Singapore is a great place for a quick trip, a day stopover, or to enjoy a weekend stay. It’s easy to travel around, and there’s plenty to see. The public transportation is simple to use, but walking is also very convenient if you want to stay in the main districts like Marina Bay, Chinatown, Little India, or Orchard Road. The Singapore Changi Airport is a bit further out, but only about a 15-minute drive from the city center of Singapore.
Be sure to check official websites for operating hours and ticket prices for the different places you want to go. Don’t trust Google hours, they are not always accurate.
Let’s start with the “must-see” places…
Gardens by the Bay is one of the best outdoor activities in Singapore. It is a beautiful collection of gardens and iconic architecture. There are a variety of activities and events always happening at the gardens, so you can select what you want to see depending on your personal interests. Be sure to walk around the Supertree Grove, visit Cloud Mountain, walk along the skyway or go to the observatory. If you are going in spring, the Flower Dome will be amazing. All these things are worth the time and cost. There are also audio tours and shuttle services, if you want more information or want to see the sites without too much walking. Check out their website for ticket options.
My recommendation is to go to Gardens by the Bay in the late afternoon/early evening so you can also enjoy the attractions lit up at night. They have a light show at the Supertree Grove at 7:45pm and 8:45pm that lasts about 15 minutes and is free to the public.
At the harbor front, walk along Boat Quay to grab delicious food and drink, and continue on to check out Singapore’s mascot, Merlion. Admire the views of the iconic landmark, Marina Bay Sands, and even take the elevator up 56 stories high to their observation deck (check out ticket prices). Stay around the area for the nighttime light shows over the water. Check the times because they change, depending on the time of year/season. And if you have time, go to the ArtScience Museum to see unique exhibitions where art, science, culture and technology come together. There is also the Singapore Flyer, Asia’s largest observation wheel, which offers 360-degree views of the city landscape.
Walking along the Clarke Quay is a great way to see the historical riverside in Singapore. There are excellent restaurants, retail shopping, and lovely spots to sit and take in the beautiful landscape and architecture along the river.
Chinatown & Little India are both known for their amazing street food. Chinatown is closer to the marina, so it’s about a 20-minute walk. And it’s about a 20-minute walk from Clarke Quay. The origins of Chinatown can be traced back to 1819, so it’s rich in history and buzzing with a modern diverse culture. There are several mosques, temples, museums, and tours you can take, so be sure to check out their website to find what interests you. And be sure to check out Maxwell Food Centre, which has multiple food vendors with an amazing variety of Asian food options. We ate so much! Little India is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity known as one of Singapore’s most colorful neighborhoods. Little India is the place to go for the best Indian food, street art, temples, and shopping at Tekka market.
We heard alot of about the Jewel Changi Airport, and we were flying out from there, so it was worth the extra time to check it out. It is one of the most unique destinations that combines retail, dining, attractions, and airport facilities. It is known for its unique glass facade housing a 40-meter indoor waterfall surrounded by a lush indoor forest. There are a variety of restaurants from fast food options to Michelin star restaurants. There are 10 stories of top-notch retail shopping and attractions such as mazes, virtual reality, and parks. Access to the Jewel (including the waterfall and forest) is free, but the attractions all cost extra. Check out their website for tours and tickets for the attractions.
We didn’t have time for the Singapore Botanic Gardens, but it is the first and only tropical botanic garden listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. In the heart of the city center, it is a beautiful place to visit with a lot of history since it’s creation in 1859. Exploring the gardens can take around 2-3 hours, making it a great outdoor activity.
If you have more time in Singapore, you can always travel to Sentosa Island where you can visit Universal Studios, the Fort Siloso & Skywalk, Sensoryscape, Sentosa’s immersive multi-sensory attraction, Adventure Cove Waterpark, take a 15-minute ferry ride to visit the Southern Islands for beautiful beaches, or go to Palawan Beach, the southernmost point of Asia. There is still so much that you can do and see. Hopefully, this is a good starting point for your adventure in Singapore.
The websites mentioned above are in no way connected or affiliated with me, but I found the information helpful, so I wanted to share.
Traveling Tribe 