Singapore, known for its futuristic skyline, lush greenery, and cultural diversity, is a dream destination for travelers. Whether you’re a foodie, nature lover, or history buff, this vibrant city-state has something to offer everyone. Here’s your step-by-step guide to planning an unforgettable trip to Singapore.
Why Visit Singapore?
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, blending tradition and modernity. From exploring iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and the Gardens by the Bay to enjoying Michelin-star street food at Hawker Centers, this city blew me away. With a reputation for safety, cleanliness, and efficiency, Singapore is a hassle-free destination perfect for any type of traveler. I typically prefer a relaxing beach vacation but the architecture, city life, and amazing culture made me fall in love with Singapore.
When to Visit Singapore
Singapore enjoys a tropical climate year-round, making it an ideal destination no matter the season. The best time to visit is between November to February when you can enjoy cooler temperatures. Don’t worry, the humidity in Singapore will still be in full effect.
Getting to Singapore
Singapore is well-connected to major cities worldwide through Changi Airport, consistently ranked as one of the best airports in the world. This airport is a destination itself with its major attraction, Jewel Changi (which is located just outside of security but in the airport). There is SO much to do at the airport that I have to dedicate a separate blog about it here. Flights are readily available from all over the world but the best way to get here is with Singapore Airlines as you can book a stopover for FREE en-route to another destination.
Where to Stay in Singapore
Luxury Stays
Marina Bay Sands: Famous for its infinity pool and stunning views of the city but come at a very steep price tag. The nightly rate was something you would expect from an ultra luxury property but the room was nothing more than your typical modern Las Vegas Room. Of course the room meant you could access the iconic roof top pool (for guests only) but you can visit the roof as a non-hotel guest and there are arguably better views for FREE elsewhere in the city.
Raffles Hotel: A historic landmark offering timeless elegance and world-class service.
Instagram Worthy Hotels
Park Royal Pickering: Famous for its rooftop infinity pool and surrounding lush green landscaping.
Pan Pacific Orchard: located on historic Orchard Rd this property is an architectural masterpiece with multiple roof pools and awesome landscaping.
Both of these resorts offered relatively affordable room rates compared to the uber luxury stays at Marina Bay Sands or Raffled Hotel prices. The rooms were aesthetically pleasing with their fun and modern design but they were very small.
I was only going to be in Singapore for 2 days so I spent hours trying to figure out where I wanted to stay. Because I was going to be exploring the city the majority of the day I wasn’t as fully focused on having to stay at an iconic property and more focused on a place I could redeem for points or leverage my status for upgrades, free breakfasts, and more.
Points Enthusiast Hotels
There are a lot of great loyalist properties in Singapore from Marriott (i.e. JW or Westin), Hilton (i.e. Conrad), and Accor (i.e. Fairmont). I ultimately chose the Hilton Conrad Centennial for multiple reasons.
Location: located in the Marina district and close proximity to most of the destinations I wanted to visit like Marina Bay Sands/Garden of the Bay, China Town, Fort Canning Park, and more
Room Size: the rooms were bigger here than most of the rooms I was looking at in the city.
Hotel Status: I have Hilton Diamond Status from my favorite hotel travel card - The Hilton Amex Aspire Card. This got me a room upgrade, a late 4PM checkout, free breakfast at their amazing breakfast buffet, and I could use my $200 Travel Credit to offset expenses like drinks at the bar, dinner, spa treatments, etc. I also had access to the executive lounge which had alcoholic drinks, snacks, and bites throughout the day for Free! See my referral link for The Hilton Amex Aspire Card and start reaping the benefits! See my full hotel review here of the Conrad Centennial.
Top Attractions in Singapore
There are tons of amazing places to visit in the city. Here are 7 spots you must visit when visiting Singapore.
1. Marina Bay Sands
The Marina Bay Sands has become a landmark synonymous with Singapore, and for good reason. This resort, casino, and mall create an architectural masterpiece offering a wealth of attractions and activities.
The casino is unlike any I’ve seen before. It far surpasses Las Vegas, with its modern design and immaculate cleanliness. The security process to enter is rigorous, requiring multiple verifications of your passport and ID.
The mall located on the ground and basement levels is one of the nicest I’ve ever visited. Singapore is renowned for its luxury, and this mall is a testament to that, featuring hundreds of world-famous high-end shops. At the end of the mall, you'll find a great Hawker Center, offering a variety of local dining options.
The rooftop is one of the most iconic areas of the property, featuring an infinity pool with stunning views of downtown Singapore and the ocean, dotted with cargo ships. Only hotel guests have access to the pool, but non-guests can visit the observation deck for S$32.
Pro Tip- skip the fee and reserve a table or grab a drink at one of the rooftop restaurants—Ce La Vi, Lavo, or Spago. While the meals will certainly cost more than S$32 per person, you’re getting a meal with your incredible view as well.
2. Gardens of the Bay
Singapore is famous for its stunning landscaping and parks, with Gardens by the Bay being the crown jewel of the city. There are many free areas to explore, where you can stroll through lush greenery while enjoying spectacular views of Marina Bay Sands and the city skyline.
Photo Tip: Google Map the Water Lilly Pond which is a great location for a photo opportunity with the gardens and Marina Bay Sands in the background.
For just S$43, I highly recommend purchasing a ticket to access the Cloud Forest, Supertree Observatory, and Flower Dome—some of the garden’s most popular and breathtaking attractions.
One of the best experiences at Gardens by the Bay is the FREE nighttime light show under the Supertrees. The show runs twice daily at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM. Arriving for the first show is ideal, as you can enjoy the beautiful sunset views beforehand.
Photo Tip: The best place to view the supertree show is on the second floor. You will see a stair and elevator where there are additional beautiful garden areas to view the show and they will be much quieter.
2. China Town
Discover Singapore’s rich cultural heritage through its vibrant neighborhoods. Don’t miss the stunning Sri Mariamman Temple, colorful shophouses, and local street food. Beware of the awful smelling durian fruit!
Photo Tip: Walk down temple street for a great photo spot of Chinatown with the city in the backdrop.
4. Capita Spring Rooftop
Many people think the Marina Bay Sands rooftop offers the best view in the city, but the CapitaSpring Rooftop actually provides the best panoramic views. Not only is it FREE to visit (though you do need to reserve a spot in advance), but it offers stunning 360-degree views of the city. Plus, you get a unique perspective with Marina Bay Sands in the background—something you obviously can't experience from the top of MBS itself.
Pro Tip - don’t forget to take the elevator down to the middle floors as there are additional beautiful gardens and pathways perfect for views of the city and photo opportunities.
5. The Jewel
It’s not just tourists who visit The Jewel at Changi Airport—locals also spend their free time enjoying this incredible destination. With its fantastic restaurants, extensive shopping options, serene hangouts by the stunning indoor waterfall, and a variety of fun activities, The Jewel is much more than an airport stopover.
The best way to experience The Jewel is to arrive a few hours before your flight. There’s a dedicated check-in counterlocated outside the airport, allowing you to drop off your luggage well in advance of departure. The process is quick and hassle-free, with virtually no lines. Travelers flying with Singapore Airlines can take advantage of this service for even earlier access.
6. Ft Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is a historic and tranquil escape nestled in the heart of Singapore. Visitors can explore historical landmarks, scenic walking trails, beautiful gardens, and the iconic Spiral Staircase, a favorite among photographers.
Pro Tip - get here VERY early because the line can get very long for “the shot”
7. Sentosa Island
Home to Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and stunning beaches, Sentosa is perfect for families and thrill-seekers. This is a more relaxing area outside of the city where you will find bigger and more vacation type resorts. Hop on the Singapore Skyline Cable Car for beautiful views of the city.
8. Orchard Rd
Orchard Road is Singapore’s iconic shopping paradise, stretching over 2 kilometers and lined with world-class malls, luxury boutiques, and trendy flagship stores. Whether you’re hunting for high-end fashion, local designer goods, or unique souvenirs, Orchard Road has it all. Beyond shopping, the area boasts stylish cafes, gourmet restaurants, and vibrant nightlife spots. Don’t miss landmarks like ION Orchard, Paragon, and Ngee Ann City for a blend of retail therapy and architectural splendor. A stroll along this bustling street is an essential part of the Singapore experience!
What to Eat in Singapore
Singapore is a food lover’s paradise, with a variety of dishes influenced by Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines. Some must-try dishes include:
Hainanese Chicken Rice: Singapore’s national dish, available at hawker centers and upscale restaurants alike.
Chili Crab: A seafood delicacy that’s spicy, sweet, and tangy..(I recommend Jumbo Seafood by the river for a great Chili Crab + get the fried bread for dipping sauce as well!)
Satay: Grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce
For affordable eats, visit famous hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, or Newton Food Centre. I ate some of the best sushi, ramen, udon, and so much more at these casual settings.
Singapore is renowned for its luxury, and you’ll find some of the best buffets at high-end resorts like the Ritz-Carlton, Conrad Centennial, and Marina Bay Sands. Indulge in a wide variety of Asian delights, freshly baked pastries, and all the seafood you can handle.
Getting Around Singapore
Singapore’s efficient public transport system makes getting around a breeze. The entire transportation system and country is super efficient, clean, and safe.
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The fastest way to navigate the city.
Buses: A cost-effective option for reaching attractions.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Apps: Convenient but more expensive. (I used Zig which was an easy app to navigate and was just like Uber)
Tips for Visiting Singapore
Stay Hydrated: The tropical heat can be intense, so carry a water bottle.
Respect Local Laws: Singapore has strict regulations on littering, chewing gum, and jaywalking.
Plan Ahead: Popular attractions often require advance booking.
Conclusion: Why Singapore Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List
Singapore offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, making it a top destination for travelers of all interests. From its iconic attractions, world class shopping, welcoming locals, and impeccable cleanliness, Singapore is a city that truly has it all. But most importantly it is one of the most picturesque cities I have ever been to!
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