Singapore – more than just a Raffles!

Singapore is one of my favourite Far East cities. It has a real mix of cultures, an intriguing history, and a stunning skyline. With a blend of old and new, Singapore has so much to offer if you dig a little deeper.

Many people stop over for a couple of nights, manage a Singapore Sling at Raffles, and move on — but that barely scratches the surface.

Landing in Singapore is an experience in itself. Changi Airport is extraordinary, with fountains, orchids, and even a signature scent. Step outside and — boom! — the heat hits you straight away. Brilliant.

I always use the MRT to travel to and from the airport. It’s:
Cheaper. Quick.Easy to use. More sustainable

Taxis are also plentiful and convenient if you need them.

Top tip: Stay in a hotel within a 5-minute walk of an MRT station. It makes getting around effortless.

Orchard Road

Like many first-time visitors, I initially stayed along Orchard Road. It’s central, lively, and packed with outstanding hotels and shopping.

Marina Bay

The hotel that dominates the skyline is the Marina Bay Sands — completely iconic. It’s in a fantastic location near Gardens by the Bay, with a huge mall and endless dining options nearby.
You don’t need to stay there to enjoy it though — the rooftop bar is open to visitors and offers sensational views with an ice-cold beer or cocktail.

Clarke Quay

Another great area to stay. There are lots of bars and restaurants along the river, but if you wander behind the main drag you’ll find smaller, more local cafés and eateries.

Other Great Areas to Stay

I often stay in Lavender or Bugis, especially on repeat visits. Both areas are incredibly well connected, sitting on the Green (East–West) MRT line, which makes getting around the city quick and easy, including direct access to and from the airport. While hotels in these areas tend to be more practical and less luxurious than those around Marina Bay or Orchard Road, they offer excellent value, great local food options nearby, and a more everyday feel of the city — which I really enjoy.

Lau Pa Sat

Over 150 years old, Lau Pa Sat is one of the best places to experience Singapore’s street food culture.

Indoor and outdoor seating.
Simple drinks (soft drinks or beer)
Incredible atmosphere.
The must-try dish here is chicken satay, cooked fresh and full of flavour.

Must-Try Dish: Murtabak
A stuffed pancake filled with meat and spices — absolutely delicious and widely available around the city.


Luxury Dining & Iconic Experiences

While Singapore’s street food scene is world-famous, the city also excels when it comes to more refined dining experiences.

Raffles Hotel & Afternoon Tea

Raffles is, of course, iconic — and while many people pop in solely for a Singapore Sling, afternoon tea at Raffles is a much more relaxed and elegant way to experience this historic hotel. Served in beautiful surroundings, it’s a lovely mix of classic tradition and Asian-inspired flavours, and feels like stepping back into a more glamorous era of travel.

Fine Dining in Singapore

Singapore is packed with high-end restaurants, from Michelin-starred venues to innovative modern Asian cuisine. Whether you’re after elegant French dining, beautifully executed Chinese cuisine, or contemporary fusion menus, the quality and creativity across the city is outstanding. Many luxury restaurants also offer set lunches, which are a fantastic way to experience world-class food at a more accessible price point.

If you enjoy mixing street food with special-occasion dining, Singapore is the perfect city — one moment you’re eating satay at a hawker centre, the next you’re enjoying impeccable service and beautifully crafted dishes in a refined setting.

Raffles Hotel, The Long Bar & the Singapore Sling

Raffles is, of course, an obvious must-do. The Long Bar is exactly as you would expect — full of atmosphere and steeped in history, with a real sense of old-world glamour. Ordering a Singapore Sling here feels like a rite of passage. The drinks are now pre-made, which is a little sad, but completely understandable given how popular they are. Still, it doesn’t take away from the experience — especially when you embrace tradition and toss your peanut shells straight onto the floor. It’s all part of the fun, and one of those moments that makes a trip to Singapore feel complete.


ATLAS (Bugis Junction)
Quite simply, my favourite bar in the world.
ATLAS is sensational — a stunning Art Deco building with soaring ceilings, dark wood interiors, and a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.

Impeccable service. Incredible cocktails
The largest gin collection you’ll ever see
Delicious food. An absolute must-visit.

More Bars & Skyline Views

Singapore has a fantastic bar scene, whether you’re into classic cocktails, whisky, or simply a great view with a drink in hand.

Whisky Bars & Classic Lounges

If whisky is your thing, Singapore won’t disappoint. The city has several excellent whisky bars and refined hotel lounges where the focus is on quality spirits, knowledgeable bartenders, and a relaxed, grown-up atmosphere. These are perfect for a quieter evening, a pre-dinner drink, or when you want to escape the buzz of the busier nightlife areas.

Marina Bay Sands Sky Bars

One of the best ways to enjoy Singapore’s skyline is from the top of Marina Bay Sands — and you don’t have to pay for an observation deck ticket to do it.
Head up to one of the rooftop bars instead and enjoy a drink while taking in incredible panoramic views across the city, the bay, and the Gardens below. It’s especially magical at sunset and into the evening, when the city lights start to sparkle.

It’s a brilliant way to experience one of Singapore’s most famous landmarks without the crowds — and with a cocktail in hand.

Chinatown
I love the energy here — bustling streets, colourful buildings, amazing smells, markets, and some fantastic street art. It’s vibrant, busy, and full of character.

Gardens by the Bay
You could spend an entire day here.
The Domes feature beautifully designed mini-gardens from around the world
One dome takes you through continents; another is a cloud forest with elevated walkways that make you feel like you’re in the treetops

The Supertrees are impressive during the day, but at night they truly come alive with a music-and-light show — unforgettable.

More to Explore
ingapore may be compact, but it’s packed with experiences, and these places are well worth adding to your itinerary if you have the time.

The Southern Ridges

A series of connected walking trails and elevated walkways that take you through lush greenery and offer surprising views over the city and coastline. It’s a fantastic way to experience Singapore’s greener side and escape the urban buzz for a few hours.

Sentosa Island

Sentosa is Singapore’s playground. Home to beaches, theme parks, golf courses, spas, and attractions like Universal Studios, it’s perfect for a relaxed day out or a fun-filled break from the city. You can be as active or as laid-back as you like here.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true oasis in the city. The gardens are beautifully maintained and ideal for a morning stroll or picnic. The National Orchid Garden, in particular, is stunning and showcases Singapore’s love of tropical flora.

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Instantly recognisable by its spiky “durian” design, the Esplanade is Singapore’s performing arts centre. Even if you don’t catch a show, it’s worth visiting for the architecture, waterfront views, and relaxed atmosphere.

Haw Par Villa

One of Singapore’s most unusual attractions. This open-air park is filled with colourful statues and dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese folklore and mythology. It’s quirky, fascinating, and completely different from anywhere else in the city.

Singapore is so much more than a stopover. A couple of nights might give you a taste, but it’s nowhere near enough to experience everything this city has to offer. From world-class street food and iconic landmarks to green spaces, culture, and unforgettable views, Singapore constantly surprises.

Once you’ve been, I think you’ll understand — this is a city that draws you back again and again. Each visit reveals something new, and that’s exactly why it remains one of my favourite places in the Far East.