Curator’s statement
Singapore is a modern city—a mixture of cultures, good food, great shopping, beautiful gardens, and wildlife. Walking the streets with my 9-year-old felt safe and comfortable, and there was so much for him to do. It was a great place for him to experience this part of the world.
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Things to do in Singapore
Lights at the Gardens by the Bay
When you visit Singapore, you must eat at a hawker center. Even the locals will recommend food here over most restaurants.
Sentosa Island is a kids' paradise full of fun activities. We enjoyed the Oceanarium, one of the largest aquariums I’ve ever seen. The building is also an architectural marvel. If you're Harry Potter fans, check out the Harry Potter experience, an interactive museum that you can quickly walk through (after standing in a fairly long line to get in, even with a ticket). There is a new gondola from Mount Faber Park that takes you to Sentosa Island that is a glass dome.
You also can’t beat a Singapore Sling next to a rooftop pool at the Marina Bay Sands, Mondrian, or COMO Metropolitan.
As touristy as it sounds, the light show at the Gardens By The Bay is worth it. It happens every night at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm. Pro tip: Lay on the ground to enjoy the full experience (you won’t be the only one).
For a fun chat with a local, visit Tong Mern Sern Antiques Arts & Crafts. The owner is so friendly, and the place is two stories packed with amazing antiques from all over the world.
If you like to shop, walk down Orchard Road for every store you’ve ever wanted in mall after mall. While you’re at it, pick up an ice cream wafer/sandwich from one of the food carts to help cool you down.
Places to eat & drink in Singapore
Skewers of every kind at Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre
Hawker centers: Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown, Lau Pa Sat
COTE: High-end, modern Korean barbecue in a dark, moody restaurant with a fun bar next door (in the COMO Metropolitan Hotel).
Oriental Chinese Restaurant in Chinatown is authentic and there is always a line. Some of the best Chinese food I’ve ever had.
Black Tap in The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a fun place for giant, elaborate milkshakes after a day of shopping or a stop at the Art Science Museum.
Zam Zam Singapore is an old authentic Indian restaurant in Little India that is worth a stop.
The Buffet at Marina Bay Sands is food with a view!
ANTO Pizza e aperitivi is a small Italian restaurant off of Keong Saik Road that has delicious pizzas and a mellow vibe. Their crust was phenomenal.
Ramen in the mall, any mall, any ramen place (delicious!).
Need to know
The Singapore airport is amazing, featuring an automated arrival process and lots of fun shopping. Don’t skip the Jewel—the waterfall is worth visiting either on your way in or, if you have time to go early, on your way out. It is off of Terminal 1 so plan accordingly. It takes about 30 minutes to get into the city center of Singapore from the airport.
My favorite area was Outram, where the Mondrian is. The colonial buildings have been outfitted into modern restaurants, bars, and cute shops. A great place to walk around.
The red and silver taxis don’t accept credit cards but the other ones do.
Carry a pack of wipes with you, as few of the restaurants (especially at the hawker centers) offer napkins.
Buy tickets in advance for the Art Science Museum.
Spicy food is REALLY spicy.
Travel Advisor
Erica Alexander
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Singapore page.