Singapore Marina Bay Sands hotel

What is Singapore Best Known For

Here are some of the things that make the city truly unique...
By Adam Fraiel

From cocktails to cleanliness, we've rounded up Singapore's most famous associations.

All who visit admire the vibrant city of Singapore. From the city’s stunning skyline to iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore is jam-packed with iconic attractions.

The seamless mix of technology, innovation, and natural beauty makes visiting Singapore an unforgettable experience. We’ll look at what Singapore’s best known for, including the landmarks, attractions, and cultural events that make this city-state such a unique destination.

  • Safety
  • Cleanliness
  • Technology meets nature
  • An unforgettable airport
  • Internationally renowned events
  • The Singapore Sling
  • Learn to speak Singlish
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Singapore is one of the safest cities on earth

The “Lion City” is known worldwide as a safe destination for travelers. The country has a low crime rate and a low murder rate compared to other countries. However, if you dig deeper and look at the statistics of crimes per 100,000 people, there are a few countries that are safer than Singapore. Here are some of the safest cities in the world.

Singapore comes top of the list in the 2022 Safety Perceptions Index, plus ranks in the top 10 most peaceful countries, according to the 2022 Global Peace Index.

Singapore is one of the cleanest cities in the world

Singapore is clean because of strict policies in place to ensure that the city remains that way. Here are some ways Singapore keeps the streets clean.

Littering in Singapore is an offense carrying a substantial fine or even imprisonment. You’re not allowed to litter any kind of food packaging or containers, and they also banned chewing gum.

Spitting in public is an offense that could land you a hefty fine

Smoking is prohibited in all public buses, trains, and taxis.

The city has also invested heavily in a workforce of cleaning and sanitation workers who patrol the city 24/7. The city’s cleanliness is a source of national pride, and they encourage everyone to take an active role in maintaining it.

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The fusion between technology and nature makes Singapore truly unique

Singapore is constantly innovating, blending its traditional roots with contemporary technology. Singapore’s rich heritage is clearly visible in its architecture, monuments, and cultural heritage sites. Yet, it sits seamlessly alongside state-of-the-art buildings, vibrant nightlife, and world-class shopping destinations.

In some countries, new buildings and attractions are purposely built to stand out and be noticed, often to the detriment of the overall aesthetic. Not so in Singapore. There’s. a vision and theme that runs throughout, from the airport to downtown.

Admittedly, that’s easier to do in a small city like Singapore compared to London or New York, but they do it and do it well.

Changi Airport is one of the best in the world

When you think of the word airport, what comes to mind? Long queues, expensive shops, and stressed-out travelers?

Changi Airport has won over 600 awards to date, including 11 times for World’s Best Airport, the Best Airport Staff in Asia, and the best airport in the world in the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Why? Because of the stunning design, level of comfort, and facilities available to the public. There’s no time for boredom here, with a children’s play area, cinema, and game console stations all available for free. There’s also a tropical rainforest vivarium, water lily garden, and giant waterfalls for those looking for a more chilled experience.

You can even have your wedding at Changi Airport! With a spa, Butterfly Garden, and giant slide all accessible to the public, it’d be a ceremony to remember.

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Singapore has a calendar full of world-class cultural events

Singapore is a thriving city that hosts a variety of world-class cultural events every year. Here are a few that you’ll not want to miss:

Singapore Arts Festival

Held every year in January and February, the festival showcases over 100 performances and art exhibits from local and international artists, many of which are free to the public. Singapore Arts Festival is a platform that celebrates local arts and provides a platform for cultural exchanges.

Singapore Food Festival

Spanning an entire month through June and July, Singapore’s incredible cuisine comes to the forefront, with workshops, cooking classes, and competitions springing up all over the city. Shop around for amazing deals in restaurants and sample a multitude of mouth-watering meals.

Lantern Festival

Marking the last day of Chinese New Year, the spring lantern festival is one of the most popular festivals in Singapore. Thousands of paper lanterns are lit and released into the air, creating a magical atmosphere and an incredible photo opportunity.

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Enjoy a Singapore Sling cocktail

Singapore Sling cocktails are famous worldwide and they’re a must-try during your visit. Invented in 1915 at the Long Bar inside the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, the Singapore Sling cocktail’s made with gin, cherry brandy, pineapple juice, lemon juice, and sugar syrup, and garnished with a slice of lime and cherry.

This refreshing drink became an instant classic and its popularity spread throughout the world. Today, you can find the Singapore Sling cocktail in bars all over the world, and in all the local bars.

An authentic Singapore Sling cocktail in Raffles will set you back around $30, but it’s worth it for the nostalgia and history.

Learn to speak Singlish

Singlish is Singapore’s very own local language. It is a unique blend of English, Chinese and Malay. Singlish has its own distinct grammar and vocabulary, and learning a little will help you communicate better with the locals.

Here are a few Singlish words to practice.

Onz (on-z) -Yes

Bo - No

Can - Used to mean, “Yes I can”, or “Can you?”

Shiok (she-oak) - Excellent or very good

If you want to learn more, don’t be afraid to ask the locals. As with most countries, locals appreciate you making the effort and you’ll be rewarded with a much richer travel experience.

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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.

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Family feeding elephants at Singapore Zoo.
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This vast tract of rainforest and wetland in north Singapore contains several of the island's premier attractions, namely Bird Paradise, River Wonders, Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari. But why visit just one when you can tick off all four with a single discounted pass? Read on for our guide to the available multi-park ticket options and short summaries of what to expect from each attraction.
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Unmissable Singapore summer events

Don’t let the occasional midday thunderstorm put you offer exploring Singapore over the summer. The months of June, July and August are some of the least popular of the year. Yet, they are arguably the best when it comes to soaking up the city state’s culture thanks to a wide array of Singapore summer events. So why not take advantage of the great low season accommodation and flight deals on offer by travel companies and experience Singapore at its most alive? It would be foolish not to! Early summer events in Singapore Starting in May and continuing on into June, Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA) is the first annual Singapore summer event of the season. A mixture of local and international acts, it’s an event no culture lover will want to miss. Theater shows, gallery exhibitions, music and dance are all part of the show, which features around 60 individual performances. Usually taking over the reins as SIFA comes to an end is the four-week Great Singapore Sale. An unabashed celebration of all things retail, head to participating stores for bargains galore. The obvious place to head is probably Orchard Road because of its huge number of malls. But even smaller stores in and around Chinatown and Little India get in on the action. There’s simply no excuse for failing to update your wardrobe after a Little India Puzzle Hunt. Alternatively, you can de-stress after the event with an authentic tea appreciation experience in Chinatown. Also developing out of Singapore’s Chinese heritage is June’s Dragon Boat Festival. Known for the ferocity and speed of these rowing races, they are entered by teams who train throughout the year. They battle it out on the Kallang River, whose banks are almost always packed with crowds. Look out for spectators throwing rice dumplings in silk or banana leaves into the water to appease the river gods. This links back to the race’s origins – an attempt to rescue a minister in ancient China who dived into a river to highlight corruption. August Singapore events Marina Bay has a whole host of year-round attractions, from the Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome and Cloud Forest to night bicycle tours. In August, it becomes the center of attention for the celebrate of National Day on the ninth. It marks Singapore’s independence – not from the UK but from its short-lived federation with Malaysia. Beyond an address by the prime minister, big events include the National Day Parade. The parade sees the great and the good descend on The Float@Marina Bay. Before it even begins spectators can expect a variety of performances, ranging from songs by local school choirs to parachute jumps. Meanwhile, the parade itself sees military units and community groups like the scouts proudly marching to the sound of band music. This is followed by a 45-minute live show which culminates in a spectacular firework display over the bay. Elsewhere, National Day provides a rare chance (there’s only five each year) for a guided tour of the Istana – the official residence of the president of Singapore. A couple of weeks later it’s the turn of Singapore Food Festival. Over its three decades, this festival has brought the country’s diverse cuisine front and center. Whether its traditional nyonya cookery (to name just one), contemporary creations or culinary innovation you’re after, your tastebuds are going to have one hell of a party. There are normally 70 experiences to pick between, from Singapore’s famed chili crab and kopi coffee, to special dishes created just for the event. Food also plays are part in August’s Hungry Ghost Festival. Originating with the country’s Buddhist and Taoist populations, the festival honors the dead. Families leave food and gifts at the graves of their ancestors, whilst communities hold concerts to appease the other worldly. If you attend one, be sure not to sit in the front row, which is left empty for the ghosts to get a prime viewing position. Nighttime summer events in Singapore You’ll have to wait until the start of autumn for Formula One’s night race in Singapore. However, night owls still have more than enough to entertain them after dark in Singapore in summer. For one thing, there’s Singapore Night Festival. Singapore’s version of the ‘white night’ festivities which take place across the globe, the festival’s focal point is downtown’s Bras Basah Bugis district. Incorporating a mix of free summer events and paid performances, highlights include the area’s iconic buildings being lit up by light shows aiming to dazzle both young and old. Join the crowds on Armenian Street, Fort Canning Park or Capitol to be at the heart of the action. If you miss it, don’t forget that many of Singapore’s big attractions welcome evening visits, including Night Safari. The first after dark zoo in the world, it’s home to almost one thousand animals from over 100 species. Tigers, Asian elephants, Indian rhinos and a magnitude of other animals can all be admired in open-air enclosures. They are lit with lights mimicking moonlight, so visitors are able to see just how these animals behave after hours. Nightfall is also integral to our last highlighted Singapore summer event – i Light Singapore. Taking place back in Marina Bay, this sustainable light festival showcases the work of light artists from right around the world. And whilst it aims to promote sustainable energy habits, no one can deny that it’s a phenomenal spectacle. Save on your trip to Singapore this summer Singapore is known for its exquisite hotels (hello Raffles!), billionaire worthy penthouse apartments and top-notch cuisine. But there are also plenty of ways to save. Travel with Go City and you can save big on admission to many of the country’s top attractions. Our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes make it astonishingly easy to visit everything from museums and galleries to tea houses and zoos without worrying about how much you’re spending. And that means more cash to devote to the myriad of Singapore summer events which take place each year!
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Things to do Alone in Singapore
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Things to do Alone in Singapore

Sometimes, you just need some time away from people. Interaction is great and all, but getting some space to be alone and clear your head is necessary once in a while. It's the same with vacations. Some may be fun to spend with friends and family, while others might be better off alone. So, if you're visiting Singapore this year by yourself and want to know what's good, we've got you covered. In this list of the best things to do alone in Singapore, we'll cover all of the city's best bits while riding solo. And who knows, you might even meet a special someone along the way. Including: City tours by bus, boat, or bike Gardens by the Bay Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin Virtual Reality Fighter Jet Experience Singapore Zoo and more! Image courtesy of Towfiqu ahamed barbhuiya/Shutterstock Big Bus Singapore If you're traveling alone, the thought of solo sightseeing probably fills you with giddy glee. Without the hindrance of human connection, you're free to soak up all the culture and landmarks with quiet contemplation and a keen ear. And where better to see all of Singapore's best bits than on a bus tour of the city? Thanks to the hop-on, hop-off nature of the tour, you can get off at any landmark, explore, and then hop on the next bus to move on. Your audio guide will fill you in on all the history of each stop, giving you insight into the era they were built. If you're interested in the melting pot of cultures present in the city, take the red line to see the likes of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Or, if you're in it for the spectacle, take the yellow line to see Singapore's most famous attractions like the Gardens by the Bay, Orchard Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore Art Museum, and Raffles Hotel. Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour If you prefer your sightseeing on two wheels with a dollop of adrenaline, then why not take a bike tour of the city instead? With your expert guide in tow, you'll visit many of Singapore's highlights, including Chinatown, the Singapore River, Boat, Clarke & Robertson Quays, Kampong Glam, The Museum District, and more. They'll make sure to keep you in the loop with the history, culture, and big events that have taken place in each area. And, over the course of the four-hour tour, you'll work up a nice sweat to boot - the perfect remedy to your calorific evening excursions! Singapore River Cruise And to round out our sightseeing portion of the day, if bikes and buses don't quite cut it, see the city from a different perspective on a Singapore river cruise! Board a traditional bumboat, and you'll float in style past famous sights like Old Parliament House, Raffles' Landing Site, Fullerton Hotel, Esplanade, The Merlion Park, and Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort. Just make sure your phones or cameras are at the ready - you'll want to snap dozens of pictures to the envy of everyone else. Gardens by the Bay One of the best things to do alone is to experience nature in its most peaceful form. And in Singapore, you've got the Gardens by the Bay, one of the most recognizable green spaces on the planet. Over 101 hectares and filled with 1.5 million plants from all over the world, you'll explore indoor and outdoor gardens, lakes, conservatories, huge sculptures, artwork, and more. Its beauty is so widely known that you might even recognize it - many films and TV shows have filmed scenes amid its luscious flora. Be sure to check out the Flower Dome, the world's largest glass greenhouse. Inside, you'll find displays representative of five continents, including 1000-year-old olive trees. And if you want to add a cinematic sheen to your visit, check out Avatar: The Experience at Cloud Forest. This immersive experience will transport you to Pandora and allow you to marvel at its cascading waterfalls, spiraling walkways, and fantastical creatures. Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin This is the second time on this list we'll be heading onto the water. But this time, you're free to go at your own pace. Well, to a degree. Ketam Island is one of the last villages in Singapore, so go exploring on this kayak adventure! You and a few others will join an expert guide as you roam the waters around Pulau Ubin, home to Ketam Island. Alongside the rustic village, you'll find plenty of untouched natural beauty, good vibes, and fresh air to fill your lungs with. And your guide will be happy to fill your withered brain with sweet, sweet knowledge about all the flora, fauna, and culture you'll find. If you're looking for relaxing things to do alone in Singapore, this kayak adventure should be top of your itinerary! Virtual Reality Fighter Jet Experience If you've ever wanted to take to the skies in a fighter jet, you can do the next best thing with this VR Fighter Jet Experience! Perfect for solo travelers, you'll get basic training from a qualified instructor. Then, you'll hop in the virtual cockpit and be pulling corkscrews, loops, and flashing past American landmarks like the Grand Canyon to the Golden Gate Bridge. All that without ever leaving the ground. Nice. Then, when you're done, you can attempt landing a multi-million dollar piece of tech. Good luck. Singapore Zoo And finally, we'll end our exploration of things to do alone in Singapore with a little visit to the animal kingdom. At Singapore Zoo, you'll have the chance to meet thousands of exotic animals from across the globe. If you like orangutans, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, crocodiles, monkeys, rhinos, and zebras, you'll be in your element. But this isn't any old zoo. It's more of an open concept, landing somewhere between a zoo and a safari. That means more space for the animals and happier animals as a result. And that's everything you need to know about things to do alone in Singapore! Looking for more fun things to do on your 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. Even things to do with others, if you happen to meet someone on your solo travels!
Dom Bewley

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