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Planning a trip to Singapore? Lucky you!
This futuristic city-state is known for world-class attractions, diverse culture, and a buzzing street food scene.
Singapore is a very common layover destination, so we travel through here a lot, and we turn our stopovers into city breaks whenever we can. We know the city well by now and have ticked off all of its iconic landmarks as well as some hidden gems.
So if you’re looking for the best way to see the city, then stay tuned, because we’ve got you covered with our top 10 things to do!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Singapore was this small-group bike tour. It was a great intro to the city as we hit so many highlights in just a few hours. We had a fantastic guide and made so many great photo stops!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Singapore
- 1. See Singapore’s top city sights on a private customizable walking tour
- 2. Pedal your way around the city
- 3. Visit a local market and learn how to make authentic Singaporean food
- 4. Make your own perfume with Singapore’s famous orchids
- 5. Escape the city and go kayaking through mangroves
- 6. Taste your way through Singapore
- 7. Take a day trip to Kuala Lumpur
- 8. Cruise around Marina Bay and the Gardens by the Bay on a Segway
- 9. Explore the entire island with a local guide
- 10. Take a catamaran cruise to Pulau Ubin
- Where to Stay in Singapore
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Singapore
1. See Singapore’s top city sights on a private customizable walking tour
- Price: $103-$265 USD
- Duration: 3 – 8 hours
- Time: 8 am – 5 pm
- Highlights: Exploring Singapore on foot with a guide, the ability to customize your itinerary, seeing famous places such as Chinatown and the Marina Bay Sands
- Inclusions: Private guide, hotel meet-up, customizable itinerary
- Rating: 5 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re visiting Singapore for the first time, this private customizable walking tour is the perfect way to kick off your adventure! We booked this tour on our first day here, and our guide, Adam, ensured that we had the perfect day. He met us at our hotel, and right away, it felt like exploring with an old friend.
This is a private tour, and the flexibility is truly the best thing about it! We told Adam what we’d like to see, and he crafted a personalized itinerary for us. It struck the perfect balance between iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Marina Bay Financial Centre, and hidden gems, like cute little cafes in the Katong area. Visiting the Gardens by the Bay was awesome, and we loved exploring the artsy Tiong Bahru area.
The pace of the tour was totally up to us, and Adam’s commentary kept it super engaging. We went for the full-day tour and we’re so glad that we did, because we got to see so many attractions!
This tour is the perfect way to start any trip to Singapore. After exploring with Adam, we felt grounded and ready to navigate the city by ourselves, so it’s ideal for first-timers.
Book this tour in advance here and you’ll get FREE cancellation!
2. Pedal your way around the city
- Price: $65 USD
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Marina Bay, the Colonial District, Chinatown, Little India, Haji Lane street art
- Inclusions: Use of bicycle, helmet, local guide, light refreshments, disposable poncho if necessary
- Rating: 5 stars (check 5,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Of all of the sightseeing tours we have done of Singapore, this small group bike tour was hands down the best! It’s a fun and engaging introduction to Singapore, and it’s ideal for those who are short on time.
We covered so much ground and it’s a half-day experience, so we had the afternoon free.
We kicked off the tour by cruising through Marina Bay, enjoying the views and snapping photos of iconic landmarks, like the famous Marina Bay Sands, the Merlions, and the Flyer observation wheel. And I must say, riding along the Formula 1 race track was a real highlight!
We combined these must-see highlights with some vibrant cultural stops. Our guide, Fred, took us through Chinatown and Little India and we also loved exploring Kampong Glam, the Arab Quarter, admiring the colorful Moorish architecture, and seeing the street art along Haji Lane.
This tour did an amazing job of showcasing the best of Singapore in just a few hours, and the small group format made it feel super special. In our opinion, it’s the best way to sightsee! And we aren’t alone, just check out the 5,000+ reviews from other travelers!
Book this highly-rated bike tour here before it sells out!
3. Visit a local market and learn how to make authentic Singaporean food
- Price: $105 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Visit to a local wet market, breakfast at a coffee shop, learning how to make classic Singaporean dishes
- Inclusions: Breakfast, coffee, lunch, instruction from a professional chef, and all ingredients
- Rating: 5 stars (check 440+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Singapore is world-famous for its incredible food, so why not learn how to make it yourself with this top-rated cooking class?
We had the best time learning how to make dishes like coconut pancakes and laksa broth, and then we got to eat it all!
First things first, though. The tour kicked off with a visit to the local wet market, where our guide and chef, Colin, taught us how to find the best ingredients. Then, we had breakfast as a group in a local coffee shop, which was a great opportunity to get to know each other a little better.
The cooking class itself was very hands-on, and Colin shared lots of stories about Singapore’s culinary heritage with us as she guided us through all of the steps. It all smelled so good, and we couldn’t wait to sit down and eat the fruits of our labors! We especially loved the ngo hiang, which are five-spice Chinese pork rolls.
This class was just as much about culture as it was cooking. We loved diving deep into Singapore’s cuisine, and we left feeling stuffed full of delicious food. In fact, it was the best meal that we had here!
Book your spot on this cooking tour here and don’t pay a cent until just before you go!
4. Make your own perfume with Singapore’s famous orchids
- Price: $61-$80 USD
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: Taking a perfume personality test, discovering your scent profile, learn about different orchids and their scents, creating your very own signature scent
- Inclusions: All ingredients and equipment, professional instructor, 50 ml or 100 ml bottle of perfume
- Rating: 5 stars (check 750+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Whether you’re looking for a special souvenir from Singapore, or just a fun new experience, you can’t go wrong with this perfume making workshop! We had so much fun discovering our scent profiles and making our own unique fragrances.
But it’s not just the fragrances that are one-of-a-kind; since the class uses Singapore’s native orchids, you really can only do this right here in the city!
When we arrived at the workshop, we took a fun quiz to reveal our individual scent profiles. It was actually super interesting to learn about how different fragrances connect to different emotions and personality traits! Then, armed with our results, we got to explore over 120 fragrance oils infused with Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim.
Once we had figured out our likes and dislikes, we got to work making our own perfumes. The class was super hands-on, and our guides were very patient. They took us through the process step-by-step, and I must admit, it felt a little bit like mixing potions as a kid!
We opted to make 100 mls of fragrance each, since we figured we might as well while we were here! The bottles we were given were beautiful, too, and we will definitely be returning here to fill them up again once they run out.
If you want a unique and fun experience, make sure to book this class here!
5. Escape the city and go kayaking through mangroves
- Price: $80 USD
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Kayaking around Pulau Ubin island, paddling through the mangrove forest, learning about the local ecosystem, spotting birds
- Inclusions: Kayaking equipment, English-speaking guide, storage lockers, drinking water
- Rating: 5 stars (check 130+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
As adventure lovers, we couldn’t turn down the chance to get out of the city and kayak around the mangroves of Pulau Ubin Island. And we’re so glad we booked this kayaking tour because we had a blast!
It was easily one of the best things we did in Singapore, but I have to tell you upfront, it sells out pretty fast, so don’t wait too long to book!
This tour was beginner-friendly, but although we have kayaked before, it was still exciting! We started by crossing a short stretch of open sea, and then we felt like we were gliding into another world as we entered the mangroves. It was peaceful, green, and so different from the urban buzz of the main city.
The water was calm which made paddling easy, but the payoff was huge. The views of Pulau Ubin were beautiful, and we loved kayaking through the mangroves. They were teeming with birds, and our guides, Calvin and Emily, taught us about the ecosystem as we explored. We spotted hornbills, herons, and kingfishers, as well as a black forest cobra – from a safe distance, I might add!
We loved every second of this kayaking tour, and we will 100% do it again the next time we’re in Singapore! It was so much fun, a great workout, and an awesome escape from the city.
Make sure to grab your spot before it sells out!
6. Taste your way through Singapore
- Price: $135 USD or cheaper for groups of 3+
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am – 4 pm
- Highlights: Discovering Malay, Chinese, and Indian cuisine, sampling a wide range of food and drinks, exploring the Kampong Glam, Little India, and Chinatown, private, personalized tour
- Inclusions: At least 10 food and drink samples, private English-speaking guide, vegetarian options (contact host beforehand)
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 740+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If there’s one thing that you absolutely must do in Singapore, it’s discover the local street food scene! And this private street food tour is the ultimate way to do it.
The tour began in Kampong Glam, Singapore’s historic Malay-Muslim quarter. The smell of spices in the air was sensational, and before we knew it we were enjoying sweet, frothy teh tarik and eating tangy rojak salad. Next up, we went to Little India, where we stuffed our faces with buttery naan and fragrant curries.
We then rounded off with street food at a hawker market in Chinatown, which is a quintessential Singaporean experience! Our fantastic guide, Grayson, also took us to the area’s “Elderly Corner”, where locals gather to play games, catch up, and keep fit. We loved this glimpse into daily life in Singapore, as this little area felt a million miles away from the gleaming skyscrapers in Marina Bay.
The food on this tour was incredible, and we loved the variety. But at the same time, it was so much more than a delicious feast. It was thoughtfully curated to showcase Singapore’s multicultural roots, so we felt like we really got to see the soul of the city.
Read all the raving reviews and book your food tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
7. Take a day trip to Kuala Lumpur
- Price: Varies by group size – $248-$658 USD per person
- Duration: 17 hours
- Time: 5 am
- Highlights: Batu Caves, National Palace, National Monument, Independence Square, Central Market, KL Tower Observation Deck, Thean Hou Temple, Putra Mosque, sky dining experience with panoramic city views, Malacca tour (if option selected)
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, private driver, private guide, border paperwork, breakfast, sky dining buffet dinner, all admission fees
- Rating: 5 stars (check 110+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Singapore is (relatively) close to the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, so don’t miss the chance to visit! We booked this tour to save us the hassle of planning, which proved to be an amazing decision because we truly felt that we saw the whole city in just one day.
The day started early with prompt hotel pickup, and then we snoozed on the way to Kuala Lumpur, except for when we stopped at a 5-star hotel for breakfast! Then, the first stop of the day was the world-famous Batu Caves, which was the perfect introduction to Malaysia’s rich culture. We walked up the colorful steps and got to check out the cave temple, before moving on to other highlights like the National Palace and Independence Square.
We also got to visit the Putra Mosque and the Central Market, where we had some free time to shop for souvenirs. At every stop, our guide, Amir, shared stories and insights about Malaysian history and culture, so we really felt as though we were getting to know the city.
Around 4 pm, we headed up to the revolving restaurant inside the iconic Petronas Twin Towers for a buffet meal and panoramic views. It’s not so easy to get a table here, so this was a real treat, and a great note to end on!
If you’re looking for a memorable day trip from Singapore, be sure to book this tour!
8. Cruise around Marina Bay and the Gardens by the Bay on a Segway
- Price: $75 USD
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 10 am – 8 pm
- Highlights: Cruising around Singapore on a segway, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore National Stadium, Marina Barrage
- Inclusions: Mini segway, helmet, safety gear, English-speaking guide
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 90+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
It’s no secret that it gets super hot in Singapore, so exploring can be a sweaty business. However, we found that this segway tour was the perfect way to beat the heat!
Plus, we covered a ton of ground in just 2 hours, so it’s also ideal for those who are short on time.
Before we started exploring, we had a quick segway lesson. They were actually mini segways, so they were lighter and easier to maneuver than the traditional kind. Within minutes, our entire group was gliding confidently around the Marina Bay area with our fantastic guide, Lewis.
As we zipped around, we saw highlights including the iconic Marina Bay Sands complex, and the supertrees at the stunning Gardens by the Bay. We also enjoyed waterfront views as we cruised past the Marina Barrage reservoir, and rode through the Bay East Gardens. From there, we got awesome views of Singapore’s skyline from across the water, so this was a real highlight of the tour for us.
We loved the pace of this tour, and the segway ride itself was so much fun! So if you’re looking for an efficient and entertaining, sightseeing tour, then be sure to book this one!
Easily book this segway tour in advance here!
9. Explore the entire island with a local guide
- Price: Varies by group size – approx $95-$240 USD per person
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Little India, the National Orchid Garden, Mount Faber Hill, Chinatown, Arab Street, Geylang Serai
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, private transport, private English-speaking guide, entrance to National Orchid Garden
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 140+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
We signed up for this private Singapore city tour hoping for something special, and boy, we were not disappointed! Having our own private driver and guide for the day made the experience feel both seamless and personal, and we were able to see the very best of the city in just one day.
Our guide, Michael, picked us up from our hotel in the morning and he shared fascinating stories about the history of Singapore as we drove to our first landmark of the day, the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple.
Then, we wandered through the colorful streets of the Arab Quarter, before enjoying a mid-morning river cruise! This was a real standout moment for us, and we loved taking in the views of the city skyline from the water.
After the cruise, Michael suggested a great spot for lunch in Chinatown. It was on our own account, but Chinatown is home to a ton of affordable street eats, so that was no problem. Then, we went on to Singapore’s oldest Malay neighborhood, Geylang Serai. Last but not least, we wrapped up the tour by admiring the breathtaking contrast between the Central Area and the lush green landscape.
We think that this tour is the perfect way to explore Singapore! Having a private guide really gives you the VIP experience!
If you’re looking to explore Singapore in style, make sure to book this tour!
10. Take a catamaran cruise to Pulau Ubin
- Price: $102 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 4 pm
- Highlights: Cruising along the length of Pulau Ubin, seeing a mangrove swamp, checking out the abandoned resort, learning about sustainable fish farming, stopping at a floating restaurant
- Inclusions: Boat ride, English-speaking guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 650+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you like discovering hidden gems, this catamaran tour of Pulau Ubin is a must! This little island is known for its birds, mangroves, and kelongs – aka floating fish farms. And on this cruise, we got to see it all.
Our catamaran was sleek and comfortable, and our captain, Robin, was both knowledgeable and kind. He made everyone feel welcome, and gave insightful commentary as we glided past mangrove swamps, pointing out birds as we went.
We were also intrigued to see the island’s abandoned resort. Between that and the traditional kelong farms, this tour really felt as though we were stepping back in time – or should that be cruising back?
We really enjoyed seeing the kelongs, whose rustic nature was a real contrast to Singapore’s gleaming inner city area. We even got to step on board one of the kelongs for a closer look at how they operate, before we stopped for lunch at a floating restaurant. This was on our own account, but it was worth it because we got to enjoy the freshest seafood ever!
This tour is both informative and relaxing, and enjoying a boat cruise is an ideal way to beat the heat. We got to see a whole different side to Singapore on this tour!
Book your spot on this catamaran cruise easily here!
Where to Stay in Singapore
With so many amazing things to do in Singapore, having the perfect place to stay will make your trip even more unforgettable. The right accommodation can be the difference between a good trip and a great one!
To help you find the best fit, I’ve rounded up top picks for every budget. Whether you’re looking for affordable comfort, stylish mid-range stays, or pure luxury, you’ll find a spot that suits your travel style below.
Luxury – $$$
For a truly iconic and luxurious stay in Singapore, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel is unbeatable. This landmark hotel is as much an experience as it is a place to stay!
The rooftop infinity pool offers jaw-dropping views of the skyline, while guests also get access to the SkyPark observation deck, exclusive shopping, and world-class dining at celebrity-chef restaurants. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the city, bay, or gardens. Plus, with a prime location in Marina Bay, you’re steps from the City’s top attractions.
Prices vary by season and room selection but usually start around $700 USD per night. Check availability and learn more about this hotel on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
During our last visit to Singapore, we stayed at The Clan Hotel and can’t recommend it enough! This sleek, modern hotel blends heritage-inspired design with contemporary luxury for a truly unique experience. The spacious rooms feature plush beds, large windows, and dark wood finishes. One of the highlights is the rooftop infinity pool with sweeping city views. There’s also a fitness center and an on-site restaurant serving delicious Asian cuisine!
Located near Chinatown and Telok Ayer, The Clan Hotel’s prime location makes it easy to explore Singapore’s best spots. Prices start around $300 USD per night and rooms can be reserved on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For a modern, budget-friendly stay in Singapore, CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel at Boat Quay is a smart pick. Each capsule features a comfortable bed, personal lighting, and charging ports, plus privacy curtains and lockers for personal space.
The hotel’s prime location in Boat Quay puts you steps from the riverfront’s best restaurants, bars, and views. And with a shared lounge and social bar area, this hotel is perfect for anyone wanting a stylish, affordable stay in the heart of Singapore.
The rooms are well priced and range from around $40 to $200 USD per night depending on if you choose an individual capsule or a private room. Check dates and book your stay on Booking.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
I hope you enjoy exploring Singapore as much as we did! It’s a fun place to visit whether you’re here on a layover or have a bit more time. There are so many unique and fun activities to keep you busy!
If this guide was helpful, have a look at all our blogs about Southeast Asia. We’ve been traveling and living abroad for a long time, so we have tons of helpful tips and travel guides to share!
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