Vacay Espresso: Seeing It All in Singapore

• Luxurious lounging on the Marina Bay Sands rooftop pool deck: Carve out at least a half-day for this one. The rooftop infinity pool at this resort is iconic for its views and standard of luxury. Scout your spot out early and snap your pics before the crowds descend. Spend the rest of the day nibbling and sipping from libations at the bar. Apply plenty of sunscreen! The sun is especially powerful this close to the equator, and you're about as close to the sun as you can get.

• Gardens by the Bay: For the best tour of the gardens, go at night and catch nature aglow. Save the domes for the daytime and immerse yourself in the rainforest. The themes and exhibits rotate often but are almost always a stunning depiction of the culture they represent.

• Merlion Park: The Merlion is the mascot of Singapore. The fountain in the park is a popular attraction for locals and tourists because of its legendary magical energy.

• Little India: One of the coolest parts of the island is its cultural centers. A walk through Little India boasts multiple Hindu temples and shops.

• Chinatown: Vibrant and very reminiscent of its sister in NYC — Singapore's Chinatown is an explosion of color and light. Pop in and out of the shops or grab a bite from the street carts. Be sure to appreciate the traditional architecture and artwork along the way.

• Kampong Glam: Singapore's mostly Muslim neighborhood has beautiful mosques and colorful street art that celebrates the traditions of its people.

• Singapore Botanic Gardens: Take the city's modern and clean local transportation to the one of the world's oldest gardens and spend hours meandering through this unique setting. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll pass varieties of local and international flora, fauna. If you're lucky, you'll spot some local wildlife as well.

• Orchard Road Shopping District: The island is well-known as a shopping mecca for designers and counterfeits alike. Be sure to do your research.

Day Trips:

Singapore's proximity to Indonesia makes it a great jumping off point to the resort islands of Sentosa, Bintan and Batam. It's also just a short flight to Bali!

• Lau Pa Sat (and other Hawker Stalls): Some of the city's best food can be found in these food halls, and they're a cultural experience to boot.

• Restaurant Labyrinth: Delicious spins on local dishes in a fun, creative atmosphere.

• Odette: A local mainstay serving comfort dishes in a posh, elevated setting.

• Hong Lim Food Centre: Similar to Lau Pa Sat but open for breakfast and brunch so you can get your fill without fighting the crowds.

• Born: Clean, architectural and natural best describes this restaurant's dining room. It was once an old rickshaw station and now features fine-dining dishes.

• Humpback: When you're craving a little bit of Western culture, Humpback is a fun and comforting bar serving fresh seafood and incredible cocktails.

• Raffles Singapore: A must to try your first Singapore Sling.