The best things to do in Singapore are the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, a hawker-centre feast, the Marina Bay skyline and the cultural quarters of Chinatown and Kampong Glam. Give it 2–3 days, it’s warm year-round, driest Feb–Apr.
Singapore is a tropical city-state that runs like clockwork, futuristic gardens, four cultures and arguably the best street food on the planet. Below are the ten experiences worth your time.
Futuristic vertical gardens and cooled conservatories, stay for the free Supertree light show after dark.
Michelin-cheap street food under one roof, chilli crab, chicken rice, laksa; follow the longest queue.
Temples, shophouses and food streets, visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and eat down Smith Street.
The Malay-Arab quarter, a golden mosque, indie boutiques on Haji Lane and great Middle Eastern food.
A UNESCO tropical garden with a free orchid-filled heart, Singapore’s lush escape from the malls.
The resort island of beaches, Universal Studios and cable cars, a full family day a monorail ride away.
Art-deco walk-ups, indie cafés and an old wet market, the city’s most charming low-rise neighborhood.
Singapore’s story told twice: as history downstairs, as immersive spectacle upstairs.
The lotus building at Marina Bay Sands; Future World’s digital rooms are the draw.
Trade-route treasures on the river, including the astonishing Tang shipwreck gold.
The airport mall built around a 40-metre indoor waterfall; worth landing early for.
A bumboat to old Singapore: rent a bike, ride boardwalks over the wetlands at Chek Jawa.
Cross for street food and malls at half the price; bring your passport and patience.
Chinatown light-up, then Asia’s biggest street parade.
The Hari Raya night market: food stalls and lights for a month.
The city celebrates the one thing it argues about most.
Fighter-jet flypasts and fireworks over Marina Bay.
Lantern walks and mooncakes in Chinatown and the Gardens.
The night race turns downtown into a circuit; book beds early.
Little India under a canopy of lights for a month.
Fireworks over the bay from every waterfront angle.
The world-famous hub, 20km E. The MRT or a taxi reach downtown in ~25 min, see the Jewel waterfall.
Poached chicken on fragrant rice, the national dish.
Mud crab in sweet-spicy tomato gravy; mop with mantou.
Coconut-curry noodle soup with prawns and cockles.
Smoky wok-fried flat noodles with cockles.
Coconut-jam toast with soft eggs and kopi.
Charcoal-grilled skewers with peanut sauce.
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