Things to do on a Weekend in Singapore

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: July 18, 2024
Woman exploring colorful buildings in Singapore's Little India neighborhood

Looking for things to do on a weekend to Singapore? While 48 hours is never going to be enough time to soak up everything this space-age metropolis has to offer, it’s plenty to get a flavor of the Garden City and its many intoxicating sights, sounds and smells. From sightseeing strolls through Chinatown and Kampong Glam to lazing on tropical beaches and sampling Singaporean specialities in the lively hawker markets, here’s our pick of some of the finest ways to while away a weekend in Singapore, including:

  • Gardens by the Bay
  • Epic bike rides and city sightseeing strolls
  • Amazing nature reserves
  • Foodie fave hawker centers
  • Sentosa’s top beaches
  • Cinemas and cocktails
  • Fabulous free light shows

Gardens by the Bay

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Instantly recognizable thanks to its iconic supertree structures that dominate the bay, Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore’s top attractions – and with good reason! But did you know you can visit many parts of this iconic 250-acre park for free? That’s right, a stroll between the trunks of the majestic Supertree Grove is absolutely gratis, though you’ll have to cough up a few dollars if you want to explore the elevated walkway. There are certainly worse ways to spend a Saturday morning than by grabbing a coffee and breakfast roti and finding a quiet spot to relax with a good book in the tranquil Bay East Garden, with its manicured lawns, pretty flower gardens and sweeping views of the Singapore skyline.

Get on Your Bike

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Singapore has a world-class cycling infrastructure, with dedicated bike lanes downtown and dozens of routes for escaping the bustle of the city and exploring the rest of the island. There are plenty of cycling tours around the city’s main attractions but we recommend renting some bikes and going it alone. The Central Urban Loop provides a (literal) breath of fresh air as you pedal your way out from beneath the skyscrapers and into a network of paths that traverse the city’s many excellent parks, gardens, waterways and woodlands. Or, if you’re feeling particularly sprightly one Sunday morning, you could even consider taking on a section of the epic Round Island Route, a 150-kilometer coastal trail that takes in some of the best ocean and bay views in the country.

Take a Sightseeing Stroll

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A weekend wander from Chinatown to Little India (or vice versa) rewards even the most jaded traveler. Chinatown’s labyrinth of narrow streets is an Instagrammer’s dream, packed with ornate temples, bustling markets and, of course, steaming grills and pots heady with the aromas of Peking duck and kung pao chicken. Wander east to Kampong Glam, Singapore’s vibrant Muslim district, where the mosque’s huge golden dome and countless colorful Peranakan shopfronts in cactus greens, turmeric yellows and chili reds make for more great photo opportunities. Then make for Little India where a well-earned lunch of spicy fish-head curry awaits.

Get Back to Nature

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Weekends are made for communing with nature, right? And where better to do so than on an island that’s made up of more than 50 per cent green space. Head over to the MacRitchie Reservoir nature reserve where you can spot abundant native wildlife including monitor lizards and macaques, and get a birds’ eye view from the dizzying 250-meter suspension bridge that forms the Treetop Walks. You can easily while away a lazy Sunday here, whether kayaking on the reservoir, or lacing up your running shoes for a gentle jog along one of the scenic cross-country trails.

Enter a Foodie Fantasy World

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Bodyswerve the ubiquitous international pizza and burger chains and go straight to the heart of the action in Singapore’s bustling hawker centers, where the sensational scents of sizzling satay and spicy coconut soups are enough to make a grown man weep. There are over 100 of these open-air food courts around the city, meaning delicious, cheap, freshly cooked Indian, Chinese and Malay cuisine is yours to enjoy on demand, day or night. Try local favorite satay bee hoon, in which spicy hot sauce is smothered liberally over rice vermicelli, and served with meat, fish or vegetables of your choice. The national dish of zingy chili crab is another absolute must-try. And, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, why not give turtle soup, live octopus or century egg a spin? Hey, don’t knock them 'til you’ve tried them!

Be a Beach Bum

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Reachable from the main island via monorail and cable car, Sentosa Island is one great big playground with thrill rides, an aquarium, Singapore’s Universal Studios outpost and, of course, several fantastic beaches. Think bone-white sands, turquoise lagoons and swaying coconut palms and you’ll be halfway there already. A free shuttle operates between the resort’s sandy Palawan, Tanjong and Siloso beaches, so all you need to remember is your bathing costume, a bottle of sunscreen and a giant pair of Jackie O sunglasses. Have a go on the adrenaline-pumping giant swing that soars high above Siloso Beach if you dare!

Swig a Singapore Sling

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A Singapore institution of some 135 years standing, the colonial-style Raffles Hotel has hosted a who’s who of glamorous household names through the decades: Elizabeth Taylor, Christian Louboutin, Ernest Hemingway, Charlie Chaplin and Queen Elizabeth II, to name-drop just a few. So you’ll be in good company when you pop by this Garden City icon for an equally iconic Singapore Sling, the tropical cocktail for which the hotel, in spite of its many celebrity guests, is best-known. This boozy blend of gin, cherry brandy, pineapple, grenadine, lime juice and bitters is the perfect start to your Saturday night.

Movie Night

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Weekend activities don’t get much better than sinking into a comfy seat in a hushed cinema theater with the smell of freshly popped corn hanging in the air. Singapore has plenty of cinemas to choose from. Head for the huge GVMax screen at the Golden Village VivoCity multiplex for the latest Hollywood blockbusters, or mosey over to Projector X: Riverside or the ArtScience Museum if under-the-radar indie flicks and documentaries paired with trendy cocktail lists are more your thing. But remember: no-one is too old or too cool to enjoy a bucket of sweet and salty popcorn with their movie.

See the City Lights

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There’s a duo of splendiferous light shows in the bay every evening. The light and music spectacular at the Gardens by the Bay kicks off every evening around 7:45PM and sees the iconic supertree structures burst into colorful life. Over at the Marina Bay Sands resort, the Spectra light and water show features dancing fountains as well as dazzling visual projections, lasers and mist effects, all backed by a rousing orchestral soundtrack. There are shows at 8, 9 and 10PM on Friday and Saturday nights, making this a great weekend activity when visiting Singapore. Best of all, both shows are completely free!

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Christmas in Singapore
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Christmas in Singapore

It's the same every year. Horned animals, jolly red fellows, and gifts wrapped in paper start appearing on TV. Those songs clog up your favorite radio stations - you know the ones. And you hear the distant scream of your bank account as it prepares to be drained of all its savings. Yes, that's right. It's Christmas. The most wonderful time of the year. So if you're considering visiting Singapore this winter, you might want to know what Christmas is like in the city. Well, don't worry; we've got all answers down below, as well as suggestions to amplify your merriment! Read on, and discover Christmas in Singapore. Including: How do they celebrate Christmas in Singapore? Is Christmas in Singapore good? Is Christmas a big holiday in Singapore? Christmas cheer at Gardens of the Bay Christmas at Universal Studios and more! How do they celebrate Christmas in Singapore? In such a multicultural city, it's no surprise that Christmas is handled in a rather traditional sense. Shopping malls are wrapped in tinsel and fairy lights, Christmas trees spring up from nowhere, and stockings adorn many a shop window. So, really, it's probably just like your home town. Only in Singapore, so the weather's much better! Is Christmas in Singapore good? It is! You'll find plenty of Christmas activities to enjoy in and around the city, as well as Christmas shopping savings, markets, and plenty more. But we'll get to that. Is Christmas a big holiday in Singapore? Even though there's a relatively small Christian population in Singapore - around 19% identify as Christians - Christmas is still a big holiday in the city. Much like many of the other religious holidays and festivals celebrated in Singapore, Christmas gets a similar treatment. Now that we've got your burning questions out of the way, let's talk about the best things to do over Christmas in Singapore! Christmas cheer at Gardens of the Bay If you're visiting Singapore, you've probably already heard of Gardens of the Bay. Thanks to its beautiful SuperTrees, it's one of the most recognizable green spaces on the planet. With millions of plants, multiple biomes, and even an Avatar movie crossover found within, there's plenty to do and see for every visitor. But what of Christmas? Well, you've got a few choices. First is Christmas Wonderland. Arguably Singapore's biggest Christmas extravaganza, visitors will be treated to the kind of light show one expects at Garden Rhapsody - just extra Christmasy. But that's not all; you can also meet Santa and snap a pic, play carnival games, explore the Mistletoe Alley Christmas market, and even hop on some rides. All-round yuletide fun for one and all, just like Santa always wanted. This one runs throughout December, so if you're visiting Singapore over Christmas, you should be just fine. The other is Poinsetta Wishes, a massive display of delightful Andalucian flora that gets a Christmas glow-up every winter. Every year, a different Christmas theme takes over the Flower Dome. Last year it was Nordic-inspired Christmas treats like gingerbread reindeer and a giant hollowed-out apple adorning Santa's sleigh. 2022/23's display hasn't been announced yet, but keep an eye out online to find out. Typically, the Christmas display at the Flower Dome runs from the end of November to the beginning of January. Joy to the world at Universal Studios Universal Studios is every cinephile's ideal theme park. With tons of rides dedicated to some of the planet's biggest film franchises, it's fun for kids and bigger kids alike. One moment, visitors will be dodging dinos at the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure; the next, they'll be riding alongside Optimus Prime as the Transformers battle the Decepticons. But over Christmas, it transforms into a winter wonderland. The halls are firmly decked with boughs of holly, carols bellow out around the park courtesy of your favorite universal characters, and you can hop on the Universal Rocking Railway to catch a glimpse of trees inspired by Shrek, Minions, and plenty of others. You can also post a letter to Santa and watch as the Postmaster Elf drops it off at the North Pole Postal Service. And when you're overcome with hunger from all the Christmasy activity, head to the Festive Market to pick up some Christmas twists on Singapore favorites. Pick up some cheer at a traditional Christmas market We've already talked about Gardens by the Bay's Mistletoe Market and Universal's Festive Market. But what other markety delights can you find in Singapore? Well, there's the Chinatown Christmas Market, which appears at the end of December, from Dec 19-20th, and then again from Dec 26-27. See Chinatown adorned in decorations, and prepare to pick up some great bargains on food, knickknacks, and decorations if you're behind on your Christmas schedule. Then there's the Christmas Fair at Crane Club. From Dec 4-5, you can pick up some great gift ideas, all made by local businesses. From clothes to homeware and plenty of chocolate to boot, you'll find something for everyone at this brilliant Christmas spot. Or, try I'mable Gift Market, a conscientious Christmas Market that not only offers sustainably-made products, but they're also made by people with disabilities. And no matter what you pick up, you'll know that your purchases help the community and disability services. Does it get much more Christmasy than that? Not in our book. Let loose at a Christmas Village And finally, we'll end our exploration of Christmas in Singapore with a visit to Changi Festive Village. From November 4 - Jan 2, you'll be able to attend one of Singapore's best-kept winter secrets. Located onsite at Changi Airport, this wonderful village provides with a myriad of activities on offer. Hop on a go-kart and race around a circuit, jump into the dino-themed bouncy castle, lay your eyes upon a huge 50+ foot Christmas tree, and top it all off with some Christmas bites. Brilliant. And there ends our guide to Christmas in Singapore! Wherever you choose to spend your winter holiday, have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! If you're wondering what else to get up to on your Singapore vacation, check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can pick and choose the best of Singapore for one low price. That way, you can get your fix of Christmas cheer and make the most of the rest of your stay!
Dom Bewley
Traditional bowl of laksa.
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Best Places for Laksa in Singapore

Ah, laksa, that most versatile of Southeast Asian dishes. So versatile in fact that you’ll find more variants across the region than there are characters in the Pokémon universe. You’ll also discover disagreement from Indonesia to Malaysia over where and by whom this beloved noodle soup was invented. Almost certainly Peranakan in origin, it appears to have evolved along the spice route over several centuries, with the first known use of the term ‘laksa’ to mean ‘noodles’ dating to 1391. But what does it taste like? Well, again, that depends where you eat it. But in its most recognized form laksa is an aromatic noodle soup flavored with a fish or shrimp broth, creamy coconut milk, tamarind and herbs including coriander and mint. Usually topped with beansprouts and fish, shrimps or chicken, it’s rich, spicy and just begs to be slurped noisily, though its vibrant yellow color makes wearing a white shirt while dining an absolute no-no. Best of all it’s deliciously moreish and available in every Singapore restaurant, food court and hawker center worth its salt. It’s also eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner so no need to limit yourself to just one bowl a day! We took a deep dive to discover some of the best places for laksa in Singapore and you’ll find a small election of our faves below. Sungei Road Laksa This near legendary laksa kitchen is run by a tiny team of crack chefs from its unassuming location along the Sungei Road. But believe us when we say there’s nothing pedestrian about the laksa, with great steaming bowls of noodle broth being served up to long queues of hungry punters most days from morning until late afternoon. The laksa here is both delicate and rich at the same time. Cooked over charcoal, packed with thick bee hoon noodles and topped generously with cockles, crunchy beansprouts and fragrant herbs it’s a satisfying lunch and all for just a few dollars. Afterwards, head south over the Rochor Canal and into Kampong Glam, where alongside the landmark Sultan Mosque, you’ll find trendy boutiques and antique emporia galore, for all your souvenir-shopping needs. Find it: 27 Jalan Berseh, #01-100, Singapore 200027 Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Claypot Laksa The clue’s in the (rather long) name of this Alexandra Village Food Center stalwart, which has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand every year since 2016 for its impossible-to-resist laksa. The gravy is cooked and served in a claypot, lending it an aromatic, smoky flavor and ensuring your meal retains its heat regardless of how long you spend chatting to friends between each delicious mouthful. This rich, creamy almost curry-like take on laksa is ideal fuel if you’re off for an afternoon’s hiking in the nearby Southern Ridges, where an elevated walkway weaves through the treetops south of the city, colorful native birdlife is in abundance and the Henderson Waves Bridge – a striking landmark with undulating steel ribs that snake over and under the walkway – has to be seen (and walked across) to be believed. Find it: 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Alexandra Hawker Centre, #01-75, Singapore 151120 Janggut Laksa Janggut Laksa is one of at least two laksa joints at the Queenstown Shopping Center (and countless more around the city) to claim ownership of the ‘original and best’ Katong laksa in Singapore, Katong being an orange-hued take on the more commonly found yellow lemak variety, cooked with a little less coconut and a little more spice. Whether original or best is probably moot in a place with this much choice, but Janggut’s take on the dish is certainly up there. A refreshing and aromatic broth with notes of coriander, ginger and lemongrass, it comes packed with thick, chewy noodles, shrimp and a great big dollop of sambal sauce to add further heat and depth to your soup, should you be feeling bold enough to stir it through. Like most laksa eateries, the menu is short and to the point, but we’d also recommend trying the curried chicken here if you can find an appetite big enough. Find it: 1 Queensway, #01-59, Singapore 149053 328 Katong Laksa Another claimant to the title of ‘original and best’ is 328 Katong Laksa over the other side of town on the East Coast Road (why one of these joints didn’t just go for ‘Original and Best Katong Laksa’ as their shop name beats us). However, 328’s rivalry with fellow Singapore eateries is as nothing compared to their epic 2013 cook-off with Gordon Ramsay, a battle which saw the East Coast crew triumph, catapulting their already legendary laksa into the the stratosphere (no, not literally). Join the snaking queues to find out what all the fuss is about, but expect to pay a premium for the ‘number one laksa in Singapore’. The white sands and swaying coconut palms at nearby East Coast Park provide the perfect setting for sleeping it off in the afternoon sun. Find it: 51 East Coast Road, Singapore 428770 928 Yishun Laksa There are plenty of reasons to make a day trip out to the northeast region of Singapore. Singapore Zoo, for example, one of the biggest and best on the planet. Then there’s the natural hot spring at Sembawang, a pungent high-sulfide pool said to have healing properties. Woodlands Waterfront Park boasts the longest jetty on the island and a lovely promenade with views across the Straits of Johor to Malaysia. But perhaps the best reason to head north is to pay a visit to 928 Yishun Laksa, a stalwart of Singapore’s noodle soup scene with the long queues to prove it. Expect thick, creamy broth with a kick of spicy sambal at this family-run stall, where the laksa is prepared from scratch using fresh ingredients daily. Be sure to get there early: this ever-popular joint often closes mid-to-late afternoon when their addictive soups sell out. Find it: 928 Yishun Central 1, #01-155, Singapore 760928 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
Airport Travel in Singapore
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Airport Travel in Singapore

So you've decided to spend your vacation in Singapore. Good choice! It's a diverse melting pot of cultures that will welcome you with open arms. There's nowhere quite like Singapore, thanks to the juxtaposition between awe-inspiring modern architecture and wonderfully exotic nature. And, with a warm climate all year round, it's the perfect place to shake off those winter blues. But what about traveling in Singapore once you reach the airport? Don't worry; we've got you covered. Scroll down, and discover our guide to airport travel in Singapore. We're going to cover Singapore's airports and the best ways to get into the city once you arrive. So stash your trays and fasten those seatbelts. And let's get into it! Airports in Singapore Singapore has two commercial airports, so depending on where you're traveling from, you'll be landing at either Singapore Changi Airport or Seletar Airport. Here's what to expect at each. Singapore Changi Airport If you travel to Changi Airport in Singapore, you're in good hands. It has received multiple accolades throughout its 40+ year history, including Skytrax's 'World's Best Airport' award, as well as other accolades such as 'World's Cleanest Airport', which it has won on multiple occasions. Visitors are treated to a waterfall, multiple gardens, and even places perfect for entertaining children - a godsend if you need to keep them busy if your flight home is delayed. On top of all that, there are heaps of shopping, eating, and other entertainment opportunities there. Singapore's tallest ride is found at Terminal 2. It's wild. Both the ride and its placement! Singapore Changi Airport is just under ten miles from the city center, almost equidistant when compared to Seletar Airport. Seletar Airport While the less glamorous of the two, Seletar still serves its ultimate purpose - being an airport where planes land. Originally a military airport, it opened its doors - and its runways - to commercial flights as Singapore became an increasingly popular tourist destination. Well, one runway at least. It may not have all the bells and whistles of Changi Airport, but it is an airport. And, as mentioned above it is also just shy of ten miles from the center of Singapore. So, now we've covered the airport situation, you'll want to know how to travel in to Singapore once you arrive! Travel from Seletar Airport in to Singapore There are a few ways to get into Singapore proper. You can get the 102 bus from Seletar Airport to Buangkok Station and then a train from there to Clarke Quay. It's a 58-minute journey and will set you back a measly $2. Or, if you want to stretch your legs after the flight, you can walk to Buangkok Station instead, which takes about 35 minutes. Considering this only shaves $1 off the $2 price of getting the bus while adding about 20 minutes to your trip, only consider walking if you need to get your steps up. Alternatively, hire a taxi and make the trip in 17 precious minutes. Of course, this will set you back around 10x more than the bus/train combo, but at $20, is it really worth the fuss? Travel from Changi Airport in to Singapore You'll find similar travel opportunities if you land at Changi Airport. The subway will get you straight from the airport into the city center in just over 30 minutes, and will only set you back $3. Or, hop on the 36 bus and make the same journey in just under 90 minutes. It's longer, but at $1, it's also cheaper if you want to squeeze your pennies. And, like Seletar Airport, a taxi will set you back around $20 and make the journey in under 20 minutes. Those are your public transport options. But if you're traveling in a group, or want to plan your trip ahead to avoid any post-landing headaches, consider an airport transfer. Airport transfers for travel in to Singapore These days, more and more people are relying on airport transfer services to ensure they have a smooth transition from their plane seat to their hotel bed. And it's easy to understand why. If your cell signal is patchy, or your provider doesn't allow for roaming service, you may end up tearing your hair out while working out where to go. Alternatively, the language barrier could also hinder your efforts in getting to your hotel or Airbnb. But with airport transfer services, you needn't worry about that. It's all taken care of way ahead of time. Simply step off the plane, meet your driver, and let them worry about the trip. If that sounds like exactly what you need, here are our recommendations for airport transfer services in Singapore. SGMaxi Cab SGMaxi Cab is one of the country's most reliable airport transfer services, providing travel from both airports in Singapore. They have a wide variety of vehicles in their fleet, from small mini buses to Rolls-Royce Limos. Really, they actually provide Rolls-Royce Limos to those who want to travel in style. Prices are reasonable, and their service is second to none. Check on their website to see what works best for you, but do bear in mind that pickups between 11PM and 6.30AM come with an extra fee. You are keeping them out of bed, after all. Kler Transport If you're traveling in a larger pack, then Kler Transport might be ideal for you. They specialize in larger parties, with vehicles ranging from 13-40 people. No Rolls-Royce options, sadly, but they do let you book last minute, which you can make up to 3 hours before you land. So even if you're reading this on your flight, go on their website and get booking! They also request a nighttime surcharge if your trip is booked between 11PM and 7AM. Maxi-Cab If you've got heaps of luggage, Maxi-Cab might be the perfect service for you. While they offer the usual suite of buses with variable passenger sizes, they also offer the Luggage Van - a van designed with luggage in mind. And, with customers able to book their trip 15 minutes before they need it, it's the speediest and most flexible service of the bunch. Check their prices and see what suits you. And that about rounds out our guide to airport travel in Singapore! Now you'll just need to plan the vacation part of your vacation. Thankfully, Go City has you more than covered. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you'll have access to all of Singapore's best bits for one low price.
Dom Bewley

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