Things to do on a Weekend in Singapore

UPDATED JULY 2024By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
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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Singapore Staycation
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Singapore Staycation - Best Ways to Stay Over

Staycations have become imminently popular in the past decade, with hotels offering up brilliant packages and ensuring you needn't leave at all. Sometimes, all you want to do is just stay in and vegetate. We've all experienced the surprising glee of a friend canceling on them last minute, leaving you free to wallow in your pajamas. Staycations are like that, just with extra steps. So, what about Singapore? What does the city's staycation scene look like? Well, let's take a look. We've trawled the web to find you the best Singapore staycation opportunities. Read on, and check out our recommendations! Including: Raffles Hotel Singapore JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach M Social Singapore Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium Regis Singapore and more! Raffles Hotel Singapore Raffles is one of the most prominent hotels in Singapore. At well over one hundred years old, it's earned its place at the top. And, luckily for you, they also offer a fantastic staycation package. You'll enjoy a luxury tea for two at the Tiffin Room, a Heritage Evening at The Grand Lobby, and even a trishaw ride around the place. And, with Go City, you can enjoy a complimentary drink at The Long Bar. If you've never tried it before, order a Singapore Sling. It's considered the unofficial drink of the city for a reason. And did you know it was created by a bartender who worked at The Long Bar? Of course, you're free to camp out there and enjoy The Long Bar's alfresco stylings. And a few more drinks while you're at it. JW Marriott Hotel Singapore Rejuvenating Spa Staycation Marriott Hotels are some of the best in the business, with myriad locations worldwide, including Singapore. And lucky for you, they offer a fantastic spa staycation to help you feel pampered and proper. You'll get a one-hour massage at the hotel's spa, complimentary buffet breakfast at the Beach Road Kitchen, and access to the rest of the hotel's fantastic facilities, including swimming pools, sky gardens, bars, gyms, and restaurants. And you're only a stone's throw from the city's cultural district, if you want to feel inspired. M Social Singapore If you treat your social media like a publicity stunt, then M Social might be the perfect Singapore staycation for you! One of their packages offers participants the chance to conduct their own photoshoot. Fun! Thanks to an M Social x Dollop Automat team-up, you'll be able to create memories - and posts - to commemorate your staycation thanks to their self-photo studio. Get that photoshoot feel but without the photographer. Or, if you prefer to smell like success, their other package lets you create your very own perfume. Working closely with top dogs from Maison 12G, you'll learn what goes into a fragrance, and how to make the perfect one just for you. Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium Holiday Inn might not have the best rep throughout other parts of the world, but in Singapore, you'll find a four-star hotel with swimming pools, gyms, and a fantastic staycation package! It includes free breakfast, late checkout, and plenty of discounts on the hotel's many amenities, including massive savings on meals at the hotel's restaurants and much more. So you may not want to leave! Regis Singapore Got the kids in tow? Then Regis Marriott Singapore might have the perfect staycation package for the entire family. Featuring a complimentary free breakfast for four, as well as late checkout and $100 of credit to spend on whatever you like at the hotel, it's the perfect place to hunker down, watch some movies, and order room service. Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore Ever stayed at a Thai golf resort? Probably not, right? Well, time to tick this obscure and unlikely thing off of your bucket list with a trip to Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore! Arguably one of the best staycations on this list, you'll be treated like a VIP the moment you walk through the front door. That's because you'll be served a complimentary drink on entry. Cool! But the coolness doesn't stop there. For your stay, you'll have free rein of the resort's many facilities, from the golf course to the fitness center. Want to go swimming? Go right ahead. Need a big breakfast to start the day? Why of course, on the house. Located on the outskirts of the city, Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore makes a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Singaporean life. And if you're looking for a Singapore staycation, this could be the perfect one. InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay Heading back into the city, if you're looking for a little water to accompany your staycation, head riverside and stay at InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay. Your room will have its own fully-kitted-out entertainment system, with a massive TV, tons of channels, streaming apps, and speakers that'll knock your socks off. Pair that with the stunning views of the river, and you've got yourself the perfect room you'll never want to leave. That is, unless you want to make the most of your stay! Your booking also includes breakfast, afternoon tea, bar drinks, and access to the hotel's stunning lounge. Want to explore the surroundings? Get a rental bike, courtesy of the hotel, and get exploring! Duxton Reserve If you're looking for old-timey glamor from your Singapore staycation, then you need to check out Duxton Reserve. Black and gold is the name of the game here, with interiors that fuse the best of East and West design. Oh, and they have a brilliant staycation too. That also helps. You'll have run of the bar, delicious Chinese food on tap courtesy of the Yellow Pot restaurant, and a room fitted to the nines with the best upholstery and entertainment. It's also the perfect place to snap some pics, ensuring your friends, family, and followers become insanely jealous of your stay. And isn't that half the battle? Those were our picks of the very best Singapore staycation venues! Of course, there's more to Singapore than staying in and snuggling up. You'll find a wealth of entertainment opportunities outside the hotel's walls. If you want to do and see all of Singapore's best bits for one low price, check out Go City. Pick from our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass and see what all the fuss is about!
Dom Bewley
Temple in Little India, Singapore
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Things to do in Little India

Spend some time away from the bright lights and crowded Marina in Singapore, and you’ll discover delightful, multicultural districts dotted like small, colorful time capsules hidden around the city. Once such enclave is Little India, north of the center on the other side of the Rochor Canal. Noisy, bustling and bursting with life, it’s a welcome reprieve if the somewhat sterile efficiency of the rest of the city is getting you down. Everything here is walking distance from everything else, so head here on the Big Bus Red Route, then wander the narrow lanes, try a Roti Prata (grilled pancake with a Singaporean twist) and shop for shimmering silks or bright flower garlands. Other things to check out while you’re here include: Festivals The Indian Heritage Center A puzzle hunt Temples Shopping centers Festivals Though busy and bustling most of the time, Little India is particularly vibrant during festival times. Check your calendar and be sure to swing by if you happen to be in town when any of these are happening: Deepavali Also known as Diwali, this Hindu festival takes place every October or November and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It’s also called the Festival of Lights, because many homes light oil lamps and the narrow lanes are lit up with lights and lanterns hanging from one building to another. Visit during this time and you’ll see streets filled with art, have a chance to try special Diwali-inspired food and adorn yourself with flowers or a henna tattoo. Pongal This South Indian harvest festival takes place over four days in the new year and celebrates prosperity and new beginnings. Each day is devoted to a different practice, but each involves light displays, traditional dress and street performances. In the spirit of the abundance, locals consume plenty of rice and vegetables and fill the streets with music and dancing. Thaipusam Honoring the Hindu deity Lord Murugan, Thaipusam is celebrated every year in late January or early February. Devotees pierce their cheeks, tongues and bodies with metal skewers, then process through the streets carrying arches decorated with flowers and peacock feathers. This practice is considered to be an act of thanksgiving for answered prayers, and requires a particular amount of physical and mental fortitude! Navratri If you happen to be in Little India in September or October, you may be fortunate enough to witness the celebration of Navratri, which lasts for nine nights and ten days. This Hindu festival pays respect to the nine forms of the goddess Durga, and each of the nine days is marked by a different color. On the tenth day a silver chariot carrying a statue of the goddess is paraded through the streets, celebrating her victory over the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura. Indian Heritage Center Though it’s only been called ‘Little India’ since the 1980s, this area of Singapore has been home to an Indian community since early colonial times. Visit the Indian Heritage Center to learn more about how they came to be there, see the interesting collection of Indian artifacts and top up your knowledge of south Asian history while you’re at it. There are plenty of interactive displays and interesting exhibitions, making it a nice escape from the heat and crowds outside. Temples Though predominantly a Hindu district, Little India is surprisingly diverse when it comes to religions. If you find your spiritual side needs a pick-me-up, take yourself on the self-guided ‘Walk of Faiths’, which goes past eleven religious sites over a one-and-a-half-mile route. Along the trail, you’ll see the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, decorated with colorful statues of various Hindu deities, the pyramid-shaped Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and the Chinese Buddhist Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple. There’s also the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, known the Temple of a Thousand Lights because of the chain of lights surrounding the giant Buddha statue, as well as a couple of Christian and Muslim buildings. Take your time wandering from one building to another, or hire a bike if you prefer a more whistle-stop version. Puzzle Hunt If you need a little guidance on your explorations, or are looking for a fun group activity, try a Little India Puzzle Hunt, which is a kind of outdoor escape room. This immersive puzzle-solving game will take you all around the district as you search for clues and learn fun facts along the way. Be sure to take time for a photo opportunity at the colorful Chinese villa known as The House of Tan Teng Niah, and if you’re hungry grab a biryani or some spicy prawn noodles from a street food stall at the Tekka Center. Shopping If you didn’t get all your shopping done during the day, don’t worry, because the Mustafa Center in Little India is open 24 hours. Hidden within the organized chaos of this four-storey mall you’ll find clothes, perfume, electronics and jewelry, as well as locally made accessories and souvenirs. There’s also the Little India Arcade, where you’re likely to find locals shopping alongside the tourists. Whatever your preference, be sure to pick up some of the district’s most famous export, Tiger Balm! Explore Little India with Go City Whether you prefer feasts or festivals, temples or trinkets, there’s something for everyone in Little India. Be sure to get a pass from Go City before you go, so you can save on all your favorite attractions while you’re exploring!
Karleen Stevens
Gardens by the bay
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Guide to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore - Tips, Free Entries & More

From towering supertrees to a huge indoor waterfall – there are plenty of awe-inspiring sights at Gardens by the Bay.
Samuel Ford

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