Ready for your dream Singapore vacation? From the Gardens by the Bay to Michelin-star hawker stalls, the futuristic skyline to heritage neighborhoods, this guide outlines the ultimate Singapore itinerary.
This easy-to-use and curated itinerary helps you find the best things to do in Singapore—featuring sky parks, street food, temples, shopping streets, and tropical island escapes.
Want to make your Singapore trip even more special? Learn basic Malay or Singlish before you go
- Marina Bay Sands: Singapore’s skyline icon—luxury shopping, rooftop infinity pools, and next-level city views.
- Gardens by the Bay: A futuristic green wonderland with glowing Supertrees, cloud forests, and lush domes under glass.
- Sentosa Island: Sun, surf, and thrill rides—this resort island is home to beaches, Universal Studios, and endless family fun.
- Orchard Road: Shop ’til you drop on Singapore’s most famous boulevard, packed with malls, designer boutiques, and food halls.
- Chinatown: A vibrant mix of temples, hawker stalls, and heritage shops—perfect for dumplings, lanterns, and culture.
- Little India: Bursting with color, spice, and spirit—explore temples, markets, and some of the best curries in town.
- Clarke Quay: Singapore’s riverside nightlife hub with colorful lights, live music, bars, and boat rides along the water.
- Singapore Zoo & Night Safari: World-class wildlife experiences—get up close with animals in beautifully designed, open habitats.
- Botanic Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage Site where orchids bloom and locals stroll—peaceful, tropical, and iconic.
- Kampong Glam: Hipster meets heritage in this Malay-Arab district—explore the Sultan Mosque, textile shops, and Haji Lane street art.
- Merlion Park: Snap a selfie with the half-lion, half-fish mascot of Singapore at this iconic waterfront photo stop.
- Haw Par Villa: A wildly weird and fascinating theme park filled with Chinese mythology, morality tales, and surreal sculptures.
- East Coast Park: A long, breezy stretch of coastal fun—perfect for biking, BBQs, rollerblading, or simply watching ships pass by.
- Jewel Changi Airport: More than just an airport—home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, lush gardens, and a five-star layover experience.
- Pulau Ubin: Step back in time on this rustic island of mangroves, bike trails, and traditional kampong (village) life.
💡 Singapore Tips
- The local currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD): Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for hawker centers, small shops, or taxis.
- Tipping is not required: A 10% service charge is usually included in restaurant bills. Extra tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service.
- English is widely spoken: It’s one of Singapore’s official languages and used in signage, education, and business — making it very tourist-friendly.
- Public transport is clean, cheap, and efficient: Use the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and buses. Buy an EZ-Link or Singapore Tourist Pass for convenience.
- Chewing gum is restricted: It’s banned for sale (except therapeutic types). Avoid bringing it into the country or chewing it in public.
- Singapore is extremely safe and clean: Littering, jaywalking, and smoking in non-designated areas can lead to hefty fines. Follow local laws and signage.
- Dress for hot, humid weather: Lightweight, breathable clothes are essential. Carry an umbrella — brief showers are common year-round.
- Tap water is safe to drink: Bring a refillable bottle to stay hydrated — bottled water is widely available but unnecessary.
- Shopping hours are generous: Malls and many stores stay open until 9 or 10 p.m. — especially in tourist areas.
- Free Wi-Fi is common: Most cafes, malls, and MRT stations offer public Wi-Fi. SIM cards and eSIMs are also affordable and widely available.
- Cultural respect is key: Singapore is multicultural. Respect customs when visiting temples, mosques, and churches — dress modestly and remove shoes when required.
- Weekends and holidays are busy: Book attractions, dining, and activities in advance — especially for popular spots like Gardens by the Bay or Sentosa.
🇸🇬 Singapore Menu
- Hainanese Chicken Rice: Poached or roasted chicken served with fragrant rice, garlic-chili sauce, and soy dipping — simple yet iconic.
- Chilli Crab: Whole crab stir-fried in a thick, sweet, and spicy tomato-chili sauce — best eaten with fried mantou (buns) to mop up the sauce.
- Laksa: Spicy coconut curry noodle soup with prawns, fish cake, and cockles — rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying.
- Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried flat rice noodles with soy sauce, egg, Chinese sausage, cockles, and bean sprouts — smoky and savory.
- Satay: Grilled skewers of marinated meat (chicken, beef, lamb) served with peanut sauce, cucumber, and rice cakes — popular at night markets.
- Kaya Toast: Toasted bread with kaya (coconut jam) and butter, served with soft-boiled eggs and coffee or tea — a beloved breakfast combo.
- Bak Kut Teh: Pork rib soup in a peppery or herbal broth, served with rice and fried dough (you tiao) — comforting and aromatic.
- Nasi Lemak: Coconut rice served with fried chicken or fish, sambal, egg, peanuts, and anchovies — a Malaysian favorite embraced by Singaporeans.
- Roti Prata: Flaky Indian-style flatbread served with curry — crispy outside, soft inside, and often eaten for breakfast or supper.
- Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway): Stir-fried radish rice cake with eggs, preserved radish, and garlic — comes in black (sweet soy) or white versions.
- Hokkien Mee: Stir-fried yellow noodles and rice noodles with prawns, squid, egg, and pork lard — served with sambal and lime.
- Mee Rebus: Egg noodles in a thick, slightly sweet and spicy gravy made from fermented soybeans and shrimp — topped with egg and fried shallots.
- Fish Head Curry: A whole fish head simmered in spicy Indian-style curry — rich, tangy, and served with rice or bread.
- Ice Kacang: Shaved ice mountain topped with red beans, jelly, corn, syrup, and condensed milk — colorful, sweet, and refreshing.
- Durian: Known as the “king of fruits” — pungent and polarizing, but loved by many. Try it fresh or in pastries and ice cream.
- Teh Tarik: “Pulled” milk tea made by pouring repeatedly for froth — smooth, sweet, and often enjoyed at kopitiams (coffee shops).
- Singapore Sling: The island’s famous gin-based cocktail, invented at Raffles Hotel — fruity, refreshing, and a nostalgic favorite.
📅 Singapore Calendar
- Chinese New Year (January–February): Lion dances, fireworks, and festive markets across the city
- Chingay Parade (February): Singapore’s largest street performance with floats, dancers, and fireworks
- Hari Raya Aidilfitri (April, Geylang Serai): Ramadan bazaars, festive lights, and Malay cultural shows
- Vesak Day (May): Buddhist temples come alive with candles, chants, and rituals
- Dragon Boat Festival (June, Bedok Reservoir & Kallang): High-speed races and sticky rice dumplings
- Singapore Food Festival (July): Pop-ups, hawker tastings, and culinary workshops across the island
- National Day (August 9): Red-and-white pride, military parades, and fireworks over Marina Bay
- F1 Singapore Grand Prix (September): World-famous night race + concerts and afterparties
- Deepavali (Diwali) (October–November, Little India): Light displays, Indian sweets, and street markets
- Christmas on A Great Street (November–December, Orchard Road): Sparkling light displays, shopping deals, and concerts
- Marina Bay Countdown (December 31): Fireworks and performances to ring in the New Year