Singapore Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat and See

SINGAPORE

Almost every long-term traveller in Southeast Asia passes through Singapore at least once. Before our first visit, people from several countries told us that this compact economic powerhouse was boring and not worth seeing. They could not have been more wrong. Singapore is a miniature tropical paradise containing many of Asia’s most exciting qualities, wrapped in a green, orderly city where you can breathe easily. Anyone who has travelled around Asia for a long time will understand the value of clean streets, reliable infrastructure and carefully regulated food premises.

Ethnic Chinese residents make up roughly three quarters of Singapore’s resident population, alongside substantial Malay, Indian and other communities, as well as a large international workforce. Add glittering towers, polished restaurants, extraordinary gardens, shopping centres filled with global brands and the smell of the sea, and the result is an appealing city. Yet Singapore is not merely a sterile world of expensive hotels and shopping. Leave the standard tourist route and you can eat in family-run coffee shops, visit remarkable temples, listen to music beneath palm trees or sit beside the river with a coffee. Is Singapore expensive? Absolutely. But there are ways to explore without leaving your trousers behind, and many excellent experiences cost little or nothing.

THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

MARINA BAY

Singapore’s most recognisable district is Marina Bay, the compact waterfront where anyone will point you if you ask for the famous Merlion statue. You can walk around much of the bay. Its best-known symbols are the water-spouting Merlion and the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel which also stands here. In our view, one of the loveliest perspectives across the illuminated bay comes from Lantern, the rooftop bar at The Fullerton Bay Hotel where we recommend enjoying the panorama. If you would rather not spend that much, the waterfront promenade between the Merlion and Fullerton Bay offers an excellent free view—and there are plenty of places to buy a drink along the way.

The most famous feature of this panorama is, of course, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Three enormous towers are joined by a ship-like SkyPark. Whether or not the design is an architectural revolution, it is undeniably iconic. The rooftop contains a vast infinity pool, but swimming is reserved for registered hotel guests. Non-guests can still buy access to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck or visit participating rooftop restaurants and bars. The lower floors form an enormous shopping centre, complete with an indoor canal where boats carry passengers.

Beyond the hotel and the Merlion, Marina Bay contains numerous restaurants and bars. During our visit, the walk towards Marina Bay Sands also brought us to stalls serving street food and seafood. The free Spectra light-and-water show remains one of the waterfront’s main attractions. As of August 2026, Marina Bay Sands lists performances at 20:00 and 21:00 from Sunday to Thursday, with an additional 22:00 show on Friday and Saturday. Schedules can change or be affected by special events, so confirm them on the official site.

Another attractive place around the bay is The Fullerton Bay Hotel. Its high-ceilinged, glass-lined public areas are worth seeing, though hotel access and dress expectations should always be respected. During our trip, the lobby offered an early-evening happy hour with live nostalgic songs. Treat those hours and offers as a memory, not a current promotion.

GARDENS BY THE BAY

This enormous horticultural park behind Marina Bay Sands covers about 101 hectares and is divided into three waterfront gardens. Flower Dome is one of the world’s largest glass greenhouses and contains plants from many climatic regions. Seeing every corner could easily fill more than a day. The outdoor gardens have broad free-access areas, while Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy and elevated attractions require tickets. Internal shuttle routes, prices and hours change; use the official Gardens by the Bay site rather than the old SGD3 shuttle price in our original article. You can walk here from Marina Bay Sands, or use the MRT. If you prefer a Singapore hop-on hop-off bus , tickets can be checked here .

The most famous section is Supertree Grove. Follow the signs from Marina Bay Sands to reach the 25-to-50-metre vertical gardens. Some Supertrees incorporate photovoltaic cells, while others support the conservatories’ environmental systems; it would be inaccurate to say that every tree is completely self-sufficient. The free Garden Rhapsody light-and-sound show currently runs daily at 19:45 and 20:45.

You can watch Garden Rhapsody from ground level at no charge, except during certain ticketed events. Sitting or lying beneath the structures feels wonderfully futuristic. Visitors without a fear of heights can walk the 128-metre OCBC Skyway, 22 metres above ground. The SGD8 price in our old article is outdated: in August 2026, the published non-resident price is SGD14 for adults and SGD10 for children aged 3–12. Timed access, maintenance closures and weather restrictions may apply. Gardens by the Bay and OCBC Skyway tours are also available.

THE SINGAPORE RIVER

Walk inland from Marina Bay along the Singapore River and you will pass lively stretches lined with hotels and restaurants. Although they share the same waterway, these districts are divided into several quays. With Marina Bay behind you, the first is Boat Quay. During our visits, one bank held seafood restaurants and hostels, while the Asian Civilisations Museum stood opposite. Empress, beside the museum, made a pleasant coffee stop.

Continue upriver and you reach Clarke Quay, a major nightlife district. At the time, one side contained everything from belly-dance entertainment to a Hooters bar, while the other was anchored by Clarke Quay Central mall and steps descending to the river. We loved buying coffee or sandwiches and sitting on those steps at sunset. Individual businesses change, but the riverside remains a popular evening area.

Farther upstream come Robertson Quay and several more waterfront districts. Apart from a few restaurants in Robertson Quay, we had not yet explored beyond them =)

ORCHARD ROAD

Orchard Road is Singapore’s shopping spine, lined with more malls than we could count. It is famous for luxury boutiques but also contains ordinary high-street shops. Mature trees prevent the avenue from feeling completely overwhelmed by concrete, although the malls themselves can be extremely crowded. Food courts often offer better-value weekday lunch sets.

SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS

Founded in 1859, Singapore Botanic Gardens became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. The main gardens are free, although the National Orchid Garden charges admission. Giant trees surrounding the small lakes make it easy to forget that you are still in a major city. The ‘158-year-old’ description in our original article has naturally aged; the institution was 167 years old in 2026.

Free concerts are sometimes held at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage in Palm Valley, and residents often arrive with picnic blankets and food. They are not guaranteed every Sunday, so consult the official events calendar rather than planning around our old observation.

CHINATOWN

Chinatown is one of our favourite areas to explore. Singapore’s Chinese community is the country’s largest ethnic group, and the district offers a concentrated encounter with its history and culture. Take the MRT to Chinatown or approach on foot. Around Pagoda, Smith, Club, Mosque and Temple streets, high-rises give way to traditional shophouses. Despite being touristy, the neighbourhood remains lively with small cafés, dumpling shops, ornate temples and shops selling almost everything imaginable.

Add a busy market, colourful paper lanterns and fashionable cafés, and it is easy to spend hours here. Seafood and inexpensive hawker meals can also be found nearby, while Ann Siang Hill and Club Street have long been associated with stylish bars. Check current trading days and restaurant openings locally.

ARAB STREET AND KAMPONG GLAM

Follow Victoria Street north from the river, pass Bugis Junction and you reach Kampong Glam. The district developed around the Malay royal compound and became home to Malay, Arab, Bugis and other Muslim merchants and communities. It would be too simple to attribute its history only to Arab traders. Today the golden-domed Sultan Mosque, Bussorah Street, textile shops, restaurants, cafés and murals make the neighbourhood especially photogenic. Some restaurants are highly tourist-oriented, but the area is worth visiting for its architecture, street art and living cultural institutions.

SENTOSA ISLAND

Sentosa lies immediately south of the main island. For residents it can be a quick beach escape; for many visitors it means Universal Studios and other major attractions. We often preferred simply spending time on the beaches, and theme-park tickets could be expensive. Families may choose multi-day packages combining attractions with a hotel stay.

There are many ways to reach Sentosa, but our favourite remains walking from VivoCity at HarbourFront across the roughly 700-metre Sentosa Boardwalk. Buy a few snacks at the mall first, follow the signed pedestrian route and enjoy the short crossing. Entry on foot is currently free, though development works may create diversions.

The large Sentosa Merlion described in the original article no longer exists: it closed in October 2019 and was demolished to make way for the Sensoryscape development. Once on the island, Sentosa Express trains and island buses are free for internal travel. Entering by Sentosa Express from VivoCity currently costs SGD4, while walking in remains free. Palawan, Tanjong and Siloso beaches can be reached on foot or by free island transport.

We personally enjoyed taking snacks to Palawan Beach. The small suspension bridge leads to an attraction marketed as the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia—an appealing tourism label rather than a rigorous geographical claim. Water quality and swimming conditions can change, so follow beach warnings and lifeguard advice instead of assuming that barriers remove every possible hazard. Tropical sand and palms still make the area pleasant. Towards sunset, we often continued to Siloso Beach for a cocktail.

Travel within Sentosa on the monorail remains free, including the ride back to VivoCity after you have entered the island. If you want a more dramatic approach, the Singapore Cable Car offers aerial access. The SGD29 price in our old article is outdated; Sentosa’s official guide listed round trips from SGD35 in August 2026. Check the operator’s exact route and current ticket before buying.

WHAT TO EAT IN SINGAPORE

Singapore’s restaurants reflect cuisines from around the world, with Chinese traditions especially prominent alongside Malay, Indian, Peranakan and many other influences. Peranakan or Nyonya cooking developed through centuries of cultural exchange and should not be reduced to a simple Chinese–Malay fusion. If you love Chinese food as we do, the range is extraordinary; if you do not, Western and international options are everywhere. Smart restaurants can be expensive, but hawker centres and food courts offer much better value. Singapore’s hawker culture was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020. Here are some places we tried; restaurant status and prices should be checked before visiting.

MAKANSUTRA GLUTTONS BAY

Street food is central to both Malaysian and Singaporean life. At hawker centres you may find grilled prawns, noodles, oyster omelettes, satay and far more. Makansutra Gluttons Bay combines multiple stalls with outdoor communal seating near Marina Bay. Eating traditional hawker dishes at plastic tables in such a polished waterfront district felt like a rare privilege. Confirm current opening days, as individual stalls can change.

SUPPLY & DEMAND RESTAURANT

Before reaching the hawker centre, we passed Supply & Demand at Esplanade Mall. Its upper-floor terrace faced Marina Bay. This Italian restaurant was relatively expensive, but on our first Singapore trip we enjoyed an excellent mojito there. Verify the current branch and reservation policy.

ROSSO VINO

This charming Italian restaurant stood on the Singapore River beside Robertson Quay Hotel. Candlelit square tables beside the water created a lovely atmosphere. Prices were high, but the pizzas were substantial and service was very good during our visit.

CHIJMES

CHIJMES transformed the grounds of a white 19th-century Gothic chapel and former convent school into a dining and events complex surrounded by lawns. Weddings take place in the chapel; the wedding scene in Crazy Rich Asians was filmed there. Restaurants around the courtyard, with warm lights and cushions on the grass, seemed designed for Pinterest.

We visited Privé in the courtyard once for coffee and once for a mojito, and were pleased both times. Restaurant tenants change, so check the current CHIJMES directory rather than relying on this older recommendation.

ALBERT CENTRE HAWKER CENTRE

This was where ordinary Singapore residents ate at Chinese-style economy-rice stalls, opposite Bugis Street on Queen Street. Each stall had its own menu, usually allowing customers to choose rice with meat and several vegetables. A plate cost around SGD5–6 during our visit. The plastic tables and busy atmosphere may seem rough at first, but food premises are regulated, and the format provides affordable vegetables and balanced meals. Prices are now higher in many places; inspect the stall display before ordering.

SINAR PAGI NASI PADANG

This central nasi padang restaurant also allowed us to choose among meat and vegetable dishes and pay according to our selection. The variety and value impressed us. We visited its Circular Road address behind Boat Quay; confirm the present branch before going.

BK EATING HOUSE

BK Eating House stood at the corner of South Bridge Road behind Boat Quay and offered relatively affordable Indian food. We arrived late and chose the light option of roti canai: layers of soft flatbread cooked on a griddle and served hot with curry sauce, perfect for tearing and dipping.

NANYANG OLD COFFEE

At 268 South Bridge Road in Chinatown, Nanyang Old Coffee presented a modern version of the traditional kopitiam. We once stayed in the hostel opposite and ate breakfast here. Elsewhere in Asia, breakfast often means noodles, fish or chicken rice; an old-style Chinese coffee shop offers something closer to what many Turkish visitors expect. Soft-boiled eggs arrive in a bowl with toast and coffee. The toast is usually spread with butter and kaya, a coconut-and-egg jam. Knowing that local coffee was not our favourite, we chose iced milk tea—excellent in the tropical heat. The SGD5 set belongs to our past visit; check the current menu.

COASTES

Whenever we visited Sentosa, we tended to end up at Coastes around sunset. Near Beach Station on Siloso Beach, its blue-and-white tables on the sand, palms and soft yellow lighting created a relaxing atmosphere. The mojitos were good and prices felt reasonable for the location. Beach businesses change, so confirm that it is open before planning around it.

ANN SIANG

Ann Siang Hill and the surrounding Chinatown streets form a compact restaurant and bar district. The handsome shophouses have long made it a fashionable nightlife area, though individual venues and late-night street arrangements change.

ATLAS BAR

Atlas was one of our happiest Singapore discoveries and perhaps one of the most beautiful bars we had seen in years. Wandering along North Bridge Road towards Arab Street, we looked up at Parkview Square and thought it belonged in New York. We entered the sculpture-filled courtyard, noticed what we assumed was a museum at ground level and stepped inside—only to discover a spectacular bar.

The soaring room, immense curtains, two-storey spirit tower and velvet seating evoked 1920s New York. Almost immediately, the host told us that our shorts and flip-flops did not meet the dress code. We pointed out that other guests were wearing shorts; apparently the rules changed at 17:00. With twenty minutes remaining, they allowed us in for a quick coffee. The photographs can tell the rest. We loved the place so much that we still dream of returning. Atlas continues to publish a dress code and reservation guidance, so read it before arriving.

KAMPONG GLAM CAFÉ

At 17 Bussorah Street, this traditional Malay café was one of the few places in such a touristy neighbourhood where we found affordable local food. Malay cooking may feel unfamiliar to some Turkish visitors, but after spending so much time in Malaysia it had become almost like home cooking to us—dear Malay food, heart emoji.

WHERE TO STAY IN SINGAPORE

Singapore hotels range from famous luxury brands to youth hostels, but they share one characteristic: they are expensive. Either begin searching very early or accept Singapore hotel prices and find the best compromise between location, comfort and cost. The five places below are where we stayed on earlier trips. Some hostel businesses have since closed, so do not assume every old link can still be booked.

ROBERTSON QUAY HOTEL

On our first Singapore trip in April 2015, we found a very good offer at this older hotel. Robertson Quay Hotel was established but already showing its age. Even so, the location was excellent, service followed a reliable standard and there was a small pool. Some upper rooms had wonderful river views; ours did, although the bathroom was scarcely larger than one on a boat. Finding a central Singapore hotel at a reasonable price felt priceless. Breakfast could be included, which was valuable in Asia: ours had omelette, sausage, toast, preserves, tea and coffee. Read current reviews before booking.

5FOOTWAY.INN PROJECT

This hostel chain once operated simply but attractively furnished properties at strategic Singapore locations. We stayed there several times, but these notes are now historical: the former 5footway.inn properties referenced below no longer appear to operate under the same chain, so do not use the old booking links without verifying the current property identity. 5footway.inn Project Boat Quay had a tiny private room for two and a shared balcony with a superb river view. We often returned to the hostel rather than pay for coffee elsewhere simply so we could sit beside the river.

Later we also stayed at 5footway.inn Project Ann Siang and 5footway.inn Project Chinatown. As you would expect, both were in Chinatown. Our favourite was Project Ann Siang and you can read our detailed historical review here for more.

QUARTERS HOSTEL

At 12 Circular Road near the Singapore River, this central Singapore hostel was the first hostel we used in the city. Our room was essentially just a bunk bed, but the location was excellent, the beds and room were clean, and the reception team was friendly and helpful. It should be treated as a memory rather than a current recommendation; verify whether any property now operating at the address is the same business.

GETTING TO SINGAPORE AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Turkish ordinary-passport holders generally do not need to obtain a visa before a short tourist visit to Singapore. However, the immigration officer determines the permitted stay and records it on the electronic Visit Pass, so the old promise of an automatic 30 days should not be treated as guaranteed. Travellers must meet entry requirements and submit the free SG Arrival Card within the official window before arrival. Check Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority immediately before travel. Most international flights to Singapore arrive at Changi Airport, a frequent winner of major airport awards. It is easy to spend several hours exploring the terminals and Jewel, though transit access rules vary. On our first trip, we practically could not bring ourselves to leave. Organised tours may allow extra airport time, but confirm your own terminal and immigration requirements.

The MRT is usually the most economical way from Changi to the city. Depending on the route, you may transfer at Tanah Merah or Expo. The old SGD2.50 fare and SGD11 shuttle in this article are no longer dependable. Use Singapore’s official journey planner and Changi Airport transport page for current MRT, bus, taxi and private-hire options. The former shared airport shuttle should not be assumed to operate. Changi Airport transport information should be checked here.

WHAT TO WEAR IN SINGAPORE

Singapore is modern and generally relaxed about everyday clothing, so visitors can dress as they wish while respecting religious sites, formal venues and published dress codes. Temperatures are often around 30°C with high humidity, so light, breathable clothing and a hat are useful. Tropical downpours can arrive suddenly and soak you within moments; carry an umbrella or compact rain jacket. Information checked in August 2026.