City of Singapore Travel Guide

November - MarchSingaporeSGD

Family-Friendly

Temples & Pagodas

Food & Drink

A wealthy, highly-developed city with a rich and fascinating history, Singapore is the perfect jumping-off point for first-time visitors to Southeast Asia—for while it remains distinctively Asian, it has all the attributes of a first-world city including the region’s finest public transportation network, the world’s best airport, cosmopolitan nightlife, and English as an official language. Its varied history means its Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arabic and British influences remain strong in its architecture, culture and cuisine, and it is indeed one of the world’s great food destinations. The ‘Lion City’ also boasts a huge range of parks, museums and other visitor attractions making it a great destination for a family holiday. There's also a huge range of hotels, from small boutique shophouses to legendary properties such as Raffles and Marina Bay Sands, to suit all budgets and travel styles.

Visitors can get a feel for Singapore’s history by visiting Chinatown, Little India, and the Arab District, as well as some of its excellent museums including the Asian Civilizations Museum and National Gallery. Families will love Universal Studios and Sentosa Island. And there’s plenty here for nature lovers too including the fantastic Gardens by the Bay, the historic Botanical Gardens, and the untouched jungles of Pulau Ubin. Gourmets can sample Chinese, Indian, Malay and Arabic cuisine either at upscale restaurants or in the city’s great value hawker centers, and night owls will love the vibrant bars and clubs of Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. For shoppers, there are numerous upscale malls, particularly in the Orchard Road area, as well as great street markets in Chinatown and Little India.

Singapore is a great destination in its own right, and its location and transport links make it a great base for exploring the rest of Southeast Asia, with flights to most Asian cities and buses/trains to nearby Malaysia and Thailand. An easy yet fascinating introduction to this amazing part of the world!

Must See Attractions in City of Singapore

Chinatown

One of Singapore’s most popular districts with visitors, Chinatown dates back almost 200 years and is home to beautifully preserved shophouses, fascinating pagodas, busy markets and - of course - lots & lots of Chinese food. Our self-guided Chinatown walk takes in the historic Pagoda Street and Smith Street, as well as the massive Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, charming Thian Hock Kheng temple and peaceful Ann Siang Park. Gourmets and beer lovers can gorge on Chinese food and craft beer at the incredible Chinatown Complex and Maxwell Centre hawker stalls. A quintessentially Singaporean experience!

Gardens by the Bay

Opened in 2012 and built on 250 acres of reclaimed waterfront land, Gardens by the Bay has rapidly become one of Singapore's most popular visitor attractions and has welcomed over 50 million guests since its opening. It’s home to the world’s largest greenhouse as well as numerous other botanical attractions, and is popular with tourists and locals alike, as the surrounding park is free for all to enter and wander around. Experience life in the rainforest - complete with 30-metre waterfall - in the Cloud Forest; see plants, trees and flowers from all over the world in the enormous Flower Dome; and marvel at the colours in the Floral Fantasy zone. Or you can simply do like the locals and spend a pleasant couple of hours strolling around the beautiful gardens, with their magnificent views of the city beyond.

Little India

Taking a walk around Little India is like being magically transported to India itself. The smell of spices fills the air, women in saris bustle past on their way to the temple, and shops sell all manner of Indian foods and items. You may still be in Singapore but you’ll feel like you’re in Mumbai! On this self-guided walk you’ll visit several spectacular Hindu temples (including the colourful Sri Veeramakaliamman temple), as well as the Indian Heritage Centre and fascinating Campbell Lane market. You’ll also visit arguably Singapore’s greatest shopping experience - the legendary 24-hour Mustafa Centre - and of course have plenty of opportunities to stop for delicious India food or a refreshing cup of chai.

Optional Day Trips from City of Singapore

Pulau Ubin Cycling Tour

With its gravel paths and wooden houses, the island of Pulau Ubin is a time capsule, a trip back in time to pre-development Singapore. Although only a ten-minute boat ride from the mainland, Pulau Ubin is a world away from the skyscrapers and shopping malls of downtown Singapore—you’re more likely to encounter monkeys and boars than bankers or tourists, and its wetland area is one of the country’s few remaining wildernesses. Our Pulau Ubin cycling tour takes you to the heart of the island past traditional houses and through friendly villages, as well as along the scenic coastal boardwalk. You’ll see plenty of wildlife, visit some great photography spots, and get a real feel for what Singapore was like 50-60 years ago!

Sentosa Island

When Singaporeans want to hit the beach or relax at a resort, they head to Sentosa Island. This 500-hectare island resort is home to an exciting array of themed attractions, award-winning spa retreats, lush rainforests, golden sandy beaches, resort accommodations, world-renowned golf courses, a deep-water yachting marina and luxurious residences and hotels, and is a great spot for a day - or longer - out of the city. Attractions include SEA Aquarium (the world’s largest), the scenic Cable Car Ride, Universal Studios Theme Park, Resorts World with its luxury hotels & restaurants, Adventure Cove Waterpark, the Skyline Luge, Kidzania, and several beaches. A great family day out.