We landed in Singapore almost on a whim — fresh off a week in Vietnam and curious about the cleanest “dictatorship” in the world. We’ll admit, our expectations were low: we pictured a sterile city, all rules and no soul, maybe just one giant mall with a hotel on top.
Spoiler: we were completely wrong.
Instead, we found rooftop infinity pools and jungle parks, cool local cocktail bars and Burmese fine dining, colonial hotels with chandeliers the size of cars, and an LGBTQ+ nightlife scene that’s very much alive. We even used a Japanese onsen, explored contemporary and edgy art museums, and even got an Ayurvedic massage in a street that felt like Mumbai.
If you’re wondering what to do in Singapore beyond the obvious tourist checklists (we would skip SkyPark if only you don’t want to visit huge shopping mall there), here’s our personal guide to the best things we ate, drank, saw, and stayed at — from the luxury to the low-key, and the polished to the wonderfully chaotic.
What to Do in Singapore: Our Guide to the Best Hotels, Art Museums, Historical Bars & Hidden Hiking Trails
TOP Modern & Boutique Hotels
ParkRoyal Collection Pickering Singapore
Modern, eco-friendly 5-star hotel in Singapore, very green, and full of photo ops. This place looks like a rainforest and spaceship had a baby. Designed by Singapore-based architecture firm WOHA, the building is famous for its terraced greenery, 15,000 square metres of lush sky gardens, and eco-conscious features like solar cells and rainwater harvesting.
The spa was excellent (solid deep tissue massage), and the breakfast buffet? Wild. Sushi, noodles, fresh fruit, pastries—we basically didn’t need lunch. They also do a seafood buffet on weekends that we almost rolled out of. By the way, here is how to stay in control in front of hotel buffets.
Rooms are spacious, super clean, and surprisingly quiet given the central location at 3 Upper Pickering Street, right on the edge of Chinatown. From here, you can walk to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Clarke Quay, the riverfront, and even Fort Canning Park in under 15 minutes.
The infinity pool has skyline views that are Instagram gold, especially at sunset. It’s not cheap (starts around $300/night), but worth it for a treat-yourself trip—especially if you want to stay in one of Singapore’s most photographed hotels.
Address: 3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore 058289
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Brand new and right in the heart of Duxton. You’re surrounded by great food, bars, and vibes. We had a corner room with views across the heritage rooftops of Chinatown. Room design is sleek but warm—lots of wood and plush textures.
It’s also one of the more affordable, easy-going 5-star hotels in Singapore, set in what’s probably one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. Duxton Hill is packed with bars pouring craft beers, cosy boutique restaurants, and hidden cafés inside restored shophouses. Everything is walkable, and the area blends heritage charm with a buzzing nightlife scene.
Rooftop pool, gym, bar—it has everything you expect, and they offered early check-in and late check-out (extra fee). Only downside? No open windows. Rates were around $350–400 when we booked.
Address: 16A Duxton Hill, Singapore 089970
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Walking into Raffles Hotel is like getting into a scene from an old good black and white film about colonial past — but with air-con and Wi-Fi. Opened in 1887 and named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, this place is pure old-world glamour.
Right at the entrance, you’re greeted by doormen in crisp white uniforms and turbans, looking like they’ve strolled in from a 19th-century travel diary. It sets the tone immediately: you’re somewhere special.
The whole vibe is part luxury hotel, part living museum — like a little amusement park for fans of history and elegance.
Rooms start at around $1,000 SGD a night and climb fast if you want one of the legendary suites (but hey, you do get your own butler). Whether you stay the night or just pop in for a drink, Raffles is one of those places you have to experience at least once.
Address: 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
Best Bars
Writers Bar
1 Beach Rd, Singapore 189673
Located in the legendary Raffles Hotel, the Writers Bar is a nod to the many literary greats who once stayed here—Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, and Noël Coward, to name a few.
Raffles itself opened in 1887 and has hosted everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Queen Elizabeth II. The bar feels like stepping into that old-world luxury—with soft jazz, leather chairs, and the quiet hush of well-heeled travelers enjoying overpriced (but very tasty) drinks.
Cocktail to try:
- The Raffles 1915 – a refined take on the Singapore Sling, made with Sipsmith gin and champagne.
- They also offer a “writers-inspired” cocktail list themed around authors linked to the hotel.
It’s not a loud bar, and it’s not big. Seating is limited, but you can grab a table outside under the covered veranda if it’s not raining. Expect to pay around SGD 30–35 per cocktail, but hey, it’s Raffles.
Fun fact: The original Singapore Sling was created here at the Long Bar. But we’d argue Writers Bar offers the better drink — and the better story.
Tip: Dress smart-casual and grab one of the few outdoor seats if you can. It’s quiet, classy, and definitely for slow sipping. Expect $25–30 per drink.
Dorothy’s Bar
13A Trengganu St, Singapore 058467
Hidden above a shop in Chinatown, gay Dorothy’s Bar is a cozy, LGBTQ+ friendly spot with loads of character. Walk up a narrow staircase and find yourself in a first-floor lounge with a balcony overlooking the busy street below—perfect for people-watching.
The vibe here is friendly, casual, and cheeky. It’s not a full-on club—it’s more of a neighborhood queer bar with occasional drag shows, great music, and stiff drinks. You have to pay a small deposit to enter, but you get drinks for that.
What to order:
- Whatever’s on happy hour, and ask for their seasonal cocktails.
- Also: they pour strong.
This was one of the biggest surprises of the trip. For a country often seen as conservative, the LGBTQ+ nightlife in Singapore is alive and well—and Dorothy’s is a proud symbol of that.
Good Luck Beerhouse (Haji Lane)
Found in the charming Duxton Hill neighborhood, SG Taps is a no-fuss, local beer bar offering both Singaporean brews and rotating international taps. They have about 10–15 beers on draft, a few natural wines, and small bites (think fries, fried chicken, etc.).
We loved parking ourselves here in the late afternoon and watching the neighborhood come alive—white-collar workers, tourists, and locals mingling on the narrow street.
Must-try: Pink Guava Sour Ale was a surprising hit
Anything from Off Day Beer Company (a cool Singapore microbrewery)
SG Taps – Best Craft Beers
13 Duxton Hill, #01-01
Down the colorful, art-covered alley of Haji Lane, Good Luck is part beer bar, part Asian street food eatery. It’s got that easy-going backpacker vibe mixed with genuinely good local flavor.
The seating is limited but cozy. Expect funky sours, IPAs, and easy-drinking lagers, all sourced from around Southeast Asia.
Why we liked it: Haji Lane itself is worth a wander, especially for boutique shopping or grabbing quirky gifts. In general it is a great spot to start the night or kill time before dinner.
The White Lotus Bar – Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
A nice, cozy spot that feels like a scene straight out of a TV show. The White Lotus Bar at the Four Seasons is all polished marble, soft lighting, and an easy hum of quiet conversation. You can sip champagne, order a platter of fresh oysters, or snack on crisp, golden fries while people-watching (and listening to the latest local Asian gossip and business plans). Inside is cool and elegant, while outside (a bit humid) lets you mingle with the hotel’s well-heeled guests — the kind who look like they just stepped off a yacht. For a moment, you feel like you’re part of their glamorous world, even if it’s just for one drink.
TOP Cafes and Restaurants
Burma Social
34 Tras St
Very tasty Burmese food with modern plating. Loved the tea leaf salad and the lemongrass grilled chicken. Interior has tropical speakeasy vibes—great for a casual dinner or date night.
French Fold Telok Ayer
204 Telok Ayer St
Charming French creperie. We went twice—once for brunch and again for dinner. Both sweet and savoury galettes were spot-on. Try the one with egg, ham, and gruyère. Coffee was also solid. Inside is cozy with warm lighting and art deco touches.
Birds of Paradise Gelato (Craig Rd)
44 Craig Rd
This became our daily dessert stop. Standout flavors include white chrysanthemum, spiced pear, and strawberry basil. The cone is made fresh and has a slightly floral taste. Usually a queue, but it moves fast. $5–7 per scoop.
ICE&TIME
53 Craig Rd, #01-01
Japanese kakigōri-style shaved ice with wild toppings—yuzu syrup, mochi, red bean, matcha jelly. It’s a tiny place with a futuristic feel. Orders can take 10–15 minutes but well worth it on a hot afternoon. Here is their Instagram.
Best Design Shop
If you’re wandering through Singapore’s Chinatown and stumble into its quieter colonial side streets, make time for a stop at Danish Design Co. I popped in thinking I’d just browse, but left with the best travel kit bag I’ve ever owned — a nice green Carl Hansen & Søn piece in leather that’s as durable as it is stylish.
The showroom is a treasure trove for anyone who loves Scandinavian craftsmanship: you’ll find everything from iconic Hans Wegner sofas and solid wood dining tables to smaller luxuries like leather wallets and chic purses. It’s the kind of place where you can test out a Duxiana bed, pick a new outdoor lounge set, and grab a coffee all in one visit. The atmosphere is relaxed and airy, perfect for taking your time and imagining how each piece might look in your home.
Location: 100E Pasir Panjang Road, B&D Building #06-03, Singapore 118521
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday & Public Holidays 12pm–6pm
Best Natural Parks and Hiking Trails
Singapore Botanic Gardens
UNESCO World Heritage Site and easily one of our favorite green escapes in Singapore. Spanning 82 hectares, it’s a tropical wonderland right in the middle of the city. Palm Valley is a showstopper — giant palms of every kind swaying overhead, with the sounds of rustling leaves, tropical birds, and the occasional faint city hum in the distance.
One of the most unique spots is the Chopin Overlooking the Symphony Stage monument, unveiled in 2008. Sculpted in bronze by award-winning Polish artist Karol Badyna, it shows Frédéric Chopin performing his Polonaise in F-sharp minor, Op. 44, while a woman kneels close by, listening in awe. The piano is designed to look as though it’s growing from a tree trunk — a poetic blend of music and nature. You can even press a button to hear the piece performed by Chen Jing, a prizewinner of Singapore’s National Piano & Violin Competition. At night, with the pathways lit and the palms silhouetted against the sky, it’s pure magic.
The gardens date back to 1859 and are home to over 10,000 plant species. The National Orchid Garden (paid entry) is a must-see, with more than 1,000 orchid species and hybrids. Multiple cafés are scattered around, and entry is free (except for the orchid garden). We stayed until sunset like the locals — picnicking, strolling, and just letting the city melt away.
Here we liked a rare Double Coconut (Coco-de-mer), a palm found only in the Seychelles and famous for producing the largest seed in the plant kingdom — up to 45 kg. It takes seven to nine years for the fruit to mature, and here in Singapore, the plants are hand-pollinated to keep this endangered species growing.
Windsor Nature Park
We were wondering if Singapore — this super-urban, city-country — had a real slice of nature where you could actually forget you’re in a city. Turns out, it does. Windsor Nature Park is a proper jungle fix without ever leaving town. It’s the gateway to the MacRitchie Reservoir trails and the famous TreeTop Walk — a 250-meter suspension bridge strung high through the forest canopy. It’s one-way only (once you cross, you can’t turn back), which makes it feel like a little expedition.
The park is wilder and less polished than the Botanic Gardens — and that’s exactly the charm. You’ll hear tropical birds calling, spot monkeys watching you from the branches, and maybe even see a monitor lizard lumbering across the trail. It’s also a top spot for birdwatching if you bring binoculars.
There’s no entrance fee, but bring plenty of water, a hat, and insect repellent — the humidity and mosquitoes don’t mess around. Come early or late for cooler weather, softer light, and the kind of quiet that makes you forget you’re still in one of the busiest cities in the world.
Chinatown’s Architecture Walk & Modern Masterpieces
In Chinatown, it’s worth slowing down just to look up. Streets like Keong Saik Road, Club Street, and Bukit Pasoh Road are lined with brightly painted colonial-era shophouses — wooden shutters, tiled facades, and ornate plasterwork — standing shoulder to shoulder with sleek new hotels and glass towers.
The mix of old and new makes for some of the city’s most unique photos. Don’t miss the striking PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering with its tiered sky gardens, and contrast it with the traditional houses on Sago Street near the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
Best Art Museums & Galleries
MOCA – Museum Of Contemporary Art
39 Keppel Rd, #01-01
A small, private museum that feels like a hidden find in Singapore’s art scene. The focus is on rotating exhibitions of Southeast Asian modern and contemporary art, so you might see anything from bold abstract canvases to experimental installations using light, sound, or found objects. It’s often so quiet you’ll have the place to yourself, which makes it perfect for lingering in front of a piece without feeling rushed.
The building itself has a minimalist, almost gallery-loft vibe, and the staff are happy to chat about the artists and works on display. It’s the sort of spot where you might walk in knowing nothing about an artist and leave a fan.
Red Dot Design Museum
11 Marina Blvd
A bright, modern space dedicated to showcasing winners of the Red Dot Award — one of the most prestigious design competitions in the world. It’s a bit tucked away in the Marina Bay area, right by the real working harbor, so it’s the kind of place only true lovers of modern design — the hipsters, the creatives, the curious — will seek out. Inside, you’ll find a mix of clever ideas and beautiful objects, from sleek furniture and smart gadgets to packaging, wearable tech, and experimental concepts you wish you could take home.
It’s not huge, so you can explore it in under an hour, but every display feels like a little spark of inspiration. The design shop at the end is perfect for picking up unique souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else in Singapore.
One piece we especially liked was Mansau-Ansau by Sabah artist Yee I-Lann and her collaborators. In the Dusun and Kadazan languages of Sabah, mansau-ansau means “to walk and walk” — to wander without a fixed destination, embracing the possibility of getting lost and finding something new. The work is a large woven textile with a hypnotic, maze-like pattern, inspired by traditional weaving but breaking away from its usual rules. Standing in front of it, you can almost feel the rhythm of walking, pausing, and discovering — a perfect metaphor for the museum’s hidden, out-of-the-way charm.
National Museum of Singapore
93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
If you want to really understand Singapore’s story — from its earliest settlements to the modern city-state — the National Museum of Singapore is the place to go. It’s the country’s oldest museum, but its exhibitions are fresh, interactive, and full of personal stories that make history feel alive.
The Singapore History Gallery (temporarily closed to end-2026 for upgrades) takes you through four chapters:
- Singapura (1299–1818) — prehistoric tools, early trade routes, and artefacts like the 14th-century Majapahit gold armlet from Fort Canning.
- Crown Colony (1819–1941) — when Sir Stamford Raffles and William Farquhar turned Singapore into a thriving British trading hub. You’ll see early paintings of the island, including the Singapore from the Rocky Point wash drawing from 1819.
- Syonan-To (1942–1945) — the Japanese Occupation years, with wartime artefacts, personal belongings, and stories of survival during food shortages and violence.
- Singapore (1945–present) — self-governance, merger and separation from Malaysia, and the moment Singapore became independent on 9 August 1965. There’s a moving video of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first Prime Minister, declaring that the young nation would stand on its own, prove it could live in peace under one flag, and not rejoin Malaysia.
One of the most fascinating sections covers the 1970s nation-building years — public housing projects that moved thousands out of poverty, vintage posters encouraging young couples to marry and have children, and early vinyl records of Majulah Singapura, the national anthem.
It’s the kind of museum where you can wander for hours, moving between political turning points and intimate everyday objects. And with free admission for Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and kids under 6, it’s an easy addition to any itinerary.
Raffles Landing Site & Monument
Head to the Raffles Landing Site on the north bank of the Singapore River — the spot where Sir Stamford Raffles first landed in 1819 and set the stage for modern Singapore. The sleek white statue stands against a backdrop that perfectly captures the city’s contrasts: shiny glass skyscrapers across the water and restored shophouses that are over a century old. Many of these old buildings now house seafood restaurants and Asian bistros — great for an evening by the river. For the best view, come around sunset and stroll from Boat Quay toward Cavenagh Bridge.
National Gallery Singapore
National Gallery Singapore, housed in the former Supreme Court Building (the one with the green dome) and the adjacent City Hall is another spot, close to the Raffles monument.
It’s one of the city’s most iconic colonial-era landmarks and now functions as a major art museum, showcasing the world’s largest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art. The location itself is historic — this is where the Japanese formally surrendered to the British in 1945, ending WWII in Singapore.
Little India, Massages and Spa
Ayurveda Massage in Singapore’s Little India Neighborhood
If you’re craving a dose of full-on sensory overload, head to Little India, and more specifically Tessensohn Road. This stretch feels like a slice of Mumbai transplanted into Singapore — colourful shopfronts, the scent of incense drifting from ayurvedic clinics, and the constant hum of chatter and traffic. It’s lined with traditional wellness centres offering massages, herbal treatments, and Ayurveda consultations, all tucked between gold jewellery shops, sari boutiques, and small family-run restaurants.
We stopped at Om Ayurveda (43 Tessensohn Rd) purely by chance and ended up with a strong, no-nonsense full-body massage that worked out every bit of post-flight stiffness. Expect to pay around $60–80 for an hour, and don’t be surprised if you leave smelling faintly of herbal oils.
By night, the area changes its rhythm — some side streets light up with live Indian music, dance clubs, and bustling night bazaars selling everything from snacks to bangles. It’s loud, chaotic, and wonderfully alive, making you forget you’re in Singapore and feel like you’ve been dropped straight into the heart of Mumbai.
Yunomori Onsen & Spa
1 Stadium Pl, #02-17/18
The closest we’ve come to a true Japanese onsen experience outside Japan — and right in the middle of Singapore. Yunomori Onsen & Spa blends traditional Japanese bathing culture with a fresh modern setup. There are multiple hot mineral-rich water pools at different temperatures, a cold plunge pool, a steam room, and a dry sauna, plus spacious shower areas stocked with Japanese bath products.
Entry is around $38 for unlimited soak time, and you can stay as long as you like, rotating between the baths and relaxation lounges. Everything is spotless, quiet, and designed for winding down — no phones allowed in the bathing areas, which keeps the vibe calm. You can also book Thai or Japanese-style massages for an extra fee, making it a full half-day retreat if you want.
The on-site café serves Japanese comfort food like udon, donburi, and matcha desserts, perfect after a long soak. It’s a little hidden inside the Kallang Wave Mall at Singapore Sports Hub, but once you’re inside, you could easily forget you’re in a city at all.
What We’d Skip
- Supertree Grove – Felt like a queue to take selfies. Pretty, yes, but touristy.
- SkyPark Observation Deck – Overcrowded and expensive for just a view. Instead, go to CÉ LA VI at Marina Bay Sands for a drink and the same panorama.
Here’s a list of things to visit in Singapore based on our travel experience:
- Yunomori Onsen & Spa – Japanese-style hot spring baths and saunas in the Sports Hub.
- PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering – Iconic eco-luxury hotel with rooftop infinity pool and lush sky gardens.
- Mondrian Singapore Duxton – Stylish, easy-going 5-star stay in a nightlife-packed neighborhood.
- Raffles Hotel & Writers Bar – Historic colonial hotel with old-world glamour and literary-inspired cocktails.
- Dorothy’s Bar – Cozy LGBTQ+ friendly bar in Chinatown with balcony views and occasional drag shows.
- Good Luck Beerhouse (Haji Lane) – Craft beer and street food in one of Singapore’s quirkiest shopping streets.
- Burma Social – Modern Burmese restaurant with standout tea leaf salad.
- French Fold Telok Ayer – Charming French crêperie serving sweet and savoury galettes.
- Birds of Paradise Gelato – Botanical-inspired gelato with fresh-made cones.
- ICE&TIME – Japanese kakigōri shaved ice with creative toppings.
- Danish Design Co – Scandinavian furniture and lifestyle store in Chinatown’s quieter colonial streets.
- Singapore Botanic Gardens & National Orchid Garden – UNESCO-listed tropical gardens with Chopin monument and giant palms.
- Windsor Nature Park & TreeTop Walk – Jungle trails and a 250m suspension bridge canopy walk.
- MOCA – Museum Of Contemporary Art – Small, private museum showcasing Southeast Asian modern art.
- Red Dot Design Museum – Award-winning design exhibits, unique souvenirs, and creative installations.
- National Museum of Singapore – Interactive history exhibits from ancient Singapore to modern independence.
- Little India – Tessensohn Road – Ayurvedic spas, gold shops, Indian eateries, and live music venues.
Getting to Singapore from the USA and UK
Singapore is one of those places you can reach easily from both the USA and the UK, but the flights are long — so plan for at least a few days on the ground to make it worth it.
From the USA:
- The fastest non-stop option is Singapore Airlines’ direct flight from New York (JFK) to Singapore (SIN) — the world’s longest commercial flight at around 18 hours 40 minutes.
- From the West Coast, you’ll have to connect — common hubs are Tokyo (Haneda or Narita), Seoul (Incheon), or Hong Kong. Airlines like United, ANA, Korean Air, and Cathay Pacific all run smooth connections.
- Expect round-trip economy fares to range from $900–$1,600 USD, depending on the season.
From the UK:
- Singapore Airlines and British Airways run direct London Heathrow (LHR) to Singapore (SIN) flights, taking about 13 hours.
- Other options include one-stop flights via Dubai (Emirates), Doha (Qatar Airways), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines).
- Economy fares usually start around £650–£900, with premium economy and business class worth considering for the long haul.
Travel tip: Singapore’s Changi Airport is consistently ranked one of the best in the world — it’s worth arriving early before your flight home just to explore the butterfly garden, rooftop pool, and incredible food court.
