Singapore, one of the most colourful destinations I have ever visited, pleasantly surprised me in the best possible way! This trip started as a gift from one of my closest friends, and it turned out to be one of the best gifts I could have received.
Although Singapore is often considered just a stopover destination, it has so much more to offer! I spent an entire week exploring its futuristic architecture, vibrant neighbourhoods, incredible food scene and beautiful gardens.
Angel’s tip: If you’re planning a trip, I highly recommend staying for at least 3 days to truly immerse yourself in all that Singapore has to offer.
USEFUL THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING SINGAPORE
- Location: Singapore is a small island city-state in Southeast Asia, just south of Malaysia.
- Culture: A multicultural destination with Chinese, Malay, Indian and other influences.
- Languages: English, Malay (national), Mandarin Chinese and Tamil are the four official languages. English is widely spoken.
- Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD / S$).
- Weather: Hot and humid throughout the year, with tropical showers. November to January is generally the wettest period.
- Transportation: The MRT (metro) is efficient, affordable and easy to use.
- Taxis: Download Grab, a popular app for rides and food delivery.
- Food: Singapore is famous for its multicultural cuisine and affordable hawker centres.
- Tap water: Safe to drink.
- Plugs: Type G (UK-style).
- Budget: Singapore can be expensive, especially for accommodation, but public transport and local food can be surprisingly affordable.
Angel’s tip: Always carry a small umbrella, as tropical showers can happen at any time of the year!
MY TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP:
- Accommodation: I recommend staying near an MRT station for easy access to the city. City Hall and Bugis are excellent central choices, Marina Bay is perfect for luxury stays and skyline views, while Chinatown offers a lively atmosphere and great local food. Clarke Quay is also a good option if you enjoy nightlife.
- Transportation: If you plan to use public transport frequently, consider getting a Singapore Tourist Pass, which offers unlimited rides on MRT trains and basic public buses for selected durations. I personally didn’t use one, but it might be worth considering if you’re planning to explore the city extensively. You can also simply pay with a contactless bank card, which may be more convenient for shorter stays.
- Shopping: Singapore has some incredible shopping malls, but prices can be high. Angel’s tip: For affordable souvenirs, visit Bugis Street, while IMM Outlet Mall is a good option for discounted international brands.
- Jewel Changi Airport: Don’t miss Jewel Changi Airport and its spectacular 40-metre-high HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall! Jewel is directly connected to Terminal 1, with pedestrian links to Terminals 2 and 3. Explore its indoor gardens, shops and restaurants, and try to catch the evening light-and-sound show.
- Local Rules: Singapore is known for its cleanliness and strict regulations. Eating or drinking on MRT trains, littering and smoking in prohibited areas can result in fines. Chewing gum is not generally illegal to consume, but its import and sale are heavily restricted.
- CapitaSpring Sky Garden: For impressive skyline views, check whether the Sky Garden at CapitaSpring is open to public visitors. Access arrangements and opening hours may change.
- Marina Bay Sands: If your budget allows, consider spending a night at Marina Bay Sands! Its famous rooftop infinity pool is exclusively available to hotel guests.
Angel’s tip: If you plan to visit the Marina Bay Sands casino, bring your passport for identification. Foreign visitors can generally enter without paying the casino entry levy.
There are so many things in Singapore that you should absolutely do! Great food, impressive buildings and architecture, beautiful murals and incredible views!
SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT MISS
1. Marina Bay & Marina Bay Sands
One of Singapore’s most iconic areas! Walk around Marina Bay, admire the famous Merlion statue, visit the ArtScience Museum and explore the impressive Marina Bay Sands complex.
Angel’s tip: Don’t miss Spectra, the free evening light and water show at Marina Bay Sands!
2. Gardens by the Bay
One of my favourite attractions in Singapore! Explore the spectacular Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and Supertree Grove. Some attractions require paid tickets, but the outdoor gardens are free to explore.
Angel’s tip: Don’t miss Garden Rhapsody, the magical Supertree light show, usually held at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM.
3. Sentosa Island
A fun island full of attractions, beaches and entertainment! Visit Universal Studios Singapore, Singapore Oceanarium (formerly S.E.A. Aquarium), Adventure Cove Waterpark or relax at Siloso and Palawan beaches.
For Universal Studios try to avoid the weekends and school holidays for less crowds and get an express pass to avoid long queues! Don’t carry big bags with you as some rides don’t allow bags and have water bottle with you to refill it anytime as there are stations.
You can reach Sentosa by Sentosa Express, bus, cable car or on foot via the Sentosa Boardwalk.
Angel’s tip: Don’t miss the Wings of Time evening show!
4. Singapore Zoo & Night Safari
Singapore Zoo is famous for its lush rainforest setting and naturalistic animal habitats. Nearby, you can also visit River Wonders and the famous Night Safari, where you can observe nocturnal wildlife.
Angel’s tip: I didn’t have time to experience the Night Safari, but it’s definitely worth considering!
5. Singapore Flyer
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline from one of the world’s largest observation wheels.
6. Singapore DUCKtours
Discover Singapore by land and water aboard an amphibious vehicle! A local friend highly recommended this experience, although I didn’t manage to try it myself.
COLORFUL & INSTAGRAMMABLE PLACES TO VISIT
Singapore is very instagrammable! Get reaaaady!!!
- Jewel Changi Airport: The spectacular 40-metre Rain Vortex waterfall and beautiful indoor gardens.
- Singapore Botanic Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the stunning National Orchid Garden.
- Little India: Colourful streets, traditional shops and beautiful temples, including Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.
- Kampong Glam: One of my favourite neighbourhoods, full of colourful murals, cafés, boutiques and restaurants.
- Sultan Mosque: An impressive golden-domed mosque in Kampong Glam.
- Chinatown: Beautiful street art, colourful shophouses and temples, including Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple.
- Haw Par Villa: One of Singapore’s most unusual cultural attractions, famous for its colourful statues, Chinese mythology and fascinating Ten Courts of Hell. Angel’s tip: Check the latest opening updates before visiting, as some areas may be temporarily closed for renovation.
- Fort Canning Park: Famous for its photogenic Tree Tunnel. Be prepared for queues!
- Museum of Ice Cream: A fun, colourful and interactive experience with ice cream tastings.
- Helix Bridge: A futuristic pedestrian bridge with fantastic Marina Bay views.
- ArtScience Museum: An iconic lotus-shaped museum combining art, science and technology.
Angel’s tip: Explore Haji Lane and Bussorah Street in Kampong Glam. I loved their vibrant atmosphere, especially in the evening!
FOOD
Singapore is a paradise for food lovers! With Chinese, Malay, Peranakan(a unique blend of Chinese and Malay culinary traditions cuisines) and Indian influences, the city offers everything from affordable street food to Michelin-starred restaurants and spectacular rooftop dining.
Here are some of my recommendations for where to eat in Singapore!
Must-Try Local Dishes
- Hainanese Chicken Rice: Singapore’s iconic chicken and fragrant rice dish.
- Chilli Crab: Fresh crab in a delicious sweet and spicy sauce.
- Sambal Stingray: A popular Singaporean hawker dish featuring grilled stingray topped with a rich, spicy sambal chili paste, traditionally cooked on a banana leaf and served with fresh lime.
- Laksa: Spicy coconut-based noodle soup, usually with seafood.
- Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried rice noodles with egg, seafood and soy sauce.
- Satay: Grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce.
- Kaya Toast: Traditional breakfast with coconut jam and butter.
- Peking Duck: Crispy duck served with thin pancakes and savoury sauce.
- Bak Chor Mee / Minced Meat Noodles: A popular noodle dish with minced pork, fish balls, crispy wonton and savoury sauce, often served with a small bowl of soup.
- Fried Wontons: Crispy fried dumplings, usually filled with pork or shrimp and served with sweet chili dipping sauce.
Sambal Stingray
Best Hawker Centres & Street Food
- Lau Pa Sat: Historic food market, famous for its evening Satay Street. A must-visit!
- Maxwell Food Centre: Famous for Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, near Chinatown.
- Old Airport Road Food Centre: Authentic local food, including Hokkien Mee and Char Kway Teow.
- Chinatown Complex Food Centre: Great variety of affordable Singaporean dishes.
- Newton Food Centre: Popular for seafood and satay, also featured in Crazy Rich Asians.
Angel’s tip: Hawker centres are one of the best ways to experience Singapore’s food culture without spending much!
Best Brunch & Instagrammable Cafés
- Eden Restaurant (in Pullman Singapore Orchard): Beautiful glasshouse-inspired restaurant surrounded by tropical greenery.
- Le Jardin (Fort Canning): Romantic café with floral decorations and a charming atmosphere.
- My Awesome Café (Telok Ayer): Trendy industrial-style café, ideal for brunch.
- Café Monochrome (2D Café): A unique black-and-white café in Chinatown that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a cartoon! Perfect for fun photos.
Best Restaurants in Singapore
Chinese & Asian Cuisine
- MOTT 32 (in Marina Bay Sands): Stylish Chinese restaurant, excellent for Peking Duck. Originating from Beijing, this dish features thin, crispy duck skin meticulously sliced before you by the skilled chef. Served with delicate pancakes, fresh vegetables and savory sauce, it’s an indulgence not to be missed!! I loved it.
- Tim Ho Wan: Famous for its affordable dim sum and delicious BBQ pork buns.
- Crystal Jade Palace (Ngee Ann City): Elegant Cantonese restaurant serving traditional Chinese dishes.
- Samy’s Curry (Dempsey Hill): Famous for authentic South Indian cuisine and fish head curry.
- Candlenut (Dempsey Hill): Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant with modern interpretations of traditional dishes.
- KOMA Singapore: A stunning Japanese restaurant at Marina Bay Sands, famous for its dramatic interior, iconic red torii gates and delicious Japanese cuisine. Perfect for a special dining experience!
International cuisine & unique dining experiences
- Odette (National Gallery): 3 Michelin-starred restaurant offering contemporary French cuisine.
- Burnt Ends (Dempsey Hill): Michelin-starred restaurant specialising in wood-fired cooking – great meat.
- Marguerite (Gardens by the Bay): Unique fine-dining experience inside the beautiful Flower Dome.
- JUMBO Seafood : a popular Singaporean seafood restaurant chain, famous to try Singapore’s famous Chilli Crab.
- Culina at COMO Dempsey: A stylish gourmet market and bistro in Dempsey Hill, combining a premium food market, wine selection and modern European dining. You can even choose fresh meat or seafood from the market and have it prepared at the restaurant. A lovely spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner!
Best Rooftop Bars & Skyline Views
- CÉ LA VI: Located at Marina Bay Sands, one of Singapore’s most iconic rooftop destinations, offering breathtaking skyline views. Advance reservations are recommended.
- LeVeL33: A spectacular rooftop microbrewery and restaurant on the 33rd floor of Marina Bay Financial Centre, offering panoramic views of Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline. Famous for its freshly brewed craft beers, it’s a fantastic spot for sunset drinks or dinner with a view!
- Lantern Rooftop Bar: At The Fullerton Bay Hotel, with beautiful views of Marina Bay and a chic outdoor atmosphere. Angel’s tip: For the best photos of Marina Bay Sands, choose Lantern or LeVeL33, which are located across the bay.
- Milli Sky Dining & Bar: Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails at the National Gallery Singapore, with stunning Marina Bay views.
- Southbridge: A rooftop bar near Boat Quay, perfect for drinks with views of the Singapore River and surrounding skyline.
The view of MBS Hotel swimming pool from CELAVI
Cocktail Bars & Unique experiences
- Raffles Long Bar: The birthplace of the famous Singapore Sling cocktail. An iconic experience you shouldn’t miss!
- ATLAS Bar: A spectacular Art Deco bar near Bugis, famous for its impressive gin collection and sophisticated atmosphere.
- Manhattan Bar: Located at Conrad Singapore Orchard, known for its elegant interiors and expertly crafted cocktails.
- 28 HongKong Street: A hidden speakeasy-style cocktail bar with an intimate atmosphere and creative drinks.
- Jiu Zhuang: A charming Chinese-inspired bar in Dempsey Hill, with vintage décor and a unique atmosphere. A lovely spot for evening drinks away from the busy tourist areas.
Best Nightlife Areas & Clubs
- Clarke Quay: One of Singapore’s liveliest nightlife areas, packed with riverside bars, restaurants and entertainment.
- Boat Quay: A charming waterfront area with restaurants and bars, perfect for evening drinks.
- Haji Lane: A colourful street filled with independent shops, cafés, quirky bars and a lively atmosphere.
- Zouk: One of Singapore’s most famous nightclubs, ideal for anyone looking to dance and party.
Clarke Quay has many bars
Angel’s tips:
- Don’t miss the local hawker centres – some of Singapore’s best food is also the cheapest! (visit Lau Pa Sat in the evening for its famous Satay Street)
- Book Michelin-starred restaurants and popular rooftops in advance.
- Combine Chinatown sightseeing with Maxwell Food Centre and Marina Bay with rooftop dining
Angel’s tip: A great bakery I tried is the “Tiong Bahru Bakery” with French pastries and breads infused with unusual ingredients such as arugula, turmeric and squid ink.
Angel’s tip: Restaurant locations and opening hours may change, so always check the official website before visiting.
Angel’s tip: My favourite spot for a drink was CÉ LA VI at Marina Bay Sands! I also loved the views from Lantern Rooftop Bar. For a classic Singapore experience, don’t miss the famous Singapore Sling at Raffles Long Bar. Reservations are highly recommended for popular rooftop venues!
COLORFUL BUILDINGS YOU SHOULD ADMIRE
- Haji Lane street in Kampong Glam neighborhood where locals go and you can find cute little shops and restaurants. During the night, it is so lively, as mentioned above!
- Selegie arts center which is actually an Arts gallery on 30 Selegie street which houses the Photographic Society of Singapore.
- Koon Seng Road, Joo Chiat road with the peranakan houses. The area’s identity is especially shaped by its unique pre-war architecture – colorful shophouses and terrace houses with ornate facades, complex motifs and ceramic tiles.
- The former house of Tan Teng Niah in Little India neighborhood.
- Old Hill Street Police station, a historic building and former police station of the Singapore Police Force.
IDEAL ITINERARY IF YOU HAVE ONLY 2 DAYS:
DAY 1 – Marina Bay & Gardens by the Bay
Start your day at Marina Bay and visit Merlion Park.
Explore Marina Bay Sands and enjoy the skyline views.
Have lunch at Lau Pa Sat.
Visit Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay.
Watch the spectacular Garden Rhapsody light show.
End your evening with rooftop cocktails at CÉ LA VI or LeVeL33.
DAY 2 – Colourful Neighbourhoods
Explore Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam.
Discover the colourful murals and boutiques along Haji Lane.
Enjoy local food at Maxwell Food Centre.
Visit Fort Canning Park or do some shopping at Bugis Street.
Spend the evening at Clarke Quay or one of Singapore’s rooftop bars.
Alternative: If you love theme parks, dedicate Day 2 to Sentosa Island and Universal Studios Singapore instead.
Angel’s tip: If your flight schedule allows, arrive at Changi Airport early to explore Jewel and its famous Rain Vortex waterfall!
Angel’s tip: Singapore is a fantastic destination to combine with another Asian country! Kuala Lumpur is just about an hour away by plane, while Bali, Bangkok, Cambodia and the Philippines are also great options. As one of Asia’s major travel hubs, Singapore is easy to include at the beginning or end of a longer trip!
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