Singapore holidays: neighbourhoods, food and the perfect stopover
A city-state where hawker stalls win Michelin praise, the gardens have steel trees and the airport has its own waterfall. Singapore is Asia's easiest big city and a perfect stopover.
Marina Bay
Photo: Hu Chen / Unsplash
Singapore at a glance
It is half past seven in the evening at Gardens by the Bay and the Supertrees light up to music. Ten minutes later you are on a plastic stool in a hawker centre eating chicken rice for a fraction of the price at home. Singapore is an island and a country, smaller than Greater London but home to nearly six million people.
English is the main language and everything works. The currency is the Singapore dollar. For more of the region, see our Asia travel guide.
What to see
Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay
The skyline, Marina Bay Sands and the two glasshouses, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. The light show at the Supertrees is free every evening.
The hawker centres
Hawker culture is on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat and Old Airport Road are good places to start.
Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam
Three neighbourhoods, each with its own temples, mosques and food markets, all within walking distance of each other.
The Botanic Gardens and Sentosa
The Botanic Gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a dedicated orchid garden. Sentosa is the island of beaches, theme parks and resort hotels.
Gardens by the Bay
Photo: Thiva / Unsplash
When to go
Singapore is hot and humid all year, around 30 degrees. February to April is driest. November to January brings the most rain, though showers are usually short.
Good to know
All visitors must complete the electronic SG Arrival Card before landing.
The MRT metro goes almost everywhere and takes contactless bank cards.
The rules are strict. Littering brings fines, and chewing gum is not sold.
Changi Airport is an attraction in itself, with the indoor waterfall at Jewel.
Where to stay
Raffles Singapore is the hotel that defined the city and is on the World's 50 Best Hotels list. Capella is on Sentosa, and The Fullerton Bay Hotel has a rooftop pool overlooking Marina Bay. All three are in our Singapore hotel guide, along with seven more. Marina Bay Sands is not included, as it has too few guest reviews to meet our requirement. Travelling on? See our Thailand guide or Indonesia guide.
Frequently asked questions about Singapore
How many days do I need in Singapore?
Three nights are enough for Marina Bay, the gardens, the neighbourhoods and the food.
Is Singapore expensive?
Hotels and alcohol are pricey. Food in the hawker centres is cheap and often better than in restaurants.
When is the best time to visit Singapore?
February to April is driest, but Singapore works all year.
Can I do a stopover in Singapore?
Yes. Singapore Airlines and other carriers offer stopover packages on the way to Australia, Bali or elsewhere in Asia.