Singapore: there’s nowhere in the world quite like it. Situated off the coast of Malaysia in the heart of Southeast Asia, this island-state is one of my favourite places to visit.
Not only is the city centre breathtakingly beautiful with skyscrapers and rivers in abundance; but the fact that it’s home to almost six million people means that the city always seems so atmospheric. It buzzes with electricity. It feels alive.
If you plan on venturing there any time soon, there’s so much to see and do that you might struggle to fit everything in. That said, whether you’re organising a short city break, a week-long vacation or stoppping by on a cruise, you’d be a fool to miss out on these 7 of the best things to do in Singapore.
1. Have a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel
Firstly, let’s talk about Raffles, one of the city’s oldest and most luxurious hotels named after the founder of Singapore Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.
With its gorgeous architecture and interiors, it’s definitely worth a look around! And of course, it’s home to the famous Singapore Sling. Originally created by a popular bartender at Raffles, this gin-based cocktail is now over 100 years old.
I have to say: I’m not usually a big fan of gin but I simply had to try Singapore’s legendary beverage – and it certainly didn’t disappoint!
2. Visit the Sky Park at Marina Bay Sands
When in Singapore, you may notice a strange-looking building in Downtown Core made up of three towers with what looks like a cruise ship plonked on top of it.
Well, that would be Marina Bay Sands, Singapore’s renowned five-star hotel. And it’s absolutely stunning. Situated at the top of the hotel is a rooftop observatory deck called Sky Park. This is open to the public and it’s definitely something every tourist should experience at least once. After all, the views of the city are out of this world.
3. Spend an Afternoon at Marina Bay Sands Shoppes
Adjacent to the hotel is its very own shopping mall — Marina Bay Sands Shoppes. Featuring both high street and designer stores, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
As well as a good array of stores and eateries, this mall also has a very unique feature in the form of a mini river running through the middle of it. In addition to this mini river, there is a waterfall fountain feature that comes through the roof – yes, you read that right, the roof – and a small paddling boat that you can hire to ride down the river.
Needless to say, it’s a must-see!
4. Eat Dinner at Clarke Quay
Let’s carry on talking about food for a second.
Clarke Quay is one of Singapore’s little historic gems. It’s an exciting hub of restaurants, cafes and bars that runs either side of the Singapore River. Essentially, if you’re craving a rather up-market dinner surrounded by pretty scenery, you must head to Clarke Quay.
There are also plenty of outside bars at the river’s edge where you can grab a pre-dinner drink before choosing from one of the many, many restaurants! You can even eat on the river, if you so wish, on one of the restaurant boats. Allow me to explain – it’s a restaurant. On a boat. On the river. Pretty awesome, right? In fact, Clarke Quay is awesome in general.
5. Sample Different Cuisines at Bugis Junction Food Court
Speaking of food, you can find one heck of an extensive food court at Bugis Junction shopping mall (yes, another one) in the Downtown Core section of Singapore. Put it this way: I’ve never seen so much food variety in my life.
Whichever cuisine you fancy and could possibly think of, you will undoubtedly find it at Bugis Junction food court. And not only is the food divine but it’s as cheap as chips. For instance, you can get a full meal for as little as $6 (Singapore dollars, that is). I mean, what more can you ask for?
6. Shop Until You Drop on Orchard Road
Orchard Road must be one of the only, if not the only, roads in the world to host over 30 shopping malls. Yes, I said over 30. Down one road. How unique is that?
Whenever you feel like going on a bit of a spree, you can just head to this Singaporean street. From designer boutiques to bargain stalls, Orchard Road has it all. I, myself, have spent a good day there, shopping away until my heart’s content. It really is amazing. (But probably not-so-amazing for your bank balance.)
7. Go for Drinks at 1-Altitude’s Rooftop Bar
Finally, 1-Altitude is a café, bar and gallery split over three levels of one of the tallest skyscrapers in Singapore’s city centre. On the 61st floor is its famous rooftop bar, which offers 360-degree views of the city.
Like with Marina Bay Sands’ Sky Deck, the views are extraordinary. However, unlike Marina Bay Sands’ Sky Park, you can also have a tasty cocktail in hand as you’re perusing them. Winning.
There’s also a really relaxed, cool vibe up there with plenty of seating, mood lighting and a dance floor. They even have live music playing some nights, as well as DJs on tap. Personally, I’d recommend heading to 1-Altitude on your last night as it’s a good way to leave Singapore on a high.
Take Advantage of the Best Things to Do in Singapore Using the MRT
Everybody I know who has visited Singapore absolutely loves it. I mean, it’s hard not to as it has so much going for it. The city centre even has one of the easiest and most straightforward public transportation systems in the world in the form of the MRT. It’s also rather cheap so it’s definitely worth using to help you get around.
Whether you manage to cover all of the must do’s on this list or just tick off a couple, I guarantee that you will enjoy whatever you decide to do. And it won’t be long before you also become a firm member of the “I love Singapore” club.
Bio
Katie Davies is a British freelance writer who has built a career creating lifestyle content that caters to the modern woman. When she’s not sipping coffee, shopping, or exploring a new city, you’ll probably find her blogging about her fashion and travel adventures at https://trendytourist.co.uk.
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