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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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
Go City Travel Expert

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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
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Your Complete Guide to Singapore in August

Singapore has been attracting visitors since Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles established a trading post on the island in 1816. Two centuries later, Singapore continues to tick all the boxes. What’s more, Singapore in August is exceptionally explorable. Cultural diversity ensures even hawker centers serve up delicious tasting foods. Orchard Road provides an almost endless shopping extravaganza, while safety is never something you’ll have to worry about. At the same time, history seeps out of every street corner, even the high-tech Downtown area. In short, Singapore is not just a stopover, but a destination in its own right. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Singapore in August. Why August is a good time to visit Singapore Singapore’s weather in August is arguably the best of the year. Although it remains rainy in Singapore in August, rainfall is some of the lowest of any month. Since temperatures average 31°C year-round, and humidity levels around 82%, the other most important factor is sunshine hours. Less rain invariably means more sun, and August in Singapore is one of the sunniest of the year. In fact, along with June, July and September, August is considered one of the best times of year to visit Singapore. Add to this the festivities around National Day, and you’ll experience Singapore at its most celebratory! Things to do in Singapore in August With the weather set fair, a great way to delve into Singapore’s delights is with a Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour. Peddling along the city’s oldest streets, you’ll get your first glimpse of its grandest monuments. Free from the barriers of a vehicle, you’ll also absorb the extraordinary ambience of Chinatown and the Museum District. Thanks to reliable public transport, such as the MRT metro system, nowhere in Singapore is far away. But if in doubt, Big Bus Singapore has stops right throughout the city on its yellow and red hop-on hop-off routes. While in the Museum District, it would be a shame not to visit the National Gallery Singapore. That’s because the gallery contains the largest collection of Singaporean and southeast Asian art of any public institution. Highlights include works by Xu Beihong, Georgette Chen, and Liu Kang. No trip to this part of Singapore in August is complete without visiting Gardens by the Bay. Known for their 18 ‘supertree’ vertical gardens, Gardens by the Bay actually span over 100 hectares. Give yourself plenty of time to explore, since beyond Supertree Grove there’s also the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome greenhouses. The second is the largest in the world, and seeks to replicate a Mediterranean-style climate. Beyond Downtown Singapore A short distance from the Flower Dome, Singapore Cable Car links two very different Singapore attractions. Head south on the Sentosa Line, and you’ll get a bird’s eye view of family-friendly beaches (Palawan is one of the best) and the rollercoasters of Universal Studios Singapore. After all, Sentosa is the home of Singapore’s theme parks, with several to choose between. In the opposite direction, the cable car’s Mount Faber Line takes visitors to Singapore in August to the peak of the same name. Having traveled across lush rainforest, you’ll have the chance to follow forest paths. Alternatively, simply enjoy a cocktail (or two) at the cool bars at the top with uninterrupted views. But for an altogether different take on Singapore, head to Pulau Ubin. Reached via motor-powered bumboats from Changi (itself worth discovering), this tiny island harks back to the time of Raffles. Car-free, the best way to get about is by bike, although it’s also small enough to walk around without becoming exhausted. Sights include stone quarries readopted by nature, mangroves, coconut plantations, and Singapore’s last traditional village (kampong). End your visit with an order of Pulau Ubin’s famed chili crab. There are several charmingly ramshackle restaurants just by the boat jetty. Food and drink in Singapore Deciding what to eat will be your biggest problem when visiting Singapore in August. Because of the city’s cultural diversity, international favorites aren’t hard to find. But it would be a shame to depart Singapore having eaten nothing but burgers and pizza. Luckily, good food isn’t hard to find. Pretty much every neighborhood will have its own hawker center. So important are they, that they’re now listed by UNESCO as part of humanity’s Intangible Heritage. Although menus can be limited – each stall within a center tends to focus on a couple of dishes – your taste buds will thank you for it. Look out for Singapore noodles, laksa, and murtabak, a type of savory pancake. Chinatown is the obvious place to head for authentic Cantonese and Hokkien dishes. Many you’ll never have seen back home. And for the flavors of the Indian subcontinent, there’s only one place to head – the aroma filled alleys of Little India. Unmissable Singapore August events Singapore is a thriving destination for events, and August is no different. While the likes of Paris and Rome are snoozing in a mid-summer daze, Singapore is alive with unique experiences. The biggest event in Singapore in August is National Day, a public holiday on August 9. The days in the run-up see the red and white of the Singaporean flag appear right across the island. The day itself comprises a series of activities. These include a large military parade and live performances from top names. It comes to an end with a magnificent firework display. Should you miss National Day, Singapore Night Festival in the latter half of August is a good alternative. Running for more than a decade, it sees famous buildings decorated in lights. All manner of surprise live elements mark the city’s history and culture. Why not visit Singapore in August with Go City? Take the plunge, and you’ll find Singapore in August a destination that gives back ten-fold. All the same, Singapore does have a reputation for being on the pricey side. The answer? Travel with Go City. Our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes give visitors to Singapore incredible savings on admission to attractions big and small. It means you can do even more on your Singapore vacation without worrying about your bank balance.
Alex Birungi
Best Neighborhood to Stay in Singapore
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Best Neighborhood to Stay in Singapore

Picking the right accommodation location is one of the most important parts of planning a vacation. What can your budget allow? What kind of vibe are you looking for? What do you want to be near? Whether you're looking for a mix of things, or are more specifically target one parameter, we've got you covered. Below, we've collated the best neighborhoods to stay in when you visit Singapore. So, whether you're looking to be by the city's most famous landmarks, in the thick of Singapore's nightlife, or want something a bit more traditional, we've found districts that will fit you like a glove. So read on, and find the perfect place for you! Including Marina Bay Riverside Downtown Orchard Road and more! Marina Bay Bringing your family to Singapore? Then Marina Bay is arguably the best neighborhood for you and your clan to stay in. Though it may err on the pricier side, if you're bringing the entire family to the city, you probably have the cash to burn. Location-wise, you'll be in the thick of the action. Marina Bay is a stone's throw from Clarke Quay and the Civic District, so you'll find plenty to keep busy. Plus, one of Singapore's top attractions, the Gardens by the Bay, is right on your doorstep. If you can, book a room at the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Not only are the rooms exquisite, but you'll also have easy access to the hotel's wonderous infinity pool. Riverside Leaving the little ones at home and looking to explore the city's after-dark samplings? Look no further than Riverside. Here, you'll find Singapore's hub of nightclubs, bars, and affluent restaurants. The once-busy docks have been transformed into Singapore's hippest evening area. Not only will you find plenty of rooftop bars where you can soak up some rays or see in the sunset, but you'll also don your dancing shoes at one of the area's many discotheques. Boogie woogie, and all that. However, like Marina Bay, Riverside is on the dearer side of Singapore neighborhoods. Many of the city's top restaurants and night haunts are located there, and you'll be paying a premium to sample their delights. It's also the busiest district for tourism, so if you travel during peak season, expect to be rubbing shoulders with plenty of other travelers. Downtown Singapore's financial district is, understandably, the city's most expensive place to stay. Reserved for traveling business people and the many clients they're visiting, accommodation can be on the pricier side. However, if you can afford it or are in town for business, why not splash the cash? Some of the city's best hotels are housed within, so if you've got it, why not flaunt it? Stacked with skyscrapers and futuristic designs seen in shows like Westworld, you'll find plenty of photo ops around Downtown. But don't worry; it isn't all glass, steel, and concrete. In fact, you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities and even parks if you need to take a verdant break. And yes, while most hotels are relatively expensive, hunt about, and you might find cheaper deals on some more reasonable places. Orchard Road Calling all shoppers. Do you have expensive taste? Do you accept nothing but the biggest and best labels adorning your body and accessories? If you answered yes, then Orchard Road is the best neighborhood to stay in while visiting Singapore! Even if you're not in the market for a new coat or bag, there are still plenty of reasons to stay in the area. You'll find classy cafes, wonderful restaurants, and smaller boutique stores where you can pick up unique items you won't find on the high street. And, when you finally hit your overdraft and have too much to bring back with you, you'll find easy connections to other parts of the city. So, if you need to shop but also want a dazzling locale as your base of operations, check out Orchard Road. Chinatown While we've mainly covered the higher end of budgets when it comes to neighborhoods in Singapore, you needn't break the bank to get the best. In fact, if you're looking for a more authentic cultural experience where rents are cheap, and food is affordable, you can't do much better than Chinatown. A little piece of China in the heart of Singapore, Chinatown also offers all the wonderful delicacies you can expect from a little slice of the east. Food stalls selling myriad Chinese dishes and street food; welcoming shops full of cultural items and knickknacks, as well as great connections to some of the more expensive parts of the city. If you're not looking to break the bank and desire a bit of peace with your accommodation, Chinatown is more than worth a look. Plus, you'll even find the city's cheapest Michelin-star restaurant within, so you can dine like a king without flogging the crown jewels. Little India If you like the idea of Chinatown but prefer your cuisine with a little added spice, say hello to Little India. As a location, it shares many of the same benefits as its eastern partner, with cheaper rents, affordable food, and plenty of authentic shops and experiences to discover. Food-wise, however, expect to find plenty of traditional offerings; curries of all shapes and sizes, pakora, vada pav, and many more. And, as it's located close to some of Singapore's best shopping districts, you'll have plenty of reasons to head out and explore, should you wish to. And those are our picks of the best neighborhoods to stay in during your Singapore vacation! Now that you know where to set up your base camp, you'll need to plan the rest of your trip. If you're suffering from choice paralysis, let Go City ease your woes! Thanks to our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits and make huge savings while you're at it!
Dom Bewley

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