Centuries-old temples and futuristic architecture frame renowned gardens, shopping districts and gourmet restaurants in the Lion City.
Multicultural and always entertaining, Singapore is one of Asia’s most exciting destinations. With Universal Studios Singapore, the dazzling Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer, attractions don’t come much bigger. However, in the city’s bustling hawker markets and ornate temples, it’s easy to discover the traditional heart.
Pack for warm weather when you visit Singapore, which has a humid tropical climate year round. Chinese New Year celebrations bring lion dances and themed markets in January or February. The annual Singapore Food Festival thrills foodies in summer and Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay features mesmerising light displays.
Things to do in Singapore
Head straight into a land of fantasy at Gardens by the Bay. Among enchanting displays is the Cloud Forest, with a towering indoor waterfall and spiralling walkways in a glass dome. At Merlion Park, take a photo with the iconic part-lion, part-fish Merlion statue overlooking Marina Bay. Another landmark from the past is the magnificent colonial-era St. Andrews Cathedral.
Explore Singapore’s cultural heritage throughout diverse neighbourhoods. Little India features the colourful Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple among vendors selling fragrant spices and naan bread. One of the city’s oldest urban areas, Kampong Gelam is home to the Sultan Mosque, the Malay Heritage Centre and live music bars on restaurant-lined Haji Lane. Discover Peranakan heritage amid the quaint and colourful shophouses of Katong.
Dating back to 1887, the National Museum of Singapore is the nation’s oldest and is housed in a beautiful neoclassical building. Also in the Civic District, the National Gallery Singapore features more than 8,000 pieces of Asian modern art. Go from museum hopping to shopping Orchard Road is Singapore’s renowned retail thoroughfare. Browse the fashion boutiques in the trendy Tiong Bahru neighbourhood and find artistic treasures in Bras Basah.
Outdoor activities in Singapore
Admire the largest orchid display in the world at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. At the MacRitchie Nature Trail and Reservoir Park, hike the leafy trails and traverse the Treetop Walk. Fort Canning Park is dotted with historical landmarks, including the Fort Gate, among gorgeous, themed gardens.
Challenge yourself to the wakeboarding courses for beginners and professionals at Singapore Wake Park. There’s an outdoor adventure for all the family on thrill-seeking Sentosa Island, that is, when you’re not basking on the tropical beaches of Siloso and Tanjong. Spot the endangered magpie robin at Sentosa Nature Discovery and zoom across the trees on Southeast Asia’s steepest zip wire at Mega Adventure Park - Singapore.
Dining and nightlife in Singapore
From Michelin-starred restaurants to the beachside hawker centre of East Coast Lagoon Food Village, Singapore’s food scene is among the best in the world. Take your taste buds to the largest hawker centre, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, for spring rolls and claypot rice. Afterwards, enjoy Chinatown’s bars that range from elegant cocktail clubs to edgy speakeasies.
Find chilli crab and fish head curry everywhere from Little India’s Serangoon Road to neon lit Geylang. With fine dining at international restaurants and glamorous nightclubs, neighbouring Clarke Quay and Boat Quay buzz with night owls year round.
Rooftop bars abound across the city and river dining cruises also offer incredible views of the twinkling skyline. If you’re travelling with children, you’ll find plenty to do after the sun goes down, including illuminated Orchid Bowl and Skyline Night Luge Sentosa for exciting karting.
Getting around Singapore
Fly into Singapore Changi Airport and take public buses, airport shuttles, taxis or the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) to your destination. It takes about 20 minutes to drive to the Marina Bay area and rental cars are available at the airport. Singapore’s MRT and bus systems are among the most efficient in the world, with stations located near major attractions and hotels.
Rent bicycles from a range of licensed operators to take advantage of a network of cycling paths. Stay in the Civic District, Chinatown, Little India or around the areas of Marina Bay and Orchard Road to be within easy walking distance of attractions, along with shopping and dining districts.
