Coffee mug on a ledge with Marina Bay Sands Hotel in the background

Best cafes in Singapore

There’s nothing better than taking our time over a morning coffee or late breakfast – and there’s no better time for it than when we’re on vacation! Plus, it’s one of the best ways to soak up the atmosphere of a new city – sitting outside and watching people go past, checking out quirky interior décor or even chatting to whoever’s on the next table. If you’re in Singapore, you’ll find plenty to choose from, many with great views and cool vibes as well as awesome views! Here’s our list of some of the best:

  • Waga Waga Den
  • One Fullerton
  • Tea Chapter
  • My Awesome Café
  • The Mind Cafe
  • Sunday Folks
  • Silver Shell Café

Waga Waga Den

Best cafes in Singapore

Waga Waga Den

Inspired by the calming interior of a Japanese Teahouse, the Waga Waga Den (from the Japanese ‘wagyu’) is the perfect place to escape the bustle and find some Zen. Inspired by the Japanese concept of ‘mottainai’, or minimal waste, the menu features ugly or unpopular ingredients which would otherwise be discarded. Their own coffee blends are roasted each day for maximum flavor and freshness, and on a sunny morning nothing beats their Cloud Coffee Iced Cappuccino. You’ll find Waga Waga Den near the Raffles Hotel between the Raffles City Shopping Center and Suntec City Shopping Center, so if you’ve shopped till you’ve almost dropped and it’s too early for a cocktail, this is the perfect place.

One Fullerton

Best cafes in Singapore

One Fullerton

One Fullerton gets points for its cool décor and historic setting, but really it’s all about the views. Set at the tip of the Marina near Merlion Square, the Fullerton Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in the city and was a post office and military headquarters before its conversion into a hotel. At its base, the light-filled, nautical inspired PS Café and the Bohemian Jypsy Café look out over the Marina towards the Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Sands, so this is the place if you want to take your time over a coffee and watch the world go by. If you’re peckish, PS Café has an Italian-inspired brunch menu, completed with cold pressed juices and Italian cocktails, while the Jypsy Café specializes in contemporary Japanese-inspired cuisine.

Tea Chapter

Best cafes in Singapore

Tea Chapter

A Chinese Tea Ceremony is something you simply have to experience at least once during your visit to Singapore, and where better than at the oldest tea house in town? Perfect for a quiet escape if you’ve been exploring the bustling streets and markets of Chinatown, Tea Chapter serves up a range of brews from delicate to robust, or you can go for their signature Golden Cassia blend from China’s southern Fujian province. Kick off your shoes and relax as you’re guided through this centuries-old ceremony, and stay until you’re ready to hit the streets again – perhaps for more shopping or a fun Puzzle Hunt around the district.

My Awesome Café

Best cafes in Singapore

My Awesome Café

Not one to be modest, My Awesome Café is an eclectic, welcoming space that looks like something between a retro diner and someone’s attic. Tucked into a small corner of Chinatown between the Al-Abrar Mosque and Thian Hock Keng Temple, it’s instantly recognizable because it’s in an old health clinic and still has the original façade. Most of the furniture and dinnerware is second hand and mis-matching and antique Chinese medicine cabinets are lit by funky hanging lanterns – but that’s all part of the charm. My Awesome Café specializes in nourishing shakes, salads and sandwiches (although it’s worth stopping by later in the day for a glass of wine and one of their ‘Awesome’ platters), but their signature offering is the ‘Drinkable Idea’ – a concoction of coconut water with chia seeds and goji berries, served in an ‘Awesome’ light bulb which you can keep as a souvenir.

The Mind Café

Best cafes in Singapore

The Mind Café

If you find yourself needing some indoor time (particularly if you need to occupy some little ones for a while), head to the other side of Fort Canning Park and just past the National Museum of Singapore you’ll find the Mind Café. You can get there easily on the Yellow Line of the Big Bus Tour, and don’t worry, you don’t have to be brainy or pass any tests to get in – it’s called the Mind Café because it’s jam-packed full of board games. The diner-style menu enhances the evening-in-on-the-couch kind of vibes with offerings like crisps, pastries, TV dinners and even instant noodles, but really, it’s about the games. There are more than 800 to choose from – everything from Uno to Jenga and several editions of Monopoly – so it’s the perfect place for some screen-free family bonding time.

Sunday Folks

Best cafes in Singapore

Sunday Folks

This cheerful café with its play-on-words name is a little out of the way, but worth it if your sweet tooth (or inner child) is in need of a little attention. The folks at Sunday Folks specialize in luxury ice creams, served in a posh cone or on a stack of waffles, so it definitely counts as lunch. Of course you’ll find your favorites but if you’re feeling adventurous why not go for Earl Grey Lavender, Peppermint Marshmallow Fluff, Crunchy Crème Caramel, Raspberry Rose and Lychee or Dark Chocolate Ferrero. Tempted? The curious combinations don’t end there – you’re bound to find some seasonal selections, like coconut prosecco, kaya toast or even pavlova ice cream cake. Oh, and it’s not very far from the Singapore Museum of Ice Cream. (Just thought we’d mention it. You’re welcome.)

Soak up Singapore vibes with Go City

Whether you prefer cozy interiors or sweeping views, there’s nothing like relaxing over a coffee to build up energy for sightseeing! Make sure you’ve got your Go City All-Inclusive or Explorer Pass, so you’ll save on all your favorite Singapore attractions as you go!

Karleen Stevens
Go City Travel Expert

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Singapore food market
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1 Week in Singapore Itinerary

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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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
The bandstand in Singapore Botanic Gardens.
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Singapore in May

As Singapore lurches towards the busy summer season, May presents one of the last opportunities to see the city in (relative) peace and quiet before the vacationing hordes descend. It’s also one of the hottest and most humid months of the year here but, again, it’s all relative on an island where the climate doesn’t really vary all that much from one end of the year to the other. Read on for our expert guide to visiting Singapore in May. Visiting Singapore in May Temperature: 77–88°F • Average Rainfall: 19 days/month • Average Sunshine: 9 hours/day Don’t let that scary-looking rainfall stat put you off: May is so hot and humid in Singapore that, believe us, you’ll be glad of the respite provided by those occasional brief downpours. These short thunderstorms are mere amuse bouches for the monsoon season proper, which arrives in June and doesn’t begin to peter out until September. There’s also sunshine in May, and lots of it, so prepare accordingly by donning massive Jackie O sunglasses, light cotton and linen clothing and the floppiest, widest-brimmed sun hat you can lay your hands on. Or make like the locals and pack a parasol for the midday sun and an umbrella for the afternoon downpour. Like the climate, hotel prices don’t vary much across the year in Singapore. But May, loosely speaking, is low season, so you’re more likely to find good deals now than, say, in June or July. Our advice? Book well ahead to take advantage of any early bird discounts that may be available. Things to do in Singapore in May May’s hot, humid weather means you won’t want to be outdoors all the time. Indeed you’ll likely find yourself sweatily seeking out air-conditioned malls, restaurants, hawker centers and, heck, even public transport, every hour or so, just to get a bit of respite. A great way to spend a sizzling May day is to get out and about early, discovering the kinds of fine outdoors attractions that have earned Singapore its ‘Garden City’ nickname before the heat really begins to bite around noon. Dodge the soaring temperatures with a few indoor attractions in the afternoon before seeking out a beach or rooftop bar for cocktails at sunset. Perfect. Singapore’s many gardens and forests are great fun for exploring, and have the added benefit of providing a bit of natural shade and temperature control on warm days. Hotfoot it to the spectacular Gardens by the Bay where the OCBC Skyway provides some fine aerial views from 22 meters up in the canopy of the park’s iconic Supertrees. Or stick to the trunks, where your morning stroll is absolutely gratis. Step inside the vast durian-shaped hothouses for ancient olive groves, a sky-high waterfall and carpets of colorful blooms that emit an intoxicating riot of perfumes. Across town, Singapore’s Botanic Gardens provide further opportunities to smell the roses. And orchids. And Rafflesia. This sprawling 200-acre oasis also has a picture-perfect bandstand and peaceful Swan Lake, ticking off your Instagram and picnic requirements in one fell swoop. Equally alluring are the Southern Ridges, where six miles of elevated walkways and jungle trails, weave along the island’s south coast, connecting Mount Faber Park and the Labrador Nature Reserve. Expect to see (and hear) a rainbow of native birdlife as you tiptoe through the treetops, including orange-bellied flowerpeckers, red-whiskered bulbuls and many more tropical critters. Don’t miss the decidedly more manmade structure that is Henderson Waves, an architectural masterpiece of steel that snakes across the trees and, at 36 meters above ground, is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. A little further north, MacRitchie Reservoir (pictured above) is a huge natural playground with, yes, another epic treetop walkway that links the park’s highest points, plus plenty of running and walking trails and, this being a reservoir, an abundance of water for kayak enthusiasts to explore, perhaps spotting the occasional monitor lizard or macaque along the way. Hazy May afternoons in Singapore are best spent over long lunches in air-conditioned hawker centers. Order a sweet and refreshing bandung (condensed milk and rose syrup over ice) and gorge on local specialities including chicken rice, chili crab and pork satay before hitting the (also air-conditioned) mega-malls for a spot of light retail therapy. As evening approaches, catch the cable car across the bay to the tiny resort island of Sentosa, where a cocktail at the beach bars or dip in the 85°F waters that lap palm-lined sands are the ideal way to top off your day as the sun disappears over the horizon. What’s on in Singapore in May? Vesak Day is celebrated on the 15th day of the fourth month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Which, for those paying attention at the back, generally means sometime in May. It’s a public holiday and precipitates an island-wide festival in celebration of the life of Buddha, usually manifested in various religious and cultural activities in and around Singapore’s many temples. Join the festivities at landmark beauties including the Insta-perfect Burmese Buddhist Temple and Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, where you can also witness awesome candlelit processions at the end of the day. Culture vultures rejoice! For May is also the month of the Singapore International Festival of Arts, which showcases some of the finest in theater, music, dance and visual arts from Singapore and around the world. A wide and varied program includes ticketed performances as well as a number of free events around the city. But, if your idea of a great day out tends to involve giving your credit card a workout in chic boutiques, swanky stores and big-brand emporia stuffed with clothes, accessories, gadgets and toys, we also have something just for you. The Great Singapore Sale kicks off towards the end of May, bringing extended shopping hours and whopping great discounts (often as high as 70%!) to some of the city’s biggest retail outlets. Just don’t blame us when you get a fevered call from your bank manager the next morning! 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
Stuart Bak

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