So, it's the perfect time to explore Singapore's sights, with its warm climate and magnificent buildings rising towards the sky, and to get to know this unique country much more closely!
Let's begin: The history of Singapore.
Before we begin exploring the sights of Singapore, we'd like to briefly discuss Singapore's recent history. As we always say, even a little knowledge of the past makes our travels more meaningful.
Singapore was founded in 1819. After a long period under British rule, the city gained full independence in 1965. Today, Singapore is one of the world's leading financial powers, maintaining its presence through its high level of development and significant investments in technology.
A bastion of luxury and splendor: Singapore tourist attractions
Luxury, splendor, and technology… If you had to describe Singapore in three words, those would definitely be it. Now, to get to know this fascinating country that truly lives up to those words, we're embarking on a fun exploration, starting with the places to visit in Singapore!
Merlion Statue
We begin our journey with one of Singapore's iconic statues. Located in the heart of Singapore, this half-lion, half-fish statue, dominating the entire square, is the reason why the city is called the "City of Lions." Standing approximately 8.6 meters tall, with water pouring from its mouth into the Singapore River, the Merlion Statue is a must-see before you begin exploring Singapore's sights!
Chinatown
We're starting our Singapore sightseeing list with a very colorful route! Yes, we're in Chinatown. Singapore has a large Chinese population, so Chinatown is incredibly bustling. Known as Singapore's most unique and vibrant area, Chinatown is a uniquely beautiful place consisting of 5 districts. The heart of Chinatown is the Kreta Ayer district. With its rows of buildings built in Chinese architecture, souvenir shops, and food stalls, this district offers a captivating experience – you absolutely must visit it when you go to Singapore!
Orchard Road
Known as Southeast Asia's most modern street, Orchard Road is also Singapore's most famous street. For this reason alone, it's included in any list of places to visit in Singapore. Luxury, order, and entertainment prevail on this street; you can take a long stroll or reserve a table at one of the restaurants for a pleasant evening meal.
Marina Bay Sands
Be sure to include Marina Bay Sands in your Singapore sightseeing plan; it's a unique route where you can witness the sophistication and beauty of Singapore. Created by reclaiming land from the sea, Marina Bay Sands is a place where time flies by, offering entertainment venues catering to different tastes, delicious restaurants, museums, and shopping centers! A small suggestion: you can relax by the lake and witness the magnificent city skyline.
Singapore Botanic Gardens and Singapore National Orchid Gardens
We continue our exploration of places to visit in Singapore with a vibrant and fragrant destination: the Singapore Botanic Gardens and National Orchid Gardens, one of the city's most captivating and charming spots! Spanning a vast 3-hectare area, these gardens house approximately 60,000 of the world's most exotic orchid species and other fascinating plants.
This garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been welcoming visitors since 1995, will surely delight you with its unique colors, four-season concept, and magnificent natural surroundings!
Singapore Flyer
For an exciting and incredibly "high" experience in Singapore, we invite you to the Singapore Flyer. Located in the Marina Centre area of the city, the Singapore Flyer is a 165-meter-high Ferris wheel. A major tourist attraction, this Ferris wheel could also be on your list of places to visit and experiences in Singapore. Why not?
Gardens by the Bay
It's clear that Singapore highly values greenery and gardens. Gardens by the Bay is proof of this! Ranking high on the list of places to visit in Singapore, Gardens by the Bay truly captivates with its futuristic design and beautiful trees and plants. We highly recommend visiting it!
Sentosa Island
There's another route you absolutely must add to your Singapore sightseeing list: Sentosa Island! One of the city's most popular tourist spots, Sentosa Island will add color to your trip with its magnificent beaches and many fun routes to explore. When you arrive on the island, you can visit the Underwater World, home to thousands of fish species, the Universal Studios (a favorite especially for children), and the Singapore Insect and Butterfly Kingdom; you can reach these places using the island's cable car, Skyline Luge!
A delicious fusion of different cuisines: What to eat in Singapore?
Singaporean cuisine, shaped by Indian, Chinese, and indigenous Malay influences, is incredibly diverse and delicious. With its abundant use of spices due to Indian influence, curry is an indispensable ingredient in Singaporean food. They use curry in many dishes. The most common cooking technique in the country comes from China. Dishes cooked over high heat in deep, wide wok pans are truly delicious. Here are some dishes you absolutely must try when you visit Singapore:
Satay (a type of meat or chicken skewer cooked in peanut sauce)
Shrimp noodles
Bulgogi (thick steak marinated in sesame sauce)
Roti Prata (a pastry with curry sauce)
Laxa (A soup made with ingredients such as beans, seafood, and coconut)
Durian fruit
Important notes from Singapore
After examining the places to visit in Singapore, we have prepared a helpful section for those who actually want to visit this country. Let's take a look together!
Where to stay in Singapore?
Singapore, with its tropical climate and luxurious atmosphere, is a destination that many travelers want to experience. Depending on your budget, you can stay in luxury hotels in the city center, or for a more affordable option, consider hostels or rental apartments in neighborhoods close to the center.
If you want to handle your Singapore trip in the most practical way, including booking flights and accommodation, and focus on enjoying your trip, we recommend checking out Turkish Holidays' holiday packages . With our suggested packages, you can quickly make your accommodation and flight reservations and start enjoying Singapore!
What is transportation like in Singapore?
Singapore is a highly developed city-state, so the metro and bus network is very convenient. You can get almost anywhere using public transportation. Uber and similar apps are also frequently used in the city.
Transportation from Changi International Airport to the city center.
In Singapore, one of Southeast Asia's most popular and developed countries, getting from the airport to the city center is quite easy and quick. First, it's important to note that the country has two airports. The first and largest is Changi International Airport, and the other is Seletar Airport. Since Changi Airport is generally used, we will provide information about transportation from there to the city center.
To reach the city center from this airport, you can easily use MRT trains, airport express buses, private public buses, 24/7 taxis, and private transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Singapore?
Singapore is generally considered a suitable destination for travel year-round. The country mostly enjoys a tropical climate. The best time to visit Singapore is usually between March and August, when it is warm and has little rainfall. The peak tourist season in Singapore is between June and August, and it is very sunny during this period.
How do I get from Singapore Changi Airport to the city center?
Singapore Changi Airport, one of Asia's largest airports, is located approximately 25 km east of the city center. You have several options for getting to the city center from the airport: bus, train, taxi, and private transfer. You can take buses 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110, and 858 from bus platforms in terminals 1, 2, and 3. For trains, take the train from Changi Airport MRT Station (CG2) to Tanah Merah MRT Station (EW4) and transfer to the East-West Line to Tuas Link MRT Station (EW33). If you prefer to use private transfers to the city center, you can contact the 24/7 Ground Transport Concierge (GTC). You can download the Changi app and make a reservation through the official GTC website. Finally, for taxis at Changi Airport, you can find taxi stands in the arrival areas of terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Is it worthwhile to buy a Singapore Tourist Pass for transportation in Singapore?
Yes, if you plan to use the train and bus more than 3-4 times a day, buying a Singapore Tourist Pass might be a good idea. The Singapore Tourist Pass offers tourists unlimited travel on Singapore's public transport network for a limited time. Additionally, with this pass, you can enjoy numerous opportunities in areas such as food and drinks, tourist attractions, entertainment, local tours, workshops, and much more.
What are the must-see places in Singapore in 3 days?
- Day 1 in Singapore: Start your day at Gardens by the Bay, a famous park located in the heart of Singapore. The iconic structures within the gardens offer architectural wonders that reinterpret nature with artistic finesse. Afterwards, enjoy the city views from Marina Bay Sands & SkyPark. To complete the day surrounded by nature, stroll through Merlion Park, one of Singapore's iconic landmarks, and take a memorable photo in front of the magnificent Merlion statue – with its lion's head and fish body, spouting water from its mouth.
- Day 2 in Singapore: Visit the National Museum of Singapore. Open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, it's a fantastic spot for history and art-filled activities in the area. Afterwards, explore St. Andrew's Cathedral and Fort Canning Park, both nearby. After dark, head to Gardens by the Bay to watch the light show.
- Day 3 in Singapore: Explore Little India, home to Singapore's Indian community, accompanied by Bollywood music. Then visit Kampong Glam, known as Singapore's Muslim Quarter. This is Singapore's oldest urban area and boasts both historical buildings and shopping opportunities. Conclude your tour at the airport, home to the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world's highest indoor waterfall, and its shopping malls.
Where should I stay in Singapore?
If you're looking for a luxurious stay with stunning views in Singapore, consider Marina Bay. For proximity to five-star hotels and a vibrant shopping scene, check out Orchard Road. For a more authentic and cultural experience, consider hotels around Chinatown.
What is Hawker Centre and what to eat in Singapore?
Hawker Centre is an open-air food court with mobile food stalls. It's one of the best places to explore Singapore's rich culinary culture. One of the most prominent dishes across the country is fried noodle dishes with fish. You can also try chicken rice, carrot cake, oyster omelet (Orh Luak), and Cantonese-style fried meat, among other dishes and desserts.
What are Singapore's famous bans and rules?
Singapore is known for its strict regulations and laws. The ban on chewing gum is one of the most notable. Those caught selling or importing gum face heavy fines. Celebrating with fireworks is also illegal in Singapore. The use of e-cigarettes has been banned even in homes since 2018, and those importing or distributing them face significant fines. Similarly, hookah was officially banned in Singapore in 2016.
Cultural customs are also very important in Singapore. For example, according to the "chope" culture, if you see a pack of napkins on a table, especially in busy hawker centers (food centers), that table is reserved and you shouldn't sit there. This is an unwritten rule that is highly respected. Remember to check current bans and rules through official channels before your trip to Singapore.
What are some things to do on Sentosa Island?
Sentosa is an island located just off the coast of Singapore and is one of the country's most famous destinations. Sentosa boasts numerous tourist attractions, from theme parks and resorts to a giant aquarium and beaches. You can explore the theme parks at Universal Studios Singapore and enjoy the water at Siloso Beach and Palawan Beach.
What practical information should you know before traveling to Singapore?
- Useful apps for traveling in Singapore: You can use Grab for ride-hailing and food delivery, and the SimplyGo mobile app for public transportation.
- Public holidays in Singapore: Singapore has important days and public holidays such as Chinese New Year, Eid al-Fitr, and National Day on August 9th.
- Currency and Payments in Singapore: The official currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar. Paying by phone and card is extremely common in Singapore. These methods work seamlessly, especially in large shopping malls, supermarkets, restaurants, and on public transport. However, if you plan to eat at street stalls or shop at small businesses, carry cash with you.
