No other place compares to Singapore. Located just south of Malaysia, this lively city-state fuses Malay, Indian, Chinese, Arab, and English traditions into a distinctly Singaporean character.
You haven't encountered a city like this before. Curious to discover what makes it so famous?
Your complete Singapore travel companion.
When planning your finances for this trip, remember that Singapore ranks among the world's wealthiest nations. Though you might snag deals in Malaysia or Indonesia, Singapore is pricey—expect to spend as much as you would in a major American or European city.
Climate: The weather stays steady year‑round. On a typical day, temperatures range from 75°F (24°C) to 89°F (32°C).
Humidity is intense, and the country averages 167 rainy days annually—so pack that umbrella!
Navigating the City
Despite its small size, Singapore packs in plenty to explore. At only 31 miles wide and 17 miles long, the island boasts an impressive number of must‑visit districts: Little India, Bugis, Chinatown, Marina Bay, the Financial District, and Sentosa Island.
Public Transport: The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) offers a simple and budget‑friendly way to get around. Fares depend on your destination and typically cost about $4 SGD ($3 USD).
If you plan to see as much of the city as possible, the Singapore Tourist Pass can be a fantastic value. It grants unlimited travel for a fixed period. A 24‑hour pass is $10 SGD ($7.50 USD), a 48‑hour pass is $16 SGD ($12 USD), and a 72‑hour pass runs $20 SGD ($15 USD).
Even if you mix MRT rides, taxis, and walking, having the Singapore Tourist Pass lets you hop on a train whenever you like.
Taxi: The Grab app is extremely popular here, and its fares are lower than those of conventional taxis. It works like Uber, which is gradually disappearing in Singapore.
Although taxis are plentiful across the city, they apply peak surcharges after 6 p.m., so costs can climb quickly.
From opulent five‑star hotels to wallet‑friendly hostels, Singapore offers an enormous variety of lodging for every budget. Here are some of my personal favorites:
High‑End Stays
The Ritz‑Carlton, Millenia Singapore: A top‑tier luxury choice! I stayed at The Ritz‑Carlton during my visit and absolutely adored it.
The Warehouse Hotel: A five‑star boutique hotel along the river, this stylish property occupies a beautifully restored 19th‑century building.
The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore: Perfectly positioned on the waterfront right next to an MRT station, The Fullerton Bay Hotel features a trendy rooftop bar and impeccable service.
Shangri‑La Singapore: Another name that stands for indulgence, the Shangri‑La Singapore is a well‑appointed property set amid lush tropical gardens.
Mid‑Tier Options
The Quincy Hotel: Winner of the Singapore Tourism Best Hotel Experience Award, the artfully designed Quincy Hotel sits in the heart of the trendy Orchard district.
Oasia Hotel: With several locations across Singapore, it's easy to see why this concept took off. Check out Oasia Hotel Downtown; the Oasia Hotel Novena near Orchard Road and the Business District; or the Oasia Residence near West Coast Park.
The Scarlet Singapore: I love the art‑deco style of this four‑star hotel in Chinatown. It has a captivating old‑world charm plus a convenient location.
Park Regis Singapore: In the center of the Central Business District, Park Regis Singapore puts everything right outside its lovely doors.
Wallet‑Friendly Choices
- Hotel Kai: Located in the historic Civic District, Hotel Kai offers excellent value. They also provide guests with a personal 4G Wi‑Fi device that works throughout Singapore—very handy if you don't want to buy a SIM card.
- The Port by Quarters Hostel: In the heart of downtown with a free all‑day breakfast, The Port by Quarters Hostel is a top pick for budget travelers in Singapore!
- Adler Hostel: Right next to Chinatown and close to the MRT, this art‑deco townhouse is a chic alternative to your typical no‑frills hostel.
In Singapore, cuisine is all about fusion. Drawing flavors from Malaysia, China, India, and beyond, the city‑state serves some of the best Asian food on the continent. It also offers a wonderful mix of Italian, Greek, Australian, and just about any other cuisine you might crave.
My go‑to local dishes are laksa (heaven in a bowl—better known as spicy noodle soup), popiah (a type of spring roll, available fried or raw), chili crab, and chicken rice.
Restaurant Recommendations
- Colony at The Ritz‑Carlton: Colony serves the greatest buffet I've ever tried, and it's a fantastic value for all the food you get.
- Po Restaurant: For a fresh spin on Singaporean classics, head to Po Restaurant at The Warehouse Hotel to try this tasty spot.
- Neon Pigeon: In the hipster neighborhood of Tanjong Pagar, Neon Pigeon offers Japanese food in tapas style.
- The Curry Culture: Singapore has plenty of delicious Indian food, but nobody beats the flavors at The Curry Culture!
Affordable Bites
- Laksa: This is my favorite soup, and I'm always on the lookout for it. Many street vendors serve it, and the best I found was at 328 Katong Laksa.
- Tian Tian: To enjoy another of Singapore's must‑eat dishes—chicken rice—this is the place to go.
- Kok Kee Wanton Mee: Specializing in the slurp‑worthy wanton mee soup, this is another of the country's best cheap eats.
- Chin Chin Eating House: Located on Purvis Street, this is where locals flock for a quick, satisfying meal.
- Chinatown: Not sure what you're in the mood for? Just head to Chinatown and let your stomach guide you through the food stalls.
- Dim Sum: Whatever you do, don't leave Singapore without trying dim sum. With small bite‑sized portions, it's the best way to sample a bit of everything.
- Hawker Centers: Food courts, known as hawker centers in Singapore, are a perfect way to eat your way around the world!
- Little India: If you love Indian food, this is one neighborhood you can't miss!
- Eat: Singapore has some of the best food on the planet! Be sure to try local cuisine at the hawker centers around the city. The local chicken rice, laksa, and chili crab are essential.
- Joo Chiat: A historic neighborhood, Joo Chiat is an ideal place to bring your camera and wander aimlessly. The colorful Peranakan houses are among the most beautiful sights in Singapore.
- Chinatown: Singapore is a true melting pot, and you really need to explore all the different neighborhoods to understand what it's all about. Start with Chinatown for its shops, night markets, and dim sum!
- Singapore Botanic Gardens: A 158‑year‑old tropical oasis, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is beloved by locals and tourists alike.
- Gardens by the Bay: Totally unlike any other garden I've ever experienced, Gardens by the Bay is well worth a visit. Have your camera ready for the surreal Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest!
- Arab Street: More than just one street, this is a must‑see area that includes Bussorah Street, Haji and Bali Lanes, and Muscat Street. Start at the corner of Beach Road and explore the shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Keep in mind that most places are closed on Sundays. That said, the stunning Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) is a must‑see sight located here!
- The Quays: The quays along the river are famous here! Explore Boat Quay, Robertson Quay, then head to Clarke Quay for restaurants, bars, and other fun spots.
- Mid‑Autumn Festival: If you're lucky enough to be here in autumn—typically mid‑September to mid‑October, depending on the year—head to Singapore's Chinatown for the epic Mid‑Autumn Festival.
- Marina Bay Sands SkyPark: This sky‑high infinity pool has become one of Singapore's most iconic sights. I stayed here on my trip, which is the only way to access the infinity pool.
However, if you just want to see the view, you can buy a ticket to the Observation Deck for a once‑in‑a‑lifetime panorama of the cityscape.
- Day Trip to Sentosa Island: A playground for Singaporeans off the southern coast, this massive resort‑style island features theme parks, golf courses, spas, and coastline!
This travel guide was originally published on The Blonde Abroad.
