Living the high life in Singapore

1 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

Whether you’re looking to live it up like a Crazy Rich Asian, party like a Hollywood celebrity or dine like royalty, a trip to Singapore is bound to have you living the high life.

After all, our shining city of wonders is home to world-class shopping, culinary delights and a thriving arts and culture scene.

For your first taste of luxury in Singapore, step into the shopping heaven of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands^®. High-end fashion labels and luxury brands abound at this luxury mall, ranging from Ermenegildo Zegna to Hermes.

If you’d like to tour the mall in style, be sure to hop on a sampan (flat-bottomed wooden boat) ride along the canal, and peruse the establishment’s many boutiques in the lap of comfort.

2 Waku Ghin

While Marina Bay Sands^® is home to a constellation of celebrity restaurants, we suggest dropping Waku Ghin for an unforgettable dinner.

Established by legendary chef Tetsuya Wakuda, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant boasts dishes made from only the finest ingredients like ossetra caviar, wagyu beef from Shiga prefecture and botan shrimp from Hokkaido.

3 The Sands Theatre

After your meal, catch a world-class performance at The Sands Theatre.

Past performances that have graced the stage here include theatrical delights like Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, as well as ballet performances by Sergei Polunin and concerts by Kenny G.

4 Lavo

Round off the evening by bringing your party game to new heights (57 storeys, to be precise).

With its beautiful view of the city skyline and its unabashedly energetic nightlife offerings, LAVO is one of the hippest clubs in town.

Enjoy handcrafted cocktails and boogie to live DJ sets at their outdoor bar and rooftop terrace. If you’re peckish, tuck into signature dishes such as the Charred Octopus, the LAVO Meatball, and to round things off—their decadent 20-layer chocolate cake.

5 National Gallery Singapore

Spend the second day of your trip admiring world-class art from all over the globe at the National Gallery Singapore.

Located in the heart of Singapore’s Civic District, the National Gallery Singapore boasts the world’s largest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art, with over 9,000 works on display.

Before you step inside, you may want to take a moment to admire this iconic building. The gallery itself is a work of art and inspiration—once Singapore’s Supreme Court Building and City Hall, this striking work of architecture is a testament to Singapore’s legacy as a colonial port under British rule.

You’ll be able to spend most of the day admiring the establishment’s permanent collection and visiting exhibitions. Admire the work of acclaimed local photographer Chua Soo Bin and discover the region’s diverse art with Between Declarations And Dreams: Art of Southeast Asia Since The 19th Century.

6 The National Kitchen by Violet Oon

If you’re feeling peckish during your visit, treat yourself to authentic Peranakan fare at National Kitchen by Violet Oon.

Established by one of Singapore’s most acclaimed chefs, this restaurant exemplifies the richness of Peranakan* culture and cuisine. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by rattan ceiling fans, floral-pattered Peranakan tiles and black-and-white photos that hearken to yesteryear.

he food served here is just as inviting—the restaurant celebrates traditional Nyonya** cooking, perfected over decades of culinary refinement. Favourites include the ayam buah keluak (braised chicken in a spicy tamarind gravy) and beef rendang (braised meat cooked in coconut milk and spices).

_{*The term is an Indonesian/Malay word that means “local born”, which generally refers to people of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage.}

_{**Nonya cuisine is also known as Peranakan (meaning "local born") cuisine. The cuisine comes from people of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage.}

7 Aura Sky Lounge & Bar

As the sun sets over Singapore’s Civic District, make your way to the upper floors of the gallery for drinks and an unforgettable view.

Located on the gallery’s rooftop, Aura Sky Lounge & Bar boasts a view of the bright lights and still waters of Singapore’s bay area that’s as beautiful as the art work in the building. You can kick back and relax with a negroni or a gin cocktail in hand, and admire the sun set over our city.

8 Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

More than just a hub for performing arts in our city, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is home to many of Singapore’s finest thespians, performers and musicians.

Lovingly dubbed ‘the durian’ by locals for its iconic architecture, the stages here have seen a whole host of international acts and ovation-worthy concerts. Past performances here include postmodern ballet spectacle Impressing The Czar and legendary jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis.

Annual events that take place at this dynamic art space include the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival and the Singapore International Arts Festival, so be sure to check out their events calendar before you drop by.

9 Labyrinth

If you’re a fan of our street food and would like to experience an elevated version of authentic Singaporean cuisine, book a table for lunch at Labyrinth.

Helmed by Chef Han Li Guang, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves up dishes that are intricate, playful and never mundane. The elevated fare here is inspired by hawker fare like chicken rice, nasi lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk, served with an array of side dishes) and rojak (a sweet and savoury salad of vegetables, fruits and dough fritters), making them a great way to experience our most-beloved dishes in a brand-new light.

10 ATLAS

Spend the evening on a journey back to the Golden Age of Jazz, with a visit to ATLAS. The gilded décor and unforgettable ambience of this classy bar come straight out of a F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, and will have you transported back to the 1920s.

Besides its beautiful Art Deco décor and impeccable service, Atlas is home to the world’s largest collection of gin. Alcohol aficionados will be able to broaden their palette with a range of exquisitely-flavoured gin hailing from countries like Belgium, Bolivia and Japan.

11 AURIGA SPA

Sentosa is the perfect getaway for travellers in the need of rest and rejuvenation.

To pamper yourself like royalty, spend the day unwinding at Auriga Spa at Capella. The first spa in Singapore to receive a five-star status from the Forbes Travel Guide for seven years running, this establishment is known for pampering visitors with a host of signature treatments.

For a full-body treat, we suggest opting for the Auriga Detox Day, a four-hour spa session that includes a range of invigorating massages, scrubs and facials.

12 Rumours Beach Club

Spend the late afternoon soaking up the sun at Rumours Beach Club. Hailing from Bali, the newest addition to Singapore’s club scene boasts three swimming pools, a beautiful beachfront area and even a private pool in their VIP section (if you’re hankering for some privacy).

If you’re feeling peckish, the club serves up a range of substantial Balinese-inspired dishes like nasi campur (rice served with an assortment of side dishes) and grilled squid with sambal (spicy chilli paste).

13 Quayside Isle at Sentosa Cove

In the evening, take a scenic stroll along Quayside Isle, located in the luxurious enclave of Sentosa Cove. You’ll find restaurants serving up cuisine from all across the globe here, from hearty Greek fare at Mykonos on the Bay to Spanish Tapas at Sabio by the Sea.

Hungry visitors who can’t decide between Eastern or Western flavours can have the best of both worlds at Blue Lotus – Chinese Eating House. This establishment serves up Asian dishes with a modern Western twist, including wok-fried Angus beef with peppercorn and king prawns in garlic butter.

14 The Grande Whisky Collection

To round off your luxury-laden experience, spend your final day exploring Orchard Road— Singapore’s most famous shopping belt.

Alcohol aficionados looking to refine their palate can sign up for a tour of the Grande Whisky Collection at ION Orchard.

The establishment boasts a massive collection that includes some of the world’s rarest spirits, and its ambassadors will regale even the most learned connoisseurs with a range of enchanting insights. The tour concludes with a tasting session boasting a carefully-curated-selection of whiskeys.

15 Design Orchard

If you’re looking to bring home a small piece of Singapore or shopping for a heartfelt gift, you’ll want to make a beeline for Design Orchard. This vibrant retail space is dedicated to all things local, from bespoke skincare (alche{me}) to beautiful floral scarfs (Binary Style).

16 béni

For lunch, indulge in a meal that fuses the best of East and West at bení. This Michelin-starred restaurant has won numerous plaudits for its inspired fusion of French and Japanese cuisine. Past menus have fused together classic flavours from both cultures like foie gras and unagi, or Hokkaido scallops with truffle dressing.

7-course tasting menus are available for lunch on Saturdays, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly if you’d like to experience an unforgettable variety of inspired tastes.