Singapore packs futuristic architecture, tropical gardens, multicultural neighbourhoods and some of the world’s best cheap food into a small, safe city-state. Hotels are expensive, but food and transport are good value. This guide covers the essentials and links to our detailed Singapore guides.
Top things to do in Singapore
- Gardens by the Bay has the Supertree Grove, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. See Gardens by the Bay tickets.
- Marina Bay means the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, the Merlion and the evening Spectra light show. See SkyPark tickets.
- Hawker centres such as Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat and Chinatown Complex serve Michelin-recognised food for a few dollars.
- Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam are temples, shophouses and markets, with three cultures within walking distance.
- Sentosa has beaches, cable cars and Universal Studios Singapore.
- Mandai is home to the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Bird Paradise.
- Jewel Changi has the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, right at the airport.
See all 20 best things to do in Singapore, or compare Singapore attraction tickets and tours.
Where to stay in Singapore
- Marina Bay is iconic views and luxury hotels, the priciest choice.
- Clarke Quay and the Riverside are central, with nightlife on the river.
- Chinatown is good value, with great food and MRT links.
- Bugis and Kampong Glam are cheaper hotels near the colourful Arab Street.
- Orchard Road is for shopping, with plenty of mid-range and big hotels.
- Sentosa is resorts for families and theme parks.
Read our full Singapore area guide, or check hotel prices in Singapore.
Getting around Singapore
The MRT and buses are clean, fast and cheap. Simply tap a contactless Visa or Mastercard, or your phone, at the gates (a small admin fee applies to foreign cards). Grab and taxis are affordable for short hops and late nights. Most of the centre is walkable, though the heat and humidity make air-conditioned MRT rides tempting.
Airport to the city
| Option (Changi → city) | Approx. cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| MRT (via Tanah Merah or Expo) | ~S$2–3 | 40–60 min |
| Metered taxi | S$25–45 + S$6–8 airport surcharge | ~30 min |
| Grab / ride-hailing | Similar to taxis | ~30 min |
| Airport shuttle (private car) | S$70–75 per car | ~30 min |
Taxi and shuttle fares are from Changi Airport. Full details are in Changi Airport to the city.
Best time to visit Singapore
Singapore is hot and humid all year (around 31–32°C). February to April is usually the driest and sunniest period. The northeast monsoon (roughly December–early March) brings heavier rain, and the southwest monsoon (June–September) brings occasional haze. The Formula 1 Grand Prix and Chinese New Year push prices up. Read the best time to visit Singapore.
Another Asian city break: Hong Kong is about 4 hours from Singapore by air. See our Hong Kong travel guide.
Crossing to Malaysia? Kuala Lumpur is about an hour away by plane. See our Kuala Lumpur travel guide and the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card you need before arrival.
Visa, entry and rules
Citizens of the US, UK, EU and Australia typically get 90 days visa-free, and many other nationalities get 30 days. All visitors must submit the free SG Arrival Card through the ICA website or the MyICA app before arrival. Avoid paid lookalike sites. Your passport needs 6 months’ validity. Singapore is strict: no chewing gum imports, no eating or drinking on the MRT, no smoking outside designated areas, and e-cigarettes are illegal. Get a Singapore eSIM and consider travel insurance.
Singapore guides
- 20 best things to do in Singapore
- Singapore itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Singapore
- Gardens by the Bay tickets and light show
- Marina Bay Sands SkyPark tickets
- Universal Studios Singapore tickets
- Changi Airport to the city
- Best time to visit Singapore
FAQ: Singapore travel
How many days do you need in Singapore?
Three days covers Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, the cultural districts and Sentosa. Add a fourth for Universal Studios or the zoo and Night Safari.
Is Singapore expensive?
Hotels and alcohol are expensive, but hawker food (S$4–8 a dish), public transport and many sights, like the Supertree light show, the Merlion and the temples, are cheap or free.
Is Singapore safe?
Yes. It’s one of the safest cities in the world. Just respect the strict local laws.
Do I need cash in Singapore?
Very little. Cards and mobile payments work almost everywhere. Some hawker stalls still prefer cash or local QR payments, so carry a small amount.
Plan your trip to Singapore
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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