Singapore, often referred to as the Lion City, is a melting pot of cultures, history, and modern marvels. Nestled at the crossroads of Asia, this island nation boasts a rich tapestry of traditions, cutting-edge technology, and urban sophistication. From its humble beginnings as a British trading colony in 1819 to its rapid transformation into a global financial hub, Singapore’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
The cultural landscape of Singapore is as diverse as its population, comprising Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities. This vibrant mix is reflected in the city’s festivals, culinary delights, and architectural styles. Modern Singapore is synonymous with stunning skyscrapers, lush green spaces, and a world-class transportation system that makes exploring the city a breeze.
When it comes to getting around Singapore, visitors will find an efficient and affordable public transport network. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system and an extensive bus network ensure you can reach almost any destination with ease. English is widely spoken, making communication effortless for most travelers. Singapore is renowned for its safety, providing a secure environment for tourists to explore at any hour of the day.
For those planning a visit, check out our meticulously crafted 6-day Singapore itinerary that covers the best of Singapore’s attractions.
Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay
Marina Bay Sands is an architectural marvel synonymous with Singapore’s skyline. Designed by architect Moshe Safdie, it consists of three 55-story towers connected by the SkyPark, a massive sky terrace shaped like a futuristic ship atop the towers.
A highlight is the SkyPark Observation Deck, offering 360-degree views of the city from 200 meters above ground. Enjoy the view from CÉ LA VI, a rooftop bar on the 57th floor. The famous infinity pool on the SkyPark is the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, exclusive to hotel guests.
There’s also the ArtScience Museum, a cultural landmark that fuses art, science, culture, and technology. The museum hosts various exhibitions and interactive displays, making it a perfect stop for those interested in innovative and immersive experiences.
Make sure you don’t miss the fountain water show! Spectra is a captivating 15-minute outdoor light and water show held nightly at the Event Plaza along the promenade at Marina Bay Sands. It features 18 individually controlled fountains that shoot water up to 20 meters high, synchronized perfectly with the orchestral music. Viewing times are:
- Sunday to Thursday: 8 PM and 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 8 PM, 9 PM, and 10 PM
Adjacent to Marina Bay Sands is Gardens by the Bay, a futuristic park featuring the iconic Supertree Grove, which lights up spectacularly at night with the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM daily. The Supertree Observatory, located within the tallest Supertree, offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline.
The Cloud Forest dome is a must-see, featuring the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and a mist-filled landscape mimicking tropical highlands. Visitors can explore the Cloud Walk and Treetop Walk for stunning views of the lush vegetation and intricate plant displays.
The Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world, showcases plants from Mediterranean climates, including olive groves and baobabs, and features themed gardens from various continents.
Other highlights include the Heritage Gardens, representing Singapore’s main ethnic groups and colonial past, the Serene Garden inspired by Japanese zen gardens, and the Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes with thriving aquatic ecosystems. The Far East Organization Children’s Garden offers interactive play areas and water features, perfect for families.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is Singapore’s premier destination for fun and relaxation. With pristine beaches, thrilling attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, and the S.E.A. Aquarium, there is something for everyone. It is home to several popular beach clubs, such as Tanjong Beach Club and FOC Sentosa, where you can unwind with a cocktail in hand while soaking up the sun and enjoying the beach vibes.
A Forbidden Forest Experience in Sentosa offers an enchanting walk through a magical forest filled with interactive elements, themed decorations, and iconic creatures from the Harry Potter universe. Visitors can explore illuminated paths, cast spells, and encounter magical creatures like Hippogriffs and Centaurs.
Recently, the SensoryScape, an immersive multisensory experience, has become a must-do activity on the island. Sentosa’s Sensoryscape is an immersive sensory experience that spans 30,000 square meters and serves as a key connector between Resorts World Sentosa and the island’s southern beaches. The 350-meter walkway features six distinct sensory gardens designed to engage all five senses:
- Lookout Loop: Offers panoramic views of Sentosa’s north end and turns into a spectacle of animated light beams at night.
- Tactile Trellis: A texture-focused garden with plants of various textures, coming alive at night with an ImagiNite light show.
- Scented Sphere: A garden filled with aromatic plants, transformed by an interactive light and AR experience at night.
- Symphony Streams: A calming area with the sound of running water, featuring a nighttime underwater-themed AR experience.
- Palate Playground: An edible garden with aromatic herbs and spices, enhanced with interactive floor projections at night.
- Glow Garden: Comes to life at night with towering flower stalks glowing in a symphony of colors, accompanied by the ImagiNite multimedia light show.
Chinatown and Little India
Chinatown in Singapore is a trendy district rich in cultural heritage, offering a mix of traditional and modern attractions.
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: This impressive temple, inspired by the Chinese Tang Dynasty, houses a museum with rare artifacts and a stunning rooftop garden.
- Sri Mariamman Temple: The oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, known for its detailed gopuram and vibrant Theemithi fire-walking ceremony.
- Maxwell Food Centre: A famous hawker center where you can savor local delights like Hainanese chicken rice, satay, and nasi goreng.
- Ann Siang Hill and Club Street: Known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Little India is a lively and colorful district reflecting Singapore’s Indian community’s rich culture.
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple: A stunning temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, known for its elaborate and colorful statues.
- Tekka Centre: A bustling hawker center and wet market where you can find Indian cuisine, fresh produce, and spices.
- Mustafa Centre: A 24-hour shopping mall offering a vast array of products, from electronics to groceries.
National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery Singapore, located in the heart of the Civic District, is a premier visual arts institution housed in the beautifully restored former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings. The gallery is renowned for its impressive collection of over 8,000 works of Southeast Asian art, making it the largest visual arts venue in Singapore and one of the largest in the region.
Exhibits and Highlights:
- Singapore Collection: Showcasing the evolution of Singaporean art, this collection includes works by iconic artists such as Georgette Chen and Chen Wen Hsi.
- Southeast Asian Collection: Featuring masterpieces from countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, this collection spans from the 19th century to contemporary times.
- Special Exhibitions: The gallery regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and installations, providing visitors with diverse artistic experiences. Notable past exhibitions include the Yayoi Kusama exhibition.
Architectural Marvels:
The gallery itself is an architectural marvel, combining neoclassical design with modern elements. Visitors can explore preserved courtrooms, the stunning Rotunda library, and glass atriums that connect the historic buildings.
Merlion Park
Merlion Park, located in the heart of Singapore’s Marina Bay area, is one of the city-state’s most iconic landmarks and a major tourist attraction. The park is home to the famous Merlion statue, 8.6 meters tall and 70 tonnes heavy, of a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, symbolizing Singapore’s origins as a fishing village and its name “Singapura,” meaning “lion city” in Sanskrit. If you look closely behind the statue, you’ll see a smaller statue (2 meters tall) of the merlion cub.
The park offers stunning panoramic views of Marina Bay, including landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade, and the Singapore Flyer. It’s especially beautiful at night when the area is illuminated.
The Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer, towering at 165 meters, is one of the world’s largest observation wheels, located in the heart of Marina Bay. It offers breathtaking 360-degree views of iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore River, Raffles Place, Merlion Park, and even distant views of Changi Airport, Sentosa Island, and parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.
Each ride in the Flyer’s 28 air-conditioned glass capsules lasts 30 minutes, providing a seamless panoramic view of the cityscape. The capsules are spacious, accommodating up to 28 passengers each.
For a unique dining experience, the Singapore Flyer offers Sky Dining, where guests can enjoy a four-course meal while taking in the stunning views. This makes it perfect for special occasions like anniversaries and romantic dates.
Hawker Centers
No trip to Singapore is complete without visiting its famous hawker centers. These bustling food courts offer a wide variety of affordable and delicious local dishes. Must-try items include Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow, laksa, and satay. Notable hawker centers include Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, Tiong Bahru Market, Newton Food Centre, and Old Airport Road Food Centre.
Maxwell Food Centre (Chinatown):
- Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice: Renowned for its tender chicken and flavorful rice, often with long queues, it’s a must-try for authentic Hainanese chicken rice.
- Zhen Zhen Porridge: Famous for its smooth and flavorful fish and chicken porridge, perfect for a comforting meal.
- China Street Fritters: This stall offers traditional Hokkien ngoh hiang (five-spice pork roll) and other delectable fritters made from a family recipe
Lau Pa Sat (Chinatown):
- Best Satay 7 & 8: Located on Satay Street, this stall is famous for its delicious chicken, mutton, and beef satay, served with a rich and nutty peanut sauce.
- Thunder Tea Rice: A healthy option featuring a unique green tea-based broth poured over rice and vegetables, offering a wholesome and refreshing meal.
- Fragrance Garden Chicken Rice: Known for its classic steamed and roasted chicken rice, a staple at any hawker center
Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre (Tiong Bahru):
- Tian Bo Shui Kueh: Famous for its chwee kueh, a steamed rice cake topped with preserved radish.
- Lor Mee 178: Offers a flavorful bowl of lor mee, thick noodles in a savory gravy.
- Tiong Bahru Hainanese Boneless Chicken Rice: Another great spot for chicken rice.
- Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee: Known for its delicious prawn mee, a stir-fried noodle dish with prawns and squid
LIME Restaurant
Lime Restaurant at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering offers a vibrant dining experience with a variety of buffet menus, including the renowned Lobsterfest. The restaurant is known for its three open kitchens where chefs prepare various fresh ingredients into delightful dishes. The setting is modern and stylish, perfect for any occasion.
Lobsterfest Buffet:
Available from May to August, this buffet features a plethora of lobster dishes, including the Pickering Lobster Laksa, which combines succulent lobster flesh with a rich, spicy broth. Other highlights include Lobster Risotto and Lobster Bisque.
Daily Buffet Dinner:
This extensive buffet offers a range of starters such as a seafood assortment with Boston Lobster, Snow Crab, and fresh oysters. The menu also includes sashimi, sushi, cold soba and somen noodles, and a salad bar with organic and locally sourced ingredients.
International Favorites in All Menus:
The hot food selection includes local delicacies like Bak Kut Teh, Braised Eight Treasure Herbal Chicken, and Cereal Prawns. The Pickering Lobster Laksa is a must-try for its flavorful and creamy broth. The live carving station features Sous Vide Herb Crusted Roast Angus Beef and other grilled items like Peri Peri Chicken, Iberico Pork Ribs, and Lamb Chops. There are also traditional Peranakan dishes like Spicy Crab Meat Kueh Pie Tee, Beef Rendang, Assam Fish Curry, and Nyonya Chap Chye. Finally, indulge in sweet treats like the towering Matcha Chocolate Fountain, which comes with an array of dippable goodies such as marshmallows and fruits.
There are different buffet options: Weekday Lunch Buffet, Weekend Brunch Buffet, and Super Sunday Buffet Marathon (a free-flow alcohol option). Book ahead of time!
Haji Lane
Haji Lane, situated in the Kampong Glam district, is a colorful and eclectic street known for its vibrant street art, trendy boutiques, and hip cafes. It’s a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the unique and artistic side of Singapore.
- Street Art and Murals: Haji Lane is famous for its striking street art and murals that line the walls of its buildings. These artworks range from colorful geometric patterns to detailed portraits, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts and Instagrammers.
Unique Shopping: The lane is packed with independent boutiques offering a variety of unique items, from vintage clothing and accessories at shops like Vintagewknd to quirky novelty items at Drunken Balloon. It’s an excellent place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and fashion pieces.
Cafes: Haji Lane is a haven for cafe hoppers, with cozy spots such as I Am Cafe for colorful meals and milkshakes, Selfie Coffee, where you can have your selfie printed on the foam of your coffee, and Meomi Cat Cafe, where you can enjoy a drink in the company of friendly resident cats
Eateries: For a memorable meal, check out Pasha Mezza and Grill, where you can indulge in a variety of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Moroccan dishes like Lamb Tagine Moussaka and Baklava. If you’re in the mood for something quick and flavorful, Overrice serves delicious halal rice bowls inspired by The Halal Guys, featuring options like Pulled Beef Signature Bowl and Spicy Popcorn Chicken Pita Pocket. The Coconut Club is renowned for its elevated take on Nasi Lemak, offering dishes like Ayam Goreng Berempah and Hae Bee Hiam Tuna Sandwich in a cozy setting.
Bars and Nightlife: The nightlife in Haji Lane is vibrant, with bars like Blu Jaz Cafe offering live music and a laid-back atmosphere. Good Luck Beerhouse is another favorite, serving craft beers, cocktails, and dim sum in a cozy setting.