We have visited Singapore several times and always discover something new to marvel at or something fun to do. Despite being a small island, it amazes me how much awesomeness can be packed in. From futuristic cityscapes to centuries-old temples, fine dining to lively hawker centres, this exciting island nation has something for every traveller. Whether you’re planning a quick stopover or an extensive holiday, Singapore offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and natural escapes waiting to be explored. This guide will walk you through the very best of what the Lion City has to offer, complete with opening hours and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.
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Top 5 Highlights 🌟
Short on time? Here are Singapore’s essential experiences you won’t want to miss:
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- Gardens by the Bay – Wander through futuristic domes and towering Supertrees
- Marina Bay Sands SkyPark – Take in panoramic city views from 57 storeys up.
- Raffles Hotel Long Bar – Sip the original Singapore Sling where it was invented.
- Chinatown – Dive into temples, markets, and the city’s best street food.
- Sentosa Island – Beaches, theme parks, and adventure all in one place.
✨Keep reading for the complete guide with insider details, travel tips, and hidden gems.
Step Into the Future at Gardens by the Bay
“Where innovation blooms in glass and light—Gardens by the Bay is Singapore’s vision of the future, rooted in nature.”
Explore one of the world’s most celebrated urban gardens, where nature, art, and technology converge. Spanning 101 hectares in the heart of Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay is a dazzling destination filled with futuristic architecture, unique ecosystems, and award-winning attractions.
Supertree Grove
Towering up to 50 metres, these vertical gardens are covered with over 160,000 plants from more than 200 species. Beyond their beauty, the Supertrees harness solar power, collect rainwater, and help cool the environment—mimicking real ecosystems. By day, admire their textures and colours; by night, watch them glow during Garden Rhapsody, a dazzling light-and-music show (free to enjoy).
Supertree Grove by day
Supertree Grove by night
✨Don’t just look up—step closer and feel the future of green design.
Cloud Forest
Step into misty highlands inside a glass dome, complete with a 35-metre indoor waterfall and elevated walkways that bring you eye-level with a lush, tropical canopy.
✨Don’t miss the moment when the mist fills the dome—it’s magical.
Flower Dome
The world’s largest glass greenhouse showcases Mediterranean and semi-arid plants, from baobabs and olive trees to vibrant tulips. Seasonal displays ensure there’s always something new to see.
✨Plan your visit around seasonal displays for a surprise each time.
Did you know? At 1.28 hectares, the Flower Dome is the largest glass greenhouse in the world. [Guinness World Records]
CBC Skyway
Walk 22 metres above the ground along this aerial walkway for panoramic views of the Supertree Grove and Marina Bay.
✨Bring your camera—the views are unforgettable.
Floral Fantasy
A quirky blend of flowers, artistry, and light. Expect suspended blooms, creative floral displays, and immersive design.
✨ Book your ticket and lose yourself in this magical indoor garden escape.
Art Sculptures at Gardens by the Bay
Scattered among the lush greenery, you will discover more than just flowers. Blending seamlessly into the landscape, over 200 sculptures from around the world can be found both indoors and outdoors.
✨Keep your eyes open as you wander—you might stumble upon a hidden masterpiece tucked between the blooms.
More to Explore
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- Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes – eco-habitats with boardwalks.
- Heritage Gardens – themed after Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Colonial traditions.
- Sun Pavilion – home to striking desert plants.
- Serene Garden – a minimalist Zen-inspired escape.
- Children’s Garden – free play zones and water fun for kids.
✨Set aside at least half a day—there’s far more here than meets the eye.
LOCATION, OPENING HOURS & FEES
Location: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore (Marina Bay area of central Singapore, just behind Marina Bay Sands)
Nearest MRT Station: Bayfront
Visit Gardens by the Bay (closures) to check for scheduled closures for maintenance.
Phone: +65 6420 6848
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/
Take in Spectacular Views from Marina Bay Sands
From the SkyPark Observation Deck, 57 storeys above ground, enjoy sweeping 360° views across Singapore—from the city skyline and Gardens by the Bay to the Singapore Flyer and even the South China Sea on a clear day.
✨Book your ticket for sunset—the golden hour is unforgettable.
LOCATION, OPENING HOURS & FEES
Location: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore, in the heart of Marina Bay
Nearest MRT Station: Bayfront
Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00 (last in at 8:30 PM)
Non-Peak Hours: 10:00 – 16:30 Adults $35 Concession $31 Family (4) $110
Peak Hours: 17:00 – 22:00 Adult $39 Concession $35 Family (4) $126
Sip a Classic at Raffles’ Long Bar
Step into colonial elegance at the historic Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, birthplace of the iconic Singapore Sling. The plantation-style décor, swinging fans, and rattan chairs take you back to the 1910s. One quirky tradition remains—bags of peanuts on the tables and patrons tossing peanut shells on the floor.
✨When in Singapore, sip a Sling where it all began—it’s a toast to history.
Did You Know? A bartender named Ngiam Tong created the Singapore Sling in 1915. This cocktail was designed to be a “socially acceptable” drink for women, disguised to resemble fruit juice.
LOCATION, OPENING HOURS & COST
Location: Raffles Hotel Singapore, 328 North Bridge Road, Singapore, on the first floor.
Nearest MRT Station: City Hall
Raffles Long Bar is open to walk-ins only at peak times. During peak times, there is often a queue.
Open daily
Sunday to Wednesday: 11.00 – 22:30 (last seating)
Thursday to Saturday: 11.00 – 23.30 (last seating)
Singapore Sling: $39 plus taxes and service
Phone: +65 6412 1816
Email: [email protected]
Discover Living Heritage in Chinatown
A vibrant district of temples, markets, food, and culture. Chinatown blends tradition with modern flair—lanterns hang above bustling streets filled with spices, shops, and street food.
Highlights:
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- Sri Mariamman Temple – Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple (1827).
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum – dazzling interiors and sacred relics.
- Street Market – souvenirs, trinkets, and snacks, best enjoyed in the evening.
- Heritage Centre – stories of early Chinese immigrants.
- Street Art Murals – nostalgic kampong life painted by Yip Yew Chong.
- Food Havens – Maxwell Food Centre (famous for Tian Tian Chicken Rice), Chinatown Complex (260+ stalls, including a Michelin-starred hawker), and street snacks from satay to Nonya kueh.
✨Come with an appetite—Chinatown is a feast for all the senses.
LOCATION
Location: Outram district near the Central Business District
Nearest MRT Station: Chinatown
Escape for a Day of Fun on Sentosa Island
Beaches, history, thrills, and family fun—Sentosa has it all. Relax on Palawan Beach, zip-line along the coast, explore WWII tunnels, or spend a day at Universal Studios Singapore. The island blends adventure with heritage and is one of the city’s favourite escapes.
Did you know? Sentosa was once a British military base and was historically called Pulau Blakang Mati—“the island behind death.”
✨Plan a full day—you’ll want both time for thrills and time to chill.
HOW TO GET TO SENTOSA ISLAND
Sentosa Express (Monorail)
Location: VivoCity Mall, Level 3
Cost: $4 (one-time entry fee; free rides when on Sentosa)
Sentosa Boardwalk (Walking)
Location: From HarbourFront MRT, walk through VivoCity Level 1 to the Sentosa Boardwalk
Cost: Free
Cable Car
Location: From HarbourFront MRT, walk to HarbourFront Tower 2, take the Mount Faber / HarbourFront Cable Car line to Sentosa Cable Car Station.
Cost: Adult $35 Child $25 (buy ticket here)
Click here for more information.
Public bus: Take bus RWS8 from VivoCity / HarbourFront to Resorts World Sentosa.
Meet Singapore’s Icon at Merlion Park
No trip to Singapore is complete without seeing the Merlion—half lion, half fish. The lion head represents “Singapura” (“Lion City”), while the fish tail honours the city’s origins as a fishing village. Framed by Marina Bay’s skyline, it’s one of the most photographed spots in Singapore.
LOCATION
Location: Merlion Park, One Fullerton, Singapore
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place
✨Snap your quintessential Singapore selfie here.
Soar Above the City on the Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer, standing 165 metres tall, is one of the world’s largest observation wheels. Each spacious, air-conditioned capsule offers a 30-minute ride with floor-to-ceiling views across the city. On clear days, you can see Malaysia and even glimpses of Indonesia.
✨Glide slowly above the skyline—perfect for couples, families, and dreamers alike.
LOCATION, OPENING HOURS & FEES
Location: 30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore
Nearest MRT Station: Promenade Station
Opening hours: Daily, including Public Holidays, 10:00 – 22:00 (last in at 21:30).
Tickets from: Adult $40 Child $25 (children under 3 free)
Dine by the Water at Boat Quay
Along the Singapore River, Boat Quay comes alive at night with fairy lights, music, and riverside dining. Choose from global cuisines and enjoy the historic atmosphere of this lively waterfront.
✨Come hungry—this is one of Singapore’s most atmospheric dining spots.
LOCATION
Location: On the southern bank of the Singapore River, in the heart of the city’s historic district and CBD.
Nearest MRT Station: Raffles Place
Be Dazzled by the Spectra Light & Water Show
Every evening, the Marina Bay waterfront transforms into a 15-minute symphony of light, music, fountains, and lasers. Spectra is free, family-friendly, and one of Singapore’s most dazzling night-time experiences.
✨ Make it your final stop after dinner—it’s the perfect nightcap.
LOCATION & SHOW TIMES
Location: Marina Bay
Nearest MRT Station: Bayfront
Daily Showtimes
Sunday to Thursday: 20:00 & 21:00
Friday & Saturday: 20:00, 21:00 & 22:00
Tip: Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a good viewing spot—crowds can gather quickly.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a lush 82-hectare oasis rich in history and biodiversity, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its tropical landscapes, colonial heritage, and serene lakes.
Highlights
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- National Orchid Garden – 1,000 orchid species and 2,000 hybrids, including celebrity-named blooms.
- Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden – Asia’s first dedicated kids’ garden.
- Swan Lake – a tranquil landmark dating to 1866.
- Rainforest Trail – a rare patch of primary rainforest in the city.
✨Arrive early for a peaceful morning walk before the crowds.
LOCATION, OPENING HOURS & FEES
Location: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore
Nearest MRT Station: Botanic Gardens Station
Opening hours: 05:00 – midnight
Cost: Free
National Orchid Garden
Opening hours: Daily 08:30 – 19:00 (last in at 18:00)
Cost (Non-resident): Adults $15, Seniors & Students $3 (Children under 12 years free)
Download the botanical garden map here.
Click here for more information.
Shop Till You Drop on Orchard Road
Singapore’s glitziest boulevard, Orchard Road, is lined with malls, boutiques, and flagship stores stretching over 2 km. Whether you’re after luxury brands, high-street fashion, or quirky local shops, this is the city’s ultimate shopping destination.
Top Malls: ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City (Takashimaya), Paragon, Plaza Singapura, and Orchard Central.
✨Even window shopping here feels like a unique occasion.
Nearest MRT Station: Orchard Station
Explore Peranakan Culture at the Straits Museum
Also known as the Peranakan Museum, this beautifully restored 1912 school building showcases the unique culture of the Peranakan (Straits Chinese) communities. Recently renovated, the museum now features immersive exhibits combining heritage artefacts with modern art, design, and fashion.
✨Step inside and discover a living story of Singapore’s blended heritage.
LOCATION, OPENING HOURS & FEES
Location: 39 Armenian St, Singapore
Nearest MRT Station: Bras Basah
Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 19:00 (last in 18:30), Friday hours extended to 21:00 (last in 20:30)
Cost (Non-resident): Adult $18 Child (7yrs +) & Concession $12 (Children under 6yrs Free)
Click here for more information.
Marvel at the Rain Vortex, Jewel’s Dazzling Centrepiece
Even the airport is an attraction. Jewel Changi features the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, surrounded by lush gardens beneath a stunning glass dome. Best of all—it’s free to visit and makes for an unforgettable welcome (or farewell) to Singapore.
✨Don’t rush through—spend an hour here before your flight.
LOCATION & OPENING HOURS
Location: Jewel is directly connected to the Terminal 1 Arrival Hall on Level 1. It is located in the centre of Forest Valley. The easiest way to find it from any terminal is to get on the free sky train, which passes through Jewel Changi Complex.
Cost: Free
Opening hours: Daily 10:00 – 22:00
Light & Sound Show
Forest Valley is open 24 hours.
Click here for more information.
With its mix of pioneering gardens, historic landmarks, cultural diversity, and world-class entertainment, Singapore is a city where every corner offers something unforgettable.
More Information
Visa Requirements & Digital Arrival Card
Do you need a visa? Click here.
Do you qualify for a Visa Free Transit Facility? Click here.
Do you hold a visa-exempt passport? Click here.
Digital Arrival Card
You are required to submit the SGAC within three (3) days (including the day of arrival) before arrival in Singapore. Click here to submit your SGAC.
Who is required to submit an SGAC? All travellers are required to submit the SG Arrival Card with Electronic Health Declaration before arriving in Singapore, except:
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- Those transiting/transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance, and
- Residents (Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents, Long-Term Pass holders*) travelling through Woodlands and Tuas Checkpoints.
Time Zone, Language & Weather
Singapore Standard Time (SGT) – UTC/GMT +8 hours
No daylight savings (time is the same year-round).
Official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil.
Weather: Tropical rainforest climate
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- Average day temperatures 25–27°C (77–81°F)
- Average night temperatures 31–33°C (88–91°F)
- Humidity is usually 70–90%
- No distinct “summer” or “winter” – but there are wetter periods
- Northeast Monsoon: Dec–Mar (more rain, occasional thunderstorms)
- Southwest Monsoon: Jun–Sep (afternoon showers, slightly hazy at times)
- April & November are often the wettest months.
Tips for Tourists
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- Weather: Tropical, humid with occasional short, heavy showers.
- Carry an umbrella or poncho – sudden downpours are common.
- Dress light (cotton, linen, breathable clothes).
- Sunscreen, a hat, and water are essentials for walking tours.
- Most attractions, malls, and public transport are air-conditioned, so it’s comfortable indoors.
- Safe drinking water: Yes, you can drink tap water. Bring a reusable water bottle — you can refill it at your hotel, public water coolers (found in malls, parks, and attractions), and save money compared to buying bottled water.
- Power plug: Type G plug (the same as the UK), Three rectangular pins in a triangular shape.
- Smoking: Designated smoking areas (look for yellow boxes or marked zones). Smoking is banned in public transport, and all indoor and outdoor public places, including covered walkways, pedestrian bridges, parks and playgrounds. Orchard Road (Singapore’s main shopping street) is a designated no-smoking zone.
- Fines can be up to $1,000 for smoking in prohibited places.
- WiFI: Singapore has a nationwide free Wi-Fi network called Wireless@SG. You can connect using your foreign mobile number (one-time SMS verification).
- Should I tip?: Tipping is not a common practice in Singapore; however, if you receive outstanding service, by all means tip. Most restaurants already have a 10% service charge added to the bill.
- Weather: Tropical, humid with occasional short, heavy showers.
Emergency & Useful Numbers
Emergency Services
999 – Police (crime, assault, unsafe situations)
995 – Ambulance & Fire (life-threatening emergencies, fires, rescue)
1777 – Non-emergency Ambulance (non-life-threatening medical help)
Police & Safety
1800 225 5582 – Tourist Police Helpline (lost passport, scams, advice)
1800 542 4422 – Police Hotline (general enquiries, non-urgent matters)
Health & Support
1800 287 2722 – National Care Hotline (mental health, stress support)
Note:
You can call 999 or 995 from any phone, even without a SIM card.
Keep your hotel name, address, and room number handy when calling.
Accommodation
We usually book our accommodations through Booking.com. We value the convenience of online booking, and there are typically no hidden fees. Additionally, Booking.com offers a variety of accommodation styles in Singapore, ensuring you can find the perfect place.
We also use Hotels.com, Stayz, Bookabach, Expedia and Agoda
Getting around Singapore
Singapore has one of the most efficient, affordable and user-friendly public transport systems in the world, making it very easy to get around without needing a car.
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
It connects most attractions—Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, Orchard Road, Sentosa (via HarbourFront), and Changi Airport. Click here for the MRT map and here for the fare calculator.
Payment:
Tap a contactless credit/debit card directly at the gates.
Alternatively, get a SimplyGo EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass. Click here for more information.
Buses
Buses are an excellent choice for short trips or areas not directly served by MRT
Payment: Same as MRT (tap your bank card, EZ-Link Card, or tourist pass).
Click here for the bus route map and here for the fare calculator
Tip: The front door is for boarding, the rear door for alighting.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
These are useful late at night when MRT and buses stop running (around midnight). They are more expensive than the MRT and bus, but still much cheaper than in many cities.
Grab and Gojek apps are popular alternatives to taxis.
Operating Hours
MRT/Buses: 05:30 – midnight
Taxis / Grab / Gojek: 24/7
What’s the best travel card to save you money?
We use a Wise Visa Card
The Wise card is an excellent option for travellers, offering lower fees and better exchange rates compared to traditional credit and debit cards when spending or withdrawing money abroad. It provides flexibility, ease of use, and enhanced security features.
eSims make staying connected easy!
eSIMs are a convenient way to stay connected while travelling. Simply purchase and install your eSIM before your trip, and activate it from your device as soon as you land.
Simify makes the process easy. Click here to choose your destination and select a plan that suits your needs. After your purchase, you will receive an email with clear, step-by-step instructions on how to install your eSIM. Once you arrive at your destination, enable data roaming, and your eSIM will automatically connect you to a local network.
Why choose Simify? Enjoy unlimited data for overseas travel at an affordable price, gain access to the internet as soon as you land, and avoid any additional fees.
Photo credits: All photos are mine unless mentioned below.
Art Installation at Gardens By The Bay, Singapore by _paVan_
Boat Quay, Singapore by Fabio Achilli
Boat Quay (night) by Mike Cartmell
Singapore Botanic Gardens 1 & 2 by Catherine Poh Huay Tan
Peranakan Museum Building by Gordon Wrigley
Peranakan Museum by Choo Yut Shing
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