If you're flying long-haul and need a stopover destination that's exciting, vibrant, and ridiculously easy to explore, look no further than Singapore.
Imagine beautiful skylines, rooftop infinity pools, Michelin-starred street food, and some of the world’s best shopping. Oh, and did I mention the airport alone is an attraction? Changi Airport has a massive indoor waterfall, butterfly gardens, and even a swimming pool—so if you're stopping over for just a few hours, you're gonna love it I'm sure BUT, if you have time to leave the airport I'd highly suggest adding Singapore to your stopover route this year on your travels, one of my favourite countries in the world.
Singapore is the perfect layover hub, with direct flights from London taking around 13 hours. It’s also perfectly placed for onward travel to Bali, Thailand, Malaysia, and even Australia, making it a great place to break up a very long journey. I love Singapore so much I actually would happily spend a week or two there BUT the great thing about Singapore is it's suited to both long holidays and because it's so compact, easy to get around and SO much to do, you can also easily do a few days in Singapore too.
I've just returned from a wonderful break there so thought I would write up my Singapore travel guide while they're fresh in my mind and tell you everything you need to know to make the most of your 24-48 hours in Singapore {or even if you're doing a 3 to 4 night trip to Singapore}—including the best hotels for every budget, must-visit attractions, and the best places to eat in Singapore. I hope this Singapore travel guide will help you if you're planning a short trip there - trust me, it's worth staying even for a night just for the food alone.
Other reviews you may love:Hair washing tips and hair growth myths Review
Sol de Janeiro Jet Set Review
Ultrahuman Air Ring Review and Discount Code
So let's get straight in to it:
What is the weather like in Singapore?
Singapore has a tropical climate, meaning it’s hot and humid all year round, with average temperatures between 26°C and 32°C (79°F-90°F). It was super humid when I was there. There’s no distinct summer or winter, but instead, two monsoon seasons. The Northeast Monsoon (December to March) brings heavier rain and slightly cooler breezes (but believe me it was not cool when I was there in March in comparison to the UK), while the Southwest Monsoon (June to September) tends to have shorter but intense afternoon showers. If you want the sunniest, driest weather, aim for February to early April, but honestly, rain showers in Singapore are usually brief and refreshing, so they won’t ruin your trip! Plus, with so many air-conditioned malls and indoor attractions, you’ll always have an escape from the heat.
Where to Stay in Singapore – Best Areas & Hotels
Singapore is compact and super easy to get around, but where you stay can make a difference, especially if you're short on time. Marina Bay, Orchard Road, and Clarke Quay are ideal for quick access to top attractions, while Chinatown and Bugis offer more affordable stays with great food and nightlife.
Here are some of the best hotels across all budgets:
💎 Luxury Hotels (£250+ per night) – If You Want to Go All Out
✔ Marina Bay Sands – The ultimate Singapore experience with its famous infinity pool overlooking the skyline. If you want to treat yourself, stay here, you will love it.
✔ Raffles Singapore – A historic colonial-style hotel, home to the world-famous Singapore Sling cocktail.
✔ The Fullerton Bay Hotel – Gorgeous waterfront location, elegant design, and stunning rooftop views.
✨ Mid-Range Hotels (£100-£250 per night) – Affordable Luxury
✔ The Clan Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Chinatown, with a rooftop infinity pool.
✔ Paradox Singapore Merchant Court – Perfectly located in Clarke Quay, close to nightlife and the Singapore River.
✔ Andaz Singapore – A super trendy Hyatt hotel with great city views and rooftop dining.
✔ Pan Pacific Hotels - some of the best hotels in Singapore.
💰 Budget-Friendly Hotels (£50-£100 per night) – Great Value Stays
✔ Hotel G Singapore – One of the best affordable boutique hotels, located near Bugis for easy access to shopping and attractions.
✔ lyf Funan Singapore – A stylish co-living space with a central location inside Funan Mall, perfect for solo travellers.
✔ Capsule Hotel – The Pod – A sleek capsule hotel in Bugis, ideal if you're on a budget but want a clean, stylish stay.
📍 Best Areas to Stay for a Stopover?
✔ Marina Bay – Best for iconic skyline views & luxury hotels.
✔ Chinatown & Clarke Quay – Great for foodies & nightlife.
✔ Bugis & Orchard Road – Best for shopping & budget-friendly stays.
✔ Sentosa Island – If you want a beach escape (but it's a little further out).
We personally stayed on Orchard Road which is great as you're so close to all the shops, we then took taxis to get to places quickly and efficiently. My favourite part of Singapore is by the Marina as I love to be by the water so I'd definitely be looking at Marina Bay next time!
What are the best things to do on a Singapore stopover?
1. Gardens by the Bay – The Iconic Singapore Experience 🌿✨
If you see one thing in Singapore, make it this.
✔ Supertree Grove – The giant tree-like structures light up at night in a mesmerising display (free at 7:45 & 8:45 pm!).
✔ Cloud Forest & Flower Dome – Walk through a misty rainforest and see the world's tallest indoor waterfall.
✔ OCBC Skyway – A walkway between the Supertrees with epic city views.
📍 Location: Next to Marina Bay Sands, easy to access via MRT or via taxi or foot.
⏳ Best time to go? Sunset!
2. Marina Bay Sands – Rooftop Views & Infinity Pool Goals 🏊♀️
✔ If you’re staying at Marina Bay Sands, you get access to the legendary infinity pool—probably the most Instagrammable pool in the world.
✔ Not staying there? No problem! Visit the SkyPark Observation Deck for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
✔ CE LA VI Rooftop Bar – Grab a cocktail with a side of skyline views.
✔ LAVO - a favourite spot of mine for watching the sunset over Singapore
📍 Top tip: Book a sunset slot for the best views!
3. Chinatown – Michelin-Starred Street Food & Culture 🇨🇳
✔ Maxwell Food Centre – Try the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (yes, it has a Michelin star!).
✔ Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – A stunning red and gold temple said to house Buddha’s actual tooth.
✔ Chinatown Street Market – I loved it here so much, it was bustling with atmosphere, street snacks, and bargain shopping.
📍 Best time to go? Evening—when the lanterns light up and the food stalls are buzzing!
4. Sentosa Island – Beach Vibes & Adventure 🏖
✔ If you want beach time, head to Palawan Beach or Tanjong Beach Club.
✔ Universal Studios Singapore – A fun theme park for thrill-seekers.
✔ Skyline Luge & Cable Car – Get epic views of Singapore from above!
📍 Best for: If you want relaxation + adventure rolled in to one.
Where should I eat in Singapore?
🍚 Best Hawker Centres (open food courts for cheap, delicious local food - some of the best food I've ever had)
- Lau Pa Sat – Loved the iconic satay skewers here, satay street is SO iconic, an entire street of you guessed it - satays!
- Maxwell Food Centre – I found the best chicken rice here!
- Tiong Bahru Market – Local favourite!
🥢 Best Restaurants & Cafés
- Candlenut – Michelin-starred Peranakan cuisine.
- PS. Café Raffles City – This is an amazing brunch spot, great for people watching with famous truffle fries.
- Odette – 2 Michelin stars, this is a stunning place and perfect for a fine dining experience.
- Coconut Club - a favourite for coconut inspired dishes
- Milos - we headed here inside the Marina Bay Sands shops and it's some of the BEST seafood I have ever had
- Andaz - Mr Stork:
- Views: Stunning panoramic vistas of the Singapore skyline.
- Atmosphere: Unique tepee-style huts create a cozy yet vibrant environment.
- Reservations: Recommended, especially for peak hours and sunset views.
- Dress Code: Smart casual attire; no flip-flops or shorts.
- Tip: Arrive early to grab a good spot for breathtaking sunset views.
LAVO
: Located atop Marina Bay Sands, offering magnificent skyline perspectives.- Atmosphere: Lively ambiance with a rooftop terrace perfect for gatherings.
- Reservations: Highly encouraged, particularly for dinner and sunset seating.
- Dress Code: Upscale casual; stylish attire is appreciated.
- Tip: Ideal time to visit is during sunset to enjoy a stunning backdrop.
Ce La Vie
: Iconic views of Marina Bay and the city skyline from Marina Bay Sands.- Atmosphere: Luxurious setting with a mix of vibrant nightlife and elegance.
- Reservations: Strongly recommended, especially for sunset tables.
- Dress Code: Smart casual; tailored clothes are preferred, no beachwear.
- Tip: Enjoy the sunset with crafted cocktails to enhance the experience.
Como Metropolitan Singapore
: Elegant rooftop lounge with serene city and garden vistas.- Atmosphere: Relaxed vibe with a focus on health-conscious drinks and light bites.
- Reservations: Recommended, especially for sunset dining.
- Dress Code: Smart casual; comfortable yet stylish attire is suitable.
- Tip: A tranquil spot to unwind while watching the sunset unfold.
Where can I travel to from Singapore?
If you're wondering which places are closest to visit from Singapore, Singapore is the ultimate gateway city, making it easy to pair with:
✈ Bali, Indonesia (2.5-hour flight) – The perfect beach escape after a city break.
✈ Thailand (2-hour flight to Bangkok or Phuket) – Great for island hopping or shopping.
✈ Malaysia (1-hour flight to Kuala Lumpur) – Amazing for foodies & cultural experiences.
✈ Australia (5-hour flight to Perth) – If you're heading Down Under, this is a great stopover option.
I think on my trip to Australia I will DEFINITELY have to break it up with a stopover in Singapore or if I visit Thailand again I will absolutely stop in Singapore first.
How Many Days Do You Need in Singapore?
A Perfect Stopover or a Weekend Getaway!
Singapore, often hailed as an ideal stopover destination, offers a vibrant blend of culture, nature, and modernity, making it perfect for travelers looking to break up a long journey. However, it’s equally enticing for those wanting to explore the city for a week, as there’s so much to do and see!
The 3-Day Singapore Travel Itinerary, How To Spend 3 Days In Singapore:
For many travelers, spending three days in Singapore strikes the perfect balance. This timeframe allows you to experience the highlights without feeling rushed. Here’s how you could spend those days:
Day 1: Immerse yourself in the city’s urban beauty by visiting the iconic Marina Bay Sands, exploring the Gardens by the Bay, and ending the day at Clarke Quay for a vibrant night out.
Day 2: Embrace Singapore’s nature with a breathtaking tree-top forest hike {my favourite, I wish I had more time on this trip so I could have fit this in as on my first trip this was a highlight for me} in the MacRitchie Reservoir and explore the lush greenery at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 3: Dive into cultural experiences at Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam, followed by some shopping at Orchard Road. Don’t forget to savor the local cuisine at hawker centers!
How To Spend 24 Hours in Singapore:
If you're short on time and only have 24 hours, don’t worry! There’s still a lot you can fit into a day. You could start with a morning visit to the Botanic Gardens, grab lunch at a hawker center, then spend the afternoon wandering through Gardens by the Bay {or do a cycle tour which I LOVE}. In the evening, walk through Gardens By The Bay then enjoy a spectacular view of the skyline from Marina Bay Sands and experience the vibrant nightlife.
The Ultimate Singapore Travel Hack:
If you’re looking for a fun and quirky way to explore the sights of Singapore but are short on time {or you just want to explore Singapore in a fun way} you absolutely can't miss the Singapore Sidecars tour! Picture this: you hop into a stylish Vespa sidecar and zoom through the lively streets of this amazing city, taking in all the iconic landmarks and hidden gems along the way. It's such an efficient way to tick off as much as you can see, all while enjoying the thrill of being on a vintage ride! You’ll glide past the stunning Marina Bay Sands, vibrant street art, and lush green spaces, all with the wind in your hair and a smile on your face. With a local guide sharing fascinating insights about each stop, it’s the perfect blend of adventure and sightseeing. Trust me, this experience is not only a fast track to seeing the best of Singapore, but it’s also packed with unforgettable moments that you’ll cherish forever!
Final Thoughts – Is Singapore Worth a Visit?
Absolutely.
With amazing food, stunning views, and some of the best hotels in the world, Singapore is one of the best stopover destinations out there. Whether you're heading to Bali, Thailand, or Australia, it’s the perfect place to break up a long-haul journey. In conclusion, whether you have just a day or an entire week, Singapore captivates with its unique charm and extensive offerings. Pack your bags, and get ready to explore this dynamic city!
This website uses Ad affiliate links, this doesn't cost you anything extra but means I may sometimes make a small % per sale.
No comments:
Post a Comment