Singapore is a compact city with great public transport options. This makes it easy to cover a lot of the highlights in 2-3 days. When you have limited time to explore, it’s always best to plan your days and have a list of things that you don’t want to miss out on. Here are some top must-see spots in Singapore in 2023.
When you only have a few days to explore, it’s always best to have your days planned out. At the very least, have a list of things you don’t want to miss out on. To give you a better idea of the top must-see spots in Singapore, I’ve put together a short list that can be accomplished in 2-3 days.
7 Best Things to Do in Singapore 2023
- Eat Like a Foodie at a Hawker Stall
- Visit the stunning Gardens by the Bay
- Don’t miss out on the Cloud Forest Dome
- Stay for a while or come back to see the LightShow at Super Grove Tree or Marina Bay Light Show
- Explore Chinatown and Little India
- Spend A Night Out in Clarke Quay
- Take A Slow Walk Down Haji Lane
1. Eat Like a Foodie at a Hawker Stall
Singapore is famous for its hawker stalls, and if you don’t eat at one, then you might have missed out on the essence of Singapore! Hawker centers such as Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat, and Newton have plenty of options for all different types of taste buds. Laksa, Hainanese chicken rice, Chili Crab, Hokkien prawn mee, Char kuay teow are some of the must-try dishes. My personal favorite was Laksa with it’s rich and deep, umami type flavor that continues to leave me craving for more. Eating at hawker stalls is also an excellent opportunity to grab something different for each person in your group so that everyone can have a taste of everything. However, it’s essential to bring cash.
2. Singapore Gardens By the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is Singapore’s most popular attraction and a must-visit tourist spot. I felt anxious about Singapore Gardens By the Bay being just anouther tourist trap, but from first hand experience I can tell you that it lives up to the hype. There’s quite a lot to see and even if you’re visiting Singapore on a budget, Gardens by the Bay can be done for free!
It’s free to walk around the gardens, the Super Tree Grove, and view the art sculptures. However, if you want to cough up some money, you can visit the Cloud Forest Dome, test your fear of heights on the skywalk, or smell flowers from around the world at the flower garden. When in Singapore, this is a place that you cannot afford to miss out on.
3. Cloud Forest Dome
Visiting Singapore can be expensive. But one of the attractions I couldn’t miss out on was the the Cloud Forest Dome and Flower Dome. One ticket grants you entrance to both of these Singapore attractions. The Cloud Forest Dome alone was worth the ticket price. When you step beyond the dark curtains located at the Cloud Forest entrance, you’re left feeling astonished at what was waiting for you all along. Step through those curtains and you’re suddenly engulfed in an entire world of lush and exotic plants, colorful flowers, and a towering waterfall. Come for the beautiful botany, but stay for the air conditioning! Yes, you heard right – the Cloud Forest Dome is air conditioned and gives reprieve from the famously intense heat of Singapore!
4. Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay OR Light-Water Show Marina Bay Sands
After exploring the gardens during the day, if you have a chance to stick around there is a nightly light and music show located at the Super Grove Trees. The trees light up, dance, and pulse hypnotically to music. Each month or so they change up the show’s music theme, making it fresh and new experience each time. When I was there the music theme was 70’s disco! This was a great way to see the area in a completely different setting. The lights and music were well times, and it’s a great way to get in a free activity in such as notoriously expensive city. The shows happen daily at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm, but as times change, that information may as well. Get more information on show times and what the theme will be by visiting their official site.
Now, if you happen to time it just right, you could also catch some of the water and light show they have at Marina Bay, located just across the way from Gardens of the Bay. You’ll need to get through the crowds and walk quickly if you stay for the entire show. If possible, I would suggest leaving 5 minutes earlier to avoid getting caught in a crowd of people. If you do miss one of these shows, but you’re staying in this area, you can easily break the activities up into 2 nights. The light and water show at Marina Bay happens at 8pm, 9pm, and an additional 10pm show on Friday’s and Saturday’s.
5. Explore Chinatown and Little India
Chinatown in Singapore exudes a vibrant and bustling energy that’s hard to miss. With its rich history and culture, it’s no surprise that this beautiful district has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. What sets Chinatown in Singapore apart from other Chinatowns in the world is its unique blend of religions – along a single street, you’ll find a Buddhist temple, mosque, and Hindu temple.
If you’re interested in learning about traditional Chinese medicine, you’ll find several shops in Chinatown that specialize in herbal remedies and supplements. You can speak to the experts and learn more about how these herbs and remedies can help you stay healthy. And of course, no trip to Chinatown in Singapore is complete without trying some of the amazing food and hawker stalls that are unique to this area. From traditional Chinese cuisine to fusion dishes, you’ll find a wide variety of options to satisfy your taste buds.
6. Spend A Night Out in Clarke Quay
Looking for a fun night out in Singapore? Clarke Quay is definitely worth a visit. The area is filled with contagious energy and excitement that will make your night unforgettable. Clarke Quay is a neighborhood situated by the river with an endless variety of entertainment and food options. It’s the quintessential hub for nightlife, making it a great place to mingle with locals and tourists.
7. Take A Slow Walk Down Haji Lane
Enjoying a cup of coffee, browsing local boutiques, and stopping to admire all the color and art around you are some of the things you can do in Haji Lane, which showcases Singapore’s creative and artistic side. If you’re a hipster looking to explore a unique neighborhood, you’ll feel right at home here. Haji Lane is famous for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and street art, so it has been popular destination for tourists. So, take a leisurely stroll down the lane, soak up the atmosphere, and maybe even find a new favorite café or boutique.
Looking for a perfect travel destination? Consider Singapore. The city-state offers many unique and exciting experiences, from trying out local street food at the Hawker stalls, to exploring the impressive Gardens by the Bay, including the Cloud Forest Dome and its waterfall. You certainly won’t be bored in Singapore, whether you’re here for a quick weekend or a week long vacation!
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