As Insider's travel reporter in Singapore, I've backpacked in four countries across Asia and have stayed in a dozen hostels.
21.07.2023 - 07:41 / roughguides.com / Marina Bay
An easy entry point for first-time visitors to Southeast Asia, the absorbing city-state of Singapore has evolved from a colonial port into a slick shrine to wealth and consumerism. With fascinating Chinese and Indian quarters, excellent museums, world-renowned restaurants and great shopping, there’s plenty here to keep you occupied for days. Here's our guide to the best things to do in Singapore.
This article is inspired by our Rough Guide to Singapore — your essential guide for travelling in Singapore .
Chinatown’s once characterful shophouses have been rendered improbably perfect by restoration, but the area is still home to many shrines and shops specializing in Chinese food, medicine and other products. Exploring Chinatown is among the essential things to do in Singapore.
Chinatown was one of the most colourful districts of where to stay in old Singapore. Unfortunately, after independence, the government chose to grapple with its tumbledown slums by embarking upon a redevelopment campaign that saw whole streets razed. Getting a taste of the old ways of Chinatown now often means heading off the main streets into the concrete municipal housing estates, where older trades linger.
Find some attractive accommodation options to stay in Chinatown in our guide to the best places to stay in Singapore.
The Buddha's Relic Tooth Temple in Singapore's Chinatown © Chris howey/Shutterstock
The towers of the Financial District are amazing viewed from the Singapore River or Marina Bay. The skyline of Singapore is a spectacular sight, featuring a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic landmarks and you should add visiting this area to your list of things to do in Singapore.
Some of the most iconic buildings in the city's skyline include the Marina Bay Sands, a resort complex featuring three 55-story towers connected by a rooftop sky garden and infinity pool; the Singapore Flyer, a giant Ferris wheel with panoramic views of the city; and the ArtScience Museum, a distinctive lotus-shaped building that houses a variety of interactive exhibits.
Marina Bay, Singapore © Pixabay
Singapore’s clubbing scene is small but seriously happening, with space-age decor and regular visits by world-famous DJs. Clubbing, or going to nightclubs, is a popular activity in Singapore, and the city has a vibrant nightlife scene with a range of clubs and bars to choose from.
Many of the clubs in Singapore are located in the central business district or in the Orchard Road area, and they generally stay open until the early hours of the morning. There are clubs that cater to a variety of musical tastes, including electronic dance music (EDM), hip hop, and pop. Some popular clubs in Singapore include Zouk, which is known for its electronic
As Insider's travel reporter in Singapore, I've backpacked in four countries across Asia and have stayed in a dozen hostels.
Northern Ireland's second city and Ireland's northern-most county sit rather snug together in the corner of the island of Ireland. But many are yet to discover the two make a fantastic combination for a twin break. Blending thought-provoking history, striking landmarks and an incredible natural world, Derry~Londonderry and County Donegal's Inishowen Peninsula offer everything you could wish for in a short, action-packed getaway.
Royal Caribbean already operates the world’s largest cruise ship—Wonder of the Seas—but next January it will break that record with Icon of the Seas, which boasts 2,805 staterooms (including more than 1,800 with balconies) and 179 suites. Nearly 1,200 feet long, Icon of the Seas has 20 decks and features a 55-foot-waterfall, multiple pools and waterparks and a “chill island” and a “thrill island”—depending on a passenger’s vibe.
The world’s best this, the world’s best that. Everyone has an opinion. But those opinions only accrue real value when they’re aggregated with those of other people, and preferably other people with first-hand experience of the matter being judged.
AirHelp, the online service that files complaints against airlines on behalf of passengers entitled to compensation for air delays or cancellations, knows a thing or two about air travel. Because it’s hard for the average person to understand air passenger rights and pursue a legal claim when they’ve been wronged, AirHelp is always going toe-to-toe with airlines and airports—and reveals once a year which ones that treat their passengers for the better (or worse).
Wondering what the best airlines are according to the average flyer? TripAdvisor (SmarterTravel’s parent company) gives a good idea in its Travelers’ Choice best airline rankings each year based on real travelers’ reviews. And the results are different than most trade studies that list the “best airlines.”
Skytrax is out with its annual list of the World’s Top 100 Airlines, perhaps the most recognized worldwide ranking of best airlines. As usual, and to the chagrin of travelers here in the states, most of the top performers are not U.S. airlines. Instead, the list is dominated by Asian, Middle Eastern, and, to a lesser extent, European carriers.
Singapore is the best country in the world to live as an expatriate for the fourth year in a row, according to a new report from HSBC Bank. The study is based on survey results of more than 22,000 expats from many different home countries who live and work abroad. Ranking for each country is based on three overall factor groups: experience (quality of life, safety, etc.), economics (income, politics, etc.), and families (education, healthcare, etc.)
Sitting pretty just off the coast of the South American mainland Trinidad and Tobago is one of the Caribbean’s most diverse and underexplored destinations. The islands boast spectacular rainforests, waterfalls, savannas and reefs, and endless undeveloped beaches. T&T is also a cultural pacemaker for the Caribbean. Read on to find out the best things to do in Trinidad and Tobago.
Taiwan remains largely undiscovered and seriously underrated by Western travellers, but those that make it here are in for a real treat. Modern Taiwan – an eclectic mix of Chinese, Western, Japanese and indigenous cultural influences. Keeping the diversity of this country in mind, we have compiled a list of the best things to do in Taiwan.
Few sights are more magical than hundreds of tethered, glowing hot-air balloons illuminating a dusky night sky. For many this is the highlight of Albuquerque's International Balloon Fiesta, a week-long festival launched in 1972, which draws enthusiasts from all over the world. Festivities start after sunset and culminate with a spectacular fireworks display.
Many of the popular island destinations in this part of the world boast golf course resorts and beautiful beaches, but Bermuda has so much more than the standard things to see and do. While many of the activities can be enjoyed year-round, Bermuda's sub-tropical climate means that May to September is when the island is liveliest, so here are our favourite things to do in Bermuda beyond the resorts.