The Complete Travel Guide to Singapore: Culture, Cuisine and Charm

The famous

Gardens by the Bay – Step into a futuristic green oasis at Supertree Grove, and stroll along the OCBC Skyway with views over Marina Bay. Don't miss the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome for an unforgettable experience in nature.
Sentosa Island – Just off Singapore’s coast, Sentosa is a go-to for beach days, adventure and fun. Hit up Universal Studios Singapore, SEA Aquarium or chill at Tanjong Beach Club for some seaside relaxation.
Thian Hock Keng Temple – One of Singapore’s oldest temples, this beautifully preserved site is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess, Mazu. The intricate carvings and stunning architecture make it a must-see for history and culture lovers.
Chinatown and Little India – Explore Singapore’s multicultural side in these vibrant neighborhoods filled with temples, colorful street art, authentic eats and unique shopping. Each district offers a rich glimpse into the city’s heritage.
Singapore Botanic Gardens – A UNESCO World Heritage site, these peaceful gardens are perfect for a stroll. Wander through the National Orchid Garden, or settle down for a picnic surrounded by tropical greenery.

The hidden gems

Kampong Glam – A historic neighborhood with a vibrant, bohemian vibe, Kampong Glam is a blend of old-world charm and modern creativity. Discover indie boutiques, quirky cafes and the majestic Sultan Mosque, a centerpiece of the area. Don’t miss Haji Lane, where colorful street art and vintage shops make every corner worth exploring.
Gillman Barracks – Nestled in a leafy enclave, Gillman Barracks is a contemporary art hub set within restored colonial-era military barracks. This hidden gem offers rotating exhibitions from local and international artists, eclectic shops and cafes where you can recharge after a dose of creative inspiration.
Pulau Ubin – Just a short 10-minute ferry ride from the mainland, Pulau Ubin feels like stepping back in time. Cycle or hike through this rustic island’s lush landscapes, mangroves and traditional kampong (village) houses, offering a rare glimpse of Singapore’s past in its most authentic form.
The Southern Ridges – Spanning 10 kilometers, this network of elevated walkways and bridges connects some of Singapore’s most scenic parks, like Mount Faber and Telok Blangah Hill. A walk along the iconic Henderson Waves, with its sweeping architecture and breathtaking views, is a highlight.
Tiong Bahru – Known for its mix of heritage and modernity, Tiong Bahru is a charming neighborhood with art-deco architecture and a lively local vibe. Stroll through bustling markets, pop into stylish boutiques and relax at chic cafes like Tiong Bahru Bakery, famous for its pastries.

The restaurants - high-end

Odette
Located in the National Gallery, this three Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Julien Royer is a masterpiece of modern French dining. Known for its seasonal tasting menus, Odette showcases dishes that fuse French techniques with Asian ingredients, like Hokkaido scallops with seasonal vegetables. The soft, pastel-toned interiors create an elegant yet inviting atmosphere.

Les Amis
One of Singapore’s most iconic fine-dining destinations, this three-Michelin-starred French restaurant is perfect for a luxurious culinary experience. Chef Sebastien Lepinoy crafts dishes like cold angel hair pasta with caviar and truffle, highlighting premium seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also boasts one of Asia’s finest wine collections, ensuring the perfect pairing for every dish.

Burnt Ends
A Michelin-starred modern barbecue restaurant, Burnt Ends is famous for its open-concept kitchen where dishes are cooked over wood-fired ovens. Highlights include the smoky Burnt Ends Sanger, a pulled pork shoulder sandwich and perfectly charred meats. The casual yet trendy atmosphere makes it ideal for foodies seeking top-notch flavors without the formality.

Shoukouwa
For sushi lovers, this two-Michelin-starred omakase restaurant in One Fullerton offers a highly personalized dining experience. With only a few seats at the counter, the chef prepares each dish in front of you, using fresh seafood flown in daily from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market. Expect refined flavors and unparalleled precision in every bite.

Waku Ghin
Located in Marina Bay Sands, Waku Ghin by Chef Tetsuya Wakuda delivers a Japanese-European fusion experience. The multi-course menus feature luxurious ingredients like Oscietra caviar, sea urchin and wagyu beef. The private dining rooms and extensive sake selection elevate this into a one-of-a-kind culinary journey.

The restaurants - cheap eats

Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (Maxwell Food Centre)
A Singapore classic, Tian Tian serves up fragrant rice paired with tender poached chicken and an addictive chili sauce. Located at Maxwell Food Centre, this stall is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, with Anthony Bourdain himself praising it as some of the best chicken rice he ever tasted.

Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodles
This Michelin-starred hawker stall is the go-to spot for bak chor mee (minced pork noodles). The noodles are perfectly cooked and tossed in a flavorful vinegar-based sauce, served with tender slices of pork, crispy dumplings and a comforting broth on the side.

Hjh Maimunah
This award-winning eatery is a staple for authentic Nasi Padang, a type of Malay cuisine where rice is served with a variety of dishes. Crowd favorites include the tender beef rendang, sambal goreng and tahu telor (fried tofu with egg). The homestyle flavors and variety make it a must-try for local comfort food.

328 Katong Laksa
Famous for its creamy, coconut-rich laksa broth, 328 Katong Laksa is a Singaporean institution. The dish is packed with fresh prawns, cockles and rice noodles, which are conveniently cut into smaller pieces so you can enjoy it with just a spoon.

Swee Choon Tim Sum
A late-night dim sum haven, Swee Choon has been serving classic Cantonese and Shanghainese dishes for decades. Favorites include the liu sha bao (salted egg custard buns), xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and crispy mee suah kueh. Open late into the night, it’s perfect for a casual feast with friends.