Top Things to Do in Singapore: Best Activities & Must-Sees
Fancy discovering Singapore, one of the most forward-thinking cities in the world? You've come to the right place!
This fascinating city-state blends futuristic modernity with ancient traditions. Whether you're a nature lover exploring the Gardens by the Bay, an adventure seeker hitting the theme parks, or looking for authenticity in its colourful neighbourhoods, Singapore has something for everyone!
Tempted? Trip.com reveals all its top tips: from must-do activities and neighbourhoods to explore, to our best deals, here is everything you need to know to make the most of your Singapore getaway.
Popular Things to Do in Singapore at Great Prices 🎫
- 🎢 Universal Studios Singapore ⭐ From £50.14 — Theme Park 🎬
- 🌳 Gardens by the Bay 🌸 From £26.82 — Supertrees & conservatories 🌺
- 🦁 Mandai Wildlife Reserve 🐘 From £2.92 — Zoo & Safari 🦒
- 🌙 Night Safari 🦉 From £33.82 — A unique night safari 🌃
- 🛷 Skyline Luge Singapore 🎿 From £18.37 — Luge at Sentosa 🏝️
What to Do in Singapore Based on Your Stay 📅
Before we dive into the must-see sights and neighbourhoods of Singapore, take a moment to decide how long you'll be staying.
Naturally, the number of things to do will depend on the length of your trip. Whether you have a flying visit or a full week, here are our suggested itineraries to suit every type of traveller!
Duration | Couples | Family | Friends | Solo |
1 day | Marina Bay Sands + Gardens by the Bay sunset | Gardens by the Bay + Sentosa Beach | Chinatown + Clarke Quay evening out | Colonial District + Merlion Park |
2-3 days | Romantic dinner at Marina Bay + Sentosa | Universal Studios + S.E.A. Aquarium + hotel swimming pool | Night Safari + hawker centres + rooftop bars | Little India + Kampong Glam + shopping on Orchard Road |
4-5 days | Luxury Spa + Singapore Flyer + Cruise | Singapore Zoo + Mandai Wildlife + swimming pools + Science Centre | Sentosa Water Sports + Pulau Ubin Cycling + Fort Canning | Museums + MacRitchie Reservoir + Southern Ridges hike |
1 week | Bintan Excursion + All Districts + Gourmet Dinners | All attractions + water parks + Johor Bahru Legoland excursion | Malaysia Excursion + Full Nightlife Experience + Pulau Ubin | Full exploration + excursions + local cooking classes |
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Must-Visit Areas in Singapore 🏙️
Visiting Singapore is no small feat, given the sheer number of discoveries to be made and the variety of its neighbourhoods. From the almost futuristic waterfront to the traditional alleyways, every district offers a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
To help you make the most of your trip, here is our selection of the neighbourhoods you simply cannot miss during your stay.
Marina Bay: A Symbol of the Futuristic City
Marina Bay is the beating heart of modern Singapore and truly the symbol of its spectacular development in recent years.
This iconic district is home to the city's most popular and visited attractions: the famous Marina Bay Sands with its infinity pool perched 200 metres up (which is also a hotel), the glowing Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, and the water-spouting Merlion, a true national symbol.
When evening falls, you can catch the magical free "Spectra" show, a light and water display that illuminates the bay at 8 pm and 9 pm every single day (yes, really!). Even the locals never tire of it, coming out for a stroll each evening to soak up the magical atmosphere in such an impressive setting. Marina Bay is also the perfect spot for a romantic walk along the Esplanade, with views of the glittering skyline.
📌 Trip.com tip: don't miss the stunning Apple store by Marina Bay; it's one of the most beautiful in the world and is literally ON the water!
Chinatown: A blend of tradition and Singaporean authenticity
The second must-visit neighbourhood: Chinatown! It is undoubtedly the most authentic and traditional district in Singapore.
Its narrow streets lined with colourful shophouses transport you back to the Asia of yesteryear. Don't miss the Sri Mariamman Hindu temple, the oldest in Singapore, and the Buddha Tooth Relic Buddhist temple with its magnificent architecture.
Food lovers will adore the Maxwell Food Centre, one of the city's best hawker centres (local food courts), where you can tuck into the famous chicken rice and other local specialities at bargain prices. Pagoda Street is packed with shops selling souvenirs, medicinal herbs, and traditional Chinese goods.
Little India: An explosion of colour and flavour
In the same vein, Little India is Singapore's vibrant and colourful Indian district. As soon as you arrive on Serangoon Road, you'll be enveloped by the scents of spices, the dazzling colours of saris, and Bollywood music.
The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali, is simply breathtaking with its intricate carvings and impressive scale. Likewise, the Tekka Centre is the go-to hawker spot for savouring authentic Indian delicacies: fragrant biryani, crispy dosas, and masala tea.
The shops are bursting with colourful fabrics, gold jewellery, and handcrafted items, perfect for picking up souvenirs from your trip. The atmosphere is especially festive during Deepavali, the festival of lights, when the whole neighbourhood glows with twinkling fairy lights.
Kampong Glam: The trendy and artistic Arab quarter
Kampong Glam, a designated historic district since 1989, is one of Singapore's oldest neighbourhoods.
The majestic golden dome of the Sultan Mosque dominates the neighbourhood and stands as one of the city's most beautiful religious buildings. Likewise, Arab Street is an absolute must-visit, with its shops full of Persian rugs, shimmering fabrics, and oriental perfumes.
Finally, you absolutely must visit Haji Lane; it's THE most popular alley in the neighbourhood. This narrow street, with its facades covered in colourful street art, is home to trendy cafes, designer boutiques, and fashionable restaurants.
Sentosa: The island of leisure and beaches
Finally, Sentosa is Singapore's very own resort island, which you can reach by cable car, monorail, or footbridge.
This seaside destination is a fantastic mix of theme parks, sandy beaches, and luxurious resorts. Universal Studios Singapore is the star attraction, but you'll also find the S.E.A. Aquarium, Skyline Luge, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and a giant zip line to keep the adventure going.
The three main beaches (Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong) offer calm waters that are perfect for a family swim. It's the ideal spot to relax away from the city!
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Our Top Picks
5 star
Great2129 Reviews
Orchard Road Singapore|3.66km from city centre
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I stayed for 4 nights during my trip to Singapore and it was a truly satisfying experience.
The biggest advantage is definitely the location. It's just a few minutes' walk to Orchard Road and close to Orchard MRT, which made shopping and sightseeing incredibly convenient. There are also many shopping malls and great restaurants nearby, making it easy to get around.
The room was spacious and very clean, and the bed was so comfortable that I could relax easily every day. The room was well-maintained, and I appreciated the complimentary mini-bar, bottled water, and coffee.
Above all, the staff were incredibly friendly. From check-in to check-out, their responses were quick, and they always greeted me with a bright smile, making my stay very pleasant.
The breakfast offered a wide variety of delicious options, and I could see why the hotel's Carousel restaurant is so famous.
If I visit Singapore again, I would definitely choose this hotel. I highly recommend it, especially for those planning a shopping and sightseeing trip.FromJPY 27,652
Amazing1931 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|0.99km from city centre
Everything about this place, from the facilities to the staff's service and the surrounding area, gave us a wonderful feeling and great service, allowing us to completely relax on our trip. Even though it was a bit pricey 🤏, it was totally worth it 😉FromJPY 127,049
Great1095 Reviews
Riverside/ Clarke Quay Singapore|2.11km from city centre
Facilities: Fully equipped, and they even provided me with two power adapters.
Hygiene: Very clean, and the room had no strange odors.
Service: The front desk service was excellent, and they even offered Chinese-speaking staff, which made for a great experience.FromJPY 41,672
Great1939 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|1.78km from city centre
The front desk and bellboys were very welcoming. The cleanliness was also excellent, and the breakfast restaurant was spotless. The room was incredibly spacious. Plus, the location is fantastic – very close to both the subway and bus stops. Right across the street there's a mall with a wide variety of food and drink options. Thumbs up! 👍FromJPY 33,463
Great2149 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|1.47km from city centre
The hotel is conveniently located opposite Suntec City, which is also where the Duck Tours depart from. On check-in day, I had a fun interaction with a foreigner, which was a great chance to practice my English! 🤣 The hotel's interior design is a sight to behold, and from the higher floors, you get an unobstructed view of the city's central attractions. The hotel offers a variety of dining options, and the service was very attentive. The bedding was excellent. However, I did find two hairs on the same day, so I hope the hotel strengthens its hygiene management to improve the overall quality. I look forward to my next stay.FromJPY 59,275
Business travel
Very Good1549 Reviews
Bugis Singapore|1.94km from city centre
This was another stay at Hotel Royal @ Queens, and over different visits I’ve now spent close to 20 nights here. That alone says a lot about how comfortable and reliable this hotel has been for me whenever I’m in Singapore.
One of the biggest advantages is the room size. For Singapore, the rooms are impressively spacious, especially at this price point, making it excellent value for money.
The location is hard to beat. With MRT stations, bus stops, popular hawker centres, Bugis, Chinatown, shopping streets, and many of Singapore’s attractions all within easy reach, it’s an ideal base whether you’re travelling for business or leisure.
I also enjoyed the swimming pool on the 4th floor, which is a great place to unwind after a long day. The only area that could use some improvement is the gym. It’s functional but quite basic, and upgrading the equipment would make the overall experience even better.
The hospitality continues to be the reason I keep returning. A special shout-out to Mani and Lin Lin at the front desk for always being welcoming, efficient, and genuinely helpful. They consistently make guests feel at home, and the entire hotel team deserves credit for maintaining such friendly service.
A lovely bonus is the beautiful church located directly opposite the hotel entrance, adding a peaceful charm to the surroundings.
Overall, Hotel Royal @ Queens continues to be one of my preferred places to stay in Singapore. Spacious rooms, an unbeatable location, warm hospitality, and great value keep bringing me back, and I look forward to staying here again.FromJPY 28,669
Very Good1749 Reviews
Bugis Singapore|2.32km from city centre
This hotel is centrally located, very convenient to the MRT and bus stops, making it easy to get around even on foot. As it's surrounded by several academies, it's a paradise for young people with plenty of shopping malls and restaurants. The rooms have basic amenities, but they are thoughtfully designed, such as the hot water dispenser in the room, and shared irons, ironing boards, fridges, and microwaves on each floor. There are also coin-operated laundry facilities, which are very useful given Singapore's hot weather. The laundry room is connected to the gym, a nice touch so you can work out while waiting. For short stays, they don't clean the room daily. The air conditioning is excellent. The bathroom, however, doesn't have a wet/dry separation.FromJPY 15,957
Very Good1007 Reviews
Riverside/ Clarke Quay Singapore|1.77km from city centre
Nice hotel next to Singapore River in Robertson Quay, clean sound proof loft style rooms good for relaxing with big windows and separate floor for working area If you are interested in nature & want to see otters live you can walk along river around sunset time and find their nest 10mins away from hotel:)
Great service from staff who are doing their best always to accommodate my requests, with special thanks to: Shanthi & Ashlinn :)FromJPY 27,821
Great1870 Reviews
Orchard Road Singapore|2.1km from city centre
Love the location! Just 2 minutes walk from Douby Ghaut MRT ( 3 lines ) and many bus that will stop by the stop. Which it make so much easier to go anywhere in SG.
The room is consider wider than most of the SG hotel, and I even get to have morning walk to at fort canning. Love their service which they even provide free ice cream from 3pm-6pm daily and free mini bar snack .
Will definitely comeback here if there’s chance!FromJPY 26,756
Very Good2110 Reviews
Harbourfront Singapore|3.39km from city centre
I had a wonderful stay at this hotel! The view from the room was absolutely beautiful and made the experience even more enjoyable. Everything was spotlessly clean, which really added to the comfort. The location is also perfect—very convenient and close to VivoCity and Sentosa, making it easy to visit Universal Studios and explore the area. Highly recommended for both leisure and convenience!FromJPY 26,829
Family friendly
Very Good1203 Reviews
Sentosa Island Singapore|4.92km from city centre
Great ambience and beautiful view. So nature and clean environment. Worth to stay and nearby to attractions and beach clubs in Sentosa. Shuttle service also provided to go along the beaches ; Pahlawan beach, Tanjong Beach and Siloso Beach which is also convenient to take bus, train and taxi at nearby station. Easy access transportation in and out from Sentosa Island. Love the seaview and garden view from the rooftop and also just a walking distance to Beach Station in less than 10mins from the resort. This is my 2nd time staycation here and highly recommend for a short gateway and healing by nature in Sentosa Island.FromJPY 31,308
Great1135 Reviews
Bugis Singapore|2.46km from city centre
I stayed here once in May, and this time I arrived at 3:30 PM and had to wait an hour for a room. The hotel's location is pretty good, with a bus stop right outside and close to the subway station. There are also famous attractions nearby, and the service is excellent. However, there were too many noisy children, and the soundproofing in the rooms wasn't great, which affected my experience.FromJPY 22,858
Very Good868 Reviews
Riverside/ Clarke Quay Singapore|1.87km from city centre
I had been here several times, staying at both wings. I like the pool. This time, like the previous time..the wifi wasn’t working well but this time, it has caused some “major” issues and inconvenience! I can’t be reached for hours! I called reception for help and eventually they sent staff to my room to settle the issue for me! Thankful and grateful for that. All the rest are good for a short stay.FromJPY 29,952
Very Good759 Reviews
Singapore Changi Airport Region Singapore|16.02km from city centre
Right by the beach and a water park, the hotel boasts an elegant environment and spacious, clean rooms. Compared to hotels in the city, it offers fantastic value for money.FromJPY 18,499
Very Good827 Reviews
Bugis Singapore|2.59km from city centre
This is an older hotel with basic facilities. It's comparable to a 3-star hotel in China, and the breakfast is about what you'd expect from a 3-4 star hotel there. Of course, the price is also around 300, but in Singapore dollars.
If you're not traveling with family, you'd find much better standard room options and accommodations for the same price. Our family of four stayed here specifically for the two large beds.
The hotel's location isn't far from the MRT station. Haji Lane and BOSS HOTEL (the starting point for the Legoland shuttle) are all within walking distance, and there are many bus routes nearby, making transportation very convenient. There are plenty of food and drink options downstairs, and there's an Indian minimart across the street from the hotel that's much cheaper than the 7-Eleven down the block.
I misplaced something and when I called, they immediately knew which room I was in and what I had lost, which shows excellent coordination between the front desk and housekeeping. Thumbs up for that!FromJPY 30,243
Swimming pool
Great2689 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|1.61km from city centre
The staff whether concierge or front office are well trained. Greeted us with a smile.
We booked a connecting room which is just nice for our family. The in-room dining or housekeeping attendant are very nice and they do not make us wait for a long time.
The one service operator is good when we called for in-room dining service. They will listen and reconfirm our orders and even recommend special dishes to come along.
The location is convenient walking distance to suntec city, marina walk etc with shelter provided.
Supermarket like cold storage and Donki are nearby.FromJPY 59,711
Very Good1402 Reviews
Sentosa Island Singapore|4.6km from city centre
Facilities: There's a gym, but breakfast isn't buffet style. We had a really good brunch at a French restaurant near the hotel, and we got a discount for staying at the hotel.
Cleanliness: It was alright, but some parts of the room were a bit old.
Ambiance: It was okay. The lobby is quite small, and it's not a resort-style hotel. However, if you're visiting places like Universal Studios, it's pretty close to everything. Plus, it's very near the monorail, and there's a shuttle bus from the hotel to Vivocity, which is great.
Service: The staff were very friendly. They even gave us a small gift for a special occasion, which was a thoughtful touch.FromJPY 46,442
Amazing1764 Reviews
Chinatown Singapore|0.83km from city centre
F
We had a pleasant 1-night family stay at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore. The hotel made a strong first impression with its beautiful greenery, distinctive architecture and calm resort-like atmosphere despite being located right in the city.
For families, the location is a major advantage. It is convenient, central and close to Chinatown, Clarke Quay and public transport, which made it easy for us to move around without feeling rushed. The hotel environment felt safe, clean and well maintained, which is always important when staying with children.
The room was comfortable for a short stay, with good amenities and a relaxing ambience. The greenery around the hotel gave it a refreshing feel, and the pool area was a highlight for the family. It offered a nice space to unwind after a day out, and the overall setting felt more like a city retreat than a typical business hotel.
Service was generally warm and professional. The staff were courteous and helpful, and check-in and check-out were smooth. For a 1-night stay, the experience was easy and fuss-free.
Overall, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering is a good choice for a short family staycation or city stay in Singapore. It combines convenience, comfort and a unique garden-hotel concept. We would recommend it especially for families who want a central location but still appreciate a relaxing, green and visually beautiful hotel environment.FromJPY 65,522
Great4104 Reviews
Marina Bay Singapore|1.49km from city centre
The room was okay, but my friends booked theirs through another platform and got a cheaper rate. Their room was on the 59th floor with a view of the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands, while ours was on the 14th floor, only looking out onto other buildings. There was at least a 1000-yuan difference in value, which is really unfair!FromJPY 39,129
Very Good525 Reviews
Chinatown Singapore|1km from city centre
Absolutely fantastic! The front desk staff were so welcoming and even gave us a free room upgrade, which was a lovely surprise. The room itself was spotless, and the soundproofing was excellent. The air conditioning was powerful and kept the room nice and cool. Everything was just great!FromJPY 28,814
Breakfast
Great3156 Reviews
Orchard Road Singapore|3.66km from city centre
This stay was a pleasant surprise! Even though the place is small, it's very clean and well-equipped. I initially thought it would just be a large bed, but it turned out to be a bunk bed, which was surprisingly comfortable. It's really great value for money. I'd definitely book this place again if I have the chance! 👍FromJPY 22,131
Very Good2579 Reviews
Sentosa Island Singapore|4.6km from city centre
We had a very pleasant stay overall. The room was in good condition, clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, and the view was excellent, can see Singapore skyline and the sunrise. Check-in was surprisingly quick despite the long line, and the staff at the counter were helpful and efficient with the pre-registration, which we really appreciated. Our family also had a great time at the pool. It was a pity that parts of the pool were under renovation, and some areas looked a little old, but it was still enjoyable. The family-friendly activities were still good as always (the pool zumba, movie screening), which made the stay fun overall.FromJPY 46,418
1836 Reviews
Riverside/ Clarke Quay Singapore|1.59km from city centre
I had a pleasant stay at this hotel. The room was not very spacious, but it was comfortable and had everything I needed. The location is convenient and easily accessible, making it easy to get around. The hotel was clean and well-maintained. Overall, it offers good value for money, and I would recommend it to others.FromJPY 16,998
Very Good1073 Reviews
Lavender / Kallang Singapore|3.73km from city centre
My first time staying at this hotel. The staff is friendly and helpful. And the bed was so comfortable to sleep on. I have my wonderful sleep and rest after my gym. It will be my second hotel to chill at.FromJPY 14,359
Very Good1558 Reviews
Novena Singapore|4.21km from city centre
I was back here after a while..there were some small changes here and there. Yes..keep it up for improvements! I requested for checking out at 1.00pm the next day and told the staff to take note so that their other staff would be aware as well. They said that it would be noted in the system. However, I still received a call just before 12 noon but I did not answer it as I was in the bathroom. Hmmm..oh well.. All else were acceptable for a short stay. Thank you.FromJPY 17,676
Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Singapore 🎯
After exploring the city's iconic neighbourhoods, discover the top activities that have made Singapore so famous.
Here is our hand-picked selection of must-do experiences, perfect for a trip with family, friends, or your other half!
Universal Studios Singapore: The ultimate entertainment hub
Universal Studios Singapore is the must-visit theme park in Singapore, located on Sentosa Island.
This theme park features seven immersive zones inspired by Hollywood blockbusters:
- Shrek,
- Transformers,
- Jurassic Park,
- Madagascar,
- Despicable Me,
- And many more...
Must-see attractions include Battlestar Galactica, a high-octane rollercoaster, and Transformers The Ride, a breathtaking 3D adventure.
Plan a full day to enjoy all the attractions and shows. The Hollywood atmosphere and the quality of the sets make it a memorable experience for all ages!
Gardens by the Bay: nature reimagined
Gardens by the Bay is Singapore's iconic "nature" attraction and a true architectural masterpiece.
This 101-hectare futuristic garden is home to the famous Supertrees, artificial structures standing 25 to 50 metres tall and draped in climbing plants. They light up every evening during the free Garden Rhapsody show at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm. These iconic trees are world-famous!
The two climate-controlled conservatories, Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, recreate mountain and Mediterranean ecosystems, featuring rare and impressive botanical collections. The 35-metre indoor waterfall in the Cloud Forest is truly spectacular too!
💡 Handy tip: the outdoor gardens are free and open from 5 am to 2 am, perfect for a morning or evening stroll. Allow 4 to 5 hours to explore the entire site.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve: an immersive journey into the wild
The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is home to the world-famous Singapore Zoo, one of the finest zoos on the planet, renowned for its open-air enclosures and immersive concept.
Once there, you'll find over 300 species thriving in naturally recreated habitats, including orangutans, white tigers, Asian elephants, and kangaroos. The zoo focuses on interactive experiences, such as breakfast with the orangutans or feeding sessions. River Wonders also offers a cruise where you can drift past giant pandas and manatees.
Allow at least half a day to explore the main zoo.
Night Safari: a one-of-a-kind nocturnal adventure
Finally, the Night Safari is a truly unique experience in Singapore, allowing you to observe over 900 nocturnal animals in their natural habitat!
This twilight safari is the world's first nocturnal wildlife park and remains an iconic Singaporean attraction. Aboard a silent tram, you can journey through seven geographical zones that recreate the habitats of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
You'll encounter lions, leopards, hyenas, tapirs, and deer, all set within a mysterious atmosphere illuminated only by the moon and subtle lighting.
💡Trip.com tip: don't miss the Creatures of the Night show with its trained animal performances, and arrive by 6:30 pm to make the most of the park!
Best Time to Visit Singapore 🌤️
Singapore enjoys a warm and humid equatorial climate all year round, though some times are more pleasant than others. Temperatures hover between 25°C and 32°C in every season.
Here's a complete guide to help you choose the perfect time for your trip, tailored to your preferences.
Season | Weather | Overview | Things to Do & Festivals |
🌸 Peak season (Feb–Apr) | Sunny (28–32 °C) | Best time to visit, with less rain | Chinese New Year, Chingay Parade |
☀️ Summer (May–Aug) | Hot with storms (28–33 °C) | Short tropical showers, often in the afternoon | Great Singapore Sale (Jun–Jul), National Day (9 Aug) |
🍂 Monsoon (Nov–Jan) | Humid and rainy (25–30 °C) | More frequent rain, but usually brief | Christmas on a Great Street, festive light displays |
🌈 Off-season (Sept–Oct) | Variable (26–31 °C) | Good balance of weather and prices | Mid-Autumn Festival, Deepavali (Little India lights), F1 Grand Prix |
Day Trips from Singapore 🚢
Staying in Singapore for a few days and looking to explore further afield? You're in luck – the city-state is perfectly positioned for some international getaways!
From Singapore, Trip.com recommends two excursions in particular:
Bintan, Indonesia: Paradise beaches and relaxation
Bintan Island is an idyllic tropical getaway just a stone's throw from Singapore.
- Travel time: 50 minutes by ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal
- Transport: regular ferries (frequent departures, booking recommended)
- Must-sees: pristine white-sand beaches, luxurious resorts with spas, world-class golf courses, traditional temples, and mangrove forests. Perfect for a lazy day or a relaxing weekend away from the urban hustle and bustle.
Johor Bahru, Malaysia: Shopping and Malay culture
Johor Bahru, a Malaysian border city, offers a unique cultural experience and great value for money.
- Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour from Singapore city centre
- Transport: bus via the Woodlands Causeway checkpoint or train
- Must-sees: Legoland Malaysia (perfect for families), giant shopping malls (prices are much lower than in Singapore), authentic Malaysian street food, the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque with its panoramic views, and colonial heritage. Don't forget your passport to cross the border!
Singapore, the Gastronomic Capital of Southeast Asia 🍜
When you want to fully discover Singapore, tasting its local cuisine is a must! The city-state is a true gastronomic capital where Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences blend together.
Trip.com has hand-picked the must-try local specialities for you:
- Hainanese Chicken Rice: THE national dish of Singapore, featuring tender poached chicken served with fragrant rice and sauces;
- Laksa: a spicy noodle soup with coconut milk, prawns, and curry paste;
- Chilli Crab: crab in a sweet tomato-chilli sauce, best enjoyed with fried buns;
- Satay: marinated meat skewers grilled over a barbecue, served with a delicious peanut sauce;
- Char Kway Teow: wok-fried rice noodles with eggs, seafood, and soy sauce;
- Roti Prata: a crispy Indian flatbread served with curry.
Hawker centres: temples of street food
Hawker centres are the culinary soul of Singapore and an unmissable experience. These open-air food courts bring together dozens of stalls offering authentic dishes at unbeatable prices (£2.50–£5 per meal). The friendly atmosphere, communal tables, and diversity of flavours make them truly unique spots. The "chope" culture (reserving your table with a packet of tissues) is a fun local practice.
The best hawker centres:
- Maxwell Food Centre (Chinatown): famous for its Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Lau Pa Sat (Financial District): Victorian architecture and a buzzing night-time atmosphere
- Tekka Centre (Little India): authentic Indian specialities
- Old Airport Road Food Centre: a local favourite with over 100 stalls
🥇Our golden rule: follow the queues where the locals are – it's a guaranteed sign of quality!
Start planning your trip on Trip.com now to take advantage of the best deals on hotels and activities.
Have a great trip to Singapore! ✨
FAQ – Things to Do in Singapore ❓
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