Singapore is a city of superlatives in many ways. More than five million people live in an area roughly the size of Hamburg. The population is made up of people of different origins who live together harmoniously despite their ethnic differences.
The cityscape inspires with a fascinating mix of the most modern high-rise architecture and buildings from the English colonial era. The city-state is also a green metropolis with numerous parks and a real rainforest within the city limits. They are particularly proud of their reputation for being the safest and cleanest city in the world.
Although Singapore has the highest cost of living in the world, the city-state is among the top ten most visited cities in the world. The town’s landmark and patron saint is the Merlion, a statue that represents a combination of a lion and a mermaid. It symbolizes strength and the connection with the omnipresent sea.
Below we present you the most exciting tours, most beautiful attractions and best sights in Singapore.
1. Singapore Sling at the legendary Raffles Hotel
The luxury hotel dates back to 1887 and, with its neo-renaissance architecture, is an impressive witness to English colonial history. It is named after Sir Stamford Raffles, who is considered the father of modern Singapore. Since its inception, the hotel has been the city’s hot spot.
Initially, the Raffles was the go-to place for the English aristocracy and today it is for prominent guests from all over the world. Incidentally, this is where the legendary Singapore Sling cocktail was invented and you can still enjoy this refreshing drink in the historic Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel today.
2. Orchard Road, a shopping paradise
On the two-kilometer-long shopping street you will encounter a colorful mix of large shopping centers, luxury boutiques and friendly little shops that offer local brands and products from all over Southeast Asia. You can take a stroll down Orchard Road at any time of the day.
Huge trees provide cool protection from the tropical sun during the day and in the dark, the street is fascinated by the radiant sea of lights. Orchard Road is the best place to buy a souvenir from your trip to Singapore.
3. The high-rise buildings of Marina Bay
The 3.5 km long promenade of Marina Bay is lined with a grandiose architectural backdrop and is one of the city’s major attractions. In particular, the three towering towers of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel characterize the extravagant quarter. Even if you are not a hotel guest, you can visit the huge observation deck of this hotel.
The apparently weightless surface floating at a height of 200 m is one of the largest viewing platforms in the world and offers you a breathtaking 360 degree panoramic view of the skyline of the city and harbor, especially in the evening. If you need some refreshment afterwards, you can continue to enjoy the magnificent view in the restaurants of the Sands SkyPark.
4. Fabulous impressions in the Gardens by the Bay
The huge supertrees in this spacious city park cannot be overlooked. Contrary to what the name suggests, Supertrees are not trees, but rather artfully laid out vertical gardens that tower nine to sixteen stories high. A walk across the suspension bridge, which connects the works of art in Gardens by the Bay at dizzying heights, is an unforgettable experience.
Less spectacular, but still unique, is the Cloud Forest. In an oversized greenhouse there is a 35 meter high mountain that is constantly shrouded in thick fog. The largest indoor waterfall in the world ensures a warm, humid climate in which an almost infinite variety of plants from the tropical highlands of Southeast Asia can grow and bloom.
5. Vibrant life in Little India & China Town
One of the city’s most popular attractions is the neighborhoods, where the cultures of neighboring countries shape life in the streets. Little India and China Town show a striking contrast to the spacious streets and the high-rise architecture of the city and inspire with a colorful and lively maze of alleys. Little India in particular is a lively district where life never seems to stand still.
Many shops are open 24 hours a day and are a treasure trove of exotic electronics, Indian teas, finely crafted saris and Far Eastern foods. China Town is just as lively. The Pagoda Street is unusually rich shopping address for unusual and unusual travel souvenirs, especially for handmade gold jewelry. On the nearby South Bridge Road you will find an amazingly large selection of aids and remedies from traditional Chinese medicine.
6. The Bras Basah art and museum district
Bras Basah is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Singapore. Just a few decades ago, Bugis Street was a somewhat disreputable area and is now the center of a trendy district where art and culture are at home. Museums, galleries, art academies and universities shape the atmosphere.
In the elegant, neoclassical building of the National Museum of Singapore, you will learn everything about the exciting development of Singapore from a former English colony to an internationally leading financial and business metropolis. The Peranakan Museum provides a comprehensive impression of life and traditions before the colonial era.
7. Beach and Action on Sentosa Island
In the middle of the metropolis, it’s easy to forget that Singapore consists of 61 large and small islands. Many are no longer recognizable in the maze of streets, others lie in front of the city and have become attractive sights. The most popular and most visited island is Sentosa. The way there is exciting and unusually entertaining. You either take the suspension railway from VivoCity or decide to take the cable car from Harbor-Front. The only 15-minute drive offers a spectacular view of the city.
On Sentosa Island, it’s easy to lie on the beach in the pristine white sand, but most visitors enjoy the dense and varied entertainment on offer. Various theme and water parks offer fun for young and old. Universal Studios Singapore is particularly popular! Those who like it quieter can sink into the magical underwater world of the SEA Aquarium or play a round of golf at the renowned Sentosa Golf Club, which is one of the top 100 in the world.
8. Absolute peace and quiet on Kusu Island
The opposite of Sentosa is Kusu Island. There are only picturesque beaches and a few holy sites, which are the destination of numerous pilgrimages in autumn. During these ceremonies, prayers are given to Da Bo Gong, the Chinese god of prosperity, and Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy.
You are not allowed to spend the night on the island in any form, you have to leave it with the last ferry at the latest. This rule has made Kusu Island a popular picnic spot, and it’s great fun to sit on a blanket in the white sand and watch the ships go by on the Strait of Singapore.
9. Street food and local delicacies at Lau Pa Sat
Lau Pa Sat is a wonderfully restored Victorian-style covered market. Groceries used to be traded here, but today the star-shaped building houses one of the popular hawker centers. Here you will find street food in concentrated form and you have a huge selection of Asian specialties from Indian, Chinese and Malay cuisine.
There is a relaxed atmosphere between the cast-iron columns of the historic hall and you can be brave here and try out whether you like something completely new. The food in Lau Pa Sat is not only varied and good, but also reasonably priced.
10. Bukit Timah, the rainforest in the middle of the city
The Bukit Timah nature reserve is not only one of the city’s major attractions, it is also widely recognized by researchers and conservationists around the world. The nature park is only 12 kilometers from the city center and offers deep insights into the pristine nature of Southeast Asia on its 164 hectare area.
In the middle of this nature reserve is the highest point in Singapore, the Bukit Timah Hill with a height of 163 meters. Numerous paths with different degrees of difficulty lead through dense forests to the summit. The visitor center offers many opportunities to find out in advance about the flora and fauna of the park and their ecological significance.
