Are you thinking about visiting Singapore? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Singapore worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this city for two to seven days because of the many great activities. Singapore is a modern city-state with a mix of cultures and neighborhoods. There are many historic buildings tucked between modern high rises and green gardens. There's also a nice waterfront area with great restaurants and high energy. The city is a financial hub for the entire world, so you'll find many expats from many different countries living and working here. We first visited in the winter of 2011 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its diverse culture and cosmpolitan atmosphere. Singapore is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including VOGUE's Best Places to Travel in 2023.
Singapore
Reasons to Visit Singapore
Food
From local dives to five star restaurants, the city's food scene is all about diversity. Make sure you try Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Hokkien prawn mee.
Music
As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.
Resorts
From sleek high rises with rooftop pools to family-friendly resorts with kid oriented activities, this city has it all. Popular resorts include Oasia Resort Sentosa, Dusit Thani Laguna, and The Ritz-Carlton.
Shopping
You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.
Museums
The mix of cultures and unique history have led to museums and landmarks that mix historic and modern. The Merlion statue in Merlion Park has become a symbol of the city. For an educational experience, head to the Asian Civilizations Museum, and to see colonial architecture check out Fort Canning Park.
Nightlife
It's all about the glitzy nightclubs and exclusive cocktail bars. Head to Clarke Quay, Marina Bay Sands, or one of the many rooftop bars to experience the best of Singapore's nightlife. Do keep in mind that the city has a high alcohol tax, and strict rules around drinking in public places during certain hours.
Beaches
You'll find most of the area's best beaches on Sentosa Island. There's a 2 kilometer long artificial beach that is split into Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach.
The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Singapore might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Singapore here or see if Singapore is expensive here.
Related
What is Singapore most famous for?
Singapore is most famous for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. The city is very popular for its food, music, resorts, and shopping. Also, it's known for museums. Many people love the nightlife and beaches, too. It is often described as global, diverse, colorful, glitzy, and modern.
What is the most famous sight in Singapore?
The most popular sight in Singapore is Merlion Park Waterfront. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Singapore on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Merlion Park Waterfront and other attractions here.
How touristy is Singapore? Is it a popular city to visit?
Singapore is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Singapore Full Day Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $261
- Private Customised Tour City Highlights - Half Day or Full Day: $157
- Private Tour: Culture, Art & Architecture in Singapore: $94
- Singapore Instagram Private Walking Tour (Private & All-Inclusive): $115
- Singapore - bike adventure beyond the concrete jungle: $41
- Singapore Private Tours with Locals: 100% Personalized, See the City Unscripted: $162
- Singapore's Historic Chinatown Walking Tour with Lunch: $40
- Tea & Tiffin: Cultural Tour of Little India with Food Tastings: $102
How long should I spend in Singapore?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Singapore is two to seven days. Since Singapore has a variety of activities such as dining, music, resorts, and shopping, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Singapore?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Singapore?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Singapore?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.