Visiting Singapore: Your Gateway to the Lion City

Parks

Gardens By The Bay – Spanning almost 250 acres, Gardens By The Bay is an iconic nature park situated in the heart of Singapore. Visit the Supertree Grove in the evening to watch the free Garden Rhapsody light-and-sound show.

Merlion Park – This waterfront park overlooks Marina Bay and is home to the Merlion statue, another iconic landmark in Singapore. The Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish and symbolizes Singapore’s origins as a fishing village and Singapura, meaning lion city in Malay. Visit Merlion Park in the evening for Instagram-worthy views of Marina Bay Sands and the Central Business District.

TreeTop Walk & MacRitchie Reservoir Park – 30 minutes from Marina Bay is TreeTop Walk, a suspension bridge spanning 250 meters over the jungle connecting the two highest points in beautiful MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Depending on how long you want your hike to be, you can choose from a few different routes, but I would recommend starting early – the humidity in Singapore is no joke. Be prepared to see monkeys, lizards and other wildlife!

Shopping

Orchard Road – Orchard Road is Singapore’s most famous shopping area, where you can find everything from local souvenirs to luxury retail. Make sure to visit TANGS, Orchard Road’s first department store.

Bugis Street Market – One of Singapore’s largest street markets, Bugis Street Market offers cheap eats and affordable shopping for local souvenirs, clothes and hidden gems.

Haji Lane – For trendy and affordable shopping, visit Haji Lane located in Kampong Glam. The narrow street is lined with boutiques, cafes and street art and comes alive at night with bars and live music in the streets.

Things to Do

Arab Street - Arab Street is known as the center of the Muslim community in Singapore. Besides amazing shopping and dining, Arab Street has must-see attractions like a guided tour of the Sultan Mosque or the Malay Heritage Center where you can learn about Singapore's Malay culture.

Little India - Little India is full of beautiful architecture and vibrant street art. If you're lucky to visit during Deepavali, you'll be able to experience the street parade and shopping in the Hipster Bazaar.

Atlas Grand Lobby & Bar - This gorgeous art deco building is home to one of Singapore’s most glamorous cocktail bars with some of the largest collections of Gin and Champagne. For a luxurious Sunday, book a reservation for Sundays at Atlas for free-flowing cocktails, champagne, and small bites.

Jumbo Seafood Restaurant - The place to go for amazing chili crab, Singapore’s unofficial dish. It’s a little sweet, a little savory and very messy. But always worth it!

Long Bar - Located in Raffles Singapore, Long Bar is home to the iconic Singapore Sling – widely regarded as Singapore’s national drink. The tables have baskets of peanuts and guests are encouraged to brush the shells onto the floor. Long Bar is walk-in only, so expect to wait, but it’s well worth it for the experience!

Albert Centre Market & Food Centre - You can’t leave Singapore without visiting a hawker center. Hawker centers are semi-enclosed buildings that have food stalls selling a wide variety of affordable food. Visit Fragrance Blue Pea Flower Nasi Lemak Economic Bee Hoon (#01-62) for Hokkien Mee, or for something sweet head to the famous Guan Kee Fried Carrot Cake (#01-59) for Fried Carrot Cake.

Maxi Coffee Bar - Cozy café with a toast bar and outdoor seating, perfect for a mid-day stop. Recommend getting The Dirty (seven spice chai, oat mik and cold brew) or the Miso housemade miso peanut butter and jam (PBJ).

Wakuda Restaurant & Bar - Wakuda is a Japanese fine dining restaurant located in the Marina Bay Sands. The ambiance and service were amazing and everything on the menu is worth having. Highly recommend the spicy tuna tartare, charcoal-grilled wagyu steak and lobster sushi.

Coach Play Singapore Shophouse - Visit for the IG-worthy café, stay for the dessert bar. The café serves coffee and small NY-inspired plates and is located in a bright pink three-story shophouse.