Singapore, Singapore
Singapore is proof that a city can be both ultra-modern and deeply traditional, spotlessly clean and wildly diverse, strictly regulated and genuinely fun. This tiny city-state packs Chinese shophouses, Indian temples, Malay mosques, and gleaming skyscrapers into an island smaller than New York City. World-class architecture meets world-class food—from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble hawker stalls serving life-changing chicken rice. Singapore's legendary efficiency extends to perfect public transport, lush urban gardens, and a multicultural harmony that offers a glimpse of what cosmopolitan cities might aspire to become.
Top Attractions in Singapore
- Marina Bay Sands — Singapore's architectural icon features three 55-story towers crowned by a 340-meter SkyPark with an infinity pool overlooking the city (hotel guests only for the pool, but the observation deck is public). The complex includes a casino, luxury shopping, restaurants by celebrity chefs, and the spectacular ArtScience Museum. Evening laser shows illuminate the waterfront nightly.
- Gardens by the Bay — These futuristic gardens showcase Singapore's vision as a "City in a Garden." The Supertree Grove's vertical gardens tower 50 meters high, connected by a skyway and illuminated nightly in a spectacular sound-and-light show. The Cloud Forest conservatory houses the world's tallest indoor waterfall, while the Flower Dome recreates a Mediterranean climate year-round.
- Hawker Centers — Singapore's hawker centers are the heart of the nation's food culture—open-air complexes where dozens of stalls serve every imaginable Asian cuisine at affordable prices. Try Maxwell Food Centre for Tian Tian chicken rice, Old Airport Road for variety, or Lau Pa Sat for atmosphere in a Victorian cast-iron market. Several stalls have earned Michelin recognition.
- Chinatown & Little India — Singapore's heritage districts preserve distinct cultural flavors. Chinatown's restored shophouses house temples, traditional medicine shops, and the excellent Chinatown Heritage Centre. Little India explodes with color, spices, and the scent of jasmine—visit Tekka Centre for authentic South Indian food and the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple for Hindu ceremonies.
- Sentosa Island — Singapore's resort island offers beaches, Universal Studios, the S.E.A. Aquarium (one of the world's largest), adventure parks, and luxury hotels. Connected to the mainland by bridge, cable car, and monorail, Sentosa provides family entertainment and relaxation minutes from the city center. The island's southern beaches offer Singapore's best sand and sunset views.
Travel Info
- Best time to visit: February to April
- Average temperature: 27°C (81°F) annual average
- Currency: SGD ($)
Typical Costs
- Quick Lunch (Hawker Centre): S$5 – S$10
- Dinner (Mid-range Restaurant): S$30 – S$60
- Coffee (Kopi): S$1.50 – S$6
- MRT (Single Ride): S$1.50 – S$2.50
- Airport Transfer (MRT to City): S$2.50