Since its independence from Britain in the 1960s, Singapore has undergone quite the renaissance, going from a small fishing island to one of the most luxurious destinations on the continent. The bustling capital city of the same name is a kaleidoscope of activity, with innovative outdoor spaces, upscale bars and restaurants and well-preserved historic neighbourhoods. Read on to discover the best things to do in Singapore.
Explore Singapore’s Gardens
Singapore is one of the greenest cities on the planet, with lush urban greenery, high-tech botanical gardens and untouched national parks. The Gardens by the Bay are the star of the show, with the iconic Supertrees coming alive every evening with the Garden Rhapsody light show. There are viewing platforms at the top of the trees, which is a great place to snap some shots of the cityscape beneath you. You can also check out the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which are home to an array of themed gardens, such as an orchid garden (with the largest display of orchids in the world) and an interactive children’s garden.
Dive into the Food Scene
Tasting the best of the diverse Singaporean gastronomy is something that needs to be carefully woven into your itinerary, as the list of top-quality eateries is virtually endless. The city has become a revered fine-dining destination, with restaurants like Les Amis and Odette (French cuisine), Cloudstreet (Sri Lankan-Australian fusion cuisine) and Burnt Ends (Australian-style BBQ) regularly featuring on lists of the best restaurants in Asia. Hawker Centres (food halls) and Hawker Stands (street food stalls) are a great option for those looking for more affordable but equally delicious food. You can sample some of the cheapest Michelin-star cuisine at the Liao Fan hawker stand in Chinatown - the tender chicken rice costs just SGD $2 (about £1.20!).
Discover Singapore’s Historic Neighbourhoods
Tucked in behind the centre’s glitzy skyscrapers is a network of well-preserved neighbourhoods that treasure the tales of Singapore’s early days as a nation. The cultural enclave of Little India is a spectacle for the senses: colourful silks pour out of shops, the scents of turmeric and cumin waft out of curry houses and the hustle and bustle of the streets is more akin to India itself than Singapore[EM1] . There is also Chinatown and the neighbouring 1920s housing estate of Tiong Bahru, which are full to the brim with trendy restaurants and upscale boutiques. And finally, the high-end Colonial District offers a fusion of grand colonial British architecture and more modern sites, such as the tracks for the Formula 1 night race.
Explore the Many Museums
Singapore packs a punch when it comes to history; the nation was a British colony for nearly 150 years, experienced a brief Japanese occupation during the Second World War and has long welcomed immigrants from India, China and Indonesia. And thanks to the city’s many museums, it is easy to delve back in time to brush up your Singaporean history. Those interested in military history can head to the Battle Box, which takes visitors on an hour-long tour through the underground command centre where the decision was made to succumb to the Japanese Empire in 1942. Culture buffs will enjoy a visit to the beautiful Indian Heritage Centre, which showcases the history and culture of Indian Singaporeans. And for those keen to admire some regional artwork, the gargantuan National Gallery houses a dizzying variety of Southeast Asian art from the 19th century up to today.
Visit Singapore’s Most Iconic Hotel
The Marina Bay Sands hotel is the perfect place for those with a little extra cash too. You can start by soaking in the view from the 57-story-high SkyPark, before heading to the in-house Michelin-star restaurant to tuck into the city’s finest range of wood and charcoal-grilled beef. The hotel also features a casino, mall and convention centre, as well as the interactive ArtScience Museum. And for those lucky enough to be staying in the hotel, a full day can easily pass by you while relaxing in the world’s longest infinity pool.
