Singapore holidays

Dubbed the Lion City, this Southeast Asian metropolis is famous for its futuristic skyline and luxury living. But there’s a homier side to the city lurking beneath the shiny veneer. On your holiday to Singapore discover how the two coexist. From glitzy hotels and air-conditioned mega-malls to ancient temples and a cocktail scene that’s the envy of Asia, see why Singapore is a roaring good time.

Top destinations in Singapore

Downtown Core

Sandwiched between foodie-heaven Chinatown and upscale Marina Bay, the Downtown Core is the perfect place to stay on your first visit to Singapore. This central neighbourhood offers great public transport connections and a wide range of lodging options, from budget to blowout. For dinner with a side of history, head to Lau Pa Sat, Singapore’s iconic hawker market with a 200-year legacy.<b>Good for: </b>Street food, luxury shopping, hotel bars

Marina Bay

Crowned by the city-state’s largest and most lavish hotel, Marina Bay Sands, this neighbourhood is the best place to stay in Singapore for luxury. It’s home to designer shops, soaring skyscrapers and a near-infinite number of infinity pools. But beneath all the glass and steel, you’ll find cutting-edge public spaces and some of the most sophisticated eating and drinking in Southeast Asia.<b>Good for: </b>Luxury hotels, waterfront views, botanical gardens

Little India

A lively spot celebrating Singapore's Indian community, Little India is one of the best areas to stay in Singapore. Stroll through Tekka Centre's bustling market, a haven of fragrant spices, colourful textiles and tempting street food. Don't miss the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple’s intricate architecture. Traditional ‘roti prata’ (South Indian flatbread) is served for breakfast at most local cafes.<b>Good for: </b>Shopping, restaurants, culture

Singapore: fast facts

Language

English, Mandarin, Malay

Currency

Singapore dollar (S$)

Time zone

UTC+8 (SST)

High season

June – July

Low season

February

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Singapore holiday highlights

Marina Bay Sands Hotel Infinity Pool

Skyscraper city

The skyscrapers in Singapore define the skyline — and there are more than 100 of them. The tallest is Guoco Tower. The most famous is Marina Bay Sands, a featured setting in ‘Crazy Rich Asians’. Its three towers are joined at the top by the SkyPark Observation Deck, which charges a fee to access. If you’re looking for a cheap holiday to Singapore, buy a drink at a bar in one of the towers instead. You’ll get a very similar view for a fraction of the price.

Pan-Asian eats

With its confluence of Chinese, Indian and Malay cultures, Singapore boasts one of the most exciting food scenes in all of Asia. Find examples of the city-state’s pan-Asian palate everywhere from hawker centers to Michelin-starred menus. Dishes to seek out include chili crab, fish-head curry and ‘kueh salat,’ a layer cake made with sticky rice and pandan custard.

Open air

Some of the best things to experience on holidays in Singapore take place outdoors. Gardens by the Bay is a massive outdoor nature park peppered with surreal architecture. Make your way there in the evening for the free light show, Garden Rhapsody. Head to Merlion Park, an urban waterside promenade, to see Singapore’s iconic lion-fish statue. And the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is a great place to spot native wildlife.

Things to do in Singapore

Chinatown

Family friendly things to do

Singapore’s small size makes it a great place to visit with kids —  you’ll never spend too long getting from A to B. With plenty going on for kids of all ages, take your pick of things to do with family in Singapore. Sentosa Island is home to Universal Studios Singapore, while Jurong Lake Gardens is a haven of outdoor play, with zip lines and obstacle courses.

Shopping

Love a little retail therapy? When it comes to shopping in Singapore, you'll find a mix of modern shopping centres and traditional markets waiting to be explored. Orchard Road is the most popular shopping district, with upmarket boutiques and international designer brands. For a more immersive shopping experience, check out the street markets at Bugis Street and Chinatown.

Take in the culture

Singapore has a modern facade, making its rich history and culture more of a delight to discover. Museums in Singapore show off its colourful heritage. Make your way to the National Museum of Singapore or the Peranakan Museum for starters. To experience the blend of cultures that make Singapore unique, wander around Chinatown, Little India or Arab Street.

Nightlife

With open-air concerts and rooftop bars, the nightlife in Singapore is pretty epic. Clarke Quay and Club Street are hotspots for partygoers, while Marina Bay Sands sky bar offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Book tickets for a show at the Esplanade Theatre or catch a free performance every weekend at the adjacent DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre.

Places to eat

Foodie favourites in Singapore include laksa (spicy noodle soup), Hainanese chicken rice and chilli crab. Taste them at a hawker centre such as Maxwell Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat for an authentic experience. On the other end of the spectrum, choose from chic restaurants in Singapore serving haute cuisine. Marguerite offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the lush Flower Dome, the world’s largest glass greenhouse.

Beaches

Beyond its bustling cityscape, you’ll also discover some beautiful beaches in Singapore. Head to East Coast Park, where you can cycle, rollerblade or have a barbecue on the beach. Go for a swim at Palawan Beach, then stroll along the famous Suspension Bridge. Prefer somewhere quieter? Take a short ferry ride to the nearby St John’s and Lazarus Islands. 

Find the best time to visit Singapore

Weather in Singapore

March – August: Singapore’s dry season still sees frequent rain showers, so pack an umbrella. Temperatures are at their hottest in May and June, when averages are above 26°C. Note that between May and August, the city’s air can be hazy due to smoke from nearby Sumatra.

September – February: Singapore is at its wettest during this time, with the most rain from November to January. Weather can change quickly, and there’s a higher chance of intense storms. Be prepared to seek cover indoors. But even with rain, it’s a great time to visit Singapore for Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival celebrations.

Events in Singapore

Lantern Festival (Februaryor March): Held on the 15th day of the Chinese New Year, this festival is celebrated by lighting and releasing paper lanterns. Head to Chinatown to be in the heart of the action.

Vesak Day (May): Expect candlelit processions, traditional chanting and offerings during this Buddhist festival. This is an ideal time to visit temples like Kong Meng San Phor Kark See and Lian Shan Shuang Lin.

Diwali (October or November): Singapore’s Hindu community comes together for this ‘festival of lights’. Make your way to Little India for colourful lights, fireworks and busy bazaars that sell everything from saris to traditional Indian sweets.

Know before you go

Budget

It can seem difficult to plan a cheap holiday to Singapore, but it’s possible to keep costs down with some careful budgeting. Take advantage of the city’s free parks and beaches. You can expect to pay less than 15 Singapore dollars (S$) for a simple meal in a restaurant. Short taxi rides start at around S$5, but public transport is often a cheaper option.

Day trips from Singapore

Need a break from the city’s bustling streets? Take a 15-minute boat ride from the mainland to the island of Pulau Ubin for hiking, kayaking and birdwatching. Kusu Island is also a great spot for nature lovers. Around an hour from the mainland by boat, it’s known for its Chinese temple, Malay shrines and pristine beaches.

Getting around Singapore

Buses and subways (Mass Rapid Transit) are the most convenient ways to get around Singapore. Choose from a variety of passes, or use your contactless credit card once on board. There are also multiple cable car lines for sweeping views of the cityscape. Cycling is popular here. Hire a bike for your stay, or check out one of the city’s bike-sharing services.

FAQs about Singapore holidays

Singapore is more expensive than nearby regions and countries in Southeast Asia. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy cheap holidays to Singapore. Save on meals by eating at hawker markets or cooking at home. Public transport is also affordable, easily accessible and can get you almost anywhere you need to go.
Some people get flights and hotels to Singapore on their way to Australia. If this is you, use this as an opportunity to make your visit more than a layover or an overnight stay. Spend at least three days in Singapore to enjoy a blend of attractions, food experiences and shopping.
Your holiday to Singapore should be a stress-free experience, as the city is seen as a safe place to visit. Still, you'll want to take a few commonsense precautions. Remain alert in crowded places and make sure valuables like your phone and wallet are secure. An anti-theft bag or money belt provides added peace of mind during your travels.
Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay just scratch the surface of what this city has to offer. Look up all the things to do in Singapore and see why it's a trip worth taking.
You'll be using the Singapore Dollar (SGD) while on your trip to Singapore. Besides your cards, consider having some cash on hand for things like small purchases and public transport fares.
Airfares to Singapore are cheapest in May. This makes it the perfect time to look for deals on Singapore flights and hotels.
January brings the coolest weather for a Singapore holiday. Go during this time and you'll experience lows of 24ºC (75ºF).
May is the hottest month in Singapore, with temperatures reaching highs of 31ºC (88ºF).
With an average rainfall of 40 cm, November is the wettest month to go on a Singapore holiday. When the weather turns, head indoors and make the most of the city's cafes, galleries, museums and more.
The locals here mainly speak English. However a large portion of the population also speak Mandarin Chinese and Malay. Every city has its own distinct lingo, so it's worth picking up some common expressions to use during your city break in Singapore.
The climate in Singapore is tropical, which means it’s typically hot, wet and humid. Short bursts of rain usually clear the air, and you’ll have plenty of places to take shelter when this happens. June to September is considered the best time for holidays to Singapore, when the humidity is lower and the sun shines for more hours in a day.

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