Singapore Travel Guide

Singapore may be one of the smallest countries in the world, yet this cosmopolitan city-state is one of the largest financial hubs in the world and has so much to offer travelers. With its shimmering skyscrapers, top-notch accommodation, vibrant cultural areas, fascinating, futuristic sites, night zoo, UNESCO Heritage melting-pot food culture, there’s a lot to see and do. This travel guide for Singapore features the top attractions, how to get around, safety, logistics, what not to do, visa information, and more to help you plan your trip.

This travel guide and the post on Singapore are updated as of April 2025.

Top Attractions In Singapore

Marina Bay

Opulent Marina Bay is one of Singapore’s top attractions, packed with stunning architecture, vibrant entertainment, and compelling sites. One of the key highlights of Marina Bay is its architectural focal point, Marina Bay Sands. Its rooms and the service are impeccable and the guests-only, roof-top Infinity pool offers stellar views of the bay.

This hotel is also an entertainment complex as there are many amazing restaurants and bars, the roof-top Sands SkyPark Observation Deck for non-guests, as well as a casino, high-end shopping, and more.

Other highlights of Marina Bay include: Gardens by the Bay, including the futuristic Supertree Grove, the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, the Singapore Flyer, its iconic fountain Merlion, the ArtScience Museum and more.

Top Cultural Areas of Singapore

In the early 1800s, when Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a British trading post, it started experiencing rapid growth as immigrants arrived from neighboring countries like China, India, and the Arabian Peninsula. Today, the districts they settled in are a very rich and engaging part of Singapore’s diversity.

Each district offers its own cultural story, historic gems, striking temples or mosques, lively markets, a fusion of foods, and so much more. It’s definitely worth it to explore them all.

• Chinatown is the largest and most popular district with two hawker centers, several temples (one believe to have a relic of Buddha’s tooth), and the Singapore City Gallery, a museum on the history of Singapore.
• Little India is another engaging district with its colorful temples, vibrant jewelry and fabric shops, the Tekka hawker center, an old Chinese businessman’s colorful home, and the Indian Heritage Center.
• The Arab Quarter is home to Singapore’s largest mosque, Haji Street, full of boutique shops, colorful cafes, and hip cocktail bars, amazing middle eastern food, and the Royal Malay Palace, which is now the Malay Heritage center.
• Katong is home to the Peranakan culture, which is a fusion of Malay and Chinese. The colorful shophouses here are some of the most exquisite in Singapore, there’s also the Gaylang Serai Hawker center, and many amazing international restaurants.

Singapore Night Safari

For something really unique, visit the Singapore Night Safari. It specializes in nocturnal and crepuscular animals (which are animals active at dusk and twilight), like lions, tigers, elephants, and leopards. It was the first night zoo in the world and is often considered the best.

Because the animal enclosures are so cleverly designed, without visible fences, it really feels like you are on a safari as you drive by in the tram in the moonlit-like lighting. I really think this is something not to be missed. And I am not a zoo person.

Singapore Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens is what remains of the rainforest that once covered Singapore. Surprisingly, it’s not very far from high-tech Marina Bay.

In addition to the vast and beautiful rainforest here, the garden also contains the world’s largest orchid exhibit, with over 1,000 orchid species, tranquil Swan Lake, concerts at Symphony Lake, and more.

Hawker Centers

Singapore is a culinary haven, and its hawker centers are another must-visit, providing delicious and affordable meals, many of which are recommended in the Michelin Guide and cost less than $5. In fact, Hawker Culture is so integral to life in Singapore that it has earned UNESCO Heritage status.

The biggest Hawker center is in Chinatown, the Chinatown Complex Food Center, but there are many, many others, like the Maxwell Food Center, Old Airport Road, the Tekka Center, Geylang Serai, and Chomp Chomp.

Hawker Center Tips: If you don’t have time to read the Michelin in advance, simply look for the stalls with the longest lines. The best places are well-known. Also, tables are communal. To save your seat, bring a packet of tissues and leave them at your seat. This is common and will be respected.

Orchard Road

If shopping is your thing, head to Orchard Road. This is where the serious shopping is, with 1.6 miles (2.5 km) of retail, cafes, restaurants, and hotels. You can find anything here from H&M and Zara to Louis Vuitton and Prada.

The street gets its name from the spice and fruit orchards this road once led to.

Island Escapes

If you feel the need to escape the chaos of the city, there are over 64 islands in Singapore, with 7 open to the public.

The most popular is  Sentosa Island, which is also the closest and easiest island to access. It’s known for its high-end resorts, sandy beaches, and attractions like Universal Studios, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and entertainment, like fireworks and light and sound shows.

This island is much larger than you expect, so don’t be surprised if you want more time here.

Other islands include Bintan, St. John’s Island, Lazarus, Sister’s Island, Kusu, and Pulau Ubin. Each offers something unique and a great escape from the chaos of city life.

Best Time To Visit

Although Singapore is a year round destination, there are slightly fewer rainy days, and there is slightly less humidity between February and April. Other than this, highs range fairly consistently from 87-90 F (30-32 C) all year.

Singapore Travel Guide: Top Festivals

There are several key festivals that make a visit to Singapore more special. Note that select areas can get very busy during these events.

• Chinese New Year in 2026 is February 17-18.
• The Lantern Festival in 2026 is March 3.
• The Singapore Food Festival, a month long celebration, is usually in July.
• The Mid-Autumn Festival for 2025 is October 6.
• National Day is August 9th with fireworks in Marina Bay.

Singapore Travel Guide: Languages

Singapore has 4 official languages: English, Malay, Tamil, and Singaporean Mandarin. There’s also Singlish, which is a blend of Singaporean slang, English, and other languages.

Singapore Travel Guide: Money Matters

Currency: The currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). Conversion rates as of January 1, 2025 were as follows.

• USD (1) = 1.36 SGD
• Euro (1) = 1.41 SGD
• CNY (1) = .187 SGD

Credit Cards & ATMs: Credit cards are widely accepted and ATM’s are widely available. Keep in mind that most stalls at the Hawker Centers are cash only, as well as a few other places, so it’s good to keep a little on hand.

Tipping: Singapore is one of those rare places where tipping is not expected. There may be a 10% service charge on your restaurant bill, but be aware this does not go to the server. If you want to leave more, do so in cash. You do not need to tip taxi drivers, but can round up if you want.

Singapore Travel Guide: Safety

Singapore is very safe. In fact, it’s listed in the top 10 safest countries in the world, with consistently low crime rates. Petty theft does occur, however, so keep an eye on your valuables. If theft does occur, it’s likely not by a Singaporean.

Trust your instincts. If things don’t feel right, or are too good to be true, walk away and look into other options.

Always check the latest situation on your government website before traveling. It’s wise to sign up for the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), or similar in your country, to be alerted if issues do arise.

Singapore Travel Guide: Scams

Singapore is very safe, so the only scams I mention here are common scams around the world to watch out for.

Taxis

Unfortunately, there are scammy taxi drivers everywhere. This becomes less and less as ride hailing apps become more popular. Uber is available here, but tends to be a little more expensive than standard taxis (which you can still see on the Uber app). If you do take a taxi other than Uber or another ride hailing app, make sure the app or meters is running when you enter the taxi.

Scam Tickets or Packages

Always buy tickets or tourist packages through authorized sellers and reputable sources. Check with the Singapore Tourism Board and the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore if a vendor is an accredited travel agent.

Tampered ATM Machines

It’s best to use ATM machines associated with banks as they are more likely to be monitored regularly. When you do use an ATM, always cover your hand when entering your pin and check to make sure it has not been tampered with. Especially around the card reader area.

What Not To Do In Singapore

One of the reasons Singapore is so safe is because it has strict rules and regulations. Penalties can be steep and swift. In fact, sometimes Singapore is called ‘fine city’, because of all the possible fines. Here are some of the top things not to do in Singapore.

• Drugs are illegal and can result in capital punishment, for tourists and citizens. Check your medications for issues before arriving and bring a copy of your doctor’s prescription with you.
• Littering is strictly prohibited. First time fines can be up to S$1,000, and double that for second time offenders.
• Chewing gum is illegal with fines up to S$1,000. Do not even bring gum into the country.
• Eating or drinking on public transportation is prohibited and can result in fines.
• Jaywalking is also not allowed and will also result in a steep fine.
• Smoking outside of designated areas is not allowed and result in fines.
• Connecting to an unsecured Wifi signal can be considered hacking and also result in fines.

For a more comprehensive list, see stanfort.edu.

Singapore Travel Guide: How To Get Around

MRT

Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is one of the most efficient in the world and the best way to get around Singapore. To enter, you just tap the scanner with your contactless credit card. Tap again at your exit station. Your card is charged after a set amount occurs on your card, around $15. I have used subways and metros around the world, and this one is so simple. I loved it.

Taxi

Taxi is another option if you prefer something more private, but it depends on traffic.

Note that Uber is not available in Singapore as of April 2025. Grab is the most popular ride hailing app here.

Self-Drive

While self-driving does offer more independence, it’s really not recommended due to traffic and minimal parking.

This post may use affiliate links. This means I may make a small commission if you choose to make a booking or purchase through one of these links. This is at no additional cost to you. If you find my content helpful, please consider booking through me as it is completely win win!

Singapore Travel Guide: Visa Information

US and EU citizens do not need a visa to enter Singpaore and can stay up to 90 days. Chinese citizens are required to have a visa. For more details and information on other countries see the Visa Policy of Singapore.

Note that Singapore is a country that requires proof of onward travel. See my post on Onward Travel for more details on creative ways to deal with this.

Where To Stay In Singapore

Here are my recommendations by district:

Marina Bay

• Marina Bay Sands is the ultimate splurge experience of Singapore. Even if you only stay a day or two. I stayed 3 nights and thought it was 100% worth it! The rooms are stunning and offer stellar views. There are several amazing restaurants, a fitness center, and free access to the rooftop infinity pool (the world’s largest).
• On the opposite side of the bay, by the Merlion Statue, is the historic, 5-star Fullerton Bay Hotel. Some rooms feature views of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
• The Mandarin Oriental is another 5-star hotel in Marina Bay, with rooms that overlook the harbor, the ocean, or the skyline. It also features an outdoor pool with city views and a luxurious spa.

The Civic District

• Raffles Hotel is a well-known luxury hotel, located in the city center. It is named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern singapore. This elegant 5-star hotel offers both historic charm and outstanding service.
• Heritage Collection on Seah offers more affordable accommodation in the Civic District, near Raffles Hotel. Convenient check-in, but staff is always nearby if needed.

Chinatown

• The Scarlet Singapore is set in renovated pre-war shophouses near the Maxwell Center with elegantly rooms, a rooftop restaurant, fitness gym, and an outdoor hotub. All at an affordable price.
• The Claude Hotel also offers affordable rooms about a 5-minute walk from the Chinatown Complex.
• If you want something really inexpensive, stay at Capsule Hotel on Smith Street. It’s super cozy, but gets very high reviews, is very clean, and remarkably quiet.
• If you want to stay near the Telok Ayer area of Chinatown, stay in the beautifully restored heritage shophouse Ann Siang House, The Unlimited Collection managed by The Ascott Limited.
• Carlton City is an upscale hotel near Tanjong Pagar, with a rooftop bar, pool, and fitness center.

Arab Quarter

• The Sultan offers affordable, boutique rooms in renovated shophouses providing the charm of Singapore in the Arab Quarter.
• Heritage Collection on Arab has affordable, clean rooms on Arab Street. It offers the convenience of self-checkin (using their app), but staff is always available.
• For something more exclusive, stay at Andaz Singapore by Hyatt. Not technically in the Arab Quarter, it’s just a 2-minute walk from Haji Lane. This sleek high rise also has a rooftop bar to soak up local ambiance.

Katong

• Betel Box Backpackers Hostel offers very affordable dorm rooms in a restored shophouse close to Joo Chiat Road.
• Boutique Santa Grand Hotel East Coast also offers affordable rooms close to Joo Chiat Road, some with a balcony. There is also a rooftop swimming pool.

Sentosa Island

• Outpost Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality is an adult-centric hotel for stylish, fun people. They offer curated experiences, adults-exclusive access to 1-Altitude Coast, the Sentosa’s only rooftop pool and day club.
• Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa is a family-friendly hotel with spacious rooms and views of the sea, pools and gardens. There’s also a fitness center, and complimentary bicycle rental.
• The W Singapore – Sentosa Cove is a luxury hotel in Sentosa Cove offering rooms with views of the pool or ocean, a spa, fitness center, and daily activities.
• Equairus Villas is a splurge choice, located in Resort Worlds Sentosa, close to the Sentosa Station. Villas offer views of the pool or surrounding forest. Transport buggies and personal 24-hour butlers are provided for all guests.

Singapore Travel Guide: Top Destinations & Stories

Click the images below for more details on each.

Safe Travels!

Julie