A visit to Singapore promises the ease and convenience of a modern metropolis, with clean and efficient transportation and comfortable accommodations near the top places to eat, shop, and play. Whether it’s your first time or you’re returning for more chili crab and skyline views, knowing what to expect can help you make the most of your trip. This guide offers key Singapore travel tips to help you plan, get around, and choose the best spots to make the most of your trip.
Bonus tip: If you’re booking flights to Singapore, look out for deals on Agoda. Travelers can save up to 20% when booking select airlines directly through the site. Saving money on getting to Singapore means extra spending cash for hawker stalls or Orchard Road splurges.
Plan Your Trip to Singapore
The first step in making your Singapore trip unforgettable is solid planning. While the city is safe and easy to navigate, it’s helpful to have a clear idea of where you’ll stay and how to get around. The tropical climate means it’s warm and humid year-round, so some important Singapore travel tips include packing lightweight, breathable clothing and a good umbrella, as afternoon showers are common. And don’t worry about a language barrier, as English is widely spoken and displayed on signage.
Planning ahead also means securing deals on flights and accommodations in prime locations like Orchard Road, Marina Bay, or Chinatown.
Flights to Singapore
Whether you’re flying long-haul or hopping over from a nearby country, there are plenty of options for getting to Singapore, and many of them offer great value, especially when booked through Agoda. Plus, Shanghai Changi Airport is regularly ranked among the best airports in the world, offering world-class facilities and attractions, including a butterfly garden, free movie theatres, and even a rooftop pool with a jacuzzi!
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is the country’s flagship carrier and one of the top-rated airlines globally. Known for its exceptional service, comfortable seating, and quality dining options, it’s a great choice if you want a smooth and luxurious journey. The airline operates flights from major cities worldwide, often offering convenient direct routes. Business and premium economy classes stand out with spacious seating and upgraded amenities, while economy class is still highly regarded for its service and in-flight entertainment. For those seeking reliability and comfort, Singapore Airlines is a top pick.
Scoot
Scoot is the budget-friendly offspring of Singapore Airlines, perfect for travelers looking to save. The airline operates a wide range of regional and long-haul routes at competitive prices, making it ideal for backpackers or short weekend trips. While Scoot is a no-frills airline, you can customize your experience by adding extras like meals, additional baggage, or seat selection. Booking early and taking advantage of promotions through Agoda can further lower the cost of your flights to Singapore, leaving you with more budget for food and activities.
Malaysia Airlines
For those traveling from nearby countries or making regional stops, Malaysia Airlines is another reliable option. Offering a balance of affordability and comfort, the airline provides good service, reasonable baggage allowances, and meals included on most flights. If you’re combining Singapore with other Southeast Asian destinations, Malaysia Airlines often has convenient connections, making it easy to fit into a multi-stop itinerary.
Firefly
Firefly is a smaller regional carrier that operates primarily within Malaysia and to nearby Singapore. It’s ideal if you’re flying from destinations or other Malaysian cities. Though it’s a no-frills option, Firefly’s flights are short and straightforward, perfect for travelers hopping across borders on a tight schedule.
Getting Around Singapore and Transportation
Once you’ve arrived, getting around Singapore is a breeze. The city is compact, efficient, and has one of the world’s best public transportation systems, and one of the top Singapore travel tips is to take full advantage of it.
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is clean, efficient, and affordable, connecting nearly every part of the city, including key attractions like Sentosa Island, Orchard Road, and Marina Bay. You can even purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides on buses and trains for a set number of days. Buses, which are air-conditioned and reliable, complement the MRT network, covering routes that trains don’t. For quick point-to-point rides, Grab (a popular ride-hailing app) is widely used and often cheaper than standard taxis.
Walking is also pleasant in many districts, especially around cultural enclaves like Chinatown and Little India, where narrow lanes are filled with heritage architecture and food stalls. If you want to splurge a little, consider renting a bicycle or using shared bikes to explore scenic spots like East Coast Park or the Marina Bay waterfront.
Where to Stay in Singapore
Singapore offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury five-star hotels. Choosing the right area can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are a few great neighborhoods to consider.
- Marina Bay – Perfect for first-time visitors and luxury seekers, Marina Bay is home to some of the city’s most iconic sights, including Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Sands complex. Hotels here tend to be high-end, offering skyline views, rooftop infinity pools, and direct access to major attractions and MRT stations.
- Orchard Road – This is Singapore’s retail heart, ideal for travelers who want shopping at their doorstep. It’s lined with upscale hotels, international chains, and boutique options nestled among mega malls. Staying here also gives you easy MRT access to other parts of the city.
- Chinatown – For a mix of heritage, affordability, and convenience, Chinatown offers boutique hotels and backpacker hostels with plenty of charm. It’s close to attractions like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Maxwell Food Centre, and just minutes from the Downtown Core.
- Little India – A vibrant, cultural neighborhood known for its colorful architecture, budget hotels, and delicious Indian cuisine. This is a great area if you’re looking to stay somewhere lively and affordable, with plenty of dining and shopping right outside your door.
- Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay – Located along the Singapore River, these adjacent neighborhoods are known for nightlife and scenic dining. Accommodations here range from trendy boutique hotels to luxury riverside properties, making them perfect for couples or solo travelers who want to enjoy the Singapore nightlife.
Where to Eat in Singapore
Another one of the top Singapore travel tips is to arrive hungry. Food is a national obsession here, and exploring the local food scene is a must. From hawker stalls to high-end dining, here are some of the top areas to dive into the city’s flavors.
- Maxwell Food Centre – A hawker center in Chinatown offering some of the best local eats in town. Popular stalls serve up famous Hainanese chicken rice, fishball noodles, and porridge, all at wallet-friendly prices. It’s centrally located and ideal for a quick, authentic meal between sightseeing stops.
- Tiong Bahru – A charming residential enclave that blends heritage with hipster. The Tiong Bahru Market is packed with classic hawker fare like chwee kueh and lor mee, while the surrounding streets are dotted with indie cafes, bakeries, and brunch spots.
- Lau Pa Sat – This beautifully restored Victorian-style food court located downtown is as known for its architecture as its food. Come in the evening when Boon Tat Street transforms into “satay street,” with smoky stalls grilling meat skewers under the lantern-lit sky.
- Arab Street – This historic Malay-Muslim area is a treasure trove of diverse cuisines. Try rich nasi padang, Turkish kebabs, or Indonesian rendang, then follow it up with artisanal coffee or pastel cakes from one of the area’s hip cafes.
- Clarke Quay & Boat Quay – These riverfront districts are buzzing with bars, restaurants, and international cuisines. It’s a great area for a leisurely dinner with views of the Singapore River, especially if you’re looking to pair your meal with nightlife or a cocktail.
- East Coast Lagoon Food Village – Located near the beach at East Coast Park, this hawker center specializes in grilled seafood and local barbecue favorites. Chili crab, sambal stingray, and satay are all must-tries here, best enjoyed at sunset with the sea breeze rolling in.
Where to Shop in Singapore
Whether you’re after high fashion, souvenirs, or quirky finds, Singapore’s main shopping districts offer a mix of everything, from big-name brands to hidden local gems.
- Orchard Road – Singapore’s most iconic shopping destination, packed with malls like ION Orchard, Paragon Shopping Centre, and Ngee Ann City. You’ll find luxury labels, department stores, and international chains alongside gourmet food halls and beauty boutiques.
- Bugis Street – One of the largest and busiest street markets in Singapore, Bugis is the place for budget fashion, accessories, and trinkets. With over 600 stalls, it’s ideal for bargain hunters and souvenir seekers.
- Kampong Glam – A narrow, colorful street known for its indie fashion boutiques, quirky gift shops, and vibrant street art. It’s the perfect spot for finding offbeat clothing, handmade jewelry, or Instagram-worthy snapshots. Grab a coffee or ice cream while you explore.
- Chinatown – A bustling district filled with stores selling traditional Chinese goods, herbal medicine, silk scarves, and decorative lanterns. Souvenir shopping here is both easy and affordable. Don’t miss the Chinatown Street Market or the multi-level Chinatown Complex for food and shopping in one stop.
- The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands – An upscale mall known for its striking architecture and canal rides. You’ll find luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier alongside fine dining restaurants. Even if you’re not here to shop, it’s worth a stroll for the experience.
- VivoCity – Singapore’s largest mall, popular for its mix of mid-range fashion, electronics, and family-friendly shops. It also offers great waterfront views and direct access to Sentosa Island via the monorail or boardwalk, making it a convenient stop during your trip.