Since we moved to Singapore last April, we’ve been lucky enough to have a handful of friends and family come visit us. While Singapore can feel like a small island, we now have some pretty great go-to spots that we always enjoy showing people. Most of these can be seen as “touristy”, but honestly, Singapore does touristy so well that we don’t really mind spending time doing these again and again.
1. Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is behind the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, and puts on a light show with a changing soundtrack twice every night. We always make a point to take guests here because it’s iconic and such a fun activity.
2. The Three Quays
There are 3 quays in Singapore – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay. We will usually start a night eating in Boat Quay with all of the restuarants in a lively setting, then walk down through Clarke Quay for some going out fun at the bars. Don’t miss out on renting a private room for karaoke in Clarke Quay! Robertson Quay is more quiet and has great dinner spots to check out.
3. Arab Street
The Arab Street area is one of our favorite neighborhoods to take visitors to because it’s so unique. Haji Lane has delicious food and great bars for hanging out at night on one end, and tons of small boutique stores on the other end. Around the corner is the spectacular Sultan Mosque, which is a must see. My absolute favorite restaurant for lunch or dinner is Alaturka – be sure to order any of their chicken or lamb dishes! My favorite stores in this area are Supermama and And Well Dressed.
4. Marina Bay Sands Skypark/Merlion
Marina Bay Sands hotel may be pricey to stay at for the night, but you can still enjoy the best part without having to book a room. Buy tickets to the Skypark Observation Deck for an incredible panoramic view of Marina Bay, Singapore, and out to Indonesia. There are even some ticket packages that include a drink at from their Rooftop bar. After coming down from the observation deck, continue walking through the MBS mall (super fancy), and around either side of the Marina Bay to get to the famous Merlion statue.
5. Raffles Hotel Long Bar
Raffles Hotel opened in 1887 and is a gorgeous hotel to visit if you aren’t planning on staying there. Specifically, visit the Long Bar where the Singapore Sling was invented. Yes, it’s extremely overpriced (although you’ll quickly find all alcohol is expensive here). Yes, there is usually a medium to long line to get in. But, the Singapore Sling is fruity and delicious, and you can say you had the famous drink where it was invented and go back to finding happy hour deals elsewhere. We have taken all of our guests here and everyone has loved the atmosphere, free peanuts, and exploring the beautiful property.
6. Sentosa
Sentosa is an island right off the southern coast of Singapore that you can easily drive to or catch public transportation to. We personally love going to Tanjong beach for a relaxing morning (it feels like you’re in another tropical country!) and then taking the free Sentosa shuttle to Din Tai Fung for dim sum lunch. There are so many things to do on Sentosa you could spend a few days here — they even have a Universal Studios on the island!
Here are some of my other recommendations and favorites in Singapore!
What to Do
- Visit the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest in Gardens by the Bay
- Watch the sunset from Marina Barrage and then walk to Satay by the Bay for dinner
- Walk through Chinatown on Pagoda Street and buy some Chinese souvenirs
- Visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre on Pagoda Street
- Spend an afternoon (or full day) exploring the National Museum of Singapore and the Asian Civilisations Museum
- Go shopping at one of the many malls on Orchard Road
- Go out for a drink on a rooftop bar like Potato Head
Where to Eat
Lunch and Brunch:
- Din Tai Fung (order lots of the xiao long bao soup dumplings)
- Tolido’s Espresso Nook (get the pandan waffles)
- PS. Cafe (Dempsey Hill location is the prettiest)
- OverEasy
- Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro Bar
- Baker & Cook
- Forty Hands
- Plain Vanilla Bakery (cupcakes are delicious here!)
- Marugame Udon Orchard
- MTR (best dosa)
Dinner:
- Publico Ristorante
- Super Loco (also great for brunch)
- TXA Pintxo Bar
- The Blue Ginger
- Como in Dempsey Hill
- Hello Korean BBQ
- Don’t forget to visit some hawker centers for the authentic, cheap Singaporean dining experience!
I hope you find this list helpful and enjoy your visit to Singapore. Be sure to leave a comment if you have any other suggestions you would add to the list!
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