Singapore Marina Bay skyline at twilight with modern skyscrapers and waterfront, Singapore
Illustrative
Singapore

Singapore

Garden city-state, including futuristic skyline, Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands rooftop, hawker centers, and multicultural energy.

#modern #food #culture #gardens #clean #shopping
Shoulder season

Singapore, Singapore is a Tropical destination perfect for modern and food. The best time to visit is Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, & Jul, when weather conditions are ideal. Budget travelers can explore from $103/day, while mid-range trips average $259/day. Visa-free for short tourism stays.

$103
/day
Visa-free
Tropical
Airport: SIN Top picks: Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

"Dreaming of Singapore's sunny shores? February is the sweet spot for beach weather. Come hungry—the local cuisine is unforgettable."

Our take

We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.

Why Visit Singapore?

Singapore dazzles as Asia's most efficient, orderly, and determinedly futuristic city-state, where vertical gardens climb skyscrapers creating literal green walls, hawker food stalls—some Michelin-recognized—serve phenomenal S$4–$7 meals rivaling restaurants charging ten times more, and spotless streets (严禁 littering, S$300–$1,000 fines enforced) seamlessly blend ornate Chinese temples, colorful Little India spice shops, and elegant Malay mosques with gleaming air-conditioned shopping malls in multicultural harmony that actually works. This compact island nation of about 6 million people squeezed into roughly 735 km² transformed from humble British colonial trading post and WWII Japanese occupation to Asia's wealthiest and most livable city-state in barely one generation thanks to founding father Lee Kuan Yew's authoritarian-but-effective vision, and the results genuinely amaze—Gardens by the Bay's Supertree Grove features 50-meter artificial trees covered in 162,900 plants that cool themselves through rainwater collection and solar panels while lighting up nightly in synchronized Garden Rhapsody light shows (free twice nightly, 7:45pm and 8:45pm), Marina Bay Sands' three 55-story towers support the world's largest rooftop infinity pool (hotel guests only, despite scammers offering paid access) and SkyPark observation deck offering 360° city views, and Changi Airport's spectacular Jewel terminal houses the world's tallest indoor waterfall (40m Rain Vortex) with terraced gardens helping the hub win World's Best Airport 12 consecutive years. Yet Singapore genuinely rewards cultural explorers venturing beyond Marina Bay Instagram icons—Chinatown's Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (free entry, shoes off) shares streets with speakeasy cocktail bars and the revamped Chinatown Heritage Centre reopened 2025, Little India's Serangoon Road explodes with flower garland stalls, sari shops, and spice markets reaching fever pitch during October/November Deepavali festival when entire streets illuminate in lights, and Kampong Glam's golden-domed Sultan Mosque (free entry outside prayer times, modest dress) anchors Arab Street's textile shops and Haji Lane's vibrant street art, boutiques, and Instagram cafés.

The legendary food scene reigns as Asia's most diverse and possibly best value—hawker centers (open-air food courts) like Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat beneath Victorian pavilion, Tekka Centre, Old Airport Road, and Tiong Bahru serve perfected Hainanese chicken rice, spicy laksa curry coconut noodles, char kway teow wok-fried flat noodles, and Indian roti prata from stalls where some have earned Michelin Bib Gourmands and one-star ratings—authentic complete meals cost S$4–$7/$3–$5 often better than restaurants charging S$50+. Orchard Road's 2.2km stretch houses luxury shopping malls end-to-end for designer retail therapy, while Sentosa Island (S$4 monorail entry) offers artificial beaches, Universal Studios Singapore theme park, S.E.A. Aquarium, and beach clubs mere 15 minutes from central business district.

Green spaces are extraordinary for dense city-state—MacRitchie Reservoir's TreeTop Walk suspension bridge, offshore Pulau Ubin island preserving 1960s rural kampong village life reachable by bumboat, and Singapore Botanic Gardens (free entry, UNESCO-listed) with National Orchid Garden (around S$15 adults, much less for residents). The riverside Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Robertson Quay areas provide nightlife in converted godowns (warehouses) with cocktail bars and clubs staying open late. Visit February-April or July-August for marginally drier periods though Singapore stays perpetually hot-humid 28-33°C year-round with AC everywhere making heat manageable—monsoons bring afternoon downpours but rarely all-day rain.

With English as primary language (plus Mandarin, Malay, Tamil officially), world-class MRT metro system, strict laws ensuring safety and cleanliness (drug trafficking can carry mandatory death penalty above certain thresholds, chewing gum sales heavily restricted, jaywalking fined), visa-free entry for 160+ nationalities, expensive prices offset by incredible hawker food value, and seamless efficiency making travel effortless, Singapore delivers futuristic urban excellence, authentic multicultural fusion, phenomenal dining, and perfectly ordered society where everything simply works—just follow the many rules.

What to Do

Singapore Icons

Gardens by the Bay

Futuristic Supertrees and cooled conservatories. Non-resident combo tickets for the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are about S$46 for adults and S$32 for children, with cheaper resident rates (around S$34 for adults). The outdoor gardens and Supertree Grove are free to explore. The OCBC Skyway between Supertrees costs around S$14 for adults and S$10 for children. Garden Rhapsody light shows run for free twice nightly at 7:45pm and 8:45pm. Allow at least 2–3 hours if you want to see both domes and stay for one evening show.

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

Observation deck on the 57th floor with sweeping views of the bay and skyline. Tickets for non-hotel guests typically fall in the S$30–$45 range for adults depending on time slot and reseller. Book online to secure a timed entry and skip most of the queue. The famous infinity pool is strictly for hotel guests—anyone offering paid access is a scam. Go at sunset to watch the city shift from golden hour into night, or later in the evening for fewer tour groups. Plan 45–60 minutes.

Merlion Park

Singapore's half-fish, half-lion mascot is free to visit, facing Marina Bay Sands from the waterfront. The statue is smaller than many first-time visitors expect, but the Marina Bay skyline backdrop is iconic. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh sun, then continue the bay loop past the Fullerton, Esplanade and Helix Bridge.

Culture & Neighborhoods

Chinatown Heritage & Temples

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is free to enter (modest dress, shoes off in some areas) and opens from early morning to early evening. The revamped Chinatown Heritage Centre on Pagoda Street, reopened in 2025, is a ticketed museum recreating shophouse life—expect around S$20 for adult tickets with concessions for locals, students and seniors. Wander the streets for clan associations, old-school shops and newer cafés. Mid-morning (9–11am) is cooler and less packed than late afternoon.

Little India

A colourful district of spice shops, sari stores and flower-garland stalls. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and other shrines are free to enter, shoes off and modest clothing required. Tekka Centre combines a wet market with an excellent hawker centre for cheap South Indian meals. Sundays are the busiest when migrant workers gather; visit mornings for market energy or early evening for neon lights and dinner. Deepavali (Oct/Nov) is especially vibrant with street decorations.

Kampong Glam & Sultan Mosque

Malay-Arab quarter anchored by the golden dome of Sultan Mosque, which welcomes visitors outside prayer times if you dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees; headscarves provided when needed). Haji Lane's murals, boutiques and cafés are very Instagram-friendly, while Arab Street is lined with textile shops and Middle Eastern restaurants. The Malay Heritage Centre tells the story of Malay royalty and kampong life. Avoid Friday midday prayers; late afternoon is best for wandering and photos.

Food & Local Life

Hawker Centres

Open-air food courts where locals actually eat—most dishes cost S$4–$8 even at famous stalls. Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat and Newton are popular and central; Old Airport Road, Amoy Street, Tiong Bahru and Chomp Chomp feel more local. Grab a table first and 'chope' it with a tissue packet, then order from multiple stalls. Many stalls close one fixed weekday, so check the signs. Go off-peak (mid-afternoon or after 8pm) for easier seating and shorter queues.

Singapore Botanic Gardens & Orchid Garden

A huge, lush park with free entry from early morning until midnight. The National Orchid Garden inside is the paid highlight, with standard adult admission around S$15 and much lower concession rates for locals (around S$5 adult, S$1 seniors and students; children under 12 free). Come 7–9am for joggers, tai chi and cooler air, then explore the Orchid Garden, Swan Lake and Ginger Garden. The nearest MRT is aptly named Botanic Gardens.

Sentosa Island

Resort island with beaches, attractions and theme parks. The Sentosa Express monorail from VivoCity/HarbourFront costs S$4 as a one-time entry fee; once on the island the monorail is free, and you can also walk via the Sentosa Boardwalk. Beaches such as Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong are free, while beach clubs charge for loungers and pools. Universal Studios Singapore usually runs about S$80–$90 for a one-day adult ticket online. Weekdays outside school holidays are the least crowded.

Clarke Quay & Riverside

Rows of restored shophouses on the river turned into bars, clubs and restaurants. It is touristy and not cheap, but very lively after 9pm. The riverside promenade is pleasant in the evening once the heat drops. For slightly more low-key vibes, walk upriver to Robertson Quay for wine bars and cafés, or downriver to Boat Quay for tightly packed pubs under the CBD skyline.

Travel Information

Getting There

  • Airports: SIN

Best Time to Visit

February, March, April, May, June, July, August

Climate: Tropical

Visa Requirements

Visa-free for EU citizens

Best months: Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, AugHottest: Mar (31°C) • Driest: Feb (15d rain)
Monthly weather data
Month High Low Rainy days Condition
January 30°C 24°C 21 Wet
February 30°C 24°C 15 Excellent (best)
March 31°C 24°C 23 Excellent (best)
April 30°C 25°C 22 Excellent (best)
May 30°C 25°C 30 Excellent (best)
June 29°C 25°C 28 Excellent (best)
July 29°C 25°C 30 Excellent (best)
August 29°C 25°C 24 Excellent (best)
September 29°C 25°C 29 Wet
October 29°C 25°C 28 Wet
November 29°C 24°C 27 Wet
December 29°C 24°C 30 Wet

Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2025) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2025

Travel Costs

Budget
$103 /day
Typical Range: $86 – $119
Accommodation $53
Food & Meals $24
Local Transport $12
Attractions & Tours $9
Mid-range
$259 /day
Typical Range: $221 – $297
Accommodation $135
Food & Meals $59
Local Transport $31
Attractions & Tours $21
Luxury
$648 /day
Typical Range: $551 – $745
Accommodation $337
Food & Meals $149
Local Transport $78
Attractions & Tours $52

Per person per day, based on double occupancy. 'Budget' reflects hostels or shared accommodation in high-cost cities.

💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (January 2026): Plan ahead: February is coming up and offers ideal weather.

Practical Information

Getting There

Changi Airport (SIN) is world-class, 20km east. MRT (Green/Purple lines) reaches city in 30 minutes (S$3/$2). Buses cost S$1–$2 Taxis S$20–$30 to center. Most connections don't require leaving transit area for short layovers—Jewel waterfall is accessible.

Getting Around

MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is impeccable—clean, efficient, extensive. Single-trip tickets S$1–$3 stored-value EZ-Link card recommended. Buses supplement. Walking is pleasant in neighborhoods but hot. Taxis affordable and metered. Grab ride-hailing dominant. Avoid rental cars—public transport is superior and parking expensive.

Money & Payments

Singapore Dollar (S$, SGD). Exchange $1 ≈ S$1–$$21 ≈ S$1 Cards accepted everywhere, including hawker centers increasingly. ATMs widely available. Tipping is not customary—service charge (10%) included in restaurants. Round up for exceptional service but not expected.

Language

English is official alongside Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. Everyone speaks English—communication is effortless. Singlish (Singaporean English) adds lah, lor, and other particles but switches to standard English for visitors.

Cultural Tips

Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, and some shops (look for shoe racks). Chewing gum sales are heavily restricted – don't bring or import it. Don't litter (fines S$300–$1,000). Respect religious sites (modest dress for mosques, remove shoes for temples). MRT rules: no eating/drinking (fines). Queue culture is sacred—don't cut lines. Hawker etiquette: chope (reserve) tables with tissue packet, order from multiple stalls, clean your tray. Durian not allowed in hotels or MRT.

Get an eSIM

Stay connected without expensive roaming. Get a local eSIM for this trip starting from just a few dollars.

Claim Flight Compensation

Flight delayed or cancelled? You might be entitled to up to $648 in compensation. Check your claim here at no upfront cost.

Perfect 3-Day Singapore Itinerary

Marina Bay & Gardens

Morning: Gardens by the Bay—Cloud Forest and Flower Dome (arrive early). Afternoon: Marina Bay Sands area, Merlion photo. Evening: Supertree light show (7:45pm/8:45pm), rooftop drinks, dinner at Lau Pa Sat hawker.

Culture Trail

Morning: Chinatown—Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, hawker breakfast at Maxwell. Afternoon: Little India—Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, shopping. Late afternoon: Kampong Glam—Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane. Evening: Clarke Quay riverside dining and bars.

Modern & Nature

Option A: Sentosa island—Universal Studios or beaches. Option B: Morning at Singapore Botanic Gardens (free), Orchard Road shopping, afternoon at MacRitchie Reservoir treetop walk. Evening: Rooftop bar (1-Altitude or Ce La Vi), farewell dinner at hawker or restaurant.

Where to Stay in Singapore

Marina Bay

Best for: Iconic skyline, Gardens by the Bay, luxury hotels, main sights

Chinatown

Best for: Temples, hawker food, budget stays, heritage, affordable

Little India

Best for: Colorful markets, Indian cuisine, temples, authentic atmosphere

Kampong Glam

Best for: Malay heritage, Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane boutiques, Middle Eastern food

Popular Activities

Top-rated tours and experiences in Singapore

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to visit Singapore?
Citizens of 150+ countries including EU, US, Canada, UK, and Australia receive visa-free entry for 30-90 days (varies by nationality). Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond stay. Always verify current Singapore visa requirements. Entry is very strict—declare all items accurately.
What is the best time to visit Singapore?
February-April offers slightly drier weather (25-32°C) and Chinese New Year festivities. November-January brings northeast monsoon rains (afternoon downpours) but cooler temps (24-30°C). Singapore is hot and humid year-round—expect 28-33°C daily. June-September are driest but hottest. AC everywhere makes heat manageable.
How much does a trip to Singapore cost per day?
Budget travelers need $65–$92/day for hostels, hawker meals, and MRT. Mid-range visitors should budget $151–$238/day for 3-star hotels, restaurant dining, and attractions. Luxury stays at Marina Bay Sands start from $540+/day. Hawker food S$4–$8 museums S$10–$25 cocktails S$15–$25 Singapore is expensive but hawkers offer amazing value.
Is Singapore safe for tourists?
Singapore is one of the world's safest cities with extremely low crime and strict laws. The main 'danger' is breaking rules—chewing gum sales are heavily restricted (don't bring or import it), littering fined S$300–$1,000 jaywalking fined, drug trafficking carries death penalty. Drinking alcohol 10:30pm-7am in public is illegal. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent. Women travel solo with total confidence.
What are the must-see attractions in Singapore?
Visit Gardens by the Bay—Supertrees and Cloud Forest dome (S$28). See Marina Bay Sands skyline (rooftop S$32 or free from mall). Explore Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Eat at Maxwell or Lau Pa Sat hawker centers. Add Singapore Botanic Gardens (free), Sentosa island, and Clarke Quay riverside. Night Safari or River Wonders. Shop Orchard Road or Haji Lane boutiques.

Why you can trust this guide

Headshot of Jan Křenek, founder of GoTripzi
Jan Křenek

Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.

Data Sources:
  • Official tourism boards and visitor guides
  • GetYourGuide and Viator activity data
  • Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
  • Google Maps reviews and ratings

This guide combines personal travel experience with comprehensive data analysis to provide accurate recommendations.

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