Steeped in culture and brimming with world-class hotels, Michelin-starred street eats, a vibing nightlife and sun-kissed islands—Singapore is a destination that serves up something special for every kind of vacay.
Bucket list adventures aplenty, Singapore is worthy of so much more than just a few hours between flights. From a sneaky long weekend getaway to a fortnight spent exploring, we’ve got eight excellent reasons why you need to rework that itinerary and make Singapore part of your next dream holiday.
The World-Class Hotels
When it comes to luxury digs, no one in the world does it quite like Singapore. Unwind in decadent surroundings at the Mondrian or base yourself in the heart of the city at Artyzen. Artfully curated with lofty interiors, you can't miss a dip in their "floating pool", a cantilevered infinity pool with incredible views.
For endless glamour and incredible views of Marina Bay, check into the Fullerton Bay Hotel, while downtown you’ll find The Capitol Kempinski Hotel. Bursting with old-world charm and opulent furnishings. Craving an island escape? Check into the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island and treat yourself to the spa’s signature moon ritual.
The Next-Level Street Eats
There’s street eats, and then there’s Singapore’s street eats, where you can devour Michelin-rated dishes for just a few bucks. Get started at Amoy Street Food Centre with a local breakfast of kaya (coconut jam) toast and kopi (coffee) or tuck into a hearty bowl of fishball noodles from the third-gen institution Ah Ter Teochew Fishball Noodles.
Over at the Chinatown Complex, the traditional desserts at 115 Tang Shui are non-negotiable, as is the Hokkien mee from Hong Heng Fried Sotong Prawn Mee at the Tiong Bahru Market. Round out your foodie adventure at the Tekka Centre in Little India—you’ll dream about Allauddin’s Briyani for years to come.
The Sky-High Sips
If you like your cocktails with a side of jaw-dropping views, then slip into a plush booth at High House, Singapore’s tallest nightlife and dining spot. Marvel at the 360-degree views of the neon-soaked skyline, vibe out to live DJs, and work your way through the cocktail list—the Sticky Mango Highball is a winner. Sip bespoke tipples with floor-to-ceiling city views at MO Bar (ranked 8th in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022), while over at Level33 you’ll find the world’s highest microbrewery and a menu packed with beer-inspired eats.
Soak up the beauty of Singapore with a seat on the outdoor terrace at Southbridge, where you can throw back a plate of oysters and quaff champagne while scoring vistas of the Singapore River, Parliament buildings and Marina Bay Sands. And nothing says holiday vibes more than cocktails, tunes and a rooftop pool party—which is exactly what 1-Altitude Coast is serving up daily over on Sentosa Island.
The Bustling Cultural Quarters
A rich tapestry of cultures converging in one city, discover what makes Singapore so dynamic with a visit to Little India. A kaleidoscope of colour, it's home to historic temples, street art and vendors slinging spices. Once filled with coconut plantations, Katong-Joo Chiat is now a bustling enclave where you’ll discover the city’s Peranakan culture while filling up on the famous Katong Laksa.
Join the city’s cool kids over at Kampong Gelam where Malay heritage buildings sit snugly beside art galleries, trendy cafes and independent boutiques. Over in Chinatown, the only one in the world to house a Buddhist temple, mosque and Hindu temple along a single street—you’ll also find some of the city’s best restaurants and cocktail bars in one vibrant hood.
The Blissful Getaways
Just 30 minutes from the city centre lies Mandai Wildlife Reserve and its four award-winning wildlife parks, including Singapore Zoo (home to more than 300 species), Bird Paradise, Night Safari (the world’s first nocturnal zoo) and River Wonders, where you can cruise through the water and discover the magic of the Amazon.
Immerse yourself in Singapore’s green wonderland MacRitchie Reservoir, meandering amongst the forest canopy on the Treetop Walk, a 250-metre free-standing suspension bridge. Or spot local wildlife like crocodiles and giant mudskippers at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. For some much needed R&R, escape to Lazarus Island (a short ferry ride from Marina South Pier) where you can throw a towel down on sugar-white sand beaches and float in the water, or spend the night in an eco-friendly tiny house.
The Hidden Gems
Think you’ve seen and done all Singapore has to offer? Not even close! Head to 38 Prinsep Street and you’ll find a colourful but unassuming convenience store where—hidden behind a shelf lined with vintage knick-knacks—you'll find the entrance to Mama Diam, a speakeasy serving cocktails inspired by childhood treats.
Still thirsty? Sip a refreshing G’n’T at the Brass Lion Distillery, Singapore’s first standalone micro-distillery. You can also craft your very own bottle of gin with your chosen botanicals. And for one of the best meals of your life, feast on Zi Char (meaning ‘cook and fry’—a winning way to dish up chilli crab) at Keng Eng Kee—a local institution. For something extra special, escape to the tranquil island of Pulau Ubin for a window into Singapore's past, where you'll find an oasis of coastal forest, bike trails and lagoons.
The Decadent Fine Diners
Truthfully, Singapore's stacked dining scene alone makes this city worthy of a week-long sojourn, so make sure you arrive hungry for countless Michelin-star experiences. Take your tastebuds on a culinary journey at Labyrinth, an intimate venue that heroes local produce through classic Singapore dishes with a modern twist.
Indulge in a decadent seven-course tasting menu at Marguerite, where you’ll dine amongst lush greenery in a dreamy flower dome. The beautiful surroundings continue at Euphoria, housed in a pre-war shophouse with a canopy of foliage unfurling across the ceiling. Here you’ll want to linger, taking your time to savour the gastro-botanica set menu. And make sure you save some room for dinner at Candlenut, the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant.
The Party Spots
Singapore is famous for the fun that goes down after dark, so prepare for some core memories to be made with a night at Marquee—spanning 2,300 square metres and covering three floors, it’s a grown-up wonderland. There’s a roving line-up of internationally-acclaimed DJs, and an indoor ferris wheel, plus a three-storey slide that will send you straight to the d-floor.
Carve it up on the multi-level dance floor at Singapore’s longest-running club Zouk, and bliss out to underground beats and local musicians at Headquarters. Prefer to party by daylight? Grab your swimmers and make tracks to Tipsy Unicorn. This sprawling 500-seater venue is a party-goer's paradise on the sandy shores of Siloso Beach, with day beds, cabanas and a line-up of epic DJs.
Looking for even more reasons to stay longer than a stopover? Head over to Visit Singapore for all the best things to eat, drink and do on your next extended stayover.
Editor's note: This article is sponsored by Singapore Tourism and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
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