Best places to visit in Singapore
Map of Singapore
Weather in Singapore
Singapore has tropical rainforest weather for most of the year, bringing high humidity and temperatures. The monsoon season occurs from November to January, whereas June to August sees drier, hotter days.
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A fantastic blend of cultures, languages, traditional buildings, and towering skyscrapers exist in harmony in cosmopolitan Singapore! The jaw-dropping skyline, home to innovative architecture, is peppered with traditional Buddhist and Hindu temples — set against a backdrop of luscious rainforests.
There’s no doubt that Singapore is one of the world’s most expensive cities to visit. Luxury is in the air, with upscale hotels costing around $200-400 a night and hostels upwards of $25. Although it might not be a backpacker’s dream, there’s still a way to visit Singapore on a budget; head for the hawker stalls in the markets or Little India, where you can find cheap local eats from $5.
Singapore has some of the best hygiene standards in the world, with exceptional water quality treatment. This means you can drink from the tap worry-free! Pack your reusable water bottle in an effort to reduce plastic and fill up at hotels and restaurants throughout your trip.
Great news! Most tourists can enjoy Singapore visa-free for between 30-90 days, depending on your nationality. However, checking your country’s entry requirements in advance is always recommended, as some places are subject to stricter visa rules.
Singapore is a melting pot of different nationalities, meaning you’ll hear several languages spoken on the streets. Although Malay is the national language used for road signs and important documents, the primary language spoken by most people is Mandarin (you’ll also hear Tamil). Moreover, due to its colonial British past, most of the population also widely uses English, so you’ll always be able to be understood on your trip.
Travel insurance is your safety net for your vacation in Singapore, protecting you against unexpected events, whether that’s a flight cancellation, lost luggage, or medical care. Go indoor surfing or bungee jumping, get a bird’s eye view from the Singapore Flyer, or zoom around on Sinapore’s thrilling Formula 1 Circuit.
Singapore has strict laws designed to keep locals and travelers safe. The crime rate is extremely low, and cleanliness is paramount. In fact, it’s illegal to chew gum in order to keep the streets as clean as possible. As with all destinations, keep an eye on your belongings in case of pickpockets, especially if you find yourself in busy places like the subway, festivals, or events.
Singapore uses type G (the same as in the UK), a three-rectangular-pronged electrical plug. However, type C (European) plugs are also used throughout the nation, meaning it’s a good idea to carry an adapter. Don’t worry if you forget; you can always buy one at the airport or stores in the city.
Singapore has a unique atmosphere that is hard to beat, teeming with people from all over the world who have chosen to call this tiny country home. This cosmopolitan city offers luxury vacation experiences for travelers with endless 5-star hotels, infinity pools, spas, and rooftop cocktail bars across the skyline. However, it’s also popular for backpackers who want to dive into its buzzing markets, street food, botanical gardens, and fantastic free activities like the Sky Garden.
Traveling in Singapore
A vacation in Singapore is second to none; you get all the benefits of exploring an entire country but with the compact size of a city! The incredibly safe and vibrant metropolis offers everything a traveler could want: dine on cheap street food and peruse bustling markets, sip on zesty cocktails in luxury rooftop lounges, or head into the neighboring jungle for nature adventures.
How to Plan Your Trip to Singapore
Follow our Singapore travel guide to plan your ideal city trip, where you’ll find all our top tips for cultural and gastronomical highlights. Singapore is often a stop-off point for travelers heading to Australia or other destinations in Asia, and as such, it caters excellently to those looking to relax and refresh. Luxury is found on every street corner here, where you’ll find five-star hotels with rooftop pools, endless cocktail bars, high-end restaurants, and spas aplenty. There’s even a rooftop pool at Singapore Changi Airport for those who want a quick dip before or after their flight! Discover all the best places in Singapore by following our complete travel guide.
Best Time to Visit Singapore
Looking for the best time to plan your Singapore holiday? Find out about the climate in Singapore with this seasonal information.
Hot Season (June-August): Singapore is nearly always humid; however, June to August sees the lowest humidity and the hottest and driest months. During this time, temperatures soar to between 32-34 °C. Although this season is the warmest, it’s the most popular because of the lower humidity, attracting sightseers and those looking to escape the cooler temperatures in countries like Australia and New Zealand. This makes it the busiest season for tourism, with hotel prices rising and tours and accommodation getting booked quickly.
Tip: Book a hotel with a rooftop pool to cool down after a morning of sightseeing.
Wet Season (November-Jan): Singapores sees heavy rainfall during this time, but rest assured, it won’t last long! The wet season in Singapore sees short, heavy rains (generally accompanied by mesmerizing thunderstorms), so although you might have to shelter for a moment, you’ll be back out sightseeing in no time. This is also the best time for backpacking in Singapore as it’s the low season with fewer crowds and more affordable prices.
Cool Season (December-February): Temperatures remain relatively consistent year-round in Singapore, but for the coolest temperatures, consider December to February the best time to visit Singapore. During this time, temperatures are milder (25 – 30 °C), making it an excellent time for exploring the city and making the most of outdoor activities in the city’s jungle fringes. Please note that Christmas makes December one of the most popular times to visit, and accommodation and tours can be more expensive, so book well in advance.
Coastlines and Beaches in Singapore
Although Singapore is not known for its coastline, it is home to some beautiful urban beach spots. Sentosa Island, in particular, is deemed by locals as one of the best places to visit in Singapore, home to several lovely beaches like Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach. The island is mainly known for its water parks and beach clubs and is considered more of an entertainment destination rather than for beach relaxation.
East Coast Park is another popular spot, offering respite from the city and popular with families who flock to its shores for rollerblading, picnics, and BBQs. Although the waters aren’t the clearest, locals and tourists alike love the space for outdoor activities — it’s the perfect place to rent a bike and explore the unexpected natural surroundings of this sprawling urban jungle.
More natural experiences can be found in the jungle and nature reserves surrounding the city, which are just a bus ride away! Spend your vacation in Singapore spotting monkeys in the rainforest canopy in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, ride the cable car to the top of Mount Faber, or get your adrenaline pumping as you look for crocodiles and monitor lizards in the spectacular Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
Wherever you choose, the countless natural experiences in Singapore make it one of the most unique cities to visit in the world! There’s nowhere else where you can sip coffee under lofty skyscrapers in the morning and be immersed deep in a serene jungle landscape by afternoon. Zipline across Sentosa Island, gaze in wonder at the waterfalls of the cloud forest, and cross suspension bridges in the forest canopy at MacRitchie Reservoir — Singapore is not to be missed!
Food, Culture, and Religion in Malaysia
As a city-state with a long history of colonization and immigration, Singapore is one of the most incredible melting pots of different cultures and religions. Instead of these differences being divisive, the community is incredibly harmonious, with groups of people from all different backgrounds coming together to share and enjoy various traditions. This makes Singapore travel a truly fascinating experience.
Religion: There is not one predominant faith in Singapore. Instead, the city sees the practice of Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, and the lesser-known Taoism (a philosophy indigenous to China). Because of the unique range of religions that co-exist here, travelers will find an incredible array of temples in the city, with some of the most famous being the beautiful red Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the pristine white cathedral of St Andrews, which stands out among the contemporary skyscrapers of Singapore’s central business district.
Food: The food scene in Singapore is iconic and is one of the main things to enjoy about a holiday in Singapore! The city’s multiculturalism has created a haven of flavors, from the spices of authentic Indian food to the cheap and fragrant hawker stalls in Chinatown. Chinese and Malaysian influences come together to produce Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Nasi Lemak. Alternatively, you can dine on the most delicious Roti and Biryani curry under the colorful facades of vibrant Little India. International dishes have also made their way to the city, with an upscale dining scene led by famous chefs from all over the world, each pushing new innovational recipes and gastronomical wonders.
Experience a mix of everything; eat curry with your hands as you sit on stools on the street edge in Little India, sample a delicacy from each vendor in the busy hawker centers, or reserve a table at one of the Michelin Star restaurants, dining on regional delicacies while drinking in night time city views. There’s a dish and a restaurant for every traveler; enjoying the food is one of the best things to do in Singapore!
Tip: Make sure to try the Hawker favorite: Char Kway Teow, a delicious wok noodle dish from China (usually served on a banana leaf with a squeeze of lime!).
Culture: The culture in Singapore is vibrant, warm, and a testament to the harmony and cohesion of the community. With so many languages, faiths, and nationalities living together in the same area, the city offers a unique social landscape where blended families and friends come together to celebrate each other’s religious holidays, traditional plates, and dialects. In fact, the icon of Singapore represents precisely this: look out for the Merlion, a statue with the head of a lion and the body of a fish that represents the humble beginnings of Singapore as a fishing village and a fusion of cultures. On your vacation in Singapore, celebrate world-famous religious festivals like Chinese New Year and Deepavali, and learn more about the arts, such as Malay dance, Chinese opera, or Indian songs.
The intermingling of religion, culture, and delicious food makes traveling in Singapore a multicultural feast for the senses!
Why You Should Travel to Singapore
A city of endless possibilities; that’s why Singapore is so infectious! Exciting contrasts meet you at every corner, from the fusion of cultures and religions to the juxtaposition between tradition and modernity. In no city can you find such a landscape of extremes, where a monkey-inhabited rainforest grows between innovative architectural wonders. With so much to explore and the addictive personality of this magical city, there’s always more to see on another vacation in Singapore!
Visitors are mainly drawn to Singapore for the luxury restaurants, hotels, and fantastic shopping in one of the world’s cleanest and most beautiful cities. But Singapore isn’t just about glamor – there’s ancient history and tradition to be found, too, among the numerous temples, colonial buildings, and authentic streets of districts like Little India and Chinatown. It’s something special that in 24 hours, you can wander under traditional lanterns and temples, see monitor Lizards in the wild, and dine on the most luxurious food — all in one place!
For a bucket list activity on your Singapore holiday, head to the unforgettable Gardens by the Bay, where you can see one of the most spectacular free light shows, accompanied by music that echoes from avatar-like structures. Or for those who like their days accompanied by a little adrenaline, ride the rollercoasters at Universal Studios, go ziplining at Sentosa Island, or be blown away by the G-force of the cars at the Singapore Grand Prix!
Safety and Travel Advice in Singapore
Singapore is one of the safest countries to travel to, with the government working hard to ensure the security of travelers and residents. However, like any destination, it’s always good to exercise precaution on your travels. Use the following information to help you get the most out of your journey.
Natural Disasters: Singapore is unlikely to experience any natural disasters. However, thunderstorms are frequent during the wet season (November to January). Always keep an eye on the weather, and take shelter indoors during storms. Stay informed by registering with your embassy to receive emergency updates on your trip.
Crime and safety in Singapore: Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates globally! Nevertheless, exercise caution by keeping valuables secure and leaving any important belongings at home. Like any destination, we recommend avoiding isolated areas at night, sticking to well-lit spots with more people, and being extra vigilant in crowded places and when withdrawing cash at ATMs.
Learn more about travel safety
Traffic in Singapore: The infrastructure in Singapore is fantastic, and strict traffic rules keep people safe. The government has enforced high costs to own and drive a car in Singapore (to keep congestion low), so it’s unlikely you’ll drive on your trip. Rest assured, though, the public transport system is fantastic and is the best way to get around on your vacation in Singapore.
Cultural Sensitivity: Singapore has an incredibly diverse range of faiths, and everyone lives harmoniously and respectfully. Adhere to their customs and traditions by covering up when visiting places of worship, removing shoes before entering temples and people’s homes, and asking permission to take photos of local people. Please note that public displays of affection are often frowned upon.
Drugs and Drinking: Singapore has very strict drug laws and high penalties for possession. Always consume alcohol responsibly, bearing in mind that drunken and disorderly behavior is sanctioned and can lead to fines or even arrest.
Note: Chewing gum is not sold in Singapore (its sale is completely banned!). You can be fined for chewing, so avoid bringing it into the country. This is part of the government’s efforts to keep the city clean.
Travel Insurance: One of the most important things you must do before your Singapore holiday is purchase travel insurance. This gives you assurance for unexpected accidents – for example, an injury, canceled flight, or lost baggage. Please note that Singapore has high medical care costs, so ensure you have comprehensive insurance covering high medical expenses. Check out these best travel insurances.