🌆 Marina Bay: The Future is Now
The Marina Bay area is the postcard image of modern Singapore.
- Gardens by the Bay: A 101-hectare fantasy land. The Supertree Grove is iconic (and free!), while the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories (ticketed) offer climate-controlled botanical wonders. Catch the Garden Rhapsody light show nightly.
- Marina Bay Sands: The ship-topped hotel that defines the skyline. Even if you don't stay there, you can visit the observation deck or have a drink at CÉ LA VI for breathtaking views.
- The Merlion: The mythical half-lion, half-fish symbol of Singapore. It spouts water into the bay and is the obligatory selfie spot.
🍜 Hawker Culture: UNESCO Heritage
Singapore's hawker culture is so unique it's on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- Chicken Rice: The national dish. Poached chicken served with fragrant rice and chili sauce. Tian Tian at Maxwell Food Centre is the most famous (thanks to Anthony Bourdain).
- Laksa: Spicy coconut noodle soup. 328 Katong Laksa is legendary.
- Satay: Skewered grilled meat. Head to Lau Pa Sat in the evening when they shut down the street ("Satay Street") for outdoor dining among the skyscrapers.
- Chili Crab: Messy, spicy, and delicious. Eat it with fried mantou buns to soak up the sauce.
🏛️ Cultural Enclaves
Singapore is a melting pot, and its ethnic neighborhoods are vibrant and distinct.
- Chinatown: Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a stunning four-story temple. The streets are lined with shophouses selling everything from souvenirs to traditional medicine.
- Little India: A riot of colors, scents, and sounds. Visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and shop at the 24-hour Mustafa Centre for literally anything you can imagine.
- Kampong Glam: The historic Malay-Muslim quarter. The golden-domed Sultan Mosque is the centerpiece. Haji Lane nearby is famous for colorful street art, hip cafes, and boutique shops.
🌳 The Green City
Despite the skyscrapers, nature is everywhere.
- Singapore Botanic Gardens: The city's other UNESCO site. It's a lush tropical oasis founded in 1859. The National Orchid Garden within it is spectacular.
- MacRitchie Reservoir: For a real jungle trek, try the Treetop Walk, a suspension bridge high in the rainforest canopy. Watch out for the monkeys!
- Sentosa Island: The "State of Fun." Home to Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and man-made beaches. It's great for families.
💎 Hidden Gems
- Pulau Ubin: Take a bumboat to this rustic island to see what Singapore looked like in the 1960s. Rent a bike and explore the kampong (village) life and Chek Jawa wetlands.
- Tiong Bahru: A hip neighborhood with Art Deco architecture, independent bookstores, and cool bakeries.
- Jewel Changi Airport: It's a mall at the airport, but it's a destination in itself with the world's tallest indoor waterfall (the Rain Vortex). Don't miss it on your way in or out.
