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Singapore travel guide

Singapore

Basics

CountrySingapore

Time zoneAsia/Singapore

CurrencySGD

Official language(s)English

Public transport is well-developed, so using the MRT is convenient. Food can be enjoyed affordably and diversely at hawker centers.

Places to visit

Singapore Botanic Gardens

A UNESCO World Heritage tropical garden known for its orchid collections and expansive lawns.

Location1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569

Nearest stationBotanic Gardens

HoursDaily 05:00–00:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipGo early in the morning to avoid heat, and combine it with the National Orchid Garden.

Peranakan Museum

A museum focused on Peranakan culture in Singapore, with costumes, ceramics, and domestic objects.

Location39 Armenian St, Singapore 179941

Nearest stationBras Basah / City Hall

HoursDaily 10:00–19:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipEasy to combine with a walk around the Civic District and nearby museums.

Merlion Park

An iconic photo spot where you can see the Merlion statue with Marina Bay views.

Location1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213

Nearest stationRaffles Place / Bayfront

HoursOpen 24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipBest for photos at sunset or after dark when the bay skyline lights up.

National Gallery Singapore

A major museum housed in the former Supreme Court and City Hall, with strong collections of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art.

Location1 St Andrew's Rd, Singapore 178957

Nearest stationCity Hall

HoursDaily 10:00–19:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipPair it with other Civic District landmarks for a half-day visit.

Singapore Zoo

A zoo famous for its open-concept exhibits set in tropical rainforest. Animals are close to visitors, and there are many interactive programs, making it great for families.

Location80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826

Nearest stationKhatib (shuttle connection)

HoursDaily 08:30–18:00

AdmissionPaid admission for adults

Travel tipGo early in the morning because the heat can be intense later in the day.

ArtScience Museum

A museum known for futuristic exhibitions and immersive digital art. Its lotus-shaped architecture also makes it a popular photo spot.

Location10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956

Nearest stationBayfront

HoursDaily 10:00–19:00

AdmissionVaries by exhibition

Travel tipAllow half a day and combine it with Marina Bay Sands and the waterfront area.

Chinatown

A lively downtown district packed with temples, shophouses, food stalls, and souvenir stores. It offers a mix of night-market energy and historic architecture.

LocationPagoda Street, Chinatown, Singapore

Nearest stationChinatown

HoursDaily 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipVisit in the evening for a livelier street atmosphere and better photos.

National Museum of Singapore

An important space showcasing Singapore's history and culture.

Hours10:00 - 18:00

AdmissionS$15

Travel tipCheck exhibitions in advance!

ION Orchard

A luxury shopping destination in Singapore.

Hours10:00 - 22:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipEnjoy the design and brands!

Universal Studios Singapore

A famous theme park to enjoy in Singapore.

Hours10:00 - 20:00

AdmissionS$76

Travel tipPurchase tickets in advance!

Marina Bay Sands

An iconic hotel and casino in Singapore.

Hours09:00 - 22:00

AdmissionS$20

Travel tipEnjoy the city views from the observation deck.

Gardens by the Bay

One of Singapore's most beautiful gardens with diverse plants.

Hours05:00 - 02:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipDon't miss the Supertree views!

Food to try

Makansutra Gluttons Bay

An open-air hawker spot by Marina Bay, great for Singapore snacks and seafood dishes.

Location8 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039802

Nearest stationEsplanade / Promenade

HoursDaily 16:00–02:00

AdmissionAbout SGD 5–20 per item

Travel tipGood for sharing a few dishes while enjoying the bay atmosphere.

Maxwell Food Centre

A popular hawker centre known for chicken rice and a wide range of local dishes.

Location1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184

Nearest stationMaxwell / Tanjong Pagar

HoursDaily 08:00–22:00

AdmissionAbout SGD 4–12 per dish

Travel tipQueues can get long at lunch, so it’s smart to arrive a little early.

Chinatown Complex Food Centre

One of Singapore’s largest hawker centres, with many famous local stalls under one roof.

Location335 Smith St, Singapore 050335

Nearest stationChinatown

HoursDaily 08:00–22:00

AdmissionAbout SGD 3–15 per dish

Travel tipIf you have a specific stall in mind, go soon after opening or early for lunch.

JUMBO Seafood

A well-known seafood chain famous for Singapore chili crab.

Location20 Upper Circular Rd, #B1-48 The Riverwalk, Singapore 058416

Nearest stationClarke Quay

HoursDaily 11:30–15:00, 17:30–22:30

AdmissionAbout SGD 30–80 per person

Travel tipPortions are large, so it’s best to share several dishes with 2 or more people.

Lau Pa Sat

A historic hawker centre best known for its satay street. In the evening, the outdoor satay area becomes lively, making it great for a Singapore-style late-night meal.

Location18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582

Nearest stationRaffles Place

HoursGenerally 24 hours; varies by stall

AdmissionAbout SGD 8–20 per person

Travel tipThe evening satay street is especially popular, so arrive early to secure a seat.

Tiong Bahru Bakery

A popular bakery café loved by both locals and travelers. It is great for starting the day with croissants and coffee, and the neighborhood has a stylish atmosphere.

Location56 Eng Hoon Street, Singapore 160056

Nearest stationTiong Bahru

HoursGenerally morning to evening; varies by outlet

AdmissionAbout SGD 8–20 per person

Travel tipWeekend mornings can have long queues, so weekday visits are easier.

Chomp Chomp Food Centre

A night hawker centre especially popular with locals, famous for BBQ seafood and satay. It is a good choice if you want a more local atmosphere.

Location20 Kensington Park Road, Singapore 557269

Nearest stationSerangoon

HoursGenerally evening to late night; varies by stall

AdmissionAbout SGD 8–20 per person

Travel tipIt is busiest in the evening, so going around late-dinner time gives you the best atmosphere.

Din Tai Fung

Famous for its original Xiao Long Bao from Taiwan.

Hours11:00 - 22:00

AdmissionS$15 - S$30

Travel tipDon't miss the soft dumplings!

Events

Chinese New Year celebrations

Lunar New Year festivities across Singapore, with street decorations and cultural performances.

WhenAround January to February every year

Travel tipChinatown and mall decorations are especially impressive, so an evening walk is recommended.

Hungry Ghost Festival

A traditional event in the seventh lunar month, with performances and rituals in Chinese communities.

WhenAround August every year

Travel tipWatching temple-related activities and performances can offer a good glimpse into local beliefs and customs.

Chingay Parade

One of Singapore’s signature festivals, famous for multicultural performances and a colorful parade. The large-scale stage and street acts make it especially notable around the Lunar New Year period.

WhenAround Jan–Feb every year

LocationSingapore

HoursAround Jan–Feb every year

AdmissionTicket prices vary

Travel tipSeats can sell out quickly, so check official ticket announcements early.

Singapore Food Festival

A major food festival spotlighting Singapore’s culinary culture. Visitors can enjoy hawker heritage, traditional dishes, and modern interpretations of local food.

WhenAround Jul–Aug every year

LocationSingapore

HoursAround Jul–Aug every year

AdmissionFree to paid programs available

Travel tipPopular tastings and workshops fill up fast, so check reservation details early.

Singapore International Festival of Arts

An international performing arts festival featuring theatre, dance, music, and more. It is a great pick for travelers who want to experience Singapore’s creative culture scene.

WhenAround Jun–Jul every year

LocationSingapore

HoursAround Jun–Jul every year

AdmissionVaries by performance

Travel tipBecause the program is diverse, it helps to choose your preferred shows and book early.

Singapore Christmas Festival

A festival celebrating Christmas.

WhenAround December every year

Travel tipThe decorations and lights are beautiful!

Singapore National Day

A festival commemorating Singapore's independence.

WhenAround August every year

Travel tipLook forward to parades and fireworks!

Subway lines

LRT Sengkang Line (West Loop ↺)MRT Circle Line (Prince Edward Road → Dhoby Ghaut)MRT Downtown Line (Bukit Panjang → Expo)MRT East-West Line (Tuas Link → Pasir Ris)MRT Jurong Regional Line (Boon Lay → Bahar Junction → Peng Kang Hill)MRT North East Line (Harbourfront → Punggol Coast)MRT North-South Line (Marina South Pier → Jurong East)MRT Thomson–East Coast Line (Bayshore → Woodlands North)

Basic travel phrases (English)

Hello

Hello · Greeting

Thank you

Thank you · Thanks

Nice to meet you

Nice to meet you · Nice to meet you

Have a great day

Have a great day · Wishing a good day

Welcome

Welcome · Welcome

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