Singapore, Singapore

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Singapore

Singapore, a small island city-state off the southern tip of Malaysia, is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and experiences. This guide will take you through the best places to visit, activities to do, where to eat, stay, and other essential tips for making the most out of your trip.

Places to Go

Gardens by the Bay

A 101-hectare park featuring stunning gardens, lakes, and a flower dome. The highlight is the towering Supertree Grove, with its whimsical art installations and stunning views of Marina Bay Sands.

Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

For panoramic views of the city skyline, head to the rooftop observatory deck of Marina Bay Sands. Enjoy a drink at the Observation Deck bar or simply take in the sights.

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956

Sentosa Island

A popular resort island with beaches, theme parks (Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A. Aquarium), and water sports. Get there by cable car or taxi from mainland Singapore.

Chinatown

Explore the rich history and culture of Singapore’s Chinese community in this vibrant neighborhood. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum for a glimpse into Buddhism.

Address: 288 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058819

Little India

Step into the colorful world of Indian culture in this bustling neighborhood. Try authentic Indian food at Mustafa Centre or visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.

Address: 27 Tank Rd, Singapore 238068

Activities

Foodie Tours

Join guided tours to explore Singapore’s culinary delights. Visit hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre and Tiong Bahru Market for a taste of local cuisine.

Companies: Chilli Crab, Makansutra, TasteQuest

Museums

Learn about Singapore’s history at the National Museum or visit the Asian Civilisations Museum to discover the art and culture of Asia.

Addresses: 93 Stamford Rd (National Museum), 1 Bayfront Ave (ACM)

Outdoor Adventures

Explore Pulau Ubin, a tranquil island with mangrove forests and scenic beaches. Or take a bike ride through the MacRitchie Reservoir Park.

Companies: Pulau Ubin Bike Rentals, Singapore Bicycles

Where to Eat

Hawker Centers

Try local dishes like chili crab, char kway teow, and Hainanese chicken rice at Maxwell Food Centre or Tiong Bahru Market.

Addresses: 461 Alexandra Rd (Maxwell), 301 Tiong Bahru Rd (Tiong Bahru)

Food Courts

Visit VivoCity for a variety of international cuisines or head to Bugis Junction for local street food options.

Addresses: 1 Trellis Ln (VivoCity), 200 Victoria St (Bugis)

Restaurants

Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants like Odette and Labyrinth, or try popular eateries like Ah Chiang Restaurant and Zouk Cafe.

Addresses: 32 Duxton Rd (Odette), 56 Tessensohn Rd (Labyrinth), 55 Hong Lim St (Ah Chiang)

Where to Stay

Luxury Hotels

Book a room at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel or stay in style at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore.

Addresses: 10 Bayfront Ave (MBS), 7 Raffles Blvd (Ritz-Carlton)

Mid-range Options

Try a boutique hotel like the Wanderlust or book into a budget-friendly chain like Ibis.

Addresses: 31 Carpenter St (Wanderlust), 2 Orchard Beach Rd (Ibis)

Things to Know

Weather

Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothing for your stay.

Currency

The Singapore dollar is the official currency, although credit cards are widely accepted.

Language

English is the primary language, but you may hear Malay, Chinese, and Tamil spoken by locals.

Transportation

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)

Singapore’s efficient public transportation system. Take the MRT from Changi Airport to various destinations or transfer at major stations like Raffles Place or Marina Bay Sands.

Bus Services

Use bus services for shorter journeys within neighborhoods. Try the NightRider service for late-night travel.

Taxi and Ride-hailing

Hire a taxi from ranks or use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Go-Van to get around Singapore.

Tips and Tricks

Respect Local Culture

Remove your shoes before entering temples or homes, and respect the local dress code when visiting mosques or temples.

Learn Basic Phrases

Try speaking basic Mandarin phrases like "" (hello) or "" (thank you).

Be Mindful of Personal Belongings

Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, especially at hawker centers or MRT stations.

Other Essentials

Water Refill Stations

Find water refill stations throughout Singapore to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.

Free Wi-Fi

Look out for free public Wi-Fi spots near major attractions, but be cautious of potential data theft.

Power Adapters

Bring a universal power adapter to keep your devices charged in Singapore’s Type G (230V) power outlets.

By following this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable adventure in Singapore!