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Singapore

Hawker suppers, hidden green corners & garden-city walks

Browse Singapore

Singapore is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Fort Canning Tree Tunnel Singapore, Merlion Park and Chinatown. Food lovers should not miss Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat. Below you will find 15 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Singapore at a glance

  • Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
  • Best time to visit: spring and autumn
  • Highlights: Fort Canning Tree Tunnel Singapore and Merlion Park
  • Where to stay: Tiong Bahru and Civic District
  • Local picks: 15 hand-chosen recommendations
  • Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Where to stay in Singapore

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Chinatown

Temples, heritage shophouses and street food in the historic Chinese quarter.
★ 4.4
$

Clarke Quay

Riverside warehouses turned bars and restaurants, buzzing after dark.
★ 4.3
$

Fort Canning

A spiral staircase and underground crossing on the edge of Fort Canning Park, linking Dhoby Ghaut to the greenery above. Look up from the bottom of the stairs and you are framed by a canopy of lush trees – one of Singapore’s favourite photo spots.
★ 4.6
$

Marina Bay

The futuristic Supertree Grove and cooled domes of Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.
★ 4.8
$$

CBD

A Victorian cast-iron market hall of hawker stalls with a night satay street.
★ 4.5
$

Little India

A vivid quarter of garland stalls, curry houses and Hindu temples.
★ 4.4
$

Marina Bay

The observation deck atop the famous three-tower hotel, with sweeping skyline views.
★ 4.6
$$$

Chinatown

The famous hawker centre home to Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.
★ 4.6
$

Marina Bay

The waterfront home of Singapores half-lion, half-fish mascot.
★ 4.5
$

Civic District

Southeast Asian art in the restored former Supreme Court and City Hall.
★ 4.5
$$

Chinatown

One of the worlds greenest hotels, draped in cascading gardens and terraces.
★ 4.5
$$

Civic District

The 1887 colonial grande dame and birthplace of the Singapore Sling.
★ 4.7
$$$

Clarke Quay

A breezy bumboat cruise past the quays and Marina Bay landmarks.
★ 4.4
$

Mandai

A world-renowned open-concept zoo set in lush rainforest.
★ 4.7
$$

Tiong Bahru

A heritage estate market beloved for chwee kueh, lor mee and chicken rice.
★ 4.5
$
The Housing Development Board, or HDB, is the government agency managing Singapore’s public housing. It is thus out of necessity for majority of Singaporeans to visit the Toa Payoh HDB Hub rather…

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Singapore travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Singapore?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Singapore at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Singapore?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Singapore?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Singapore guide.

What is the best time to visit Singapore?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Singapore is worth visiting year-round.

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