Things To Do
in Singapore

Singapore is a compact city-state where gleaming skyscrapers rise beside lush parks and waterfront promenades. Its multicultural neighborhoods blend Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences into a vibrant food and arts scene. Clean streets, world-class transport, and meticulous safety make it easy to explore on foot or by rail.

From hawker centers to pristine gardens, Singapore offers a polished but welcoming gateway to Southeast Asia.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Marina Bay Sands
morning
:

Touch down at Changi Airport and breeze through immigration before checking into your Marina Bay hotel. Wander through the sleek lobby and settle into a room with panoramic city views. Head up to the SkyPark observation deck to marvel at the sprawling Singapore skyline.

afternoon
:

Descend to the ArtScience Museum to explore interactive exhibits blending art, science, and technology. Stroll along the scenic Helix Bridge and pause to capture photos of the waterfront. Treat yourself to a leisurely lunch at one of the waterside cafes overlooking Marina Bay.

evening
:

Return to Supertree Grove for the dazzling Garden Rhapsody light and sound show. Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant, savoring modern interpretations of Peranakan cuisine. Cap the night off with cocktails at the Sands SkyPark bar, soaking in the glittering city lights.

day 2
Gardens by the Bay and Cloud Forest
morning
:

Start your day amid the futuristic domes of Gardens by the Bay, wandering through the Flower Dome’s exotic blooms. Admire the architectural wonder of the Supertrees as you stroll along the OCBC Skyway. Feel the gentle mist and cool embrace of the cooled conservatories as the city wakes up.

afternoon
:

Venture into the Cloud Forest dome to witness the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and lush vegetation. Discover rare orchids, ferns, and carnivorous plants thriving in the mist-laden environment. Recharge with a plant-based lunch at the nearby Satay by the Bay food pavilion.

evening
:

Climb up to the Supertree top walkway to catch a magical sunset panorama. Dine at a waterfront bistro with views of Marina Reservoir. Conclude your evening with the Gardens by the Bay light show, where the Supertrees come alive in a symphony of color.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🥗Meal for 2 in mid-range restaurant$40-60
Coffee (regular)$3-5
🚇One-way public transport ticket$1.50-3
🏨1-night hotel in city center$120-200

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Impeccable cleanliness and safety
  • World-class food scene and efficient transport system
  • High cost of living
  • Dense urban environment with humidity and heat
  • "Nǐ hǎo" - Hello (Mandarin)
  • "Selamat pagi" - Good morning (Malay)
  • "Terima kasih" - Thank you (Malay)
  • "Xièxiè" - Thank you (Mandarin)
  • "Vanakkam" - Hello (Tamil)

Places to Visit in Singapore

Visit one of these nice places.

Gardens by the Bay – Supertree Grove

Futuristic vertical gardens with lit tree-like structures; dramatic at night.

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

Panoramic city views from atop the resort; best at sunset or after dark.

Helix Bridge

Sinewy architecture connecting Marina Bay sands and the business district—great for long-exposure shots.

Merlion Park

Iconic statue with the Marina Bay backdrop; early mornings are quieter.

Chinatown and Temple Street

Colorful shophouses and lanterns; atmospheric street photography, especially at dusk.

Culinary Guide

Food in Singapore

Singaporean cuisine is a dynamic mosaic of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences. Expect fragrant spice blends, coconut milk, soy sauce, and bold chili heat in compact bites at hawker centers and refined menus alike.

Singapore Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Poached chicken served with fragrant rice and a trio of sauces; best at Tian Tian or nearby hawker stalls at Maxwell Food Centre.

Must-Try!

Chilli Crab

Crab sautéed in a tangy, spicy tomato sauce; iconic renditions found at Jumbo Seafood or No Signboard.

Laksa

Coconut curry laksa with noodles, shrimp, and tau pok; popular at 328 Katong Laksa.

Char Kway Teow

Stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, egg, and choy sum; classic hawker stall favorites like Hill Street Tai Hoon.

Hokkien Mee

Stir-fried noodles with seafood in a rich stock; beloved at Old Airport Road or Geylang area.

Satay

Skewered and grilled meat served with peanut sauce; widely available around Lau Pa Sat and night markets.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Maxwell Food Centre

A dense hawker hub near Chinatown offering a wide range of local bites, from Hainanese chicken rice to tongue-tingling chili sauces.

Chinatown Complex Food Centre

One of the world's largest hawker centers with hundreds of stalls offering regional specialties.

Lau Pa Sat

Historic market famous for satay stalls lining the street after dark.

Golden Mile Food Centre

Thai/Thai-adjacent stalls and local Singaporean favorites near Golden Mile complex.

Tekka Centre

Rich mix of Indian and South Asian flavors in Little India.

Climate Guide

Weather

Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate: hot, humid days with frequent sudden rain showers year-round. Temperatures typically range from 23–31°C (73–88°F) with high humidity. Rain is common, especially during the Northeast and Southwest monsoon seasons; expect short, heavy downpours. The best time to visit is during the drier months, but rain can still occur any time.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queueing and politeness

Always queue and wait your turn; avoid loud conversations in public spaces; maintain a calm demeanor.

Religious and cultural sensitivities

Respect religious spaces; remove shoes when required and dress modestly at mosques and temples.

Cleanliness

Singapore has strict anti-littering laws; dispose of trash properly and reuse water bottles where possible.

Safety Guide

Safety

Singapore is one of the safest travel destinations with very low crime rates. Standard precautions apply: watch your belongings in crowded places, beware of scams around tourist hotspots, and follow local laws. Use reputable transport options at night and avoid unregulated areas. Emergency numbers: police 999, ambulance 995, hospitals are well-equipped.

Tipping in Singapore

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary; a 10% service charge may be included in some restaurants. Most places do not expect tipping; round up the bill if you wish.

Payment Methods

Cash and credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Nets, Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common; maintain small change for hawker centers.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry Season (March–May)

Hot and sunny days with low rainfall; stay hydrated and seek shade, especially midday.

Monsoon Season (Nov–Jan)

Frequent downpours and humid conditions; carry a compact umbrella or rain jacket.

Inter-monsoon and Shoulder periods (Feb–Mar, Oct–Nov)

Thundery showers and high humidity; more unpredictable rain but sometimes pleasant sunny spells.

Nightlife Guide

Singapore at Night

Singapore's nightlife spans polished rooftop bars with skyline views to lively lantern-lit streets in Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam, and Chinatown. Expect world-class clubs like Zouk and Ce La Vi, stylish lounges, live music venues, and late-night hawker centers for a late bite.

Hiking in Singapore

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

MacRitchie Reservoir Park Trails

Forest trails with a treetop walk offering a bird's-eye view of the reservoir.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

A dense rainforest hill with challenging shuttle trails and biodiversity.

Labrador Nature Reserve

Coastal trails and rocky shorelines with sea views.

Airports

How to reach Singapore by plane.

Changi Airport (SIN)

Singapore's main international gateway, connected by a comprehensive public transport network to the city center.

Seletar Airport (XSP)

Smaller airport serving general aviation and regional flights; located in the northeastern part of Singapore.

Getting Around

Walkability

Singapore is highly walkable in its central areas (Marina Bay, Civic District, Orchard), with extensive pedestrian links and good street-level safety. The MRT and bus network makes longer trips easy, reducing the need for driving. Sidewalks can be crowded near hawker centers and at peak hours. Overall, walking is enjoyable and efficient in most tourist zones.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic Chinese

The largest local group, reflecting a broad spectrum of dialects, food, and festivals.

Malay

An important community with rich cultural and religious traditions; contributes mosques and Malay cuisine.

Indian

A significant community with diverse languages and traditions; contributes temples and Indian-fusion cuisine.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Badminton

One of the most popular sports in Singapore, with many clubs and community courts.

Football (Soccer)

Numerous local leagues and parks support football for all ages.

Water Sports

Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and beach activities are common around Sentosa and East Coast Park.

Transportation

Traffic

Singapore has efficient public transport, including the MRT and buses, which minimizes the need for driving. Traffic can be heavy during weekday rush hours on major expressways; taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available. Pedestrian-friendly crossings and clear signage help visitors navigate city streets safely. Parking can be expensive and limited in central areas.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Singapore has many vegetarian options; look for dishes that emphasize vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms; ask for no meat-based stock; use stalls that label vegetarian options.

Gluten-free

Most hawker centers offer rice and noodle dishes; inform stall assistants of gluten-free needs and request sauces on the side.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Singapore has excellent healthcare with a mix of public and private hospitals. Public healthcare is high-quality and affordable for residents, with healthcare schemes like Medisave and MediShield Life. International travelers can access private clinics and hospitals; travel insurance is recommended. In emergencies, Singapore's hospitals provide swift, professional care.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Singapore.