23 Things You Need To Know Before Traveling To Singapore

No matter how many trips we’ve taken to Singapore over the years, the city manages to surprise us every time — be it a new addition to the world-renowned airport, a weird law we had no idea was in place, or a recently developed tourist attraction that tops all the must-see charts.

It’s true that coming to a foreign place can be terrifying, especially when you have no idea what you’re getting yourself into. Thankfully, we’re here to help you ease your travel anxieties by tenfold. We’ve laid the ground work and got all the important info you will most likely need as you plan your trip to Singapore. Without further ado, here are the things you need to know before traveling to Singapore. Enjoy!

What should you know before traveling to Singapore?

Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world (and one of the rare few city-states), Singapore remains an enigma to first-time travelers. We don’t know whether it’s the unique country status, or the flair of mystery that is supported by its national symbol — the Merlion — but the internet is practically flooded with listicles detailing what to expect in Singapore as a tourist. However, the information out there can feel outdated, jumbled, and not really helpful. That’s why we’ve decided to set out on a journey of opening up the curtain on one of the most enchanting countries in the world — Singapore.

Let’s start with the age-old question: What is the best time to visit Singapore?

Get ready for heat and humidity!

No reputable first-timer’s Singapore travel guide can officially begin without pointing out the best time to visit the city. After all, how else can you decide on the appropriate month when planning your trip to Singapore? For this very reason, we’re here to get down to the city-state’s weather brass tacks!

You might already know that Singapore is a year-round destination — there virtually isn’t a time when city streets feel empty and flâneur-less. With the usual day temps slightly fluctuating around the +30°C mark, you can expect year-long dog days. Singapore is always hot, that’s a fact.

What you might not know, is that Singapore has two slight variations of the climate (two seasons might be too strong an expression) — the time when it's just hot and the other time when it's hot and unbelievably humid. The timeline of these so-called seasons isn’t linear. The most humid month is December (with November and January not far behind), but then it is followed by February — the driest month out of the year.

Don’t get the wrong impression though: Even the sunniest months of July, September, and October still see a significant amount of rain! The downpours are more short-lived, though they can still put a damp on the planned activities of your Singapore itinerary.

• It just so happened that all of our Singaporean shenanigans throughout the years fell on the hot & humid season. And let us tell you, we felt the downsides of the weather firsthand — it was either hot enough to cook eggs on the sidewalk, or it was pouring hard, locking us inside the hotel room. You can clearly see the consequences in pictures: The skies are predominantly overcast and gloomy, giving the whole experience a Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows vibe, as though Death Eaters are closing in on the city. You can still find beauty in the situation, since the lack of scorching sun allows you to spend more time meandering around Singapore’s picturesque streets.

As for packing instructions, we’re not here to encourage you to bust out all of your rain gear when planning your Singapore trip (giant Wellies, a rain jacket, and an umbrella will certainly be an overkill). From what we’ve seen, the locals and seasoned Singapore tourists spend the rainy days here in a variation of one and the same outfit:

✔️ Flip-flops,
✔️ flimsy 7/11 rain poncho,
✔️ and, sometimes, an umbrella borrowed from a hotel.

The boy scout’s motto of “Be prepared” is mainly referred to information here, so don’t worry about not having your usual gumboots to wade through the paddles (which disappear astonishingly fast in Singapore, due to the heat). Just be on the lookout for exceptionably dark skies, and scan your surroundings for the spot covered by a roof, — it’s the best preparation for unpredictable weather of Singapore.

Prices that will cost you an arm and a leg (and another arm, and another leg…)

One of the more pressing pieces of Singapore’s tourist information that you might need to know is the fact that the city is terribly expensive. Way out of the league of an ordinary backpacker. Even though this city-state is part of the famously affordable South-East Asia, it’s resemblance, expenses-wise, is more on par with the world’s most extravagant metropolises like New-York, London, Tel-Aviv, and others.

While we’re not here to discourage you from going to Singapore (on the contrary, we believe the country should be at the top of your bucket list of destinations), it’s good to have breakdown of the way you’ll be forced to spend your travel budget here. Beware, the new habits might take some time to kick in — but after a few casual café outings (think coffee and a small treat) that will end up costing you and your travel buddy $50 (true story), you’ll be good to go!

To get you even more familiar with Singapore food prices, take a look at our list of miscellaneous items that can only be referred to as “girl dinner” (or, in this case, “girl-what-I-eat-in-a-day”):

• Latte, standard cup — 6.5 SGD ($4.8)
• Papaya, 1 kg — 4.5 SGD ($3.3)
• Bottled water, 1.5 l — 0.9 SGD ($0.7)
• Venti Starbucks cold brew — 7 SGD ($5)
• Large french fries — 4.05 SGD ($3)
• Big Mac — 6.65 SGD ($4.9)
• Greek yogurt, 500 gr — 9 SGD ($6.6)

These prices might understandably take you by surprise, but fret not: There are a few tips that can help you eat yummy food in Singapore and not break the bank in the process (keep reading to learn our invaluable knowledge on the subject).

And while you can jump through certain loopholes to save money on eating out in Singapore, your lodging options will not give you the same opportunities. If you go on the Booking.com website and try to find a well-reviewed hotel that’s not located by the Malaysian border, you will end up with accommodations that start at a “humble” $80 per night. Of course, there are hostels, and, in general, hotels that come with a baggage of deal breakers (like lack of cleanliness, rude staff, and terrible location), — but if you want to have at least some level of comfort in Singapore, you better pay up!

Where to stay in Singapore?

Now that you’ve come to terms with the fact that lodging options in Singapore are guaranteed to be hard on your pocket, it’s time to figure out the neighborhood situation in the city. Which area is the most luxurious? Where can you find the most number of attractions within walking distance from your hotel? Strap in, because we’re about to give you the ultimate rundown of Singapore’s best neighborhoods (in our humble opinion):

• Chinatown — one of the most colorful heritage neighborhoods in Singapore. There’s nothing austere in the unique Chinese Baroque architectural style that is so predominant in the area. Tiny and quaint two-story shophouses lining the narrow side streets of the neighborhood create an amazing background for a pleasant night out on the town. Plus, Chinatown’s invaluable ability to have adequate pricing on food and other necessities bumps this location to the top of the list of our favorite neighborhoods in Singapore. Because of the lack of skyscrapers (they don’t really go with traditional Sino-Portuguese-style houses), the accommodation options available in Chinatown are either hostels or boutique hotels.
• Little India — another heritage neighborhood that in no way feels less than its predecessor on our list. Little India is the flamboyant dream of any traveler! Buildings bursting with color, rich markets clad with all kinds of teas and spices you can think of, flower garlands, and Bollywood music — does it get any better than that? Same as Chinatown, Little India is the perfect neighborhood to stay in, location-wise: MRT stations peppered around the area make for a comfortable stay, since you can easily reach all the iconic Singaporean landmarks by metro in virtually no time. While the most popular buildings in Little India most resemble an authentic Skittles store, donning every possible color known to man, the array of mostly boutique hotels found in the area (keep reading for a comprehensive list further down in the article) feel more muted and upscale. 50 shades of beige is the new Singaporean kryptonite!

• Marina Bay — as central an area as it can get in Singapore, Marina Bay is perfect for the city’s first-time visitors! Sporting the crème de la crème of the Singapore’s tourist attractions, your stay in Marina Bay area guarantees you will spend little to no time walking over to iconic landmarks ensconcing the bay: The Esplanade, Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, ArtScience Museum, Helix Bridge, etc. If your stay in Singapore is a short one (but you have the funds for a luxurious hotel), then Marina Bay lodging options are for you. Trust us, you haven’t encountered the levels of lavishness and pizzazz that all these five-star hotels put into every little crevasse of the establishment. The neighborhood is perfect for some late-night carousing: There are two night light shows happening within 15 minutes of each other (Spectra at Marina Bay Sands and Garden Rhapsody at Gardens’ by the Bay legendary Supertree Grove).
• Orchard — Orchard Road is every shopaholic’s dream: Shopping malls, boutique stores, hole-in-the-wall exciting retail experiences… We know your credit card is trembling right now! Why stay here? Apart from the obvious perks of shopping therapy in this mainly residential neighborhood, Orchard Road is no stranger to intriguing Singapore side ventures: ION Sky is a hidden gem of a viewing point in the city, and Singapore Botanic Gardens is a wonderful natural respite whenever you want to hide out and look at real flowers instead of tulle or taffeta ones on the latest fashion items. The area is home to many of the chain hotels, so you also get a bonus of something cozy and familiar in a new and foreign country.
• Sentosa — the ultimate beach getaway in Singapore, Sentosa Island is the perfect place to stay in if you’re traveling with family (and also if you’ve already seen all the Singapore’s top sights). Located off the main land, the island is the capital of fun: Theme parks, aquaparks, cable car system, casino, golf courses… You can easily spend a week here and not notice. The crown of the area is its beaches: Try and book a suite at one of the lavish and grand resorts lining the shore. However, note that Downtown Singapore is quite a long distance away, so if you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, we would reconsider the neighborhood.

No Airbnb, or yes Airbnb?

While the platform isn’t outright blocked in Singapore, city officials have long waged war on short-term rentals, trying to drive tourists to the plentiful hotels and hostels offered in the country. The rules impose a minimum rental period of three months, but plenty of hosts disregard the law (it’s pretty hard to regulate each and every rental). Plus, they can always say that the rental agreement was terminated early (entrepreneur mindset or sly law breakers — you decide!).

Staying at an Airbnb in Singapore isn’t illegal for tourists, but if you feel icky about taking part in rule breaking in a foreign country, then turn your gaze towards more legal options. To find the best deals on hotels in Singapore, we always use:

✔️ Booking.com
✔️ or Agoda.com

You might want to browse its endless array of options, starting from backpackers’ favorite hostels to the most outlandish five-star hotels! But if you’re traveling to Singapore for the first time and feel lost in a sea of hotel options, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few tried-and-tested hotels that will not disappoint even the most fault-finding travelers:

• 4* The Scarlet Singapore (Chinatown, from $230 a night) — a fabulous boutique hotel that can impress even the most snobbish critics: The rich and opulent design (movie buffs will say it's a mix of Wes Anderson interiors and the overall vibe of In the Mood for Love film) paired with state-of-the-art amenities and top-notch service fully justify a hefty price tag.
• 4* KēSa House, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood (Chinatown, from $135 a night) — another boutique hotel set in one of Chinatown’s prized restored shophouses. Here, the atmosphere is more muted and straightforward: There’s nothing moody and complicated about the design. On the contrary, the rooms (albeit on a smaller side) feel light and airy, creating a perfect backdrop for a relaxing stay. If you want embellishments and drama, go outside: After all, you’re in one of the most uniquely decorated heritage neighborhoods in Singapore!
• 4* Wanderlust, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood (Little India, from $150 a night) — set right in the heart of Little India’s bustling craziness, Wanderlust offers a calm respite for a weary traveler. A newly renovated heritage shophouse isn’t screaming in your face with bursts of color: Quite the opposite, it takes a more subtle approach to win you over with chic décor and surprisingly delightful add-ons (we see you, filtered water faucets in both suites and halls). The levels of soundproofing are on par with the demand: You won’t hear any of the loud market noises coming from the streets. Overall, it’s one of our favorite places to stay in Little India!
• 5* The Fullerton Bay Hotel (Marina Bay area, from $500 a night) — a stunning luxury hotel set on the other shore of the bay, opposite the world-renowned Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Get a bay view room if it’s possible (floor-to-ceiling windows guarantee awe-striking panoramas); but even if you haven’t managed to score the coveted suite, you’ll be welcomed by soaring high skyscrapers of Downtown Singapore on the other side. As for the star of the show — the rooftop pool and bar of the hotel, the setting speaks for itself: There will never be a more chic and elegant space to spend the night in (at least until we mention the iconic Marina Bay Sands’ infinity pool, which takes the cake as the ultimate best pool with a view of Singapore).
• 5* Marina Bay Sands (Marina Bay area, from $500 a night) — does this hotel really need an introduction? Marina Bay Sands is truly in a class by itself: Just look at the building’s structure! Being one of the most coveted attractions in Singapore, the hotel welcomes a lot of visitors who crave to see the magnificent views opening up from the top (Marina Bay Sands’ viewing deck — SkyPark, and its fabulous rooftop bar — CÉ LA VI SkyBar allow the tourists to fulfill their dreams of witnessing Singapore’s bird’s-eye panoramas). Why would one want to stay here, you might wonder (the rooms of the hotel are very expensive)? Well, as a guest of Marina Bay Sands, you gain access to the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool — a bucket list experience of every tourist traveling to Singapore; so in our minds, it’s worth the costs (keep reading to learn if non-guests can access the pool or not)!
• 5* Four Seasons Hotel (Orchard, from $365 a night) — staying in a chain hotel has lots of perks: You know exactly what you’re in for! When it comes to Four Seasons, you’re guaranteed comfortable and clean rooms, simple yet sophisticated design, and quality service. This hotel set on Orchard Road is no different: It’s a great place to rest your feet after a long day of hitting the shops and absolutely destroying your credit card.
• 4* Quincy Hotel Singapore (Orchard, from $225 a night) — another hotel option that is set in a more locally authentic residential area (at least by Singapore’s standards, futuristic-looking soaring skyscrapers are your average neighborhood sights), Quincy hotel still has something in store that might surprise you: The best views of tall tower vistas opening up from the open-air pool with a unique location. No, not rooftop: It looks like a chunk of the building was taken out (or not filled in, Tetris-style), and in this opening the owners decided to put in a nice oasis with a cool-looking pool. We haven’t seen anything like this before, so this novelty alone is reason enough to spend a few nights at Quincy Hotel (the rooms are pretty awesome too).
• 4* Village Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality (from $220 a night) — located not too far from Singapore’s amazing Cable Car Network’s stations, this Village Hotel lives up to its name: It’s a whole village alright! A giant pool with spectacular views of the harbor and the island, spacious rooms, restaurants, venue spaces, — walking around the hotel grounds is a physical feat in and of itself. Like other resorts on Sentosa Island, Village Hotel is perfect for families with children, both due to varied entertainment options offered on the premises, as well as to a closeness to the island’s fun mammoths: Universal Studios, Adventure Cove Waterpark, S.E.A. Aquarium, and others.

Where to next?

One of the tips for visiting Singapore that non-stop travelers (and digital nomads on the go) will greatly appreciate is using the city as a stop (which can also be lengthy, depending on your time limits) on your way to other places. No wonder Singapore is sometimes being referred to as the capital of layovers. With Changi Airport — one of the best airports in the world, and a culture and entertainment scene so compact you can skim the surface in no time, how can you say no to planning a trip that involves a few other countries?

The aforementioned Changi Airport serves more than 100 airlines that fly to hundreds (400 or so, if you need the numbers) cities worldwide, so after exploring everything that Singapore has to offer, we suggest you continue your pilgrimage — the last thing to decide is where to go! Philippines, India, Malaysia, Japan, China, and even the alluring Australia are on the list of places that most often follow a trip to Singapore. So, what will it be: The Land Down-Under or a country closer to Singapore (the multicultural and jungle-covered Malaysia seems to be the perfect option, in our humble opinion).

Asking for directions four-ways

As you walk around Singapore’s heritage neighborhoods, you start to realize the sheer scope of how multicultural this country really is. One of the things to know about Singapore culture that can help you navigate your way around the city is the fact that there are four (!) official languages in Singapore. What does it look like in reality? Simple: You can witness the distinction between the languages (and learn a few phrases) on every public sign in Singapore.

English is one of the four official languages, so it should instantly increase your confidence about traveling here: You can sleep well knowing that you'll be understood should you need to ask the local a question.

By the way, Singaporeans are very helpful when met with a favor or an inquiry, but don’t expect them to be super smiley and friendly. It’s in the culture: It’s very rare for a local to want to strike up a conversation with a foreigner unprompted.

Interestingly enough, Singapore is one of the few countries in the world that has four official languages (Switzerland, Spain, and Rwanda being among others), but its case is the most unique. Linguists, this tidbit is for you — all four of Singapore’s languages come from a different language family, so speaking all four (English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil) is considered to be an impressive feat!

Spectacular city views

It’s not a secret that Singapore is famous for its impressively tall skyscrapers and the views opening up from their respective rooftops. There are dozens of viewing points scattered all over the city: From the ones opening up on virtually every angle of Marina Bay, to the decks overlooking park zones, the harbor, and even Sentosa Island. Plus, in Singapore, you’re practically spoiled with choices of rooftop bars, restaurants, pools, and hotel’s lounge areas that bring you closer to the arresting views of the city’s skyline.

You also don’t need to be a Rockefeller to get the opportunity to witness a bird’s-eye panorama of Singapore — there are plenty of viewpoints that have a free entrance. For example, futuristic residential buildings of CapitaSpring and Skyville & Dawson have impressive rooftop gardens.

We will not go into too much detail here, since we have a whole article devoted to the best viewpoints in Singapore but we can’t leave you hanging! Here’s a little amuse-bouche to get your taste buds prime and ready for the ultimate list without giving too many secret spots away:

• Gardens’ by the Bay very own OCBC Skyway that is set in the picturesque and fairy-looking Supertree Grove (well, it’s actually a bridge that connects two of the large supertrees). For a humble price of 12 SGD ($9) you can enjoy the view of Singapore’s skyline and the palate-cleansing vistas of the park below.
• Everybody’s favorite SkyPark at the rooftop of Marina Bay Sands where for an entry fee of 30 SGD ($22), you can go up to one of the most Instagrammable spots in Singapore, with stunning views spanning over the glistening city horizon.
• Singapore Flyer — one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world, and an iconic Singapore destination. A ticket for the slow-riding adventure starts at 40 SGD ($30), and on a clear and sunny day you can see all the way over to Malaysia.
• Pinnacle@Duxton — the lesser known viewpoint in Singapore, this spot is a true hidden gem known only to a handful of people. We don’t really know why: The views opening up from the top are a match to those from the legendary Marina Bay Sands, and the overall experience is outlandishly cheap. The Sky Deck entry fee is mere 6 SGD ($4.4). We attribute the lack of crowds here to the tickets that you can only buy offline (and in cash, mind you!) from a small office located in the basement of one of the building’s towers.

Tasting your way through Singapore

The thing that you should not miss in Singapore even if you only have a few hours in the city is its rich and varied food scene. Multiculturalism of Singapore shines once again with a mind-boggling range of yummy (and pretty unique) dishes. Peek your head in any hawker center and you’ll be toast with street food-style choices; dress up and go to a more upscale restaurant, and you will have a dinner experience like never before.

All in all, Singapore is one of the ultimate foodie capitals in the world, and you’ll be foolish not to try a few of the country’s special dishes:

🍞 Kaya toast — a first on every respectable tourist’s Singapore travel checklist, this traditional breakfast dish is all the rage, and with good reason! It consists of toast with butter and kaya (coconut jam), and is served alongside coffee and soft-boiled eggs (that you eat by using the buttered toast). Breakfast of champions, right?

🍢 Satay — a dish originally from Indonesia, satay is the must-try of every Singapore street food connoisseur. Sticky, savory, and fulfilling — satay is skewered grilled meat that is usually served with peanut sauce. We will not go into detail about how many of these things we’ve consumed during our Singapore travels… One word of advice: Pick a food stand that has a line, that way you know it’s good!

🥘 Chai Tow Kway — also known as carrot cake, this dish, surprisingly, doesn’t have any carrots in it (and it’s also not a cake, bamboozled again!)! They say that the words used in the name can mean both carrot and radish, so here you go: It’s a delicious salty radish stir-fry with eggs and garlic (vampires, you’ve been warned!).

🍛 Hainanese Chicken Rice — usually considered a national dish of Singapore, this piece-de-resistance (a main dish, in other words) is a must when you’re traveling to the Lion City. Comprised, pretty self-explanatorily, of chicken and rice (with a curry sauce on the side), this dish might seem bland to some — but don’t forgo the aforementioned spicy curry sauce, it’s the key that connects all the ingredients in a one flavorful meal.

🦀 Chili Crab — one of our personal favorite things to get in Singapore. The dish is pretty simple: It’s a crab that is cooked in a tomato and chili base, but the flavor is so rich and complex you would think it has some magical dust in it. Don’t forget to get fried mantou bread to mop up the yummy sauce — after all, even Italians think that scarpetta (the art of using pieces of bread to eat the pasta sauce) is the best part of every meal!

Never leave your kids behind

Most parents planning their yearly vacation wonder how to travel to Singapore with children and if it is a good idea in general. To address all of your concerns: Singapore is a very kid-friendly city, so pack your little ones and head on over here!

Part of what makes Singapore so great for family travel is the fact that it's a year-round tropical destination, with great infrastructure. It’s also a pretty safe space, too! All in all, there are fewer things to worry about when planning your trip here.

However, the main reason for Singapore being so popular with travelers with children in tow is the myriad of fun entertainment options available in the city. Having been transformed from a concrete jungle into a literal garden paradise in the last years (hence the nickname Garden City), Singapore’s gardens provide endless fun opportunities for younglings.

And don’t forget about Sentosa Island — the ultimate family getaway in Singapore! With well-maintained beaches, world-renowned entertainment options (we see you, Universal Studios) and very kid-friendly resorts it would be a shame not to take the opportunity of a nice family vacation by the horns.

What to do in Singapore if you’re traveling with children on a budget? You would be surprised at how many free things you can take part in, given the fact that Singapore itself is quite an expensive city. Get ready to feel up your itineraries to the brim by reading our article about free family-centric things to do in Singapore.

Changi Airport — a destination in itself

Changi Airport has become so visceral to an overall Singapore experience that it's one of the first things that come up when you google “What is Singapore known for”. Why is that? Well, the building and the amenities that make up the whole infrastructure of the otherwise terribly liminal space create a warm, welcoming atmosphere and get you primed up for a top-notch Singapore adventure.

There’s no denying it: Changi Airport is a work of art. With the recent addition of Jewel — a unique space that is home to green areas like Shiseido Forest Valley and Canopy Park (we know, Singapore maintains its Garden City status for every visitor the moment they land here), the place has been entirely transformed. The star of the Jewel’s very own show is, of course, the Rain Vortex — world’s tallest artificial indoor waterfall, a marvelous engineering feat and a place to come and relax your senses during a layover.

Speaking of layovers, if you have one that is shorter than 24 hours and longer than 5.5 hours, you might be eligible for a free Singapore city tour organized by the airport itself! It’s a pretty unique opportunity, and there are a lot of things to keep in mind (like how you can only leave the airport once, or keeping to the tours’ timetables), but if you’re up for a free experience, this is the one to try out!

After exploring what most call one of the world’s best airports, it’s time to head on over to Singapore’s Downtown! No need to scramble and run around like a chicken with its head cut off: The highly reliable MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) will get you to the city center nice and easy in one hour or less for a humble price of 2.5 SGD ($2). If you have a lot of luggage or just want even higher comfort levels, then taxi should be your transportation choice. In Singapore, the most trusted taxi service is Grab. To put some numbers to the name, our ride from Changi Airport to Chinatown cost us 20 SGD ($15) and lasted only 15-20 minutes. As easy as they come!

Singapore is easy to get around in

Another point that always worries first-time country visitors and one of the things to know before visiting Singapore is how to plan your transportation options. We’re here to tell you that you will not run into any troubles when using Singapore’s public transport (that is, unless you plan on bringing durian into the metro, but more on this later). It’s easy to use, relatively cheap, convenient, and, most importantly, clean.

• Before we get into the whole public transport thing, you must know that Singapore is an extremely walkable city, where pedestrians are treated with respect. The majority of tourist landmarks are grouped together in a relatively compact area, so there’s really no need to hop on a bus unless you want to explore the more isolated parts of the city.

Singapore’s metro and bus systems are extremely developed, so you can use them to go to virtually every corner of the country (even the somewhat distant Sentosa Island is easily reachable by bus). You can purchase EZ-Link card (12 SGD/$9) to save some cash on public transport if you plan on using it a lot. Personally, we believe that if you have a limited amount of time in Singapore, it’s not really necessary. The aforementioned Grab is a great alternative to taking public transport in Singapore, especially when you’re in a time crunch.

Another great way to see Singapore’s main sites without doing too much walking is a hop-on hop-off bus. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery!

There are some weird laws here

As you might’ve guessed from the title, there are quite a few laws to know before visiting Singapore. Some of them (like no littering or jaywalking) can be naturally understood by a foreigner, while others (like saying no to chewing gum) might seem crazy and outrageous.

We feel terrible about lessening the shock value that many websites put into listing the minor offences one might unknowingly commit in Singapore and the horrible ways this person might get persecuted, but the truth is — nothing is that cut and dry in Singapore. The laws are much more lenient than the internet makes them out to be, but still, it’s nice to be prepared.

Let us give you an example of things not to do in Singapore and why (and how strict) they are enforced:

• The chewing gum thing: Singapore officials do everything in their power to keep the city as clean as possible, and that means eradicating gum. Do not start sweating profusely if you’re already on your way to Singapore and have a few packs of gum in your carry-on. You can expect a fine if you spit your gum out on the street or stick it somewhere it doesn’t belong, but no respectable police officer will go around looking into tourists’ mouths in search of a chewing ban offender. However, it’s true that you won’t be able to buy ordinary gum in Singapore, apart from the ones that have medicinal uses.
• Do not sing obscene songs in public: The law clearly states that a person might get fined if their singing is a nuisance to others, but how exactly it’s enforced is a mystery. To stay on the cautious side of things, we recommend you singing that “WAP” song in your head only while in Singapore.
• Do not bring durian fruit on the metro (and in general, do not eat and drink on public transportation): This one is pretty self-explanatory, durian is a foul-smelling fruit and we doubt other passengers will appreciate the aroma. As for the no drinking or eating, this rule was also put in place to upkeep the cleanliness on the public transport in Singapore, so wait a few minutes and eat that granola bar as you leave the MRT station.
• Do not walk around naked inside: This rule isn’t some Big Brother type thing, nobody’s watching you on a secret camera inside your hotel room (at least we hope not). The rule comes as a combo on banning pornography, so you can get fined only if you are naked inside your house and other people can see it from your window. Keep those shorts on, and undress with the blinds drawn.
• Do not urinate in the elevator: We’re pretty sure you weren’t going to, but still, this one will be the most humiliating law to break. Every elevator in Singapore is equipped with Urine Detection Device, which sounds pretty utopian in and of itself. Wait until you learn that the device traps the offender inside the elevator until the police shows up, and you’ve got yourself a nightmare scenario!

As for the things that you do need to take quite seriously when in Singapore, here they are as follows:

✔️ Do not litter.
✔️ Forget about jaywalking.
✔️ Don’t smoke in public places.
✔️ Do not use drugs (Singapore laws on drugs are one of the strictest ones in the world).
✔️ Do not drink in public areas from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day (there are also areas where you cannot drink out in public during an entire weekend, so be mindful of your alcohol consumption in general and double-check the rules of every establishment you go to).

Singapore isn’t just Marina Bay Sands

Even though we’ve mentioned before that Singapore can be successfully explored during a simple layover, it doesn’t mean the city has a shortage of tourist attractions. On the contrary, there are plenty of things to see in Singapore!

Singapore’s heritage neighborhoods are a worthwhile destination for every traveler:

✔️ Check out Chinatown’s colorful little side streets, pop into a hawker center (more on this later) for a filling and cheap meal, peek inside both Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple to see two drastically different (and spectacularly beautiful in their own ways) places of worship.
✔️ Then head on over to vibrant Little India, where a no less impressive Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple sits nestled between bright and vividly hued shophouses.
✔️ If you’ve still got gas in the tank, then Singapore’s Arab Quarter — Kampong Glam is calling your name with its own unique set of neighborhood characteristics (think textiles overload and Alladin-esque mosques).

Escape the scorching sun under the canopy of trees and other shrubbery: Fort Canning Park, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Gardens by the Bay, and other green spaces are a wonderful opportunity to relax in nature.

Stroll along the water and explore the hip and modern Quays: Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Robertson Quay are at your service. Look inside the newly restored warehouses that are now filled with trendy eateries and cool stores.

Spend a whole day in the Marina Bay area: Merlion Park with its mythical creature, Marina Bay Sands with its unique design and gorgeous views from the top, Helix Bridge and its DNA dorm, the durian-shaped Esplanade, lotus flower-inspired ArtScience Museum, and other landmarks of the area are worth visiting even if you only have a few hours in Singapore.

Make your way to Sentosa Island (more info on it further down, so keep reading) and spend a day filled with adventurous activities and leisuring.

Eat on a budget at hawker centers

If you’re traveling on a budget (we’ve already established that this can be quite tricky in the Lion City), then planning your eating out options is a must when organizing a trip. One of the more helpful things you need to know before visiting Singapore is the existence of hawker centers.

• What are hawker centers and how are they different form food courts? Well, the idea’s the same, the only real difference is that hawker centers are open-air establishments with no air conditioning that is usually reflected in the food prices. But not in quality, so don’t you worry, since some food stalls here are proud owners of a Michelin Star or a Michelin Bib Gourmand).

Contrary to popular belief, hawker centers aren’t exclusive to Singapore’s Chinatown: They can be found all over the city. The most trustworthy and the best reviewed food centers are the following: Amoy Food Centre, Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown Complex, Old Airport Road, Alexandra Village, Golden Mile, Havelock Road, and Tiong Bahru. You can be adventurous and pop into the ones that are not on the list, or you can use this map of tried-and-tested hawker centers and plan your meals according to your itinerary.

No matter which establishment you choose, Singapore’s street food is an amazing remedy to fend off jet lag and a great source of fuss-free and delicious meals at a great price. Personally, we love to get adventurous whenever we stumble upon a new hawker center, but if your eating habits require you steer clear of anything new and foreign, then you will still find a yummy meal to satisfy your hunger. After all, it can’t get more basic than chicken and rice now, can it?

Use every day in Singapore to the fullest

The oft-mentioned closeness of Singapore’s top attractions means that if you have only one day in the city, you’ll be able to explore the most notable landmarks without sacrificing any of the “big guns”. To help you plan your day-long stay in Singapore, we’ve created the ultimate 24-hour itinerary that can help you get a feel for what Singapore is really all about. Click here to learn how you can explore Marina Bay area and a few of the wonderful heritage neighborhoods in neighborhood and have a lot of fun in the process.

Of course, one of the more interesting things about Singapore is that it’s one of the world’s few city-states (very much like Monaco and Vatican City). If you want to find out more about the city and dig deeper into the landmarks that are not downtown-centric, then we recommend spending three to four days in Singapore. And, you’ve guessed it, we have a very detailed itinerary for your longer stay (spoiler alert: It involves hiking, treetop walking, and even visiting the zoo).

Man-made trees galore

One of the more iconic things to know before visiting Singapore is that the city seems to be the only place in the world where artificial trees gain more traction than real trees. What the hell are we talking about, you might wonder? We’re here to sing praises to Gardens’ by the Bay most notable attraction — Supertree Grove.

It looks exactly how it sounds: It’s a large open verdant hill with 12 giant supertrees huddled in a group. The trees are made out of steel boning, with live plants interlaced in the structure. The frayed ends of the trees shape them in an open flower form, thus inviting even more beauty into the overall appearance.

The constructions operate like real trees. Some of them are clad with solar panels, while other collect rain water for further irrigation of the live shrubbery climbing to the top of the structure. Hands down, Supertree Grove is one of the most picturesque spots in all of Singapore. The fact that the attraction is completely free to visit also adds to the allure of the feature.

At night, the grove comes alive with lights and music: There’re two daily shows coined the Garden Rhapsody happening within an hour of one another (at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. respectively). The whole experience is bizarre in all the best ways, and we highly encourage you not to miss it!

Hot tip: The best way to enjoy the show is by laying down on the grass beneath the trees. You just have to come a little earlier and claim your spot, as the hill fills up pretty fast come sundown.

Sentosa Island is the capital of fun and adventure

As you might have gathered by now, Sentosa Island is the place to go to relax, leisure, and have an absolute blast in the process. Contrary to popular belief, Sentosa Island has more to it that Universal Studios, although this theme park really takes the cake on the whole “having fun” part.

It’s pretty cool to learn that Sentosa Island, which is now synonymous with peace and tranquility, hasn’t always been the pinnacle of rest and relaxation. The area has a long standing history of being a meeting ground for pirates. Potential buried treasure aside, now Sentosa is home to a myriad of entertainment options (which is almost like striking gold when you’re bored enough).

Sentosa’s artificial beaches are at the top of the list of the greatest beaches in Singapore, hands down! There are three of them, and each one has some unique characteristic to offer to weary holidaymakers:

• Palawan Beach — our personal favorite Sentosa beach: Apart from the great infrastructure, it is also home to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia. It would be a shame to come all the way to Singapore and not pay a visit to such a unique attraction, that’s for sure!
• Siloso Beach — the biggest of the three, it’s the ultimate party beach: Whether you’re a party animal or an adrenaline seeker, this is the place to be, day or night.
• Tanjong Beach — the smallest and the most remote beach: Come here if you want some peaceful and quiet times, where there’s only you and the sound of the waves clashing on the shore.

Speaking of theme parks and waterparks:

Adventure Cove Waterpark — an amazing waterpark where you can spend a whole day without actually noticing the time passing. There’s even an opportunity to swim with little colorful fishies, what can be more amazing than that?

S.E.A. Aquarium — a unique place where you can learn everything there is to learn about marine life: Stingrays, sharks, sea jellies. They are so close you can touch them (thank God for the protective glass, at least in the case of sharks!)

Resorts World Sentosa Casino — a perfect chance to gamble or bet it all on red, Las Vegas-style. Just make sure that you have enough cash to return back to your home country!

Fort Siloso Skywalk — Speaking of viewpoints, there’s another great opportunity to watch the island from above, and that is taking a cable car ride. Make sure to read all about in our article here a scenic walkway leading up to the fort. The bridge is very tall, so we would encourage you sit this one out if you’re terrified of heights. The views from up there are worth the countless stairs you need to take to reach the top (don’t worry, there’s also an elevator you can use): You can admire the panorama of Siloso Beach and the neighboring resort. The walk is free, so it’s one of the great activities to do on Sentosa Island if you’re on a budget.

Can I just pop into Marina Bay Sands swimming pool?

Oh, if we had a nickel every time we came across this question. The short answer is no, but we feel the need to elaborate.

One of the more disappointing things to know before visiting Singapore is that the coveted opportunity to visit the infinity pool at the top of Marina Bay Sands Hotel is reserved to the hotel guests only. It’s a bummer, yes, because not everybody can afford to get a room at the hotel: The prices for rooms start at $500 per night!

The infinity pool, however, is everything it makes it out to be. Though at times crowded, the possibility of swimming in crystal clear waters at the top of one of the world’s most extravagant buildings is a selling point for most tourists.

Although there are stories online that describe people getting in while not staying at the hotel, their ways require a lot of lying and rule breaking. We wouldn’t recommend risking it in one of the stickiest (at least rule-wise) countries in the world.

Don’t worry though, if you are okay with sacrificing the swimming and tanning part, you can witness the same views that those hotel-room-key-bearing lucky dogs do, and for free! While also including some deception, you can simply go up to the CÉ LA VI SkyBar (that is located virtually on the same level as the pool) at rush hour, take a few pics and leave. The waiters have too much going on at that point to also be spying on every bar visitor.

Not a fan of breaking the law? Simply buy an entrance ticket to the hotel’s SkyPark Observation Deck or change your course completely and pick another, more affordable hotel that has a rooftop pool with arresting views. Lucky for you, we have just the list of such hotels in our article here.

Is Singapore Pass worth it?

Let’s paint a picture. It’s your first trip to Singapore and you want to tick as many places from your travel bucket list as you can, but the admission fees add up fast and you want to find a way to save some of your budget.

That’s where Singapore Pass comes into play! Realistically, purchasing a pass not only saves you the hassle of booking each and every attraction separately, but it also is a great value for money. Depending on what places you add to your itinerary, you can save a significant chunk of money that can go towards eating out or buying souvenirs to bring home.

There are two types of passes in Singapore:

• Standard Singapore Pass — allows you to visit a set number of attractions from a pre-made list (ranging from 2 to 10 spots). The cheapest 2-choice pass starts at 86 SGD/$63 per person.
• All-Inclusive Pass — allows you to visit an unlimited amount of Singapore attractions (from a pre-made list of more than 40 places that includes all of the big guns (Universal Studious, Gardens by the Bay, Cable Car Round Trip, etc.) that would otherwise amount to a bigger sum) within a set number of days (ranging from 2 to 7 days). The cheapest 2-day option starts at 234 SGD/$172.

From what we’ve gathered, Standard Singapore Pass provides greater value if you plan on hitting very time-consuming attractions (like theme parks, zoos, lengthy city tours and the like).

An All-Inclusive Pass is great for travelers who do not have much time to spare in Singapore and who want to visit as many places as possible, and fast. If you hit four to five museums a day, and top it all of with a visit to Raffles Long Bar (a pass includes a complimentary drink, which alone otherwise would amount to more then 30 SGD/$22), the prices will add up quickly. You should also take into the account that the pass allows you to cut lines in a couple of places, so you will be saving not only money, but valuable time in Singapore.

Our favorite eateries (sans hawker centers)

While we’ve already mentioned a list of things to try while in Singapore and even gave you a rundown on the best value hawker centers in the city, we could not leave you without a small checklist of places we return to again and again during our every visit to the Lion City:

🥙 Komala Vilas Restaurant — authentic, Indian, and vegetarian, — if these descriptors make you hungry, you’ve come to the right place! We absolutely adore Indian cuisine for its compartmentalization: You construct your own perfect bite by fiddling around with all the little side dishes that usually accompany every main course. Are you a good chef? Come to Komala Vilas and find out!
🥙 Apiary — small-batch creamery with out-of-this-world delicious ice-cream. You can either play it safe and get a scoop of vanilla and a scoop of pistachio, but we encourage you to think outside the box, at least dessert-wise, and get a scoop of black sesame and a scoop of blue milk (a very Cookie Monster color palate, but the tastes are more delectable).
🥙 Toast Box — crispy toast with butter glistening in the sun and inky blackness of coffee soothing your very soul — Toast Box is everywhere in Singapore, which is exactly what you need for a little pick-me-up throughout the day.
🥙 Homeground Coffee Roasters and Common Man Coffee Roasters — two of our favorite coffee shops in Singapore, they are really top-level: The coffee, the sweet treats, the atmosphere, the nice baristas with a benevolent smile, — does it get better than that?
🥙 Papa Doble — a speakeasy-style bar that transports you back into the time of elegance: If you feel like dressing up to go drink your mandatory Singapore Sling, Papa Doble is exactly the place for it!

Coolest tours in Singapore

One of the more useful travel tips for first-time Singapore visitors, from our end, is bypassing your usual experience-booking platforms (like GetYourGuide and Viator) and going straight to Klook — this platform is most commonly used by Singaporean tour providers.

What to know before going to Singapore? Almost every activity (like tours with a guide or day passes to adventure parks) and service (like prepaid SIM card) can be booked through Klook. Here are a few of those things we suggest you check out as you plan your Singapore travel itinerary:

• A 40-minute river cruise on a traditional boat that starts from the colorful Clarke Quay and takes you on a journey with spectacular views of both new and historic Singapore developments.
• For people with a lot of extra energy to burn, look into Singapore bike tours where you can combine fitness and exploring the new city.
• While Singapore’s street art (the one allowed by the government, since graffiti in general is banned in Singapore) is a treat for the eyes and the soul, you cannot forget about the fine art that is exhibited at Singapore’s ArtScience Museum (the one that is shaped like a lotus flower). Grab a ticket and enjoy all the latest creative installments the museum has on show.
• Get an eSIM to always stay in touch.
• And don’t forget about meta-tailor-made activities, like a voucher for kaya toast made specifically for toast emergencies (that also makes for a great present for foodies traveling to Singapore).

Miscellaneous (but useful) facts

When it comes requirements for going to Singapore in 2023, travelers will be delighted to learn that all Covid protocols have been lifted. Now, the only thing you have to do is fill out a declaration for a SG Arrival Card (SGAC) up to three days before your arrival.

When it comes to cash in Singapore, you can easily do without. Singapore is a pretty cashless city. Still, to avoid unnecessary trips to an ATM, have a few bills on you: Some hawker stalls and smaller sellers might require cash.

You can drink tap water in Singapore without worry: The city has one of the most advanced water purification systems in the world, and it is routinely checked and upkept to a tee. Save your money on bottled water and drink straight from the tap!

Miscellaneous (and fun) facts

And how can we leave you hanging without mentioning at least a couple of interesting facts about Singapore that don’t serve any practical cause:

• Though usually considered a sport for the wealthy, golf is a pretty inexpensive activity here in Singapore, so pack your Tory Burch golf dress, a visor, and your swankiest golf shoes on your trip to Singapore — they will be put to use right away!
• You know that French pastry chef that is famous on Instagram and TikTok for creating giant batches of realistic-looking dessert (think a peach that is made out of peach pastry with peach jam and peach cream, that kind of thing), Cédric Grolet? Well, the master of patisserie is set to open another store in Singapore in September of 2023. Sweet toothers, rejoice! The line is guaranteed to be long (since there’s always a crowd outside his shops in Paris and London), but oh man, the wait will be worth it, no question!

How many days are enough for Singapore? Our travel itinerary

Ah, the everlasting question of how many days is enough to visit Singapore! Throughout the article, we’ve been dropping hints here and there that you really don’t need that much time to explore what Singapore has to offer. The only thing that matters in making the decision about your trip’s length is how hectic do you want your days to be: Do you want to have a non-stop run-through of Singapore’s top sights in 24 hours or do you want to take your time and leisurely learn all the bits and pieces of what makes Singapore such an awesome city? After figuring out what pace will work best for you, you’ll be left with an answer to the question.

Things to know before traveling to Singapore: in conclusion

We hope that our complete Singapore travel guide helps you spend your time in the city enjoying yourself and not worrying about a thing: Virtually every question you can think of, we have the answers right here! Still, if you find yourself in some peculiar situation and don’t know the best way to go about it while on a trip to Singapore, feel free to leave your inquiry in the comments down below. We will be more than happy to help!