Overview
Singapore is No. 9 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. The island city-state sits at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, just north of the equator. It is known for its greenery, efficiency and safety, and for a mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian and colonial heritage.
Modern landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay sit a short ride from historic districts like Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam. Singapore's hawker culture, the food stalls found in open-air hawker centres across the island, was added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020.
Best time to go
Singapore is hot and humid all year, typically around 25–32 °C, and short tropical downpours are common. The north-east monsoon brings the wettest weather from about November to January; February to April is often a little drier.
Festivals are a good reason to time a trip: Chinese New Year (January or February), Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix night race.
Top sights
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1
Gardens by the Bay In our Top Landmarks
The Supertree Grove and the cooled Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories sit beside Marina Bay. The Supertrees light up for a free evening show.
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2
Marina Bay
Walk the waterfront promenade past the Merlion, the ArtScience Museum and Marina Bay Sands, whose SkyPark observation deck overlooks the city.
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3
National Gallery Singapore In our Top 100 Museums
Housed in the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, it holds a major collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art.
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4
Chinatown
Restored shophouses, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, the Sri Mariamman Temple (Singapore's oldest Hindu temple) and the Chinatown Complex food centre.
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5
Singapore Botanic Gardens
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, the gardens include the National Orchid Garden and are free to enter (the orchid garden charges a fee).
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6
Little India and Kampong Glam
Colourful streets around Serangoon Road and the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, and the Sultan Mosque and boutiques of Kampong Glam and Haji Lane.
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7
Hawker centres
Try chicken rice, laksa and char kway teow at places such as Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat and Newton Food Centre.
Getting there
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), at the eastern end of the island, is linked to the city by the MRT (change at Tanah Merah), taxis and ride-hailing. The Jewel complex, with its indoor waterfall, is connected to the terminals.
Coaches and trains cross the causeway from Johor Bahru in Malaysia, and cruise ships call at Marina Bay Cruise Centre.
Getting around
The MRT and buses are clean, cheap and frequent. You can pay by tapping a contactless bank card or phone, or use an EZ-Link card.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Grab are widely used. Many areas are walkable, but the heat makes air-conditioned shopping centres and covered walkways popular.
Practical tips
- Currency
- Singapore dollar (SGD). Cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for hawker stalls, although many now take QR or card payments.
- Language
- English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil are the official languages. English is the common working language.
- Laws
- Singapore's laws are strict. Littering, jaywalking and eating or drinking on the MRT can bring fines. Selling chewing gum is banned, and e-cigarettes and vapes are illegal.
- Safety
- Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world. For the police, dial 999; for an ambulance or the fire service, dial 995.
- Visa & entry
- Most visitors, including US, UK, Canadian, Australian and EU citizens, do not need a visa for a short stay. Everyone must submit the free SG Arrival Card online within three days before arrival (eservices.ica.gov.sg). Beware of unofficial sites that charge a fee.
- Power
- 230 V, 50 Hz; plug type G (the British three-pin plug).
Official information: Visit Singapore (official site of the Singapore Tourism Board). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.
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