Singapore

Hawker suppers, hidden green corners & garden-city walks

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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

Local tips for Singapore

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsBest Things to Do in Singapore: A Local’s GuideThe best things to do in Singapore, chosen by locals: top sights, where to eat, where to stay and the…

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Prinsep Street

Bettr Coffee @ The Foundry

Why it matters: Bettr Coffee is a certified B Corp that trains marginalised women and at-risk youth as baristas through its own academy, reinvesting profits back into that training. This Prinsep District cafe, opened in 2024 inside the historic Foundry building, is Bettr’s first sit-down location. Order a single-origin pour-over or check the seasonal menu, and ask staff about the academy behind the counter – several are graduates. Go on a weekday for full 9am-10pm kitchen hours; weekends close earlier at 5pm.

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

Boon Keng

Dignity Kitchen

Why it matters: founded in 2010 by social entrepreneur Koh Seng Choon, this Boon Keng hawker centre runs all seven of its stalls with differently-abled and disadvantaged colleagues, from hearing-impaired bakers to a kopi master fluent in sign language. Braille-marked registers and height-adjusted counters make every stall accessible, and the whole operation is halal-certified. Order the wanton mee or claypot rice, and go for breakfast or an early lunch – it’s open Mon-Sat 8am-3pm only, closed Sundays and public holidays.

Bugis

Eighteen Chefs

Why it matters: founded in 2007 by ex-offender Benny Se Teo, this affordable Western-food chain builds its social mission into its franchise agreements – every outlet, including this one, is required to employ ex-offenders and at-risk youth as a licensing condition, not just a hiring preference. Ten outlets operate islandwide, all halal-certified. This Bugis Junction branch is the most central for visitors: order the signature cheese baked rice or a salted-egg chicken burger, and expect a full, cheerful lunch crowd.

Fort Canning

Fort Canning Tree Tunnel Singapore

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

Gardens by the Bay

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

★ 4.8

Jurong East

Jurong East Swimming Complex

Singapore’s favourite heartland water park, with a wave pool, lazy river, jacuzzi and a big splash pad for kids — the old slide tower came down in the 2025–26 revamp, and the 50m lap pool stays closed until end-2026. Entry costs a fraction of the commercial water parks, so local families pack it on weekends; come on a weekday morning if you want the lazy river to yourself. It’s a short walk from Chinese Garden MRT, and note it’s closed every Monday for maintenance.

CBD

Lau Pa Sat

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

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

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

★ 4.6

$$$

Chinatown

Maxwell Food Centre

The famous hawker centre home to Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.

★ 4.6

Marina Bay

Merlion Park

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

★ 4.5

Civic District

National Gallery Singapore

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

★ 4.5

Chinatown

Parkroyal Collection Pickering

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

★ 4.5

Civic District

Raffles Hotel

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

★ 4.7

$$$

Clarke Quay

Singapore River Cruise

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

★ 4.4

Mandai

Singapore Zoo

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

★ 4.7

Before you go

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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.