Gorgeous view of the Singapore skyline featuring the iconic Singapore Flyer at sunset.

Singapore

The world’s most iconic stop-over – but worth so much more than just a couple hours. Historic shophouses, Blade Runner-esque Botanical Gardens and aromatic hawker feasts encourage lingering.

Plan

Wander

Sleep

Eat

Stories

Best time

Year Round

Currency

SGD ($)

Language

English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil

Getting around

MRT or Grab taxi app

Most people pass through Singapore – they’re missing out. In a single day you can wander a cloud forest under glass, eat the best meal of your trip at a plastic table for five dollars, and watch Botanical Gardens turn into a kaleidoscope of colours above you.

Singapore is spotless, walkable and safe, making it the perfect soft landing into Asia or an indulgent full stop to a longer trip. Many people dismiss Singapore as shallow or boring, but underneath the polish there’s real texture, for those who care to look. You could spend days exploring temples, incense in the air, each completely different to the last. You could have breakfast at the Chanel cafe, followed by lunch at a hawker centre, enjoying gourmet dumplings for less than $5. It’s the many contrasts that make Singapore so fascinating, revealing it’s most interesting secrets only to the most curious.

My Dad spent part of his childhood in Singapore, so it always held an interest to me, I had always been curious to know more about it beyond it’s lay-over reputation. The first time I visited Singapore, I was solo, and completely fell in love. As a solo female traveller, I absolutely loved how safe I felt and how I could see such a diversity of attractions in a relatively small area. On this first trip, I did all the famous spots – Marina Bay Sands, Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Orchard Road and Gardens By the Bay.

I couldn’t wait to return with my family, where we spent around eight days re-discovering the city with the luxury of a longer stay. We wandered quirky city streets, spent the afternoon with a local Singaporean woman who showed us the very best flavours until we couldn’t eat another bite, a morning learning the art of bee-keeping at an urban farm, and a lazy weekend lounging around Sentosa Island at Capella Singapore.

Here, I’ve combined both – the highlights worth visiting, plus the off the beaten track spots worth including in a slimline or extended itinerary. Keep reading to find out how to do Singapore justice – whether you’ve got 48 hours between flights or are enjoying an extended stay.

Katie’s verdict

Give it two nights, not two hours.

Everyone treats Singapore as a layover. Stay a little longer and seek balance – hours can be spent wandering the streets for free, enjoying cheap hawker meals. Then treat yourself to a Singapore Sling at Raffles or a glass of champagne at Lantern, overlooking the Bay.

Before you go

Quick tips

  • Book the Gardens by the Bay domes online – a good place to cool off in the afternoon heat.
  • The MRT makes it easy (and cool) to get around the city, plus saves you funds for more chicken satay. Google Maps will give you directions.
  • Some hawker centres accept card, but cash is still king; carry small notes.
  • Pack a light layer – indoor aircon is welcome but fierce.
  • Tipping isn’t expected and a service charge is usually included.

Good to know

How many days do I need?

If all you have is 24 hours between flights, you can get an excellent taste of Singapore’s best offerings. Two days covers the headline acts plus a little wandering time. Three or four allows a relaxed pace (welcome in the heat) and time to uncover Singapore’s complex layers at leisure. Even longer allows you to head to Sentosa for a few relaxed days at Capella Singapore, the perfect peaceful space to lounge after city exploring.

Is Singapore expensive?

Yes and no. I definitely notice high prices, even coming from London and Sydney, two of the most expensive cities in the world. That said, quality of service and product is high, and there are deals to be found. You can eat like a king at a hawker centre for a very reasonable price, and if you don’t mind a cosy space hotels can be found for less than £100 per night.

Where should I head next?

Changi is a destination in itself and the city is just twenty minutes away, but Singapore is also the perfect launching pad to some of Asia’s most exciting destinations. We boarded the Belmond Orient Express train through Malaysia, then took a ferry and a seaplane to Bawah Reserve. Langkawi offers more island delights, or you might consider Borneo for an adventurous trip.

What is the culture and language like?

Singapore is a comfortable destination for Western travellers, and most people speak English fluently. Always be mindful of local customs and cultures, including dressing modestly at local temples and being polite and clean in public spaces.

Don’t miss

Start Right Here

Three spots to get started exploring Singapore

Gardens By The Bay

I always recommend combining the SuperTree Light Show with a sunset cocktail at Lantern Bar as the perfect welcome to Singapore. Make sure to reserve a table at the Fullerton Lantern Bar for just before sunset, then wander over to the Gardens By the Bay for the light show, usually performed twice at 7.30pm and 8pm. You can purchase tickets for the Sky Walk but I actually think it’s best from below. You can always return with a combo ticket for the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, and enjoy the contrast of day and night.

Lau Pa Sat

Lau Pa Sat is a great place to dip your toe into Singapore’s hawker culture. Yes, it’s tourist-y, but it’s full of life and easy to navigate for a first visit. The best game plan here is simply to follow your nose. If you want to start the ‘proper’ way, hunt down some Hainan Chicken and rice and a tiger beer, then some chicken satay sticks. My absolute favourite is the Singaporean Chilli Crab served with cloud-soft milk buns from the stall outside – it’s always bustling, so you can’t miss it.

Buddhist Tooth Relic Temple and Chinatown

Depart the MRT in Chinatown, and you’ll find it very easy to wander. There’s a market to browse souvenirs, then make your way to the Temple. From here, you can stop by the Maxwell Food Centre (make sure to track down the black truffle dumplings!) and then continue on to the Sri Mammamman Temple.

Where to lay your head

Sleep Right Here

The splurge

Raffles, Singapore

Beach Road · historic stay

It simply doesn’t get any more iconic than this. Even if you don’t stay, stop by to try the Singapore Sling in it’s birthplace.

$$$ – from £800 per night

The sweet spot

Pan Pacific Orchard Road

Orchard · Classic Singapore city-meets-nature

Stylish, futuristic hotel with the second most iconic pool in Singapore (after MBS, of course).

$$ – from £200 per night

The smart steal

Wanderlust, The Unlimited

Little India · great value

Compact but comfortable rooms on Kampong Glam’s quirky doorstep. Plunge pool and sunbathing terrace is welcome on Singapore’s balmy afternoons!

$- from £75 per night

by mood

Wander Where You Feel

You could spend a life-time exploring Singapore. I think part of the reason people don’t always warm to it is they don’t explore beyond Marina Bay Sands, which is beautiful but can feel a little shallow. Allow time to uncover Singapore on your on terms, through these moods.

When You’re Hungry

You won’t be short of delicious dining opportunities in Singapore, but if you need some inspiration to get started, here’s some spots worth book-marking for when you’re in the area.

  • Singapore Sling, Raffles: another tourist hotspot that’s definitely worth it! The Singapore Sling was invented right here in the early 1900’s, making the Long Bar at Raffles one of the cities’ most famous places for a cocktail. Sip your drink, throw peanut shells on the floor, and enjoy a delicious slice of history.
  • Custard Tarts, Tong Heng: This Chinatown institution has been serving delicious Cantonese egg tarts for generations. Their signature diamond-shaped pastry is wonderfully crisp on the outside with a silky custard filling, delivered still warm. Pull up a chair or grab one to go while you explore nearby temples.
  • Coconut Club, Beach Road: An elevated take on the national favourite nasi lemak – fragrant coconut rice, perfectly crispy fried chicken and delicious spicy sambal. I ate here three times on my trip!
  • Atlas Bar: You really feel transported to another era in this glamorous Art Deco hotel. It’s definitely on the pricey side, but it’s worth it for the excellent service and incredible atmosphere. Note they have a strict dress code, so make sure you dress for the occasion!
  • Duxton Hill: A beautiful combination of leafy streets and restored traditional shophouses home to some of Singapore’s hottest wine bars, cocktail spots and restaurants. I’ve spent a few evenings hopping from one to the next, just wander until somewhere catches your eye!

When You’re Lively

There’s certainly no shortage of entertainment to be found in Singapore. The list is never-ending, but here’s three favourite spots when you’re in the mood for some real exploring.

  • ARTScience Museum: this museum offers something for everyone, and it’s stunning location near Marina Bay Sands means it slots easily into any itinerary. The changing exhibitions blend art, science and tech in such an engaging way, it’s a lovely accompaniment to any itinerary.
  • Join a food tour: you can probably already tell Singapore’s food scene can feel impossibly vast. We got our bearings with a local guide on ‘A Chef’s Tour: Singapura Bites‘. Our local guide Charlotte took us on a five hour journey through family owned eateries and Michelin-rated spots with over 12 different tastings. We never would have found these spots on our own, plus we got such an insight into Singapore’s rich heritage and culture, illustrated in the most delicious way.
  • Pulau Ubin: get a feeling for Singapore before the skyscrapers, and hop aboard a traditional bumboat to Pulau Ubin. Enjoy the slower pace, with quiet cycling trails, rustic seafood restaurants and peaceful mangrove boardwalks offering a welcome respite from the bustling metropolis.

When You’re Curious

Curiosity is rewarded in Singapore, allowing you to step beyond the polish and uncover a city of surprising contrasts. Three places to go to learn something new:

  • Singapore City Museum: you only need an hour or so here, to be honest I wasn’t convinced how entertaining this would be – I can admit here I was wrong! It’s quite incredible how far Singapore has come in a short amount of time, and this super interactive exhibit is a wonderful way to gain a new appreciation of this tiny island with big ambitions.
  • Kreta Ayer and Keong Saik Road: just a short walk from the City Museum, Kreta Ayer forms the historic heart of Chinatown. Wander toward Keong Saik Road and uncover beautifully restored shophouses home to some of the cities’ best cafes and independent boutiques.
  • The Sundowner Rooftop Farm Experience: I’m not even sure how I stumbled across this, but it was a wonderfully unique way to spend a morning in Singapore! This unexpected urban farm offers a wealth of experiences, speaking to Singapore’s commitment to nurturing the natural world around the city. We learn about bee-keeping, foraged for edible plants and made our own honey-gin cocktails. Even in such a modern city, there’s still time to reconnect with nature.

When It’s Souvenir Time

You can’t come to Singapore and not at least do a little window shopping. Beyond magnets and keychains, look for beautifully designed homewares, locally made fragrances and pantry staples you’ll actually use back home.

  • The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands: even if you’re not planning a Dior-Chanel-Gucci shopping spree, The shoppes are worth a wander. The centre is peaceful, with beautiful views over the bay – polished, indulgent, and perfectly Singapore.
  • Haji Lane: one of my absolute favourite places in Singapore! Much more wallet-friendly than The Shoppes too. Hygge is my favourite little boutique, with a collection of tastefully designed souvenirs. There’s a few really sweet photobooths too which make an excellent budget souvenir. Make sure to stop by Birds of Paradise for a gelato and wander past the Mosque and through to Little India for further exploration.

When You’re Weary

Once you’ve worn yourself out with all of the above, make sure to take some to rest and relax too. Unwind after a day of sightseeing, or carve out a few days to do nothing but lounge.

  • Auriga Spa at Capella Singapore: Capella is one of my favourite brands across the world, and this is a lovely way to visit Sentosa away from the crowds. The spa menu draws inspiration from the lunar cycle, followed by time moving through hydrotherapy pools, herbal steam rooms and tranquil gardens. You might choose to start your day of indulgence with a champagne breakfast, one of the best breakfasts in Singapore.
  • COMO Shambala: COMO combines thoughtful therapies with beautifully designed spaces, offering every treatment you could imagine (and more) to truly reset.
  • Therme Singapore (Opening 2030): On my wishlist as soon as it opens! Therme will be Singapore’s largest “wellness destination” bringing together thermal pools, botanical gardens, saunas, wellness treatments and relaxation spaces under one incredible roof. If it live sup to the hype that’s already started, it promises to be one of the city’s most exciting additions.

From the journal

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