Often referred to as the city of the future, Singapore is a nondescript and exciting destination. Filled with magnificent skyscrapers, unique buildings, but also interesting neighborhoods and gorgeous gardens, Singapore should definitely be on your list of places to visit.

Explore amazing places like Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay. The magnificent buildings of the ArtScience Museum, the National Museum of Singapore or the astonishing Helix Bridge.

Try local delicacies at street food, visit the China Town and Little India districts. Stroll through green parks like Fort Canning Park, but above all, soak up this wonderful city and let yourself be swept away.

Singapore was our last stop on our travel around Southeast Asia. For more than six months we had the opportunity to travel through such wonderful destinations as Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia.

But it was Singapore that impressed us the most, confirming theories read earlier on the internet that it is a city of the future, which often looks like taken out of another world.

We spent almost four days in Singapore, and after that time we have to agree that it was the perfect end to our journey in Southeast Asia. Singapore is one of the most exciting destinations.

#1 Marina Bay

Start your day early in the morning and enjoy an amazing sunrise at Marina Bay.

Marina Bay is one of the most popular places in all of Singapore, so it is often besieged by tourists. If you want to have this place all to yourself (and a few photographers) get up early and admire this amazing place in peace and quiet. But also don’t forget to visit this place in the evening, when the other side of the marina is beautifully illuminated, and a water and light show is held at the Marina Bay Sands building.

Marina Bay has an amazing view of the buildings on the other side, such as the Marina Bay Sands, the magnificent ArtSience Museum, and even the Singapore Flyer.

Merlion Park

Also don’t forget the Merlion, the official mascot of the city who is half lion and half fish. “Mer” stands for sea. The fish body represents Singapore´s origin as a fishing village. „Lion“ obviously means lion. The lions head represents Singapore`s original name Singapura which means “lion city”.

Esplanade Bridge

Right next to Merlion Park is the Esplanade Bridge, which is not only an ideal place for a stroll or a link to the left side of the marina, but also an ideal place from which you can admire the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay.

In the early morning, the bridge is loved by joggers or cyclists. In the evenings, the bridge is beautifully illuminated.

Esplanade Theatres on the Bay

This incredibly beautiful building pleases the eye both during the day and in the evening. The unique design makes it hard to take your eyes off it and it looks fantastic from all sides. In the evening the building is illuminated and beautifully shines in gold.

#2 Gardens by the Bay

These amazing gardens, covering 250 acres, were created as a “City in a Garden” concept to improve the lives of Singapore residents. Super Trees are 18 tall man-made trees that harmonize beautifully with the surrounding nature. The surrounding greenery is truly amazing, and the plants you will see here are beautiful and often larger than you can imagine.

At the evening the magical show is taking place. You can watch it twice, at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM. It is something amazing that you can’t miss. The play of lights and matching music makes for an amazing show that must be experienced at least once.

Entrance to Gardens by the Bay is free, and it’s worth coming here both in the early morning, when the gardens are still empty. But also in the evening when Super Trees so beautifully illuminated.

#3 OCBC Skyway

Two of the 18 Super Trees in the Gardens by the Bay, are connected by a bridge that is called the OCBC Skyway. While from below you can admire the stunning Super Trees, the view from above is even more magnificent. Admiring the illuminated trees up close, as well as views of the entire Gardens by the Bay is an unforgettable experience. It’s best to go to the OCBC Skyway when dusk begins to fall, the trees are then illuminated which creates a breathtaking effect.

OCBC cost $9 (S$12) and time at the top is unfortunately limited to 15 minutes. This should be more than enough to walk the bridge in peace, admire the Super Trees, the surrounding greenery, and snap a few photos. Book your OCBC Skyway tickets today. You can also buy tickets on the spot to the OCBC Skyway at the ticket booth by the entrance.

#4 Cloud Forest

Taking your first steps in Claud Forest will take you to a completely different world. You will feel a pleasant chill on your skin and mist from the 35-meter magnificent waterfall that greets you at the entrance. Claud Forest is an amazing forest enclosed in a glass dome, whose main attraction is the 42-meter “Cloud Mountain”. It is an intricate structure entirely covered with amazing vegetation, such as orchids, ferns and anthuriums.

Take an elevator to the top of “Cloud Mountain”, and from there walk down the numerous bridges, all around admire the magnificent vegetation, huge green leaves, colorful flowers and the waterfall from the close distance.

Cloud Forest is best visited as soon as it opens, when the place is almost empty.

Entrance to the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome cost $40 (S$53) per person. And unfortunately, currently foreigners are not allowed to buy tickets only to Cloud Forest. Buy your Cloud Forest and Flower Dome tickets today.

#5 Flower Dome

The magnificent Flower Dome is the largest greenhouse in the world. The entire dome is divided into as many as 8 different gardens, including a Succulent garden, Australian garden or Mediterranean Garden.

The Flower Dome hosts exhibitions of flowers from all over the world, which change from time to time, such as the exhibition of tulips from Turkey or the Orchid of the East Tropics. The entire flower field is then covered with amazing flower specimens. Take a stroll around all the gardens, and enjoy amazing nature around you.

Flower Dome is loved by visitors, so it’s a good idea to go here early in the morning.

You can buy tickets to Flower Dome in a package with Cloud Forest, or separately. The ticket price is $15 (S$20) per person for just Flower Dome. Book your Flower Dome tickets today.

#6 Old Hill Street Police Station

This historic building, which was once a police station, gained popularity among tourists after the building’s 927 windows were painted in rainbow colors.

And while it may not be as popular as the rainbow-colored Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur or the colorful Balat in Istanbul, you’ll find a few photographers here trying to get the best shot, and the building itself is an interesting place to see if you’re in the area.

#7 Fort Canning Park

Incredibly green place, full of wonderful and diverse vegetation on the map of Singapore – Fort Canning Park, is the perfect place to relax a bit from the hot sun which you will experience during a day walk around the city. Lush vegetation, which you can meet every day in botanical gardens in Europe, looks even more beautiful in its natural setting.

Reserve at least one afternoon for this place, walk along the designated paths, enjoy the incredible silence, which can only be disturbed by a bird chirping over your ear.

Entrance to the park is completely free.

– Clay Tunnel

While in Fort Canning Park, head to the Clay Tunnel – a clay structure, perfect for taking some nice photos. However, this place is loved not only by locals, but also by numerous tourists and photographers, so it may take a while before it’s your turn to snap some unique photos.

Entrance to the tunnel is free of charge.

#8 National Museum of Singapore

One of the largest museums in Asia and the oldest museum in Singapore, the “National Museum of Singapore” is also one of the buildings boasting the title of National monument of Singapore.

The exterior of the building dates back to the 19th century and looks beautiful against the surrounding greenery, but also surprisingly surrounded by modern skyscrapers. Inside the museum you can see a large collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures and archaeological finds.

Entrance to the museum costs around $10 and you can easily buy tickets to the National Museum of Singapore  in advance online.

#9 Helix Bridge

This unremarkable pedestrian bridge leading to the ArtScience Museum, as well as Gardens By the Bay, connects Marina Center with Marina South. Its unique design resembles DNA in its form, and is made entirely of metal and glass, giving it a truly futuristic look.

The Helix Bridge or simply called The Helix is an amazing structure that looks impressive during the day, but only in the evening when all the lights placed on the bridge are lit, it shows its unique beauty. Seeing this bridge in the evening is definitely a unique experience that should not be missed by any architecture lover.

#10 ArtScience Museum

ArtScience Museum is a wonderful place for small and big travelers. Right at the entrance the beautiful installations will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale full of flowers and amazing waterfalls. Moving on to the next room you will encounter the underwater world. Color a sea creature and “launch” it into the ocean to see it swim with other creatures painted by kids and adults alike. Be sure to check out the other rooms as well, including one of the most beautiful with a wonderful light illumination that will take you to a completely different world.

Although the prices of tickets to the ArtScience Museum are not the cheapest, we recommend to compare them online at Klook . Here you can find sometimes good offerts.

#11 Singapore Flyer

The Singapore Flyer is one of those attractions in Singapore you can’t miss! The big wheel can be seen from practically anywhere at the marina, and the view from the gondolas at the top is definitely unforgettable.

The best time to go on the Singapore Flyer is just after dark. The streets of Singapore are beautifully illuminated then, and the views are most magnificent then. However, this is also the time when most people want to get on one of the gondolas, so you have to reckon with the fact that the waiting time in line may be a bit longer, and the gondolas will be more crowded.

You can buy tickets for the Singapore Flyer on the spot, at one of the ticket counters, or at the ticket machines. However, if you prefer to buy them in advance, book your Singapore Flyer tickets online . The price for the Singapore Flyer is about $30 (S$40).

#12 Little India

Like Kuala Lumpur and Georgetown in Malaysia, Singapore also has its own version of Little India. This colorful neighborhood smells of incense sticks, delicious food and many, colorful flowers sold at small stalls.

Walking through the streets of Little India is definitely a unique experience, the colorful buildings full of restaurants and stores will satisfy anyone who would like to move to a completely different world for a moment, but still remain in Singapore.

#13 Haji Lane

Haji Lane is a short, colorful street loved by locals and tourists alike. The whole street has a specific hipster vibe and it is full of cool stores, restaurants and cafes.

The walls of the buildings are painted in colorful graffiti, and the decorations of some of the stores are an artistic expression of their owners. If you are looking for unique clothes or accessories, this street should definitely be on your list.

#14 Arab Street

Right next to the Haji Line is Arab Street otherwise known as Muscat street, full of delicious Arabian and Turkish delicacies. Here you will also find several souvenir stores and a great view of the stunning Sultans Palace Mosque building.

On the weekends this street is really crowded, but you can still easily find a place to sit, eat, and enjoy your time in many of the restaurants.

#15 China Town

Singapore is an incredibly diversified country, so just like in other multicultural cities such as New York, London, or Bangkok, here too you will encounter the China Town quarter. And while each of the places listed above are radically different, they all have one thing in common: delicious food!

China Town is full of restaurants with great dishes from various regions of China, as well as souvenir and antique stores. Some of the stalls are selling exotic fruits such as Durian, which you need to try at least once while visiting some of the most beautiful places in Southeast Asia.

If you are still looking for souvenirs for loved ones from Singapore, you can be sure that you won’t leave here empty-handed, as in China Town you will find the most affordable souvenirs.

– Sri Mariamman Temple

While in China Town, it is worth visiting this magnificent and colorful Indian Temple, which is the oldest Hindu Temple in Singapore. Take a moment to gaze at the temple not only from inside, but also from outside and take a look at the amazing, colorful and full of wonderful details entrance gate to the shrine.

#16 Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay is an ideal place for those looking for an evening’s entertainment. In addition to numerous restaurants, there are also a lot of bars where you can enjoy an evening drink with all the other tourists from all over the world. If you’re searching for the best area for having a good time, Clarke Quay is your best choice.

#17 Chiangi Airport

Rated as one of the “World’s Best Airport” for several years in the row, Chiangi Airport must be the most impressive and beautiful airport you will ever visit not only in Asia, but also in the entire world.

Thats why if you are already in this amazing building, which by the way often looks more like a shopping mall with countless stores, or nature-themed entertainment, with attractions such as a „Canopy Park“, „Walking Net“ or „Mirror Maze“.

Make sure to stroll between the terminals, and head to the main attraction of this airport, the “Magnificent Jewel”. Jewel is an amazing waterfall in the heart of the Chiangi Airport, surrounded by incredibly lush green vegetation.

Admiring this spectacle is completely free and is a must if you are already at this airport. However if you want to visit any other attractions make sure to book your tickets online .

While dining at restaurants in Singapore is not the cheapest, there are several options where you can eat cheaply.

Try the local delicacies at Makansutra Gluttons Bay, which is a great street food with local delicacies or at the Lau Pa Sat another great food court in Singapore. If you prefer to eat in the restaurant, try out one of the many restaurants in Boat Quay or Clarke Quay.

Flight

Singapore has one of the most beautiful airports in the world. Chiangi Airport serves more than 100 airlines, flying to 400 cities in around 100 countries and territories worldwide. Therefore, the easiest way to get to Singapore is by air. Check your flights to Singapore .

Bus

If you are traveling from Malaysia to Singapore, consider traveling by bus. In many cases it is less hassle and somewhat equal in time from door to door. In addition, you can save quite a bit of money. Check the bus connections to Singapore .

Many of Singapore’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, so it’s easy to get almost anywhere on foot. However, if you prefer public transportation, or want to get somewhere further afield such as Little India, use the MRT Metro.

Metro

The MRT Metro also runs between the city center and the airport, so it is the cheapest option to get there. You can easily find MRT Metro connections on Google, and pay with you phone or watch, or buy a MRT Metro Card at one of the machines at the metro station.

Taxi

If you prefer a more convenient means of transportation, use Grab, which is Asia’s version of Uber or Bolt. Download your Grab app before your trip to Singapore.

The best time to visit Singapore is between late February and April to avoid the heavy rains that fall in November, December and January, as well as the hot days that hit Singapore in May and June.

The hotel offer in Singapore is rich, but also unfortunately not really budget friendly. A hotel room (in good location) rates start at $120 – $150 per night. You can find a lot of really nice places to stay on Booking.com.

Therefore, if you want to save a bit on accommodation choose one of the many hostels, such as CityHostel , which has a great central location. The beds are located in dormitory rooms, but they are separated by a curtain, and under the bed there is also a place for luggage and a small office. Breakfast is also included in the price.

Since Singapore is an expensive destination, many travelers try to take advantage of a stopover in Singapore and see as much as they can in one day. Although it’s a good option to see at least the biggest attractions like Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay, it’s best to spend at least three days here to discover all the great places in the city of Singapore.

For many citizens of countries around the world, Singapore is within reach without the need to apply for a visa. However, there are a few exceptions when a visa is necessary. Check the Singapore visa requirements for your passport well in advance.

Like any city of the future, Singapore is largely card-based. There may be places like the local street food or fruit stands in China Town where you will only be able to pay in cash, so it’s a good idea to have a few Singapore Dollars on you.

Since in most situations such as finding a Metro connection, ordering a Grab or just to stay connected to the world, you will need internet, it is worth getting a sim card.

If you are coming from Malaysia, we feel that the roaming offer from Hotlink Maxis offers the best option for your stay.

In Singapore itself, Singtel is a very good and popular provider to get you a sim card.

The prices are per person, except for the accommodation and Taxi, which we rent for 2 people.

Accommodation: $79 / night

Restaurant: $6 – $21  / meal

Snack: $2 – $9 / meal

Pleasure: $6 – $14 / event

Metro: $0.50 – $1.50 / ride

Taxi: $14 / ride

Activity: $9 – $41 / event