Singapore

They might call it the Little Red Dot, but Singapore packs a punch when it comes to things to do. It’s heaven for foodies and full of family attractions. Hotels tend to price well, too, for a major city in Asia.

There are so many amazing things to do in the island city-state of Singapore. It’s a fascinating place, and there are Singapore attractions for visitors of all ages. It’s actually one of the most kid-friendly destinations in the world. On this page, I’ve collected the best Singapore travel tips and information.

What you’ll find here

Singapore Hotels

Things to Do

Where & What To Eat

Neighborhoods

Resources

Need to Know

Singapore Hotels We Book the Most

Luxury hotels in Singapore can be of excellent value compared to other major cities. We look forward to the big breakfast buffets (included when you book certain hotels through me), stellar service, and outdoor pools perfect for cooling off after sightseeing in the heat.

    Four Seasons Singapore

    Four Season Singapore room interior

    I’ve stayed here more times than I can count. FS service, rooftop pool, and a short walk to Orchard Road. My review.

    LJM Perks:

    • $100 hotel credit
    • Daily breakfast for two
    • Upgrade & extended check-in/out times if available

    Mandarin Oriental Singapore

    Mandarin Oriental, Singapore hotel room view of Marina Bay

    A newly renovated favorite with a large outdoor pool, multiple restaurants, views of Marina Bay. My review.

    LJM Perks:

    • $100 hotel credit
    • Daily breakfast for two
    • Upgrade & extended check-in/out times if available

    The Ritz-Carlton Millennia Singapore

    RC enthusiasts choose this luxe spot for Marina Bay views and club lounge.

    LJM Perks:

    • $100 hotel credit
    • Daily breakfast for two
    • Upgrade & extended check-in/out times if available

    Shangri-la Singapore

    A haven of themed family suites and a tropical pool on 15 lush acres.

    LJM Perks:

    • Room upgrade at time of booking
    • $100 hotel credit
    • Daily breakfast for two
    • Extended check-in/out times, if available

    Raffles

    Colonial exterior of the famous Raffles Singapore Hotel

    Have a Singapore Sling in this historic luxury landmark fresh off a renovation.

    LJM Perks:

    • $100 hotel credit
    • Daily breakfast for two
    • Upgrade & extended check-in/out times if available

    Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa

    Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa Resort

    Fun on the island near theme parks and beaches.

    LJM Perks:

    • $100 hotel credit
    • Daily breakfast for two
    • Upgrade & extended check-in/out times if available

Singapore Hotels We Book the Most

Luxury hotels in Singapore can be of excellent value compared to other major cities. We look forward to the big breakfast buffets (included when you book certain hotels through me), stellar service, and outdoor pools perfect for cooling off after sightseeing in the heat.

Four Seasons Singapore

Four Season Singapore room interior

I’ve stayed here more times than I can count. FS service, rooftop pool, and a short walk to Orchard Road. My review.

LJM Perks:

  • $100 hotel credit
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out times if available

Mandarin Oriental Singapore

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore hotel room view of Marina Bay

A newly renovated favorite with a large outdoor pool, multiple restaurants, views of Marina Bay. My review.

LJM Perks:

  • $100 hotel credit
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out times if available

The Ritz-Carlton Millennia Singapore

RC enthusiasts choose this luxe spot for Marina Bay views and club lounge.

LJM Perks:

  • $100 hotel credit
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out times if available

Shangri-la Singapore

A haven of themed family suites and a tropical pool on 15 lush acres.

LJM Perks:

  • Room upgrade at time of booking
  • $100 hotel credit
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • Extended check-in/out times, if available

Raffles

Colonial exterior of the famous Raffles Singapore Hotel

Have a Singapore Sling in this historic luxury landmark fresh off a renovation.

LJM Perks:

  • $100 hotel credit
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out times if available

Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa

Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa Resort

Fun on the island near theme parks and beaches.

LJM Perks:

  • $100 hotel credit
  • Daily breakfast for two
  • Upgrade & extended check-in/out times if available

Read more about the Best Luxury Hotels in Singapore

Our Specialty

Many Singapore hotels only allow three people in rooms and suites. We can help families of four and larger find places to stay.

Contact Us

Research and Book on your own

We offer two tools if you’d like to research hotels with VIP programs on your own.

In both cases, you’ll need to understand the occupancy and bedding of the room or suite you’re booking. You can find this information on a hotel’s website directly. We’ll receive your reservation within minutes and will follow up to help make sure everything is correct.

Virtuoso

You will need to create a free account and log in to see the most accurate rates.

Book with Virtuoso

Travelwits

This tool allows you to see other VIP rates, such as Four Seasons Preferred Partner and Hyatt Prive, in addition to Virtuoso.

Book with TravelWits

Our Favorite Things to Do in Singapore

Below I’ve shared some information about just a few of our favorite things to see and things to do in Singapore.

Gardens by the Bay Supertrees in Singapore

The Gardens by the Bay

There are three gorgeous waterfront gardens on Marina Bay. The photos you’ll find in your Singapore travel guide won’t do the 419-foot aerial walkway, the Flower Dome, or the tallest indoor waterfall justice. Plan to visit in the evening so you can catch the Garden Rhapsody music and light show.

National Gallery Singapore

The National Gallery has more than 8,000 pieces of art, including the largest public collection of modern art in Southeast Asia.

Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore on Sentosa Island is one of the most popular Singapore attractions with family travelers. It has seven movie-themed lands with twenty-four rides, plus lots of shows, great shopping, and character experiences.

Singapore with Kids- Jurong Bird Park Rainbow Lorries

Jurong Bird Park

It’s the largest bird park in Asia, and more than 5,000 birds representing 400 species call the park’s aviaries home. I recommend booking the Jurong Bird Park Feeding Frenzy Tour.

Singapore with kids at the Night Safari

The Night Safari

The Night Safari is the world’s first safari park dedicated to nocturnal animals. You can explore on your own, but I recommend the 40-minute guided tram tour that will give you more information about each habitat and the animals that live there.

Where and What to Eat in Singapore

They say that eating is the national sport of Singapore and I believe that to be true. The food is outstanding whether you’re at a massive hotel buffet or a hawker stall.

We seek out:

  • Chili Crab
  • Hainanese Chicken Rice
  • Char Kway Teow
  • Kaya Toast
  • Laksa
  • Roti Prata
  • Nasi Lemak

Singapore Neighborhoods

When you’re considering where to stay in Singapore, it’s helpful to know a bit about each neighborhood. That way, you can book rooms that are close to the Singapore attractions you want to see or in a part of the city that you’ll enjoy.

    Chinatown

    Singapore’s vibrant Chinatown has become one of the hottest neighborhoods. It’s the place to be if you’re looking for amazing food, great shopping, and plenty of history and culture. There are also several cool hotels that will appeal to younger travelers.

    Orchard Road

    Once lined with plantations, Orchard Road is now Singapore’s famous shopping street. If your idea of a great vacation involves luxury shopping, then consider staying at one of the nearby hotels. We like to stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore.

    a street in little india singapore

    Little India

    This historic section of the city is the heart of the local Indian community, and it’s home to Sri Mariamman Temple, the city’s oldest and most important Hindu temple. You’ll find good affordable accommodation options here.

    Spectra light show over Marina Bay, Singapore

    Marina Bay

    This neighborhood, home to Marina Bay Sands and Mandarin Oriental Singapore, is trendy and upscale. It offers easy access to luxury shopping and some of the most popular Singapore attractions.

    Things to do in Singapore: Sentosa Island

    Sentosa Island

    Stay here if your goal is to relax, unwind, and have some fun. There are beautiful beaches, theme parks, golf courses, walking trails, and fabulous restaurants — plus beautiful luxury hotels. Sentosa Island is only 15 minutes from the city center on the monorail or cable car.

    Green tea ice latte and cake at Tiong Bahru Bakery Singapore

    Tiong Bahru

    This is one of the hippest and oldest Singapore neighborhoods, which means that the vibe here falls somewhere between modern and historic. This residential neighborhood has chic cafes and art galleries, along with huge traditional markets where you can find local delicacies.

    People dine outside of House Restaurant in Dempsey Hill, Singapore.

    Dempsey Hill

    This quiet Singapore neighborhood isn’t far from Orchard Road, but it’s a lot more relaxed and low-key. It’s just opposite the Singapore Botanic Garden, making it a good option for families who want a home base away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

    Aeriel view of the Civic District historic buildings in Singapore.

    Civic District

    The iconic Raffles Hotel is located in this Singapore neighborhood, which is also home to the National Museum of Singapore, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, and the National Gallery.

Resources

Sometimes, there isn’t one clear way to buy. I’ll tell you where to crunch numbers.

Go City Singapore

bundles the top attractions, including all Wildlife Reserves Singapore parks, together for one low price. Choose the All-Inclusive pass or the Explorer pass, which allows you to see 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7, attractions across 30 days. You’ll save up to 50% on admission.

Save now

Context Travel

My favorite company for small group and private tours in Singapore and anywhere worldwide.

Use Context Travel

Grab App

It’s basically their version of Uber.

Use Grab App

MRT Map

Easy to get around.

Use MRT Map

Need to Know

Language

Four official languages include English, Malay, Tamil, and Mandarin.

Currency

Singaporean Dollar.

Tipping

It’s not customary, but if you experience good service, you’re encouraged to leave a tip.

Voltage

230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz (Type G sockets).

Transportation

Taxis are plentiful, and the MRT trains are clean and reliable. You should also download the Grab app, a rideshare app similar to Uber.

Best Time to Visit

It’s hot and humid year-round. The dry season is from February–August (driest months are June–August) and the rainy season from September–January (rainiest months are November–January). Rain though helps cool you down during sightseeing so it’s not always a bad thing.

Singapore Articles

    Colonial exterior of the famous Raffles Singapore Hotel

    10 Best Hotels in Singapore for Luxury Travelers

    Find the best hotels in Singapore for your next luxury vacation that you can book with value-added benefits at no extra cost to you.

    Things to do in Singapore and travel tips

    13 Fun Things to Do in Singapore & Our Helpful Travel Tips

    Best things to do in Singapore that every traveler should have on their list from theme parks to food tours. How to buy discount tickets and more tips.

    Mandarin Oriental, Singapore hotel room view of Marina Bay

    Mandarin Oriental, Singapore: Expert Review & How to Book

    Why Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is one of the city’s top luxury hotels for a convenient location, stylish décor, excellent dining, and its outdoor pool.

    What to do at Universal Studios Singapore

    What to See at Universal Studios Singapore

    How to buy tickets, what to eat, ride details, and more for a successful visit to Universal Studios Singapore on Sentosa Island.

    Singapore with kids at the Night Safari

    Tips for Visiting Night Safari Singapore

    Going to the zoo at night is cool but can mean a late night for kids. Here’s how to best navigate Night Safari Singapore.

    A review of the Singapore Gudetama Cafe.

    A Look Inside Singapore’s Gudetama Cafe

    Gudetama Cafe Singapore is a tribute to everyone’s favorite lazy egg. See what’s on the menu and how to make a reservation.

    Four Season Singapore room interior

    Four Seasons Hotel Singapore Review — Still One of Our Favorites

    We’ve been repeat guests of Four Seasons Hotel Singapore over the last 15 years with kids and without. This is why.

    Nasi pedang is rice with multiple meat side dishes and very popular in Singapore

    7 of My Favorite Things to Eat in Singapore

    They say eating is the national sport in Singapore so leave your skinny jeans at home. This is the Singaporean food I always eat when on vacation there.

    The Singapore Zoo is a must-see attraction

    12 Things to Do in Singapore With Kids

    Despite its small size Singapore is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world. Here’s why.

    Fish Spa Pedicure by Doctor Fish, Garra Rufa

    Here’s What a Fish Spa Pedicure Is Really Like

    I tried a fish spa pedicure in Singapore. Yes, the fish eat dead skin off your feet. Would you do it?

    The Jurong Bird Park is a must-see attraction in Singapore with kids

    What It’s Like to Take a Feeding Frenzy Tour at Singapore’s Jurong Bird Park

    The Feeding Frenzy Tour at Jurong Bird Park is like having your own private driver through a rainforest paradise. Plus, you get to feed exotic birds!

    Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa Resort

    Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa Resort: My Daughter Wouldn’t Leave It

    My daughter loved the Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa resort so much that she refused to leave it.

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