Singapore is the ultimate hybrid – a colonial trading post turned futuristic city-state, known for its patchwork of cultures and heritage neighbourhoods as much as for its financial clout and superlative modern architecture. As a destination, it is divisive – its super-clean streets and strict laws are sterile to some, fascinating to others – but it is these eccentricities which make it such an utterly unique holiday prospect, and one which continues to draw millions of tourists each year.
This is a place of stark contrasts: a tropical island and multicultural metropolis where old sits squeezed beside new, and where offshore beaches and heritage Peranakan shophouses share an area roughly the size of Middlesex with towering skyscrapers and robot-manned restaurants.
Its size is a perk for those keen to cram the maximum into a single visit, or even a brief stopover (Changi, Singapore’s much-lauded airport, is a popular connecting point for ultra-long haul routes from the UK). The result is a vibrant cultural hodge-podge, where hawker centres dish out Michelin-starred chicken rice for less than £5, and the everyday language – Singlish – is a rapid-fire blend of English intertwined with Malay, Hokkien, Cantonese, Mandarin and Tamil.
Here, we explain how to plan the perfect trip – whether you have a week to spare, or only a few days; taking in all the idiosyncratic wonders of the Lion City, from its criss-crossing old alleys to its sky-high infinity pools.
All our recommendations have been hand-selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Singapore. For more inspiration, see our guides to the city’s best hotels, restaurants, bars and things to do.
In this guide:
How to spend the perfect weekend in Singapore
Day one: morning
Start your day along East Coast Road. The East Coast area – or Katong, as locals call it – is Singapore’s Peranakan stronghold. For an introduction to this unique blend of Malay and Straits Chinese cultures, make The Intan your first port of call. A private home and museum, it is full of Peranakan antiques, including embroidered kasut manek (beaded shoes), elaborately carved furniture and hand-painted tingkat (tiffin carriers). Tours are run by passionate owner, Alvin Yapp, and on Saturday mornings, you can combine yours with a traditional Peranakan tea experience. Visits are by appointment only, so book ahead; lunch and dinner sessions are available on request.
From The Intan, it’s a 20-minute walk to Chin Mee Chin. Katong is known for its colourful 1920s heritage shophouses – low, narrow rows of buildings with architecture that combines European and Chinese influences – which house quirky cafés, excellent bakeries and independent boutiques. At Chin Mee Chin, a century-old coffee shop, sample the quintessential local breakfast of kaya toast (toast spread with a pandan-coconut jam), a dish believed to have been introduced by Hainanese immigrants who adapted British breakfast traditions. Pair it with soft-boiled eggs and a robust Nanyang coffee made with beans wok-fried in butter.
From here, it’s an easy walk to the chic flagship stores of local brands like minimalist fashion label Rye or housewares shop Sojao. Both offer an insight into how young Singaporeans are changing the landscape with creative businesses.
Afternoon
Itineraries in this culinary capital are unfailingly devoted to dining, and this one is no different. From Katong, walk to Marine Parade MRT station and hop on the Thomson-East Coast line to Maxwell, to explore one of Singapore’s oldest bastions of hawker cooking at the Maxwell Food Centre.
You may feel compelled to join the long queues at Michelin Guide-recognised Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, but nearby Ah Tai offers a worthy alternative with shorter lines.
The centre also serves as an excellent vantage point for appreciating Singapore’s multicultural landscape. It is situated opposite the impressive Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the historic Fairfield Methodist Church. Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple and a place of worship where visitors can participate in devotional rituals, is a three-minute walk away.
Continue on the same MRT line to Gardens by the Bay station, which connects to the eastern end of the gardens. These award-winning public gardens are home to over 1.5 million plants from five continents and the world’s largest glass greenhouse, the Flower Dome. Wander through its surreal Supertree Grove, a vertical garden with 18 towering tree-like structures covered in greenery, and cross the OCBC Skyway for a fantastic view of the cantilevered architectural marvel Marina Bay Sands, an integrated resort with a hotel, casino and shops. End your visit by chilling out in the Cloud Forest, a cooled conservatory that houses some 72,000 plants and an indoor waterfall.
Late
After dusk, the Maxwell area becomes an eating and drinking hub, with many top restaurants and bars here. One of the best places to sample Singapore’s diverse flavours is at Restaurant Fiz, where chef Hafizzul Hashim works magic with Southeast Asian ingredients in a contemporary, softly lit space.
Take a walk on the wild side after dinner with a visit to the Night Safari, the world’s first wildlife park dedicated to nocturnal animals. Instead of cages and spotlights, the park uses clever design and subtle lighting to facilitate natural behaviour after dark. A guided tram ride takes visitors along dimly lit forest trails and through open enclosures where Malayan tapirs, African wild dogs and clouded leopards roam under moonlight-style illumination.
For families, it’s equal parts education and adventure. From the tram, kids can spot rare species or explore walking trails that bring them eye-level with curious nocturnal creatures. The interactive Creatures of the Night show introduces conservation themes (included; last session at 9.30pm; reserve a seat).
Day two: morning
Today, you’ll see a different side of Singapore with a trip to Sentosa, an island connected to the mainland by road and the Sentosa Express monorail. (For the best overview of the island take the monorail through all three Sentosa stops.) Often described as “Singapore’s playground”, it’s home to the Universal Studios theme park, Resorts World Sentosa hotel and casino, and the Singapore Oceanarium, as well as other attractions like historical Fort Siloso and some of Singapore’s most popular beaches.
Less well known, but interesting and educational, is the Serapong Trail, a guided half-day hike through military ruins – including an abandoned fort complex – that have been reclaimed by nature. Buy tickets through the Sentosa website.
Afternoon
Head to Kampong Glam, the historic Malay-Muslim quarter. Start with a hearty nasi padang at local favourite HJH Maimunah where rice is piled high with homestyle Malay dishes. If the extensive menu proves overwhelming, ask the staff for recommendations. After lunch, walk to the 200-year-old Sultan Mosque to marvel at its gold domes and award-winning architecture, before browsing the independent boutiques on Haji Lane – one of the rare retail spots in Singapore not flooded with chain stores.
Now, hop on the MRT at nearby Bugis station to City Hall to explore the Civic District, Singapore’s historic heart and a hub for arts and culture. At the National Gallery of Singapore, browse the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian art – more than 9,000 works – housed in two imposing restored national monuments. Five minutes away on foot is the Asian Civilisations Museum, which explores Asia’s heritage through its material history. Families will also enjoy the brightly painted Children’s Museum Singapore. Located in a colonial-era school building, it is filled with interactive exhibitions that introduce Singapore’s history in bite-sized chunks.
Late
Wind down with a stroll through the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO-listed haven of swan ponds, heritage trees and cool, shaded lawns. From here, it’s a short ride (or about a half-hour walk) to Dempsey Hill, a former military barracks turned lush dining enclave. Reserve a table at Candlenut for polished Peranakan flavours, or at Burnt Ends – awarded a Michelin star for its “Modern Barbecue” menu.
Wrap your weekend with drinks at stylish Bar Somma in New Bahru, 10 minutes away by taxi. An arts space, retail centre and food and drinks hub, this former school building encapsulates Singapore’s creative energy. Toast to a weekend well spent – and a city that never stops surprising.
When to go
Singapore is warm and humid year-round (in December, humidity averages 86 per cent). Temperatures cool slightly from November to February, when the north-east monsoon brings strong winds and occasional thunderstorms. Barring the tropical rain, this is one of the most pleasant times to visit, although visitors should prepare for sunshine and downpours all in one day – along with frosty air conditioning.
Events like the Chinese New Year (January/February), the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix (September), and Christmas bring crowds. Hotel rates peak during the mid- and end-of-year local school holidays.
Where to stay
Luxury living
Raffles Hotel Singapore is undoubtedly one of the world’s grandest dames. This all-suite hotel is home to fine dining and legendary drinking, a spa that will restore you from the most tiring of journeys, a rooftop pool and gorgeous gardens, all in the middle of a city that has plenty to explore over a few days.
Read our full review here.
Boutique beauty
With a storied past and a strategic location by the banks of the Singapore River, sleek boutique The Warehouse Hotel offers a Singapore experience like no other.
Read our full review here.
Budget bolthole
The Vagabond Club, set in rows of Art Deco shop houses with original red shutters, is a 41-room boutique hotel managed by Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio that brings a piece of luxury-drenched Parisian charm to the gentrifying street of Syed Alwi Road off Little India.
Read our full review here.
How to get there and how to get around
Changi Airport is a well-served international hub. Direct flights from London with Singapore Airlines or British Airways take around 13 hours. The airport is 25 minutes from the city centre by taxi (around S$25) or 40 minutes by MRT (around S$2). Public transportation is clean, efficient and signposted in English.
Know before you go
Essential information
Tourist office: Singapore Visitor Centre, 216 Orchard Road, Singapore 238898; phone: +65 6736 2000; visitsingapore.com
Emergency ambulance or fire: Dial 995
Police: Dial 999
British High Commission: 100 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247919; for urgent help, contact the office using this form.
The basics
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
International dialling code: 00 65
Time difference: GMT +8
Local laws and etiquette
Chewing gum is banned, littering fines are steep, and public behaviour is expected to be courteous and orderly.
It’s illegal to consume alcohol in public places between 10.30pm and 7am, or to eat or drink on public transport.
Smoking is allowed in designated areas. Tipping isn’t customary or expected. Most hotels and restaurants have a 10 per cent service charge on top of their rates.
Accessibility
Singapore is one of Asia’s most accessible cities, with barrier-free MRT stations, tactile paving and accessible taxis. The airport is wheelchair accessible.
About our expert
Audrey Phoon
Like most native Singaporeans, Audrey is food-obsessed and enjoys a passionate discussion on where the best chicken rice can be found. She also speaks fluent Singlish and is happy to teach anyone who wants to learn when to add a ‘lah’ or a ‘lor’ after a sentence.