Tips for a Perfect Weekend in Singapore
Looking for a refreshing weekend in Singapore escape that blends the city’s iconic greenery with its urban charm? Here’s how to experience a memorable mix of nature and cityscapes in just two days.
Day 1: Iconic Waterfront & Futuristic Gardens
Start your Saturday morning by immersing yourself in the heart of Singapore’s stunning urban landscape with a leisurely walk around Marina Bay. Take in the breathtaking views of the city skyline, including the iconic Marina Bay Sands, the futuristic ArtScience Museum, and the Merlion.
From there, seamlessly transition to Gardens by the Bay, located just behind Marina Bay Sands. Spend the afternoon exploring the unique biodomes of the Cloud Forest with its impressive waterfall and the diverse flora of the Flower Dome.
As evening approaches, find a spot near the towering Supertrees. Cap off your day with the magical Garden Rhapsody light and sound show at the Supertree Grove, a stunning display that perfectly marries nature and technology against the city backdrop.
Day 2: Green Oasis & Your Choice of Exploration
Begin your Sunday with a peaceful stroll through the Singapore Botanic Gardens. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers a serene escape with lush landscapes and the beautiful National Orchid Garden – a great way to start your day amidst natural beauty.
For your afternoon, choose your adventure:
Sentosa Island: Head to Sentosa for a relaxed coastal experience. Skip the crowded attractions and instead, enjoy a quiet walk along the serene stretches of Palawan Beach or Tanjong Beach, soaking in the sea breeze and sandy shores.
Orchard Road for Shopping: If you prefer urban excitement, immerse yourself in Singapore’s premier shopping district, Orchard Road. Explore its numerous malls filled with international brands, local boutiques, and vibrant street life.
Conclude your weekend in Singapore with dinner at a vibrant hawker centre or a charming restaurant, reflecting on your blend of iconic sights and green escapes.
Garden by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a futuristic, sprawling horticultural paradise in Singapore, a true “City in a Garden.” It’s most famous for its iconic Supertree Grove, towering vertical gardens that come alive with a dazzling light and sound show (“Garden Rhapsody”) after dusk.
It’s an incredible blend of nature, art, and cutting-edge sustainability.
Marina Bay Sands
This architectural marvel is more than just a hotel; it’s a destination in itself. You can explore The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, a luxury mall with a canal, visit the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum, or head up to the SkyPark Observation Deck for panoramic views of the city. The Spectra light and water show at the Event Plaza is also a spectacular free experience.
Sentosa Island
For a dose of fun and relaxation, Sentosa Island is the place to be. This resort island offers a diverse range of attractions, including Universal Studios Singapore for thrilling rides, S.E.A. Aquarium for marine life encounters, and beautiful beaches like Siloso and Palawan. You can easily spend a full day (or more!) exploring all that Sentosa has to offer.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its diverse collection of tropical plants and historical significance. It offers a tranquil escape with lush landscapes, including the magnificent National Orchid Garden featuring over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids. Visitors can explore various themed gardens, and discover a small but authentic patch of primary rainforest within its grounds.
What you need to Know Before going your Weekend in Singapore
So you’re planning a weekend in Singapore, the Lion City! Get ready for an incredible adventure filled with stunning architecture, diverse cuisine, and a vibrant culture. To make sure your trip is as smooth as laksa, here are some essential tips you need to know before you go:
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements: Don’t Get Caught Out!
First things first, check if you need a visa for Singapore based on your nationality. Most Western countries enjoy visa-free entry for short stays, but it’s crucial to verify this well in advance on the official Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website. Regardless of your visa status, all travelers are required to submit the SG Arrival Card within three days before arriving. This is a free, simple online form that you can complete via the SG Arrival Card e-Service or the MyICA Mobile app.
🌞 What to Pack: Light, Bright, and Ready for Rain!
Singapore has a tropical climate, meaning it’s generally hot and humid all year round, with temperatures typically ranging from 24°C to 31°C. Light, breathable clothing made from cotton, linen, or bamboo is your best friend. Think shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and comfortable walking shoes for your weekend in Singapore. Even though it’s hot, rain showers can happen at any time, so pack a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket.
🚇 Navigating the City: Public Transport is Great!
Singapore’s public transportation system is incredibly efficient, clean, and easy to use. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system is the quickest way to get around. Buses are also excellent, offering a more scenic way to travel. For payment, consider getting an EZ-Link card upon arrival, which you can top up and use for both MRT and buses. Alternatively, you can use your contactless debit or credit card directly – just tap in and out! Ride-sharing apps like Grab, Gojek, and TADA are also widely available for convenience, and taxis are plentiful.
⚖️ Cultural Etiquette & Safety: Respect the Rules!
Singapore is known for its strict laws and high level of cleanliness, and it’s essential to be aware of local customs and regulations . Chewing gum is prohibited, and littering, spitting, and jaywalking can result in hefty fines. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas. While generally safe, always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. Drug trafficking carries severe penalties, including the death penalty. Always be respectful of local customs, especially when visiting religious sites, and dress modestly if entering temples or mosques.
💰 Money Matters: Singapore Dollars and Digital Payments
The official currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD or S$). While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s always good to have some cash for hawker centres and smaller vendors. You can exchange currency at the airport or at money changers around the city.
📱Essential Apps: Your Digital Travel Companion
Download some key apps before you arrive to enhance your weekend in Singapore:
- Google Maps or Citymapper for navigation.
- SimplyGo for public transport payments if you’re using a contactless card.
- Grab (or Gojek/TADA) for ride-hailing and food delivery.
- Consider Klook for booking attractions and activities, often with discounts.
Where to Stay during your Weekend in Singapore
When choosing a hotel for your weekend in Singapore, you can expect high standards of cleanliness, efficiency, and modern amenities, regardless of your budget. Even at the mid-range or budget level, hotels generally offer complimentary Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, and well-maintained facilities. Many properties, especially in the mid to luxury tiers, feature outdoor swimming pools, fitness centers, and multiple dining options. Luxury hotels often boast incredible city views, world-class spas, and exceptional service, while boutique and heritage hotels provide unique character and a more intimate atmosphere. Be prepared for potentially compact room sizes in some budget or boutique establishments due to Singapore’s premium on space, but clever design usually maximizes comfort.
For a first-time weekend in Singapore, staying near Marina Bay or Orchard Road is highly recommended. These neighborhoods are perfect for shopping, dining, and nightlife while placing you close to top attractions like Gardens by the Bay, Clarke Quay, and the famous Orchard Road malls.
The Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore is an iconic landmark featuring three cascading towers topped by the Sands SkyPark and the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool. It’s a complete luxury destination, offering extensive dining, shopping, entertainment, and convention facilities.
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is renowned for its magnificent neoclassical architecture and rich history, originally serving as Singapore’s General Post Office. This five-star luxury hotel offers elegant accommodations, an iconic outdoor infinity pool with city views, and multiple dining options.
The PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering, Singapore, is celebrated for its unique “hotel-in-a-garden” concept, featuring abundant lush greenery and sky gardens that seamlessly integrate nature with modern architecture. This eco-friendly luxury hotel also boasts an stunning outdoor infinity pool and a strong commitment to sustainability.
The Pod at Beach Road Boutique Capsule Hotel in Singapore offers a modern and minimalist capsule living experience, ideal for budget-conscious solo or discerning travelers. Guests can expect private, comfortable “pods” with essential amenities, including air conditioning and free WiFi, alongside shared bathroom facilities and a convenient location near popular attractions like Haji Lane and Bugis Street.
Where to Eat during your Weekend in Singapore
Singaporean cuisine is a vibrant tapestry woven from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan (Straits Chinese) influences, reflecting the island’s diverse heritage. When visiting, diving into its traditional dishes, particularly at the bustling hawker centers, is an absolute must.
One of the most iconic and widely considered national dishes is Hainanese Chicken Rice. This seemingly simple dish features tender poached chicken served with incredibly fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock and ginger, typically accompanied by chili sauce, dark soy sauce, and a ginger paste. Another fiery favorite is Chilli Crab, where fresh mud crabs are stir-fried in a rich, sweet, savory, and spicy tomato-chilli sauce, best enjoyed with fried mantou (buns) for dipping.
For breakfast, nothing beats a traditional Kaya Toast set. This consists of perfectly toasted bread generously spread with kaya (a sweet coconut and egg jam) and slices of cold butter, often accompanied by two soft-boiled eggs (seasoned with soy sauce and white pepper) and a cup of local coffee (kopi) or tea (teh). Other traditional breakfast options include Nasi Lemak (fragrant coconut rice with various accompaniments like sambal, anchovies, and peanuts) and Roti Prata (a flaky Indian flatbread served with curry).
Don’t forget to try some traditional snacks and desserts! Chwee Kueh are steamed rice cakes topped with preserved radish, a savory breakfast treat. For something sweet, Ice Kachang is a popular shaved ice dessert piled high with colorful syrups, red beans, grass jelly, and sweet corn.
Singapore is a food paradise, offering a diverse culinary landscape that caters to every palate and budget.
Hawker Centres: The Heart of Singaporean Cuisine
For authentic local food at incredibly affordable prices, hawker centres are a must-visit in your weekend in Singapore. They are the heart and soul of Singapore’s vibrant food culture, bringing people together over affordable, delicious meals served in a lively, communal setting. These bustling open-air food courts are home to countless stalls, many run by generations of dedicated hawkers perfecting their family recipes.
From fragrant chicken rice and rich laksa to smoky satay and handmade dim sum, hawker centres offer an authentic taste of Singapore’s diverse culinary heritage — and some stalls even proudly hold Michelin stars!
Maxwell Food Centre
Famous for Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient. It’s centrally located in Chinatown, making it very accessible.
Old Airport Road Food Centre
A local favorite known for its extensive selection of traditional dishes. It’s a bit further out, but well worth the trip for its authentic atmosphere and quality.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Chinatown Complex Food Centre
The largest hawker centre in Singapore, housing Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, the world’s first Michelin-starred hawker stall.
Lau Pa Sat
Known for its beautiful Victorian architecture and vibrant evening atmosphere, especially “Satay Street” which opens after 7 PM for delicious grilled skewers.
Tiong Bahru Market & Food Center
A clean and well-organized hawker centre in the charming Tiong Bahru neighborhood, popular for breakfast items like Chwee Kueh.
Tekka Centre (Little India)
Excellent for Indian and Malay cuisine, offering delicious biryanis, dosas, and curries
Fine Dining & Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Singapore boasts a remarkable number of Michelin-starred restaurants, offering diverse cuisines and exceptional culinary experiences.
This vibrant city-state has rapidly earned its reputation as one of Asia’s top gastronomic destinations, offering an extraordinary variety of cuisines that reflect its rich multicultural heritage.
From exquisite fine-dining establishments helmed by world-renowned chefs to humble hawker stalls that have gained international acclaim, Singapore’s dining scene caters to every palate and budget. During your weekend in Singapore you can savour everything from perfectly executed French haute cuisine and innovative modern Asian tasting menus to authentic Japanese omakase experiences and masterfully prepared Cantonese delicacies.
Modern French cuisine focused on fresh, seasonal ingredients, housed in the beautiful National Gallery Singapore.
A long-standing institution serving refined French haute cuisine with an extensive wine list.
The sister restaurant to Stockholm’s Frantzén, offering an immersive Nordic-Japanese culinary journey.
Our Favorite Restaurants for your Weekend in Singapore ⭐️
What makes dining in Singapore truly special is the sheer diversity and accessibility of exceptional food. You could be enjoying a sumptuous meal at a sleek rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views one evening, and tucking into a plate of Michelin-starred chicken rice at a bustling hawker centre the next.
This blend of luxury and authenticity is what sets Singapore apart. Food here is more than just sustenance — it’s a beloved national obsession and an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric. For any traveller with a love for remarkable food, exploring Singapore’s restaurants is an adventure in itself — one that promises to delight, surprise, and leave you craving your next unforgettable bite.
Here are the restaurant we absolutely loved in Singapore truly stood out for its unforgettable flavours and exceptional atmosphere — here’s why it deserves a spot on your must-try list during your weekend in Singapore.
Thank you for the great tips.. I love the balance you’ve created between iconic cityscapes, lush green escapes like the Botanic Gardens, and delicious food adventures in hawker centres. Your insights on getting around, what to pack, and where to stay are super practical, makes me feel ready to explore already!