Singapore travel guide: what to see, budget and practical tips

Singapore is a city-state a few dozen kilometers across, at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. A few metro stops take you from the Marina Bay skyscrapers to the Chinese, Indian and Malay districts, and on to tropical gardens. Clean, safe and very well organized, it is an ideal destination for a stopover of a few days in Asia. What to do in Singapore, how many days to plan, what budget: this Singapore travel guide brings together the essentials for planning your stay. The bay’s iconic hotel has its own page: visiting Marina Bay Sands.

To locate districts, terrain, nature reserves and the airport, see our map of Singapore.

When to go to Singapore

Singapore can be visited all year round: afternoon temperatures reach 30 to 32 °C (86 to 90 °F) every month. The least rainy months are February, March and April, and June to September. November, December and January are the wettest, with sometimes continuous rain at the start of the northeast monsoon. Some years, smoke from forest fires in Indonesia degrades air quality: the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026) places this haze risk between June and October. All the details, month by month and with official climate data, are in our article best time to visit Singapore. These haze episodes follow the Indonesian dry season, described on our page best time to visit Indonesia.

Things to do in Singapore: the highlights

Marina Bay

The postcard Singapore: Marina Bay Sands and its observation deck, the Merlion facing the bay, the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum and the promenade around the bay. In the evening, a free light and water show is staged on the waterfront. The neighboring historic district around the Padang has the National Gallery, the Asian Civilisations Museum and the lively riverbanks of Clarke Quay and Boat Quay. Before you leave, check the entry requirements in our guide do you need a visa for Singapore?.

On the bay, our page on Marina Bay Sands covers SkyPark tickets, opening hours and the Spectra show.

Gardens by the Bay

Just behind Marina Bay, this large park is known for its « Supertrees », plant-covered metal structures that light up every evening. Two large air-conditioned conservatories, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest with its indoor waterfall, charge admission. The outdoor gardens are free.

Chinatown

Among shops, colorful shophouses and food centers, Chinatown is home to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, and Chinatown Complex, one of the city’s great hawker centres. It is the best place to experience Chinese New Year.

Little India and Kampong Glam

Little India is the city’s liveliest and most colorful district: temples, flower garlands, grocery stores and South Indian restaurants, with Tekka Centre for a quick meal. A few minutes’ walk away, Kampong Glam, the former Malay and Arab quarter, centers on the Sultan Mosque, with pedestrian Haji Lane and its boutiques. Little India sometimes inspires a trip to the real thing: the best time to visit India depends heavily on the monsoon and the region.

The Botanic Gardens

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a vast free park, ideal for a morning walk. It includes the National Orchid Garden (admission charged), which displays hundreds of species and hybrids. It lies close to Orchard Road, the main shopping avenue.

Sentosa

Linked to the main island by a boardwalk, a monorail and a cable car, Sentosa island is devoted to leisure: developed beaches, theme parks, an aquarium and hotels. It is a favorite day out for families. Allow a full day.

Nature reserves and Pulau Ubin

Singapore has kept patches of rainforest surprisingly close to the center. Around MacRitchie Reservoir, trails and a canopy suspension bridge let you spot monkeys and monitor lizards; do not feed the monkeys. Pulau Ubin island, a few minutes by boat to the northeast, can be explored by bike and has kept a fishing village.

Singapore Flyer and the Peranakan Museum

On Marina Bay, the Singapore Flyer is a 165 m (541 ft) observation wheel: a ride in its glass capsules lasts about 30 minutes and offers a 360° view over the bay. To understand the city’s mixed culture, the Peranakan Museum, on Armenian Street in the colonial district, presents the art and traditions of the Peranakan communities; it is open daily.

Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari

In the north of the island, Mandai Wildlife Reserve brings together Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, River Wonders and the Night Safari, billed as the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. It opens every evening from 6 p.m. to midnight (last entry 11:15 p.m.): you explore it by tram or on walking trails. Combined tickets let you do the zoo by day and the Night Safari in the evening.

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Bukit Timah Hill, 163 m (535 ft), is Singapore’s highest natural point. Its reserve protects one of the island’s rare patches of primary rainforest and is one of the country’s two ASEAN Heritage Parks. Set off early in the morning, before the heat and the afternoon storms.

Eat at a hawker centre

Hawker culture, those food halls where dozens of stalls serve Chinese, Malay and Indian dishes at low prices, has been on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list since 2020. Chinatown Complex, Tekka Centre in Little India and Maxwell Food Centre near Chinatown are good places to start: a meal there is one of the things to do in Singapore, whatever your budget.

Jewel Changi

Attached to the Changi Airport terminals, this complex has an indoor waterfall surrounded by a multi-level forest. It is accessible without going through departure controls: an easy visit at the start or end of your stay.

Itinerary ideas for Singapore

3 days: the essentials of Singapore

1. Day 1: Marina Bay, the Merlion, Gardens by the Bay at sunset and the Supertree show
2. Day 2: colonial district and museums in the morning, Chinatown in the afternoon, dinner at a hawker centre
3. Day 3: Botanic Gardens early in the morning, Little India and Kampong Glam, evening on the quays

5 to 7 days: city, nature and leisure

1. Days 1 to 3: the program above
2. Day 4: Sentosa
3. Day 5: MacRitchie Reservoir in the morning, Orchard Road in the afternoon
4. Day 6: Pulau Ubin by bike
5. Day 7: Jewel Changi before your flight

10 days to 2 weeks: Singapore and a neighboring country

1. Days 1 to 3: Singapore
2. Days 4 to 14: Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang or Langkawi) by road or by air, or Bali on a regional flight, depending on the season

To plan what comes next, see our guides to Malaysia, Bali and Thailand, including Bangkok, as well as our guide to Vietnam.

Budget for a trip to Singapore

Singapore is one of the most expensive destinations in Asia, especially for accommodation. Food, on the other hand, can stay very affordable in the hawker centres. Indicative amounts per person per day, excluding international flights (converted from our euro estimates at the ECB rate of 23 October 2026, €1 = S$1.43):

Item	Budget	Comfort
Accommodation (based on a shared double room)	roughly S$43–86 (hostel, basic hotel)	roughly S$170–360
Meals	roughly S$21–36 (hawker centres)	roughly S$72–143
Local transport	roughly S$7–14	roughly S$21–43
Activities and sightseeing	roughly S$21–43	roughly S$43–86
Total per day	roughly S$100–170	roughly S$285–570

To keep costs down: eat in the hawker centres, make the most of the many free sights (the Botanic Gardens, the outdoor gardens of Gardens by the Bay, the Marina Bay light shows, the historic districts) and use public transport.

Getting around Singapore

• Metro (MRT): fast, air-conditioned and extensive, it serves Changi Airport and most sights. You can pay directly with a contactless bank card. The U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated March 12, 2026) describes public transport and taxis as abundant, inexpensive and reliable.
• Buses: the network complements the metro, with the same payment options.
• Taxis and ride-hailing: plentiful and reliable, with apps such as Grab. Fares are higher at peak times and at night.
• On foot: pleasant early in the morning and in the evening; during the day, the heat and storms make the covered walkways and malls that link many districts more appealing.
• Driving: Singapore drives on the left (U.S. Department of State). UK licence holders can drive on their licence for up to 30 days, then need a 1949 International Driving Permit obtained in the UK (GOV.UK).
• To Malaysia: cross-border buses and trains link Singapore with Johor Bahru and beyond, and many regional flights leave from Changi.

Singapore airport transfer (Changi): MRT, bus, taxi and private transfer

Changi Airport is in the east of the island. The airport’s official website lists four ways to reach the city: metro (MRT), public buses, taxis and ride-hailing, and a transfer service booked at the Ground Transport Concierge counter, open 24 hours.

MRT: change required

Changi Airport station is connected to Terminals 2 and 3. For the center you must change: at Tanah Merah for the East West Line toward Tuas Link, or at Expo for the Downtown Line. According to the airport, the first train to Tanah Merah leaves at 5:31 a.m. Monday to Saturday (5:59 a.m. on Sundays and public holidays); the last train connecting toward Tuas Link leaves at 11:18 p.m. You pay by contactless bank card or transit card; the airport notes that foreign bank cards incur an administration fee.

Public buses

At Terminals 1, 2 and 3, the stops are in the basement, served by routes 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110 and 858. At Terminal 4, routes 24, 34, 36 and 110 stop near car park 4B. If paying cash, bring the exact fare: no change is given. Most buses and the MRT do not run at night.

Taxi: the official surcharges

Taxi stands are in the arrival areas of Terminals 1 to 4. The airport says a trip to the city « takes about 30 minutes » and costs between S$25 and S$45 on the meter. On top of that come an airport surcharge of S$8 from 5 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. and S$6 at other times, +50% from midnight to 5:59 a.m., and +25% at peak times (weekdays 6 a.m. to 9:29 a.m., weekends and public holidays 10 a.m. to 1:59 p.m., and every evening 5 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.). Ride-hailing services (Grab, Gojek, Zig, Tada, Ryde, Geolah) are booked in their apps, with pick-up at dedicated points.

Option	Where to get it	Official fare	Source
MRT	Changi Airport station (T2, T3)	Contactless payment or card (fee for foreign cards)	changiairport.com
Buses 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110, 858	Basement of T1–T3; T4 near the car parks	Exact fare required in cash	changiairport.com
Taxi	Arrivals at T1 to T4	About S$25–45 + surcharges	changiairport.com
Ground Transport Concierge transfer	Airport counter, 24 hours	S$70 (4 seats), S$75 (6 seats)	changiairport.com

Booking a private transfer in Singapore

A private transfer booked in advance is useful if you arrive late at night, travel as a family or with a lot of luggage, or if your accommodation is far from bus and train lines. Before paying, check: the total price (tolls, luggage, child seats, night surcharge), the meeting point at the airport, flight tracking in case of delay, the waiting time included and the cancellation terms. Compare with the official fares in the table above: for a solo traveler with light luggage, public transport is often enough. At Changi, the official Ground Transport Concierge counter charges a fixed price per vehicle to any destination in Singapore (except surcharges for a few industrial areas): it is the benchmark for comparison.

Source: Changi Airport, « Leaving the airport » page (MRT, buses, taxis, ride-hailing, transfers), checked on 24 October 2026.

Where to stay in Singapore

Marina Bay and the colonial district are the most convenient for sightseeing, but also the most expensive. Chinatown offers a good compromise, with hotels in former shophouses and plenty of restaurants. Little India and Kampong Glam have the most affordable accommodation, including hostels, while staying close to the metro. Orchard Road suits shoppers, and Sentosa families who want leisure and the beach.

Rooms are often small for the price. Check whether there is a window (some entry-level rooms have none) and the walking distance to the nearest metro station. According to the UK FCDO, strict laws prevent private homes from being used for short-term rentals, including for tourists.

Entry requirements for Singapore

US citizens

According to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated March 12, 2026), you do not need a visa for tourist or business visits of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. All travelers must submit the free SG Arrival Card, with an electronic health declaration, no more than three days (including the day of arrival) before arriving.

UK citizens

According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK foreign travel advice, updated 19 March 2026), British citizens can visit without a visa for tourism or business; the length of stay is set by the immigration officer and is normally between 30 and 90 days. Your passport must have an expiry date 6 months after the date you arrive. You must complete the electronic SG Arrival Card in the 3 days before arrival; overstaying can lead to fines, imprisonment, caning and deportation.

• Drug screening: you can be screened for drugs on arrival, even in transit, and charged even if the drugs were taken in another country where they are legal (GOV.UK). Penalties include prison, caning and the death penalty.
• Prohibited items: e-cigarettes and vaporizers, chewing gum for sale, weapons and replica guns, among others (GOV.UK).
• Vaccines: a yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from, or have been in the previous six days in, a country with a transmission risk (GOV.UK).
• Medication: check whether you need approval from the Health Sciences Authority, and carry medication in its original packaging with your prescription (GOV.UK and U.S. Department of State).
• Entry requirements checked on 24 October 2026; check them again before you travel.

Health and safety

• Health: health risks include dengue, Zika and chikungunya (GOV.UK). Healthcare is of a high quality and expensive (GOV.UK); hospitals may require payment up front (U.S. Department of State). Insurance covering medical costs and evacuation is strongly recommended.
• Safety: violent crime and theft are rare (GOV.UK), but online and phone scams are common. Terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out.
• Strict laws: jaywalking, littering or spitting can lead to arrest, vandalism to caning (U.S. Department of State). Drinking alcohol in public places is illegal between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m., and Geylang and Little India are liquor control zones (GOV.UK). Foreigners who are not permanent residents may not attend outdoor demonstrations.
• Passport: you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport with you (U.S. Department of State).
• Emergencies: ambulance and fire 995, police 999.

Practical tips for Singapore

• Money: bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, including on the metro. Keep a little cash for some hawker stalls. Our currency converter helps you estimate your spending.
• Internet: the mobile network is excellent and Wi-Fi is widespread. A local SIM card or an eSIM is handy for transport apps.
• Hawker centres: these food halls gather dozens of low-cost stalls. Locals sometimes reserve a table by leaving a packet of tissues on it: choose another seat.
• Etiquette: do not eat or drink on the metro, do not drop litter (police can issue on-the-spot fines, according to GOV.UK) and cross at designated crossings.
• Smoking: it is banned in all public parks and beaches, and Orchard Road is a no-smoking zone (GOV.UK).
• Places of worship: cover shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes in temples and mosques.
• Climate: bring light clothing, an umbrella and a light sweater for air-conditioned places, which are often very cool.

Who is Singapore for?

• Stopover: yes, it is the ideal use: clean, safe and very well organized, with the essentials in three days and Jewel Changi accessible without going through security.
• Families: yes: Sentosa is a favorite family outing, with the zoo, Bird Paradise and the Night Safari as extras.
• Food lovers: yes: the hawker centres, on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, serve Chinese, Malay and Indian dishes at low prices.
• Nature: yes, as an extra: the Botanic Gardens, the MacRitchie and Bukit Timah reserves, Pulau Ubin by bike.
• Budget travelers: so-so: roughly S$100–170 a day, as accommodation is expensive; hawker centres and the many free sights keep the bill down.
• Beach: not ideal: the developed beaches are mainly on Sentosa; for the sea, combine Singapore with Malaysia or Bali.

Read more

To avoid the wettest months, see the best time to visit Singapore, month by month. Singapore is 8 hours ahead of London and 13 hours ahead of New York in winter: see our page on the time difference with Singapore. If you continue to Bali, our page best time to visit Indonesia covers the archipelago’s dry season.

Singapore pass: Go City or Singapore Tourist Pass?

Two cards come up when you search for a « Singapore pass ». The Go City Singapore pass bundles paid attractions; the Singapore Tourist Pass, « a product by SimplyGo », covers public transport. They do different things and can be combined.

Go City option	How it works	Validity	Starting price shown
Essentials	1 headline attraction (Gardens by the Bay, Big Bus, zoo or Night Safari) + 2 others	30 days after activation	from SGD 99
Explorer	Choice of a set number of attractions	30 days after activation	from SGD 134
All-Inclusive	Unlimited for the chosen duration	Chosen duration	from SGD 299

Go City lists more than 50 attractions, including the Gardens by the Bay domes (Flower Dome and Cloud Forest), the zoo, the Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, the cable car (SkyPass), DUCKtours and the Canopy Park at Jewel Changi. An unactivated pass is refundable within 90 days of purchase, according to the same page.

For transport, the Singapore Tourist Pass gives unlimited rides on basic bus services, MRT and LRT: SGD 17 (1 day), SGD 24 (2 days) or SGD 29 (3 days) on its official website on 24 October 2026; days must be consecutive, and premium services (Sentosa Express, express buses) are excluded. Compare it with contactless bank card payment, accepted on the metro: for a few trips a day, that may be enough.

Method: list the paid attractions you would visit anyway, note their prices on their official websites, add them up and compare with the Go City price for your option. The zoo, the Night Safari and Bird Paradise weigh heavily: without them, the pass rarely pays off.

Buying a pass for Singapore

Buy from the issuer or from a reseller that clearly names the product, and check the option, any timed reservations required by some attractions and the refund terms.

Sources: Go City, « Singapore » page (gocity.com/fr/singapore); Singapore Tourist Pass, « Type of passes » (thesingaporetouristpass.com.sg); checked on 24 October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Our sources

• Entry, health and safety information read on 24 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Singapore country information (travel.state.gov, last updated March 12, 2026), and UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Singapore (GOV.UK, updated 19 March 2026)
• Consumer Product Safety Office (Enterprise Singapore), types of mains plugs suitable for use in Singapore (read on 24 October 2026)
• Meteorological Service Singapore (National Environment Agency), 1991–2020 climate normals and climate description
• Official websites of Changi Airport, Visit Singapore (Singapore Flyer), the Peranakan Museum, Mandai Wildlife Reserve (Night Safari), NParks (Bukit Timah), UNESCO (hawker culture), Go City and the Singapore Tourist Pass, accessed in October 2026
• European Central Bank, euro foreign exchange reference rates of 23 October 2026 (budget conversion)
• Our methodology

Updated October 2026.

Discover our other destinations in Asia.