More than just a city, Singapore is a place of endless possibilities for passionate travellers of every stripe.
Whether you’re an irrepressible foodie, a discerning fashionista or a thrill-seeking adventurer, there’s bound to be a facet of our sparkling city to fall in love with. Here are just 20 of them to get you started.
A paradise of food
1.Our hawker fare is an epiphany for the taste buds…
Singapore’s hawker fare is the best introduction to our city’s many cultures. Visit hawker centres like Tekka Centre, Telok Ayer Market and Chinatown Complex Food Centre to feast on beloved staples such as roti prata (South Indian flatbread) and laksa (spicy coconut milk-based noodle soup), hailing from Malay, Indian, Chinese and Eurasian cultures.
2. And we boast a constellation of Michelin-worthy chefs…
Exquisite Japanese omakase at Waku Ghin, authentic French fare at Odette and unctuous slabs of meat at Burnt Ends are just some of the Michelin-starred meals you can look forward to in our gastronomical city.
3. Not forgetting we’ll change the way you think about dining
Michelin-worthy fare can be had at a few dollars at Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles.
For local flavours with a unique modern flair, visit restaurants like Labyrinth and The Quarters, which serve up Modern Singaporean fare. This unique cuisine fuses beloved local staples and traditional dishes with modern culinary techniques and bold innovation.
A haven for culture and art
Photo by Charles Loh 4. Because art comes alive in our galleries…
The National Gallery Singapore is home to the world’s largest collection of Modern Southeast Asian Art, and has hosted the work of art world legends like Yayoi Kusama and Andy Warhol.
5. On unexpected street corners…
You’ll find inspiration just strolling through our city. Inspired murals and street art abound at outdoor spaces like Gelam Gallery and across districts like Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Gelam.
6. And amidst the bright lights of our stages
Spend your night out at the theatre, and catch a play by a night at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay or the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall. You may find some faces familiar—local thespians like Oon Shun, Ann Adrian Pang and Tan Kheng Hua have acted in a range of Hollywood hits and blockbuster TV series.
A lush metropolis of cityscapes
7. Because we’re a city of serene gardens and skyscrapers…
Nature and modern architecture intertwine in Singapore. Lush spaces like Fort Canning Park and the Singapore Botanic Gardens can be found just minutes away from modern malls and soaring high-rise buildings.
8. Where past and present intertwine…
Heritage districts like Chinatown, Kampong Gelam and Tiong Bahru are a heady mix of old and new, with traditional merchants sitting side by side hip cafes and indie boutiques.
9. And iconic sights abound
Instagram-worthy snaps and visual feasts abound on our city’s streets. The electric Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay, iconic statue of the Merlion and pristine beauty of Saint Andrews Cathedral are just some of the lovely sights to feast on.
Westworld fans should keep an eye out for our city’s futuristic architecture in season 3 of the sci-fi epic.
An emporium of wonders
10. Because shopping here is more than just retail…
Shopping sprees take on a whole new meaning in Singapore. Whether you’re cycling through Funan while perusing tech gadgets or exploring a garden maze between bouts of shopping at Jewel Changi Airport, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience.
11. Where our local wares are truly labours of love…
Beautiful dresses from Ong Shunmugam, lovingly bound journals from Bynd Artisan and traditional scents of sandalwood and myrrh are just some of the wares made by our passionate artisans.
12. And our malls are global emporiums
Orchard Road—Singapore’s most popular shopping belt—is home to dozens of world-class malls like ION Orchard, TANGS Singapore and Scotts Square. Whether you’re looking to shop for trendy street wear or high-end fashion, you’re bound to find countless retail opportunities in Singapore.
A city of countless stories
13. Because you’ll find stories in every building…
A tiger once prowled the Bar & Billard Room of the majestic Raffles Hotel, and the eerie depths of Haw Par Villa are home to deliciously spinetingling stories from Chinese myth and tradition. No matter where you go in Singapore, there’s bound to be a fascinating tale to encounter.
14. And be enchanted by our local lingo
Singlish is a charming mixture of various dialects and language. It’s easy to pick up, but takes a lifetime to master. Chat with locals from all walks of life, and you’re bound to pick up a choice phrase or two such as shiok and lah.
A place of endless potential
15. Because our city never sleeps…
Whether you’re looking to walk on the wild side at the Night Safari, dance till dawn at Zouk or camp beneath the stars at Pulau Ubin, you’re bound to find an adventure after dark during your visit to the Lion City.
16. Where the celebrations never stop…
From the blazing adrenaline of the Grand Prix Season Singapore to the sizzle and spice of the Singapore Food Festival, our city’s calendar is jam-packed with unforgettable festivities and celebrations.
17. And our streets are abuzz with adventure
Discover untold tales with Geylang Adventures, zip through our heritage districts on a vintage Vespa with Singapore Sidecars and be enchanted by art that illuminates at the Light to Night Festival.
Home to passions made possible
18. Because we’re a group of diverse people across straits and seas…
Our ancestors came to Singapore from far-flung places across the Malay Archipelago, Ceylon and the South China Sea. Their legacy lives on in our rich tapestry of different cultures, which you can experience during festivities like Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
19. Who’ve turned our dreams into tales for the history books…
Our glittering metropolis was forged from blood, sweat and tears of our pioneers. From the grit and tenacity of the samsui women (female migrant workers from Sansui District, China, known for their iconic red headscarves) —who laid the foundations of our city—to the sacrifice of individuals like Second Lieutant Adnan Saidi during World War II, you’re bound to hear a tale that’ll stir your spirit.
To learn more about our city’s storied past, be sure to visit establishments like the Chinatown Heritage Centre, Old Ford Factory and Indian Heritage Centre during your visit.
20. And made our passions possible
Dynamic bartenders like Sasha Wijidessa, culinary wizards like Ruqxana Vasanwala and indefatigable esports champs like Ho Kun Xian have made their dreams possible here in Singapore.
Spend some time in the Lion City, and you’re bound to discover passions both old and new, and fall in love with what we have to offer.