The Best Things to See in Singapore

When it comes to finding the perfect eastern break away, Singapore frequently ends up at the top of many travelers’ lists. While it may not be as bustling as other cities, and may be one of the most highly-developed locations in the region, if you have the budget, the time, and the passport, there are tons of great reasons why Singapore should be near the top of your travel bucket list.

Singapore gains tons of attention among all its neighboring hotspots thanks to its stunning skyscrapers, clean, green zones, and luxury tourist experiences. Luxury, of course, does come at a price, but at the same time, there are lots of different ways to enjoy the city-state without breaking the bank.

We asked the SIMOVO team about the best things to see in Singapore, and we’re pleased to get back to you with a full list of itinerary ideas and travel tips to take advantage of right away. And, before you book those flights or hotel rooms, of course, you’ll need an eSIM for Singapore to keep your mobile data affordable and your smartphone ready to connect.

Why Singapore is worth visiting

Clean, meticulously designed, and something of a different take on Eastern travel given the hustle and bustle of some of its marvelous neighbors, Singapore is considered a great choice for anyone who’s new to exploring Eastern culture or who simply wants a gentle, easy holiday they can plan ahead with ease.

Singapore is an absolute feast for the eyes thanks to its abundant green spaces and waterside attractions. On top of that, it’s one of the safest cities on this side of the planet, meaning whether you’re traveling alone or in a group, you won’t have to worry too much about going out and about (that said, it’s always good practice to keep your valuables safe!).

Singapore blends gorgeous greenery with futuristic city planning, and it’s replete with multicultural neighborhoods, cuisines, and attractions designed to appeal to vacationers of all ages. It’s a must-visit whether you’re a family tripper or a foodie.

It’s all the more reason to make sure you check out our guide to the best Singapore apps, too. The last thing you’ll want is to get lost without a map, or even be stuck with nothing to do! The chances of the latter happening in Singapore are pretty slim, thankfully, but do take a look at our recommendations and get accustomed to the culture here before you jet off.

Best things to see in Singapore

Having talked things over with the SIMOVO crew, five things to see in Singapore came out top of the list above all others - Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, Little India, and Sentosa Island. We seriously recommend you add more to your own Singapore itinerary by checking out what regular visitors have to say on TripAdvisor and social media.

Here’s a quick breakdown of each of our recommendations so you can start making plans of your own.

Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is probably one of the first attractions people think of when Singapore is mentioned. It’s a hotel cluster/resort that’s world-famous for its incredible infinity pool overlooking the city beyond - you really won’t be able to experience this type of pool much higher up!

The resort is also famous for its fabulous array of creative cocktails, its SkyPark observation deck, and of course, its fantastic rooms and suites. You can’t get a better view of Singapore outside of Marina Bay Sands.

Gardens by the Bay

Singapore’s love of all things green is on prime display at Gardens by the Bay, a spectacular, towering collection of greenhouses, flower displays, artificial trees, and futuristic biodome designs. 

It’s easily one of the most popular attractions in the city for a reason, meaning it’s always a good idea to plan ahead if you want to beat the tourist rush. You’ll likely need a few hours to get around it all, and even then, we think you’ll want to come back!

Chinatown

Chinatown is one of Singapore’s more bustling sides, packed with traditional markets, stalls, and vendors, with a heavy lean on independent shopping. It’s well-known among tourists and locals for its huge murals, temples, and fascinating exhibits.

Chinatown allows you to take a step into a completely different side of Singapore, meaning if you’d like to mix up a busy day with a relaxing stroll through the gardens, you won’t have to travel too far.

Little India

Eye-poppingly colorful and packed to the brim with authentic Indian food and drink, Singapore’s Little India is another fantastic microcosm of culture that’s memorable and tasty. We seriously recommend you take a tour where possible - take a look out at the temples and the food center, and become one with the crowd!

Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is the place to head to if the beach is beckoning you. Great news, then, because Singapore has three of them! Beyond the sunbathing, you’ll be able to spot the city’s famous Merlion statue here, and enjoy family fun at Universal Studios.

The huge waterpark here is also well worth visiting Sentosa Island for alone, and there’s also a gorgeous golf course if teeing off is more your scene. It’s entirely possible you’ll want to spend a day or two out of your itinerary on Sentosa Island alone, and who could honestly blame you?

Best time to visit Singapore

Singapore is hot and humid, meaning it really makes sense to pack light clothing and think “breathable” regardless of when you aim to visit (though watch out for monsoon season!).

If you want to travel here when the weather and climate are at their driest, we’d recommend booking flights and accommodation any time between February and August. However, do be aware that the height of summer is likely to be busiest, meaning if you want to avoid the traditional tourist rush, stay home between June and July.

Springtime offers a nice balance in weather and crowd levels here, while heading here any time between September and early March will likely mean you get caught in the wet season. Rain falls all year round here, but avoid fall and winter if you really can’t handle the humidity.

We’d generally recommend picking a balance - early fall or late spring/early summer tend to offer a sweet spot of comfortable weather and reasonable hustle and bustle.

Singapore travel tips

Let’s close up our guide on things to see in Singapore with some must-do travel tips.

• Always make sure you have an eSIM for Asia (at least) ready to go - you don’t want to end up paying extra to roam with your home carrier!
• Respecting the city’s cleanliness and green spaces is paramount. Always pick up after yourself, even when you have finished eating at a self-serve restaurant.
• Check that all your devices are fitted and ready for the Singapore plug type (if you use UK tech, you won’t have to use an adapter).
• You won’t need to learn much lingo if you speak English, as it’s the main language used for business across the city.
• Staying in and enjoying Singapore can prove expensive, so make sure to check out free attractions to save money where you can.