Get out!
Let’s start your Singapore exploration with what captures its hidden soul the best - the myriad gardens. The Singapore Botanic Gardens, the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site (and the world’s only tropical botanic garden) with its wide, well-maintained paths, wind through lush foliage, placid lakes and themed gardens making this urban oasis truly stand out. The National Orchid Garden inside the premises, is a must visit, with thousands of blooms displayed in a beautiful landscaped setting.
Just 20 minutes by cab, Singapore’s iconic Gardens by the Bay offers a striking contrast. The climate-controlled attractions like the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest offer a chance to enjoy exotic plants from around the world, regardless of the weather (which, let’s admit, is often sweltering). In the evening, the Supertree Grove lights up, creating a theatrical vibe right by the bay.
If you enjoy nature and wildlife, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is worth a visit. Home to the city’s premier outdoorsy attractions like Bird Paradise, the Night Safari and River Wonders, the reserve has plenty to offer to warrant spending several days. But if you have to choose just one, the Singapore Zoo is well worth the visit, as one of the world’s leading open-concept zoos that houses over 4,200 animals in natural, spacious habitats. Shaded paths, seating areas and tram rides make it easy to explore, while immersive zones and large aviaries offer close-up wildlife encounters without feeling overwhelming.
Tip: Remember to pick up a map at each attraction to choose what you’d like to see in the limited time you have.
High on history
If you are a history enthusiast – or even if you are not – it’s worthwhile learning about Singapore’s history through its museums. The National Museum of Singapore is an excellent place to understand how the island evolved from a small trading port into an impressive global city. The exhibits here include Singaporean art and culture with clear explanations.
And if you would rather spend your time in the open, then Fort Canning Park optimally blends greenery with history. Once a strategic hilltop, it now contains gardens, walkways and colonial-era remnants, all set within a leafy environment that feels pleasantly removed from the buzz of the city all around.
Urban attractions
A ride on the Singapore Flyer, a 165-meter-tall observation wheel offers a completely different perspective of the city. The spacious cabins allow you to sit comfortably while taking in sweeping views of Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline.
Later on, sign up for a river cruise from Clarke Quay, which offers one of the most relaxed ways to explore Singapore’s bustling waterfront. Gliding past modern buildings and bridges, the cruise showcases how old and new Singapore coexist side by side.
Finally, don’t forget to get that iconic photo near the Merlion at The Merlion Park, to remind you of the lion (singa) that gives its name to this city (pura). Additionally, there are four more Merlion statues built in different locations of the city - just in case you want to go hunting for those photo spots too.
Tip: Avoid riding on Singapore Flyer if you are scared of heights and watch it from the Merlion Park instead.
Culture Central
Next you should head to Singapore’s neighbourhoods that reveal its multicultural identity - Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Gelam, for instance. They are compact and easy to explore, each serving up an array of temples and mosques, old heritage shop-lots and boutique stores. Even a short walk through these districts gives insight into the traditions that shape everyday life here.
For something truly unusual, Haw Par Villa brings Chinese folklore to life through vivid storytelling displays. This outdoor art gallery features many large statues and dioramas depicting local mythological tales and moral stories, offering an offbeat glimpse into Asian (Chinese) culture.
For an even more immersive cultural experience, head to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, an important Buddhist shrine, and the Thian Hock Keng, dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess, Mazu, both located in the Chinatown area.
Tip: Plan your trip to the Buddha Relic Temple late in the morning, so you can catch a delectable local lunch at ‘Lian Xin Vegetarian’ café in the basement.
Eat, repeat
In Singapore, you eat wherever you go – that is how the city functions. Hawker centres such as Lau Pa Sat with 80 stalls and Tiong Bahru Market with 300 plus stalls bring together multiple cuisines under one roof, offering everything from to vegetarian Indian meals to brothy Korean noodle dishes. Seating is plentiful, service is efficient, and prices are refreshingly reasonable.
If you prefer quieter dining, waterfront restaurants around Marina Bay are the perfect way to unwind a long day – check otu Jumbo Signatures for their seafood, Mott 32 for its modern Asian flavours and LAVO for its coastal Italian cuisine.