Singapore is a densely packed city with so much to offer. You can find one of Asia’s most popular destinations just off the Southern Coast of Malaysia. Many tourists stop off here on the way to Indonesia, having a little city break before relaxing by the beach.

With so much to offer to make the most of your time, there are a few things it’s important to know before you go to Singapore. No matter how long you stay in Singapore, it is a world of firsts on its own and can be overwhelming. So are you ready to learn all about this exotic and vibrant city? 

I love to make a plan, especially when I’m on a city break as you can fit a lot more quickly. Singapore offers many attractions, so planning your itinerary will help you make the most of your time. I always separate them from what I have to do, and what would be nice to explore. 

I then book whatever  is on the “must do” list in advance to ensure I’m not disappointed. The “it would be nice” section acts as a backup incase there’s a cancellation or I have extra time so I always have an option to visit. If you want to book anything check out the Get Your Guide link below to secure tickets and help support the blog.

In my opinion the fastest and most enjoyable way to learn about a country is through its food. When you visit Singapore yourself make sure you embrace the local food culture. Singapore has Hawker Centers, an often open-air complex that has become a melting pot of cuisines for your tastebuds to explore. Here you can find everything from traditional dishes that are beloved by locals, as well as a taste from home with some of your own favourites. 

Of course as you explore Singapore you will find everything from incredible street food to Michelin-starred restaurants such as National Kitchen and Gemma. You can and absolutely should check out the Michelin guide for all of Singapore’s award winning eateries. But don’t neglect the chance to find a culinary secret on the streets of Singapore. Singapore is a foodies paradise, and exploring the diving head (or mouth) first into it is a must for any visitor.

Saving money is always a positive when you travel. The more you save the more you can spend on food, excursions, or even your next trip. If you purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass or City Pass you can get access to all sorts of attractions and museums. If you plan to visit a few of these it works out cheaper and you can get priority entry saving you time too. You can purchase your city pass with Get Your Guide below saving you up to 50% on individual tickets.

The Marina Bay Sands Skypark is an icon on Singapore’s skyline. You can actually climb up this icon to take in breathtaking panoramic views across the city. At 57 floors up this isn’t a place for those with a fear of heights, but if you’re willing to brave it you will be rewarded with unobstructed views. Naturally, this makes it a popular spot for photos.

Tickets can sell out quickly so you should book in advance. If you go during the evening you can see a sunset that rivals the one found on K’Gari. If there’s anything I would insist on going to in Singapore, then this is it. So book your tickets in advance so you don’t miss out!

Singapore hasn’t earned the title of “The Garden City” for nothing. The city has some incredible green areas and parks to visit. Perhaps the most famous of which is Singapore’s Garden by the Bay. A beautiful park where nature comes together with architecture to give you incredible views. But of course there are others that are free to enter and perfect for a sitting on the grass with a mid afternoon snack like Merlion Park.

One of the biggest attractions in Singapore is actually located in the Changi Airport. Known as the Jewel, this stunning shopping centre revolves around an artificial waterfall known as the “Rain Vortex”. It’s worth planning some extra time at the Airport to ensure you aren’t having to rush yourself to enjoy it and still make your flight on time. I unfortunately missed out on this opportunity myself as I didnt get there early enough on my first visit and on my return stopover my flight landed after closing. 

Singapore has amazing transport facilities and its Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) makes it a breeze to get across the city. Wherever you want to go the MRT makes it accessible for just about everyone, so all that’s left for you is to decide where you’re going. I’d recommend you save yourself time and money by purchasing a Singapore Tourist Pass. This gives you unlimited travel with a one-day pass for $10 SGD, two-day pass for $16 SGD or a three-day pass for $20 SGD.

Of course, you can’t always rely on public transport no matter how good it is. Sometimes you just want to head directly from A to B, either because it’s late, you’ve already had a long journey or you need to get somewhere sharp. Uber isn’t available in Singapore, but rest assured they have a local version! In Singapore, they use the app Grab to get around. It works more or less identical to Uber it’s just their approved version. 

I actually used Taxis a lot during my short time. I actually spent a lot of time using Taxis instead. It was just convenient as there was a rank nearly everywhere. They are actually really cheap to use, with the majority of my trips costing less than £5. The only two that were expensive were to and from the Nocturnal Safari. The return trip cost two thirds of my total £75 spent on taxis.

Singapore comes alive at night with vibrant nightlife options. Whatever you want to do, Singapore will cater to it. You can visit Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay, or Boat Quay for a range of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Each providing you ample opportunity to explore your choice of local food, drinks and party scenes. The National Cocktail of Singapore is called the Singapore Sling, so this is your opportunity to try an authentic one. 

If you want something more relaxed then did you know Singapore City offers the world’s first Nocturnal Wildlife Park? It’s not just us who like a night out. Many animals are nocturnal so naturally this is the best opportunity to see them at their most active. This Nighttime Safari is a twelve-time winner of Singapore’s Best Attraction and the first in the world of its kind. So it’s not an opportunity to be missed.

Take advantage of the free public Wi-Fi available in most tourist areas to stay connected, use maps, and share your experiences with friends and family. It can be frustrating though constantly searching for a new access point whenever you move. But with roaming charges so expensive nowadays it may be worth buying a local sim or even an eSim.

Buying an eSim in advance means you’re all prepped so the second you step off the plane you’re connected. It’s worth noting though that not all phones are compatible with eSims, so make sure you check.  I used Airolo to buy eSims whilst I travelled across Asia and it was really easy. Often I’d do it on my flight wifi so as soon as I landed I could switch it on and have no fear of roaming charges.

Lightweight breathable fabrics aren’t just for dedicated hikers. They come in incredibly handy when travelling too. Singapore can be a hot and humid country, so make sure you wear breathable clothing. I really like Uniqlo’s Airism range, they are affordable and come in easy-to-wear styles.

Equally, when it rains in Singapore it really comes down in storms. Often these can be over in a flash but a good rain jacket will ensure it doesn’t spoil your fun. I usually carry my Mac in a Sac Origin which you can read all about in my review here.

Those are my ten tips for Singapore. Got your own? I would love to hear it! Share and leave a comment below. Want to know more about Singapore? then check out my articles below for more about what Singapore has to offer.