Planning a trip to Asia? Singapore is the easiest city in Asia to visit, with English as official language, the world’s best airport and great transportation. You’ll also find some unique sights for a short stop-over and connections to anywhere in the region! Read my mini-guide to Singpaore to find out why you should go, where to stay in Singapore, the top things to do and where to eat, as well as tips on how to get around the bustling city! All you need to know on one page and in less than 5 minutes!
Why you should go: Singapore has a reputation for being well governed, safe and orderly, making it the easiest big city in Asia to visit and a great first destination for Western travelers exploring Asia. English is the official language, Changi airport has been rated the best in the world for years and public transport is excellent. It’s very orderly, making Switzerland look like a land of rule-less chaos, so you can rest assured that you’ll be safe, can rely on transportation schedules and everything is likely to work out as planned. That’s why I call Sinagpore “Asia for Beginners”, a great first stop in Asia! Not convinced – read more about why you should visit Singapore!
Where to stay: Singapore is a small island and most of the places you’ll want to visit are within a short distance from downtown and easily reached by train, bus or car. If you have shopping on your itinerary, Orchard Road is the first location to consider. If you are planinng to do some gambling or just have to stay in the most iconic hotel, Marina Bay is a great option. For anybody looking to get more hotel for less money, Bugis or Little India are a great alternative. And if you want a side of beach or amusement park with your Singapore trip, consider Sentosa Island! You can find my favorite hotel options in the table below:
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Hotel Category Location Chain/Rewards Great for
Marina Bays Sands Hotel 5* Marina Bay Luxury, Shopping, Pool, Casino
Fullterton Bay Hotel 5* Marina Bay Luxury, Pool, Style
Marriott Tang Plaza 5* Orchard Marriott Luxury, Shopping, Transport, Rewards
Jen Orchardgateway 4* Orchard Shangri La Style, Pool, Shopping
Holiday Inn Express Orchard 3* Orchard IHG Value, Shopping, Transport
InterContinental Singapore 5* Bugis IHG Luxury, Shop
Mercure Bugis 4* Bugis Accor Value, Family, Shop,
W Singapore Sentosa Cove 5* Sentosa Starwood Luxury, Style, Beach
Not sure where to stay yet – read my Best Area to Stay in Singapore tips!
Where to eat: Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world and you’ll find first class restaurants all around the city center. But you can also enjoy the local taste for less at Singapore’s famous hawker markets. You’ll find Chinese, Malay and Indian food of the local ethnic groups as well as food choices from all around Asia for a few bucks and it’s all very authentic! If you are looking for a little more style, consider Da Paolo, my favorite Italian food in a historic Black & White building or Brotzeit, the best German food outside Germany!
What to do: Few people pick Singapore as their main vacation destination, but there is certainly enough to see to keep you busy for a few days: The Gardens by the Bay are the most unusual park I’ve ever seen, the shopping along Orchard Road is legendary and an evening out at Marina Bay with the light show at Marina Bay Sands if very memorable! For more options, read my recommendations for Top Attractions in Singapore!
How to get around: Singapore has the best public transport in Asia, with Changi as the World’s Best Airport, great train system, reliable and affordable taxis and inexpensive uber car service to get you anywhere you need to go quickly. There is very little traffic compared to other Asian capitals and rarely gridlock, so taxis/uber are a comfortable option! Find out more details in my overview How to get around Singapore!