Singapore food market

1 Week in Singapore Itinerary

By Adam Fraiel

Spending a week in Singapore for your vacation but worried about missing any of the city’s highlights? Never fear; we’re here to do all the work for you. Relax and read on as we outline a perfect week in Singapore!

Day 1 - Getting acquainted with Singapore

You’ve just arrived in Singapore, checked into your hotel room, and unpacked your bags before stepping out to explore the city. As you start your first day here, you’ll face an endless number of choices; our advice is to spend the first day getting to know the city.

The Big Bus Singapore is the best way to get a feel for the place. With unlimited access to 2 routes around the city, covering most key attractions and landmarks, hop on and off as much as you want.

By the end of the day, you’ll have a clearer idea of where all the hotspots are, plus the attractions you wish to explore further.

Day 2 - Spend the day on Sentosa Island

Sentosa is a resort island in Singapore with attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and Adventure Cove Waterpark, plus some of the finest beaches in the country. It’s been attracting holidaymakers for over 50 years and continues to grow from strength to strength.

The best way to get there is with the Cable Car Sky Pass, riding from Faber Peak across to Sentosa, taking in the incredible panoramic views along the way.

Image of City, Boat, Vehicle, Cable Car, Building, Cityscape, Urban, Outdoors,

Sentosa Island Bus Tour

Learn all about the history of the island while discovering all the best natural spots around.

With a local tour guide to point out all the best attractions, plus facts, tips and advice for getting the most from your trip, the Sentosa Island Bus Tour is an excellent introduction to Sentosa Island.

Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore is the first movie theme park in Asia and features seven themed zones: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar.

With white knuckle rides for the adrenaline junkies, family-friendly rides for the little ones, plus shows and restaurants to keep you topped up in between, Universal Studios Singapore is a must-visit attraction in your weeklong itinerary.

Adventure Cove Waterpark

Wild water slides, surfing some waves, or snorkeling with tropical fish. This is an attraction you won’t want to miss.

Thrill seekers, nature lovers, and happy families can all find some fun at Adventure Cove Waterpark. Get your heart beating with some crazy rides, before drifting down the river in an inflatable tube, and then get up close and personal with stingrays, coral reefs, and thousands of colorful exotic fish.

Image of Person,

Wings of Time

A spectacular light show set over the water, using state-of-the-art technology fused with an outstanding soundscape to tell an award-winning tale of friendship and adventure.

After a day of fun and adventure, the Wings of Time light show is the perfect end to your day on Sentosa.

Day 3 - Experience the natural beauty of Singapore

Singapore is an incredibly biodiverse country, with hundreds of species of flora and fauna, and over 300 species of birds. While there are also high-end hotels, luxury shopping, and world-class resorts aplenty, you’re never far from nature in Singapore.

Singapore Botanic Gardens, one of the world’s largest urban parks and one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Singapore - the Gardens are the perfect peaceful location to enjoy a stroll through nature.

Image of City, Outdoors,

With its lush greenery and mesmerizing nature, Gardens by the Bay is one of the world’s most visited gardens, featuring the tallest indoor waterfall and largest greenhouse. A climate-controlled mountain mist system cools the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, making it a welcome escape from the hot Singapore days. The gardens are free to explore, and there’s a superb free light show in the evening.

Singapore Zoo is an enchanting place for all the family! Enjoy an unforgettable experience as you discover the wonders of the animal kingdom up close. See the wildlife in their natural habitat, with over 4000 animals. Get up close and personal with white tigers, tapirs, flying foxes, and more as you learn about the ongoing conservation work.

Day 4 - Sample traditional Singaporean food and drink

This day is all about food! Traditional Singaporean food is delicious and flavorful, and it’s a refreshing change from Western food.

Singaporean breakfasts usually begin with kaya, a custard of coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and pandan leaf, which gives the jam a sweet, grassy aroma. Obviously, that’s accompanied by a delicious cup of calming tea.

After that, try some roti prata, a dish made of flattened dough that is then grilled over a flame and served with cheese, egg, chili, or a spicy curry sauce. It’s best eaten with your hands, so don’t be afraid to get messy!

Image of Food, Food Presentation,

Lunch is the national dish, Laksa. This is a spicy noodle soup made with coconut milk and flavored with prawns and cockles. It’s usually served with Otah (spicy fishcake).

For dinner, try Nasi Lemak, rice cooked in coconut milk, served with fried anchovies, meat, peanuts, or soft-boiled egg. Perfect comfort food any time of day, but especially so in the evening after a day of exploring.

Image of Urban, Handbag, City, Night Life, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Glasses, Chair, Burger, Food, Plate, Female, Woman, Jeans,

Regarding drink, in Singapore, you must indulge in a tea-drinking experience. Sitting cross-legged at a low wooden table, you’ll learn the rituals and traditions surrounding the humble leaf - how to hold the cup, how many sips to take, and how to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Day 5 - Singapore is a shopaholic’s paradise

Singapore is an irresistible shopping destination with a large variety of retail outlets, shopping centers, and markets offering the latest and the best in international brands. Singapore’s shopping scene has grown over the years to become one of the best in the world, offering stunning luxury items in deluxe boutiques down to quirky little gifts in the street markets.

Bugis Street is where you can find Singapore’s budget-friendly products. Also known as “Electronics Street”, Bugis Street features hundreds of shops selling a variety of electronic items at prices that local shoppers find hard to resist. Head here if you are looking for cheap imported products, such as toys, mobile phones, and cameras.

Image of Shop, Shopping Mall, Boat, Vehicle, Urban, Water, Person, City, Pool, Swimming Pool, People,

Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a world-class destination, bringing a cosmopolitan vibe to the Singapore tourism landscape, offering international luxury fashion brands. The building itself is a feast for the eyes, with gondolas floating down internal rivers and waterfalls cascading from the rooftops.

Chinatown is full of trendy bars, delicious restaurants, historic temples, and street markets selling all manner of goods. Head here for a unique shopping experience, where you can eat, shop, drink and dance all in one neighborhood.

Day 6 - Spend the day exploring Singapore’s many beaches

Singapore has stunning beaches with beautiful stretches of sand lined with palm trees and sunbeds. Some may be artificial, having the sand shipped in from other countries, but that doesn’t take away from the beauty. Here are a few of our favorites:

Tanjong Beach - A nice calm beach to enjoy a gentle swim or just soak in the rays. Head there during the week to appreciate the quieter times, as it fills up fast during the weekends.

Image of Nature, Outdoors, Sea, Water, Summer, Vegetation, Shoreline, Coast, Tree, Beach, Palm Tree,

Palawan Beach - More lively than Tanjong as it’s more picturesque, offering plenty of insta-worthy shots. Beautiful clear, calm waters, with the option to swim out to a nearby island should you fancy a little exercise.

Siloso Beach - The third of the Sentosa beaches, and by far the most lively. Stand-up paddle boarding, jet skis, and beach sports are all on offer. If you want action and adventure, Siloso’s the beach for you.

Image of Summer, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Tropical, Chair, Furniture, Palm Tree, Tree,

Lazarus Island - With no development, this beach is strictly for those wanting peace, quiet, and stunning surroundings. During weekdays, it’s sometimes possible to have this tropical paradise beach all to yourself.

Day 7 - Tick off any other last-minute activities

If you’ve followed along so far, you’ll be a little exhausted, but very much in love with Singapore. A week is a great time to experience the magic of Singapore, but there’s always something else to see and do.

If you’ve got the energy, tick off a few last-minute attractions to ensure you go home with zero regrets.

Image of Hat, Child, Female, Girl, Person, Adult, Male, Man,

Madame Tussauds Singapore - As if your camera roll wasn’t full enough, make those back home green with envy as you pose for selfies with Taylor Swift, Priyanka Chopra, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson!

Go on a Puzzle Hunt in Chinatown - Explore the neighborhood while solving brain-twisting clues, as you compete to win a unique collectible prize! Gain a deeper understanding of Singapore’s Chinatown as you test your wits and mental fortitude.

Image of Animal, Zoo, Jungle, Nature, Outdoors, Vegetation, Boy, Child, Male, Person, Elephant, Mammal, Wildlife, Adult, Man, Car, Vehicle,

Take a Night Safari - You’ve probably been to a hundred zoos, but do you know what the animals get up to after hours? See lions, leopards, tapirs, hippos, tigers, hyenas, otters, bears, and much more. You won’t want to sleep on this opportunity!

Save on Admission to Top Singapore Attractions

Explore the best things to do with a pass for Singapore by Go City®. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, where you’ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more.

Share Your Adventure with Us

Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers and events to help you make the most of your travels.

Adam Fraiel

Continue reading

Indian Heritage Centre in Singapore
Blog

Things to do in Singapore When it Rains

Rain, rain go away! Come to Singapore another day, preferably when you’re not on vacation. However, if you do find the days a little moist, worry not. There are plenty of places to escape the downpour. We’ve put together a list of activities so you won’t miss a minute of action during your Singapore vacation. Shopping at the mall National Museum of Singapore National Gallery Singapore Asian Civilizations Museum Indian Heritage Center Floral Fantast Tea Chapter Chinese Teahouse Madame Tussauds Singapore Trickeye Enjoy Some Retail Therapy It’s raining and you’re feeling a little blue. What better way to cheer yourself up than with a little retail therapy? The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands contains a world-class hotel, casino, shops, restaurants, bars, and other attractions providing entertainment for all the family. You’ll find a vast casino, cinemas, theaters showing award-winning productions, over 80 restaurants, close to 300 shopping outlets, indoor river rides, and spectacular waterfalls. And best of all? You’ll be nice and dry. Explore the Museums of Singapore National Museum of Singapore The nation’s oldest museum, it brings history to life with exciting visual exhibitions and internationally renowned festivals. The National Museum of Singapore embraces technology to share traditional culture, stories, and history through displays, artifacts, plus innovative events. National Gallery Singapore A stunning 64,000 square meter building in the heart of the Civic District, see the world’s largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art at the National Gallery Singapore. If you get a little hungry from all the exploring, stop for a bite in one of the MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Asian Civilisations Museum Discover the rich history of Asia, with exhibits dating back to 830 AD. The varied cultures of Asia have an interconnected history, and the Asian Civilisations Museum presents it through artifacts, exhibits, plus a giant shipwreck to explore. You’ll also find a variety of artwork from the various major religions, all of which passed through this vital port town. Indian Heritage Centre The Indian Heritage Center offers a chronological timeline of the Indian influence in Singapore. Using galleries, exhibitions, archived footage, and interactive, educational spaces, you’ll learn of the first Indian settlements, through the growth and development of the Little India district to the tourist hotspot it is today. The Battlebox Venture underground and explore this authentic command center 9 meters underground - the same space where Lieutenant-General Percival and his senior officers directed the Battle of Singapore in World War II. After the 30-minute tour you’re free to wander alone, navigating the labyrinth of corridors as you watch footage of the war raging above. An essential experience if you want to truly understand the history of Singapore. Stop and smell the roses Floral Fantasy is an indoor section at Gardens by the Bay that will blow your mind and your senses. Thousands of freshly cut, dried, and preserved flowers decorate the ceiling, while flowers, artistic expression, and technology combine to create a sensational sensory experience below. Divided into four diverse landscapes, Dance, Float, Waltz, and Drift, you’ll forget all about the rain outside. Dance features a mesmerizing display of swaying plants, Float contains stunning water features, Waltz is home to waterfalls and a frog vivarium, while Drift is an enchanting cave with beautifully lit rock formations. A Cup of Tea Wait out the rain with a nice, hot cup of tea. Tea is more than just a drink in Singapore. It’s a part of the long, multicultural history of the country, including China, India, the British Empire, and Japan. Experience the full spectrum of tea in the country with a trip to a teahouse. Tea Chapter is the largest and oldest Chinese teahouse in Singapore. Fit for royalty, receiving Queen Elizabeth II in 1989, it continues to inspire and educate visitors from around the world about the ceremony and ritual behind making, pouring, and serving the perfect cup. Complete your experience with a lovely cup of Indian chai in Little India, or Japanese matcha green teas in The Maccha House Singapore. Ready for some selfies? Madame Tussauds Singapore Pose alongside your favorite Hollywood, Bollywood, TV, and sports stars, like Serena Williams, Taylor Swift, and Johnny Depp. It’s not just selfies though. Madame Tussauds Singapore offers an edutainment aspect too, with the chance to sing and dance alongside famous Bollywood stars, and explore Singapore’s rich culture with the Spirit of Singapore Boat Ride. Definitely an excellent rainy day activity. Trickeye @ Southside Singapore Fill your social feed with mind-bending optical illusions while playing with augmented reality in this virtual world playground. Swim with sharks and dance with mermaids in this interactive augmented reality environment. Save on Admission to Top Singapore Attractions Explore the best things to do with a pass for Singapore by Go City®. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, where you’ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers, and events to help you make the most of your travels.
Adam Fraiel
A collared kingfisher in the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
Blog

Singapore in July

As Singapore’s peak holiday season draws to a gentle close, July sees a slight let-up in the number of vacationers that have been thronging the hot, sticky streets for the last couple of months. But, while the crowds may have dissipated somewhat, the searing temperatures and frequent downpours of the southwest monsoon season show few signs of abating. Read on for the lowdown on what to expect when visiting Singapore in July. Visiting Singapore in July Temperature: 75–88°F • Average Rainfall: 19 days/month • Average Sunshine: 8 hours/day You’ll want to pack an umbrella along with your factor 50 for trips to Singapore in July. Thunderstorms and heavy downpours are absolutely guaranteed at this time of year, but what’s difficult to predict is when you might be about to get caught in one. A small umbrella in your backpack is the number one hack for such eventualities along with, ideally, rubber sandals or similarly waterproof footwear. In fact, most of July’s rain storms tend to arrive after dark, but afternoon showers are also still highly likely. Don’t forget loose-fitting cotton and linen clothes, too. Synthetics are a big no-no in these temperatures, unless of course you actively enjoy the feeling of polyester trousers clinging damply to your sweaty knees, in which case: you do you. Broad, floppy hats, UV sunglasses and a big water bottle should also be considered essential if you’re planning to do a lot of outdoor sightseeing. And, while there’s loads you’ll want to see and do that require you to be exposed to the sun, we’d advise mixing it up with a bit of air-conditioned action indoors, perhaps spending cooler mornings (after the nightly rainfall) ticking off the outdoor must-sees, before hitting the malls, hawker centers, museums and immersive attractions before the afternoon heat really starts to bite. Things to do in Singapore in July Singapore is a haven for all manner of wildlife. It’s not unusual, for example, to see traffic grind to a halt to allow a family of otters to cross the road, or to be deafened by the sound of thousands of roosting myna birds as you stroll beneath the trees that line the Orchard Road in the early evening. Sultry Singapore mornings in July are a great time to experience some of this garden island’s vibrant flora and fauna up close. Rent a bike to explore one of the many traffic-free routes that weave through wetlands, woodlands, nature reserves and more. The Rail Corridor – stretching from Chinatown all the way north to Kranji – is among the very best: 24 kilometers of rewilded railway line, along which you might well encounter monitor lizards, flying lemurs and colorfully crested bulbuls. A little over halfway along the route, you can take a diversion into Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where an epic 400 acres of tropical rainforest awaits the intrepid explorer. There’s an even more varied bunch of critters to be found here beneath the canopy, among them reticulated pythons, macaques and endangered Sunda pangolins. The reserve is also home to the highest hill in Singapore. Rising to over 500 feet, it’s a moderately challenging climb that takes around an hour and rewards hikers with awesome 360-degree views across the treetops to the city beyond. The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on Singapore’s northwestern tip is another fine option for wildlife-spotting, particularly for twitchers. Migratory species including the distinctive Pacific golden plover and the long-legged Asian dowitcher have been spotted here, and you might also clock mudskippers, monitor lizards, giant Atlas moths and even the occasional saltwater croc lurking among the mangroves. Take the reserve’s two-hour walking loop to get the most from your visit. Shopping and Dining in Singapore in July Looking for something a little more... indoorsy? The Great Singapore Sale (GSS) is in its final month in July, which makes it a fine time for a spot of air-conditioned retail therapy in Singapore’s mega-malls. Hit up the shopping mecca that is Orchard Road, a string of high-end malls seemingly designed specifically to empty your wallet and fill your home with shiny new gadgets, designer handbags and other expensive knick-knacks. It’s the cheapest time of year to do so as the annual bonanza that is the GSS means whopping great discounts of up to 70% (!!!) at hundreds of participating stores. Meanwhile, in-the-know souvenir hunters head to hip Kampong Glam, where colorful 19th-century shophouses contain no end of chic indie boutiques and Arab Street’s antique emporia yield the kind of unique gifts of which dreams are made. We’re talking hand-woven Turkish textiles, intricate mosaic lanterns, painted ceramics and more. After splashing the cash, tuck into some of the best nasi padang this side of Jakarta in the shadow of the Sultan Mosque, with its iconic golden dome. And if nasi padang and other South Asian favorites like chili crab and sticky peanut satay float your boat and tickle your tastebuds, you’re in luck! With over 100 hawker centers to choose from, you’re never far from your next plate of delicious, affordable street food in Singapore. Better still, many centers are now air-conditioned, meaning you get a little respite from the soaring temperatures outside, albeit you may end up pretty hot under the collar anyway, as you dive into spicy bowls of sambal-laced laksa, zingy chili crab (the national dish, no less) or red-hot rendang curries. Cool off with a refreshing glass of bandung - a sweet (and highly Instagrammable) cocktail of condensed milk and rose syrup served over ice. Yum! And, if you’re feeling particularly bold and adventurous on your July visit to Singapore, why not give some of the nation’s most out-there delicacies a spin. We’re talking pufferfish, fried pigs’ fallopian tubes in kung pao sauce and – very much for the non-squeamish – still-wriggling octopus tentacles that will, we kid you not, cling to your chopsticks and even your tongue in a bid to escape their fate. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Singapore SkyDeck Infinity Pool
Blog

Things to do in Singapore for Couples

Singapore is one of our favorite cities for couples. It’s got everything from romantic adventures to sublime scenery, fine dining to tasty teas, and incredible shopping opportunities. Whether you crave the sun, want some thrills, or just want to party, there’s always something to do for happy couples in Singapore. If you’re searching for things to do in Singapore for couples, check out our list of the top attractions and activities. Best time for couples to visit Singapore There’s never a bad time to visit Singapore. It’s a year-round city. However, depending on what you want from the experience, there are better times than others. If the sun’s your priority, February to April is your time to shine. Those are the months with the least rain, with temperatures in the mid-80s°F (high-20s°C). If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet with the beaches to yourself, July to November is a good window. The streets, shops, and beaches are all a little quieter, although the rain picks up towards the end of the year. Keep that in mind if you’re hoping for romantic picnics or laying out under the stars. Chinese New Year falls either in January or February depending on the cycle of the moon, and can be a spectacular experience for traveling couples. Expect parades, floats, dragon dances, and a feast of fine food to excite the senses. If you’ve got any special items you want to buy your significant other, Singapore is the dream destination. With some of the best shopping malls in the world, you’ll find whatever you need. But, if you want more bang for your buck, time your trip so you arrive during The Great Singapore Sale (also known as the Big Singapore Sale). It usually lasts a month and features island-wide discounts of up to 70%! Check online before booking your trip as the sale period can vary from year to year. Nightlife in Singapore Singapore’s nightlife is pretty impressive. There are amazing venues, a wide variety of cuisines, and countless entertainment options. Although Singapore is small, its nightlife is diverse and won’t leave you wanting. If you want to go out partying in Singapore, here are some great options. Feel like royalty, drinking in one of the most glamorous rooftop bars in the city, CÉ LA VI SkyBar. Panoramic views of the Singapore skyline, delicious cocktails, and celebrity DJs providing the perfect soundtrack to the evening - that’s a recipe for a romantic evening. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to a dance class to learn one of the many traditional dances of the region, including Zapin, Joget, Peranakan, and Kathak, to name a few. If you just want to shake your hips, you can find clubs playing Salsa, Tango, Cha Cha, and everything in between. Tanjong Beach is one of the liveliest spots in Singapore, with bars and clubs offering a great beach vibe with stunning views of Sentosa, international DJs, and live music playing all year round. Cultural events in Singapore Sightseeing is always fun, but if you can time your trip to coincide with a festival or cultural event, you’ll enhance your experience tenfold. Singapore Night Festival - Spanning a full week, the Singapore Night Festival celebrates the arts and heritage in Singapore. With a different theme each year, it features public art installations, light shows, projection mapping, and nightly performances. Moon Festival runs in early September. How does a romantic evening of Cantonese Opera sound? Or get dressed up in your finest to attend an evening performance by the Chinese Chamber Ensemble. There are plenty of other, lighthearted events during Moon Festival too, from a Lantern Tour to puppet shows. Definitely not one to be missed. Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) - Over 70 performances across the city featuring hundreds of local and international artists, SIFA incorporates theater, dance, music, film, and visual arts. The outcome is a fortnight of stellar, educational, thought-provoking performances that will stay with you for a lifetime. Most romantic locations for a selfie in Singapore If you don’t leave Singapore with a memory card full of photos, you’re doing something wrong. Whether it’s the iconic architecture, breathtaking natural beauty, or iconic landmarks, Singapore is a beautiful city to photograph, which obviously includes a selfie or three. Here are some romantic locations in Singapore for a perfect selfie. The Marina Bay Sands SkyPark You cannot leave Singapore without a SkyPark selfie. The stunning view from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark observation deck will leave you in awe. 200 meters in the air, with a 150-meter infinity pool offering an unparalleled view of the city below. Gardens by the Bay The Flower Dome offers a perfect romantic getaway for a photo, especially if you and your partner visit on a weekday when it’s a little quieter. The Cloud Forest features a light-and-water show on selected evenings, so you’ll be able to capture that perfect moment with the one you love. For yet more photo opportunities, experience nature from up high at The Supertree Grove, with treetop skywalks and the Supertrees providing the perfect backdrop. Chinatown The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a jaw-droppingly beautiful building, but that’s not the only photo opportunity in Chinatown. Pagoda Street is a vibrant street filled with history, culture, and beautiful architecture. Save on Admission to Top Singapore Attractions Explore the best things to do with a pass for Singapore by Go City®. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, where you’ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers, and events to help you make the most of your travels.
Adam Fraiel

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Thick check Icon