From lush greenery to towering waterfalls, Singapore is one of those mind-blowing cities you can’t miss. The Southeast Asian city-state has it all – vibrant culture, stunning architecture, advanced technology, and ecological awareness that any country would envy. When it comes to travel experiences, Singapore promises a unique array of activities that you can’t experience anywhere else – perfectly blending the ancient with the modern. Gear up for an unforgettable adventure with this one week Singapore travel guide!
Table of Contents
What to Expect in Singapore
Language:
As a cultural melting pot, Singapore has four official languages: Malay, Tamil, Mandarin, and English. However, English is widely spoken by the country’s population. You’ll find the road signs, menus, stores, and other places have English translations displayed.
Weather Conditions and Best Time to Visit:
Singapore boasts a consistent tropical climate, with hot and humid weather year round. Definitely be sure to pack light and breathable clothing, as you will sweat! Generally, February to April is considered the dry season with lower humidity levels and less rainfall. However, the weather is unpredictable and you may still encounter pop-up showers that are relatively short-lived. Bring your umbrella!
Currency:
Singapore’s official currency is the Singapore Dollar, notated as SGD. As of writing this article, 1 SGD = 0.743605 USD. Be sure to have cash on-hand for local markets and small food stalls.
How to Get Around in Singapore
Getting around in Singapore is a breeze, thanks to its simple and affordable transportation options! Most neighborhoods are easily explored by walking. The Singapore MRT, a rapid transit train system, spans the city. With convenient payment options like Apple Wallet or an MRT card, commuting is seamless and cost-effective. If you’d prefer to take a car, the Grab app provides an easy way to hail rideshares and taxis at affordable rates (it’s the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber!).
Where to Stay in Singapore
The Singapore EDITION
The first ever EDITION property in Southeast Asia is an absolute dream! Singapore EDITION is a newly-opened escape that prides itself on immaculate interior design and wellness-forward amenities. This stay offers a stunning rooftop pool, a conservatory-like lobby adorned in hundreds of real plants, the chain’s famous spiral staircase, and more. Enjoy the on-site spa with a hot tub and sauna – available to all guests, regardless if you’re scheduled for a treatment. A speakeasy, called The Punch Room, accented in lush blue velvet. Grab a bite at the inventive FYSH restaurant, with dishes made exclusively with byproducts of… you guessed it, fish. And the breakfast table spread will have you springing out of bed each morning.
Things to Do in Singapore: Day 1
Enjoy the Singapore River Cruise
After the seemingly endless flight, try to resist the urge to crash into the hotel bed because you can see Singapore with ease on this first adventure. Book a relaxing cruise along the Singapore River and gaze at the Lion City’s iconic skyline while sailing. There is no better way to start your Singapore travel adventure than to revel in the magic sights of the city with a leisure boat trip and unveil its story, watching it transform from a fishing village into a futuristic metropolis.
See the Marina Bay Sands Light Show
Finish your first night by treating yourself to a feast for your eyes and ears. Get ready for Spectra – a free 15-minute show that lights up the Marina Bay Sands towers. Spectra combines water jets, shining lights, and colorful lasers orchestrated by sounds that will give you the chills from excitement. Watch the water dance to the rhythm of the music while flashy mist effects enhance the sensation even more. Be sure to show up early, though, because the viewing area gets crowded quite quickly!
Day 2
Explore Kampong Gelam
After getting a good night’s sleep and recharging your energy, it’s time to walk the historic lane of Singapore, Kampong Gelam. This hip neighborhood in Singapore’s tourist heart is filled with palm trees, shisha bars, and halal food restaurants. This part resembles a Middle Eastern movie set that is infatuated with sights and smells.
While strolling around the Muslim neighborhood, visit Singapore’s most significant and stunning mosque in the country – the Sultan Mosque, which will unquestionably amaze you with its exquisite golden dome. To get inspired by the style, there is nothing better than walking on Arab Street, where you can find carpet shops, indie boutiques, lamps and jewelry. On the other hand, you can get a taste of the hip Haji Lane as one of the narrowest streets in Singapore, which will amaze you with its vivid, iridescent murals, trendy fashion stores, and cute and quirky cafes.
Eat at Lau Pa Sat Hawker Center
If you don’t want to drain your budget on food during your Singapore travel, the most affordable thing is to eat at some of the Hawker Centers that are scattered throughout different neighborhoods of Singapore. These food halls boasts hundreds of vendor stalls serving affordable and authentic food. Some of them are even Michelin-starred! Have your lunch break at the Lau Pa Sat Hawker Center, where you can taste the most fragrant laksa, a delicious bowl of soup dumplings, or a flavorful plate of chicken rice.
Visit Singapore Botanic Gardens
As one of the top places to visit in Singapore, the Botanic Gardens are the lungs of the city and are divided into several smaller ones with different themes or plant species. As you move from one area to another, the environment completely changes, giving a worthy escape from the bustle of downtown. Visit the National Orchid Garden section that showcases some of the most rare and vibrant species blooms. Don’t miss the healing garden, where aromatic herbs and medicinal plants show the therapeutic qualities of nature. This lush haven is a must-visit gem in the Lion City.
Sunset at Gardens by the Bay
Experience the glory of the golden hour like never before at Gardens By the Bay – a futuristic park mixing architecture, technology, and botany. Immerse yourself in an impressive jungle in the Cloud Forest, a mist-filled oasis of waterfalls and rare plants under a glass dome.
But the superstar of this mesmerizing place is the Supertree Grove, which is made of surreal structures that simulate real trees brimming with plants. When the night falls, the trees come to life by illuminating with a musical and visual Garden Rhapsody light show at 7:45 and 8:45pm! This spectacle has the Supertrees sparkling like disco balls! The best part is that it’s FREE.
Pro Tip: For the best view, grab tickets for the OCBC Skyway to watch the show on the aerial walkway.
Dinner at High House
Have your last meal for the day served with a panoramic view on the side. Dining at High House will take you on a gastronomic journey with aromatic flavors of the Pacific Coast. Don’t miss the Indonesian-Style Chicken Noodles with dumplings, lava egg, bok choy, and homemade sambal.
Cocktails at 1 Arden
Before calling it a night, make a nightcap stop at 1 Arden and finish your day full of impressions with a signature cocktail (or two) in a vibrant atmosphere with a spectacular Singapore skyline view. While it’s usually closed after dark, there’s also a public garden perched on the roof. On the opposite side of the building, your view of the skyline stretches out to Malaysian and Indonesian islands.
Day 3
Beach Day on Sentosa Island
Let yourself enjoy a full beach day and visit Singapore’s vibrant playground, known as Sentosa Island.
Palawan Beach
At Palawan Beach, you will get the feeling you are vacationing on a tropical island with a turquoise lagoon luring you to go swimming. It also has a picturesque rope bridge leading to the islet that is the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia. The area provides many fun-inspiring activities for adults and children, like a water playground, infinity pool, mini golf course, and many more.
+12 Beach Club
If you are down for some exclusive beach lounging, you’ll love the luxe vibes of +12 Beach Club. With terraced cabanas, a swim-up bar, and glass infinity pool, this exclusive club is the perfect place to spend the day. Bonus points for riding the unicorn float!
SkyHelix
Another thrilling thing to do in Singapore is ride the panoramic SkyHelix, the country’s highest open-air panoramic ride. This gondola rises up to 230 feet off the ground, while gently rotating so you can get a bird’s-eye view of the city and marina below.
Mount Faber Cable Car Ride
Soak up your Singapore travel experience from high above and take a cable car ride to see the city’s skyline charm.
Universal Studios Singapore
Get lost in the Universal Studios theme park and buckle up for thrilling rides and interactive shows where you can meet and greet your favorite movie characters.
Skyluge
If you’re down for an adrenaline rush, riding the Skyline Luge’s exciting tracks, tunnels and slopes will get your blood pumping. You’re in total control of your speed, so it’s perfectly safe for both children (above the age of 6) and adults. The magical rainforest surrounding it is only the icing on the cake.
Day 4
Zoom Around on a Vespa Tour
Take your classic sightseeing tour to new heights with a Vespa sidecar tour! Hop in the sidecar of a vintage Vespa – and, with a local as your guide, you’ll zoom past iconic sites that show the splendor and history of Singapore.
Explore Little India
Little India is one of the most authentic places to visit in Singapore as you’ll truly feel that you’ve hopped to a different country. Explore its characteristic colorful architecture, Indian shops and restaurants, and bustling markets. A visit to the Tekka Market will fill your bellies without burning your pocket. Be sure to grab a loaded plate of spicy chicken biryani!
Pay a visit to the eye-catching House of Tan Teng Niah, which will impress you with its vibrancy. Walk down Buffalo Road and be welcomed by fresh fruit stands and blooming flower garlands. Venture into this lively enclave and let the colors, flavors, and energy of Little India charm you.
Explore Chinatown
Make a culture switch and visit Singapore’s Chinatown! The neighborhood perfectly depicts the Chinese character: distinctive architecture portrayed with the beautiful Buddha Tooth Temple, red lantern decorations, and the aromatic Chinatown Complex Food Centre, where you can stop for lunch.
Sunset Cocktails at Ce La Vi
Experience Singapore’s sunset at Ce La Vi, perched on the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands. The SkyBar offers unparalleled views, as the perfect spot to unwind while the sun paints the sky.
Late Dinner at Synthesis
Stop by for a late dinner at Synthesis, a restaurant inspired by traditional Chinese medicine. On the outside, you’ll see a fake storefront that mirrors an ancient market. But behind the hidden door, be transported into a swanky dining room with gold, black, and red accents. The cuisine draws from local dishes, with a modern twist that bursts with flavor. Don’t skip out on these stand-out dishes:
- Chicken On a Stick with Sichuan Spice, Garlic Chips, and Chives
- Australian Wagyu Striploin with Homemade Mash, Broccolini, and White Pepper Cream Sauce
- Kim Jio Traditional Banana Cake, Goreng Pisang Gelato and Crispy Fritter
Day 5
Explore the Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Diversify your Singapore travel experience by dedicating a day to wildlife spotting at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
Bird Paradise
Don’t miss out on Asia’s largest bird park at Bird Paradise, where you can see all your favorite winged friends, from flamingos to penguins.
River Wonders
River Wonders is another must-stop place at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve that will take you on the banks of the Amazon and introduce you to river otters, jaguars, and Brazilian tapirs.
Night Safari
Embark on a unique adventure on the Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. Explore moonlit landscapes and over 900 creatures! A 30-minute tram ride transports you through habitats ranging from the Himalayan foothills to the jungles of Southeast Asia, all while learning about wildlife conservation.
Dinner at Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar
Have a dinner at the elegant Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar to taste the Asian-European match made in heaven. Its open kitchen will give you a glimpse into the cooking process and let you savor mouthwatering dishes where creativity excels.
Day 6
Explore Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is one of the most iconic places to visit in Singapore – and it doesn’t hurt that it’s Instagrammable, too. Explore paved trails, botanical gardens, an open-air theater, a charming hotel, and several historical points of interest. Here, you will be able to discover more about Singapore’s history and culture. One of the most visited points of interest is the Fort Canning Park Tree Tunnel – amazing tubular stairs where everyone goes to get the perfect photo. If you need to up your photo game, this place is worth the wait!
Dinner at Maxwell Hawker Center
Maxwell Food Centre is a hawker located in Chinatown where you can try local and street food at a low price. There are dozens of stalls where they sell typical dishes. Despite the flow of people and the number of dishes they make, the food is of excellent quality. No surprise, this hawker is always so full, so it is likely that it will be a little tricky for you to find a spot to sit if you arrive at rush hour.
DIY Cocktail Crawl
Did you know that Singapore is the cocktail capital of Asia? So why not save an afternoon of your Singapore travels for a cocktail crawl? The Chinatown area is full of bars within walking distance of each other. My recommendations are:
- Native Bar: warm atmosphere with wooden decor where signature and classic cocktails will make you come for more. It snags a rightful place on the list of the Top 50 bars in Asia.
- Brooklyn: The cozy interior has details that pay homage to the Brooklyn Bridge and hip-hop culture.
- Jigger & Pony: sip innovative interpretations of the classics while lounging in sophisticated ambiance.
Day 7
Spend the Day in Jewel Changi Airport
Regardless of what time your flight back is, spending a day in Jewel Changi Airport is a day well spent. Inside, three of the experiences that Singaporeans are most passionate about are combined: nature, entertainment, and shopping. In the hollow space inside Jewel, there is a dazzling park, while on the sides and lower floors of the building, there’s a large shopping center.
The Rain Vortex
The most recognized element of the Jewel is the Rain Vortex, which is a 40-meter-high waterfall that falls from the top of the dome and cascades until it plunges underground. The falling water creates a mesmerizing spectacle that simply puts you in awe! Around the falls is a terraced forest garden with edge walks that you can explore. At night, the Rain Vortex illuminates, changing colors with a light and sound show projected on the water curtain.
The Canopy Park
Entertainment is situated at level 5 where the Canopy Park awaits you with various attractions as a series of slides with futuristic design (Discovery Slides), a garden with several silts whose terrain emanates artificial fog at irregular intervals (Foggy Bowls), a small garden where flowers from all over the world are presented (Petal Garden) and another garden made up of animal sculptures created with plant elements and flowers (Topiary Walk). For the bold at heart, stroll over the Walking Nets suspended stories over the mall grounds. These are all ticketed attractions.
Natureland Reflexology Center
At this airport, you can even find a spa, which makes it the place to visit in Singapore. Whether you need a back massage after a long flight or a simple foot massage after a long day of exploring the city, Natureland Reflexology Center will treat you well.
This 7-day journey through Singapore allows you to truly experience the city’s blend of tradition and innovation. From the vibrant streets of Kampong Gelam and the historic charm of Chinatown to the futuristic wonders of Gardens by the Bay and Jewel Changi Airport, every day unfolds a new adventure! Immerse yourself in the flavors of local cuisine, the thrill of wildlife encounters, and the magic of manmade wonders. As you explore the Lion City’s diverse neighborhoods and indulge in unique experiences, the memories made will last forever. Enjoy your travels to Singapore!
