Even if you arrive in Singapore for just a short holiday, you will quickly realise there’s way too much to see, taste and experience in one go… which is the perfect excuse to come back again! In the meantime, pick and choose from the highlights below to craft an itinerary that’s just right for you.
01. Main Attractions
There’s no shortage of big-ticket sights in Singapore, so where you go depends on your mood (and your energy levels!). There’s Gardens by the Bay, where you can wander through the Cloud Forest, step inside the Flower Dome, and marvel at the towering Supertrees. For a trip back in time (no special device or vehicle needed!), go to the historic Civic District, home to the National Gallery Singapore, Peranakan Museum and the CHIJMES complex. Want sun, sand and family fun? Sentosa Island is your playground, featuring everything from Universal Studios Singapore and Siloso Beach to the Singapore Oceanarium and Harry Potter: Visions of Magic. And, of course, Marina Bay is always a showstopper with its stunning skyline, light shows, and the uniquely designed ArtScience Museum.
02. Multicultural Neighbourhoods
You can experience Singapore’s multicultural identity first-hand, in its diverse neighbourhoods. In Little India, within easy reach of properties like Value Hotel Thomson, the colourful streets, spice shops, and the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple are definitely worth exploring. Chinatown is buzzing with heritage shophouses, sacred sites including the Thian Hock Keng Temple, and bustling markets. Over in Kampong Gelam, you will find hip cafés, trendy boutiques, colourful street art and the magnificent Sultan Mosque.
03. Hawker Centres
No trip is complete without discovering its legendary (and delicious) hawker food scene, perfect for those looking to enjoy an affordable staycation in Singapore. Whether you are slurping spicy laksa, tucking into char kway teow, or savouring perfectly poached Hainanese chicken rice, your taste buds are going to be in raptures of delight! Head to favourites like Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown Complex, and Lau Pa Sat (don’t miss its Satay Street at night). Old Airport Road Food Centre is a gem, while Whampoa Food Centre offers that off-the-beaten-path vibe. Add bak kut teh (peppery pork rib soup) and kaya toast with kopi (local coffee) to your must-try list… you will soon understand why locals are so passionate about their food.
04. Shopping Hotspots
If you are a bona fide shopaholic, Orchard Road will be your new favourite “happy place” and keep you occupied with its glitzy malls, luxury boutiques and designer fashion. But Singapore’s retail scene is far more diverse. Head to other shopping hotspots like Zhongshan Mall, United Square Shopping Mall or Velocity @ Novena Square, which foreign shoppers sometimes miss. Of course, for something totally different, don’t forget the Bugis Street Market, where you can look forward to bargains, quirky fashion finds, and souvenirs galore; shopping here is less about the labels and more about the thrill of the hunt!
05. Parks and Gardens
Even though you may have a tight schedule for your escapades, you should certainly spend some time at the verdant gardens and parks in Singapore. The Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ideal place for a lazy stroll or even a romantic picnic. Fort Canning Park, which has some historical landmarks too, is another great place to explore, while East Coast Park lets you pair cycling or rollerblading with beach views. If you are the active type, MacRitchie Reservoir offers kayaking, forest trails and treetop walks and is where you might even spot a cheeky monkey or two… yes, long-tailed macaques, this refers to you!
