Singapore packs a lot into a small island: futuristic gardens, a dramatic skyline, colorful heritage neighborhoods, beaches and theme parks on Sentosa, and one of the world's great street food scenes. It is safe, spotless, and easy to get around, which makes it a perfect first stop in Asia. This Singapore travel guide covers the best time to visit, the top attractions, neighborhoods, hawker centers, and the essential tips first-timers need.
Best Time to Visit Singapore
Singapore lies just north of the equator, so it is hot and humid all year, with highs of around 31 to 32°C and lows of around 25°C. Rain can fall at any time, usually as short, heavy afternoon showers.
- February to April: Best weather. These are usually the driest and sunniest months, great for outdoor sights such as Gardens by the Bay.
- November to February: Festivals. Christmas lights on Orchard Road, Deepavali in Little India (usually October or November), and Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown. Expect bigger crowds and higher prices, and note that some shops close for the first days of Lunar New Year.
- September or October: Formula 1. The Singapore Grand Prix night race transforms Marina Bay. It is exciting for fans, but hotel prices rise sharply that weekend.
- November to January: Wettest months. The northeast monsoon brings more frequent rain, though rarely all day.
Top Things to Do in Singapore
Gardens by the Bay
This huge waterfront park is home to the Supertree Grove, giant tree-like structures covered in plants. The outdoor gardens are free, while the Flower Dome, the Cloud Forest with its indoor waterfall, and the OCBC Skyway need tickets. Don't miss Garden Rhapsody, the free light and music show at the Supertrees every evening.
Marina Bay and the Merlion
The Merlion, a statue with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, spouts water into Marina Bay opposite Marina Bay Sands. Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and come back in the evening for Spectra, the free light and water show on the promenade in front of Marina Bay Sands.
Sentosa
Sentosa is Singapore's resort island, with beaches, Universal Studios Singapore, the S.E.A. Aquarium, and adventure parks. Ride the cable car for views over the harbor, try water sports at Siloso Beach, or relax at quieter Tanjong Beach.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore's only UNESCO World Heritage Site is a lush, peaceful park with lakes, rainforest, and thousands of tropical plants. Entry is free, except for the National Orchid Garden, which displays more than 1,000 orchid species and hybrids.
Jewel Changi Airport
Even if you are only passing through, Jewel at Changi Airport is worth a visit for the Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall, surrounded by a terraced forest. Planning a stopover? Read our Singapore transit guide.
Best Neighborhoods in Singapore
- Marina Bay: The modern heart of the city, with the skyline, Gardens by the Bay, and the ArtScience Museum. It is expensive but central.
- Chinatown: Temples, including the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple, heritage shophouses, and great hawker food.
- Little India: Colorful shophouses, spice shops, flower garland stalls, and the ornate Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.
- Kampong Glam: The golden-domed Sultan Mosque, the murals and boutiques of Haji Lane, and Malay and Middle Eastern restaurants.
- Tiong Bahru: One of Singapore's oldest housing estates, with Art Deco buildings, indie cafés, a famous market, and murals by local artist Yip Yew Chong.
Hawker Centers: Where and What to Eat
Singapore's hawker culture, recognized by UNESCO, is the best way to eat well for little money. Hawker centers are covered food courts with dozens of stalls serving Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan dishes.
Hawker Centers to Try
- Maxwell Food Centre: In Chinatown, famous for Hainanese chicken rice.
- Chinatown Complex Food Centre: One of the largest hawker centers, with more than 200 stalls.
- Tekka Centre: Next to Little India MRT, great for Indian food and vegetarian options.
- Lau Pa Sat: A historic market in the financial district, with satay stalls on the street in the evening.
Dishes to Try
- Hainanese chicken rice: Poached chicken with rice cooked in chicken stock, Singapore's unofficial national dish.
- Chili crab: Crab in a sweet, spicy tomato and chili sauce, eaten with fried buns.
- Laksa: Noodles in a rich, spicy coconut curry broth.
- Kaya toast: Toast with coconut jam and butter, served with soft-boiled eggs and kopi (local coffee) for breakfast.
Many stalls now accept QR payments, but some still take cash only, so carry some small notes. To save a table, locals "chope" it by leaving a packet of tissues on it. Return your tray when you finish.
Essential Singapore Travel Tips
- SG Arrival Card: All visitors must submit the free SG Arrival Card on the official ICA website or the MyICA app within three days before arrival. Avoid unofficial sites that charge a fee.
- Strict laws: Importing chewing gum and possessing or using vapes are illegal, with heavy penalties for vapes. Littering, smoking in non-designated areas, and jaywalking can also lead to fines.
- Getting around: The MRT and buses are fast and cheap. Tap in and out with a contactless bank card or your phone. Grab and Gojek are used for taxis and rides.
- Money: The currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD). Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is not expected, as most restaurants add a 10% service charge.
- Heat and rain: Wear light clothing, drink plenty of water, and carry a small umbrella. Bring a light layer for chilly air-conditioned malls and trains.
- Plugs: Type G plugs, 230 V.
Short on time? Follow our first-time Singapore itinerary.
Stay Connected in Singapore
Mobile data makes it easy to navigate the MRT, book a Grab, and find the best hawker stalls. An egoViet Singapore eSIM installs before you fly and connects as soon as you land at Changi. Compare options in our Singapore eSIM guide, or choose a Southeast Asia eSIM if you are continuing to Malaysia, Thailand, or Indonesia.
FAQs: Singapore Travel Guide
How many days do you need in Singapore?
Three to four days is enough to see the main sights, neighborhoods, and Sentosa at a comfortable pace.
Is tipping expected in Singapore?
No. Most restaurants add a 10% service charge, and tipping is not expected at hawker centers.
Are foreign cards accepted in Singapore?
Yes, foreign cards are widely accepted, including for tapping in on the MRT and buses. Some hawker stalls only accept cash.
Is chewing gum illegal in Singapore?
Importing and selling chewing gum is banned, apart from approved medical gum. Don't pack it in your luggage.