike of pate. The kailan and bacon makes eating your greens a pleasant experience. Then the flower crab dip is loaded with meaty crab morsels on slender hand cooked chips, a healthy dose of lemon cutting through the fishiness.
It has that sort of cool, hipster city restaurant vibe that can sometimes feel cold, or lead to sub-standard service. But the staff are lovely, super friendly and seem genuinely enthusiastic about the food. In fact, it was such a delight that we booked in again on our second Singapore trip, for our last night dinner. A satisfying case of mirroring, and yes, it was still just as good.
LeVeL 33 Rooftop Bar
LeVeL33 has a lot of red flags in my books. There is the random capitalisation of the name, for one. Then there is the dress code (despite the fact that I am usually overdressed, dress codes usually equal pretentious). However visiting a rooftop in Singapore is somewhat of a rite of passage, and LeVeL33 was where we landed. Thankfully, it was actually not at all bad. The bar is predominantly a craft brewery, however they also serve up plenty of cocktails and wines. Around sunset, it's heaving. I'd recommend booking in advance for an outside table with a view, or be prepared to wait. By the time we'd ordered a second drink, we were ferried to an outside table just in time to watch the city light up. This despite the fact that Adam's open toes were in clear infringement of the dress code (in his defence, we were backpacking Asia for 6 months, so he hadn't had much need for smart shoes). The bartenders are friendly, drinks, are good, and for a rooftop bar? Refreshingly not that pretentious.
Now normally I try not to recommend anything I haven’t personally tried or experienced in these guides. But in this case, I have so many things to do in Singapore still on my bucket list that I thought I’d include them as a final note for you. If you manage to do any of these, please do report back (and know I’m jealous)!
- Indulge in a Singapore Sling at its birthplace, the iconic Raffles hotel
- Singapore’s title of “The Garden City” is in proud display at its UNESCO heritage listed (and better yet, free to visit) Botanical Gardens
- Capita Spring offers free rooftop views over the city - just make sure to book a time slot 14 days in advance
I hope this guide to the best things to do in Singapore has been helpful. And if you have any more Singapore recommendations, please do leave them in the comments!
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Hi Anoushka, I am completely intrigued by your articles and stunning beauty pictures including you!! My name is Sandy. Which Southeast Asia trips are your top 3 and why? I am not able to decide whether to visit Cambodia, SIN, or Malaysia. Which resort/hotel did you stay in SIN, Malaysia (KUL, Penang) & Cambodia (which hotel would you recommend)? I am a big time foodie. Any suggestions? we have 16 nights total to travel. I am not a fan of Vietnamese food such as sandwiches. I think I can just visit Singapore or Malaysia and eat for 2 weeks but I wanted your advise. We are not a Budget travel. Thank you for your time.