Is Singapore worth visiting? And everything else you have wanted to know before you go

If you are wondering is Singapore worth visiting, then this is the post for you. We answer all the important questions like ‘is Singapore expensive’, and ‘what is there to do in Singapore’ in order to help you decide once and for all if you should visit Singapore.

Disclosure:

This post contains affiliate links, so if you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Before we answer the question ‘Is Singapore worth visiting’ here is some background

Singapore, or as it is officially known, the Republic of Singapore, is a city-state located in Southeast Asia. The country itself is geographically small and one of the smallest in Southeast Asia, but economically incredibly prosperous.

Singapore is made up of a number of islands. In addition to it’s main island it includes another 63 islands, although many of these are uninhabited.

Singapore has a number of claims to fame. For starters, it has an award winning airport – Changi – which is almost a tourist destination in itself.

It is also known for being incredibly safe, with strict laws on things like chewing gum, and flushing toilets! But we will get to that later.

Languages Spoken: English, Tamil, Malay, Mandarin and Singlish

Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)

Is Singapore expensive?

Singapore is probably one of the more expensive cities to visit in Southeast Asia, but is still relatively cheap in comparison to western standards. If you are used to the cheaper costs of say Thailand or Indonesia, then you might be a little bit shocked when visiting Singapore. That being said, it has nothing on the likes of Copenhagen, or London for that matter when it comes to costs.

You can definitely travel on a budget in Singapore, as there is accommodation to suit every kind of traveller. For a mid-range trip we would say that you are looking at spending around SG$250 – 300 per person per day.

Food tends to be cheap in Singapore, and you have cheap good quality eats at the Hawker Markets. That being said there are also several luxury restaurants that you can eat at that will cost substantially more. Alcohol tends to be a little bit more expensive in Singapore than the likes of Europe, so keep that in mind if you are wanting to sip cocktails during your time here.

Do I need cash in Singapore?

Most places in Singapore will accept card payment, so you won’t need to carry a lot of cash with you here. Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, taxis, and bars. You may need cash if you are planning to visit some of the smaller markets dotted around, but the vast majority of places have embraced card payment.

What language do they speak in Singapore?

Linguistically Singapore is quite diverse and a number of languages are spoken in Singapore. Officially there are 4 languages spoken in Singapore. These are – Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. You may also encounter people speaking ‘Singlish’, which is a creole English that includes words from all Singapore’s languages.

Is Singapore easy to get to?

Singapore is a well connected country, making it incredibly easy to get to. A lot of international airlines stop here, and it is a popular stopover destination when travelling between Australia and Europe. Once you are at Changi Airport getting into the city is relatively easy. You have options to get a taxi or a shuttle bus that will take you directly to your hotel. You can also use the MRT to get you into town or close to many of the key tourist attractions in Singapore.

How long should I spend in Singapore?

Singapore is only small which means that you won’t need a lot of time to explore. We would recommend a minimum of 2 days in Singapore and a maximum of about 5 days, to see the sights, enjoy some great food, and get to grips with the nightlife and culture.

Is Singapore worth visiting as a stopover destination?

Singapore is by far my favourite stopover destination when I fly between my current home of Manchester and my family home in Brisbane. The airport is an international hub, for airlines from around the world. It’s also home to Singapore Airlines, which is frequently winning awards as one of the best airlines in the world. The airport is really easy to navigate, and if you have a minimum of 5 and a half hours between flights and maximum of 24 hours you can sign up for a free city tour.

Is Singapore safe?

Singapore is by far one of the safest places that we have travelled to. Crimes against tourists are incredibly rare, and it is one of those places that you can feel comfortable even as a lone female traveller at night. Obviously you should always have your wits about you, no matter how safe it may be. We always recommend following tips like, keeping your cash/ money hidden, don’t walk around alone at night, and other basic precautions.

One of the reasons Singapore is so safe is because it has some incredibly strict laws. Some of them make sense, like don’t litter or be drunk and disorderly in public. Others may surprise you, like no chewing gum, or vaping. Smoking is also heavily regulated, and banned in many places so if you do smoke make sure you are doing so in designated places. Make sure you check the rules before you travel.

Is Singapore worth visiting compared to other Asian cities?

If you are wondering ‘is Singapore worth visiting compared to other Asian cities’ the answer is absolutely. Singapore is a very unique place to visit. It is a complete melting pot of different cultures, incredibly clean, and very futuristic when it comes to urban design. It’s a great introduction to Asia, particularly if you are wanting to be a little more cautious when it comes to food and other experiences.

That being said if you are after a rowdy party vibe, a cheap trip, or fast paced urban sprawl, then this may not be the place for you. Singapore is way more controlled with it’s clean streets, and meticulous urban planning and architecture. It’s nowhere near as raw and gritty as the likes of Bangkok or Bali, and so it is a very different trip if you choose to visit.

Can I use public transport in Singapore?

Public transport is really easy to use in Singapore, and not only that but it’s clean and incredibly efficient. The best way to get around is via the MRT (Mass Rapid Transport), which has subway routes across the country. And even better news is that most of the key tourist attractions are accessibly by MRT.

We recommend purchasing the Singapore Tourist Pass which allows unlimited travel on public transport for as long as it is valid. You just need to pay a deposit on the card, at selected stations (including Changi Airport), and then pay for your travel. On average you are looking at paying for unlimited travel for one day at SG$10, two days for SG$16 or three days for SG$20.

And if all else fails, you can also just book a hop on hop off bus tour to help you get around Singapore.

What is there to do in Singapore?

You might be wondering is Singapore worth visiting for the tourist attractions alone? There is a lot to see and do in Singapore and we cannot cover everything here, but here are some of the highlights to help you decide.

And if you are looking for more top Singapore attractions and highlights you can checkout this post.

Keong Saik Road

Keong Saik Road is one of those places in Singapore that has changed over the years. Once a seedy hangout for criminals, and a red light district, it is now a hip tourist area. There are a number of restaurants and bars here, and it is just a cool place to take photos and hang out.

Orchard Road

Orchard Road is another popular tourist area in Singapore, mostly because it is luxury shopping heaven. Even if you can’t afford to indulge at one of the luxury stores, you can still walk around and visit places like Ngee Ann City, the largest mall on the street, and home of the second largest book shop in Asia.

The Singapore Botanical Gardens are also located near here, and are a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the shopping district. The gardens are over 163 years old and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so absolutely worth a visit.

Raffles Hotel

Raffles Hotel is a heritage listed site with beautiful gardens and old style bars. It is a colonial style hotel, which was established in 1887 by the Sarkies Brothers. It has had a tumultuous history, but since 1987 it was declared a National Monument by the Singaporean Government. The hotel is also said to be where the Singapore Sling was invented, so if you have the time pop by to try the world famous cocktail.

Singapore Zoo

I don’t usually like or promote zoos when travelling, but the Singapore Zoo feels slightly different. The animals are well looked after in their impressive habitats. There is also a night tour you can do of the zoo to learn all about the animals and what they get up to in the evenings.

Singapore Flyer

Views in Singapore are all the rage, and the skyline is stunning so take every opportunity you can to experience it. The Singapore Flyer is the largest observation wheel in the world and not only gives you the chance to admire the Singapore skyline but also the Spice Islands of Indonesia and Straits of Johor in Malaysia.

Gardens By The Bay

Gardens by the Bay is one attraction in Singapore you do not want to miss. It is home to the Supertree Grove as well as a very impressive flower dome. The gardens cover 101 hectares and were created to transform Singapore into a green city.

It’s free to visit, although some attractions like the Skyway at the Supertree Grove and entry to the Cloud Forrest will cost you.

Chinatown and Little India

Chinatown is one of the best areas to explore in Singapore. Not only is it one of the best places for souvenirs, but there is so much incredible food here too.

In terms of attractions you have the Sri Mariamman Temple, and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple which are both worth a visit.

Another fantastic area to explore in Singapore is Little India. It really highlights the cultural diversity of Singapore. One of the best things about Little India, is the brightly coloured buildings which are perfect for those all important photo ops.

Sentosa Island

If you have a few days in Singapore then you should try and get to Sentosa Island. It is the beachy/ theme park heavy part of Singapore perfect for families and couples. You can visit the Merlion, or do some watersports, or visit one of the theme parks.

Marina Bay Sands

One of the most recognisable buildings in Singapore has to be the Marina Bay Sands. The cool thing is there is an observation deck near on the 57th floor of one the towers that provides you with some excellent views of Singapore.

Is Singapore worth visiting for foodies?

Personally we think Singapore is a fantastic place for foodies to visit. It’s a truly diverse and multicultural nation which is evident in the street food on offer. You will find a lot of Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, and Indonesian style foods here- all at a reasonable price too.

One of the best places to go for food has to be a Hawker Market. The largest one is located in Chinatown and they serve things like noodles, dumplings, and soups. The food is cheap, fresh, and really good. The only trouble you might have is finding a seat!

Seafood is also a big deal in Singapore, and if you are going to try anything go for the Chilli Crab. It’s incredible. My mouth is literally watering thinking about it right now.

Is Singapore worth visiting for the nightlife?

Singapore has some excellent nightlife, however if you are expecting the craziness of Thailand then you will be disappointed. Alcohol is expensive in Singapore, and there are also rules about drunk and disorderly behaviour. That being said if you drink responsibly you can have a great night out.

Anh Siang Road near Chinatown is one of our favourite spots for nightlife with a number of quirky bars and restaurants. You also have a number of rooftop bars that we recommend when visiting Singapore, like 1 Altitude and Level 33.

Is Singapore worth visiting for nature lovers?

You might think Singapore is all urban sprawl and not much else, but it’s actually a really good place to visit for nature loves too. There are actually a number of nature reserves in Singapore like the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve which is only a 30 minute drive out of the city. You also have Gardens by the Bay which has been planned and designed but still a great place to go if you are a fan of nature and green space. The city itself has a lot of greenery inside it too, which is nice when you need a break from the hustle and bustle.

Is Singapore worth visiting for history buffs?

Once a place full of pirates and fisherman Singapore has come a long way throughout its history. You will see many aspects of its past including its colonial and post war history throughout the city. There are so many incredible museums that history buffs can visit including the National Museum of Singapore where you can learn all about the rich history of the city-state.

Is Singapore worth visiting for culture lovers?

Culture lovers will appreciate Singapore’s rich ethnic diversity. It almost feels like all these amazing cultures and identities come together to coexist peacefully in Singapore. The rich cultural heritage is very much on show here. You only need to walk through Chinatown or Little India to appreciate the mix of various traditions and lifestyles Singapore has to offer.

Is Singapore worth visiting for couples?

Singapore is definitely a good place to visit for a couples holiday. You have so many romantic things to do like sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar, or even riding the Singapore Flyer and admiring the views. Sentosa Island is a great place to visit if you are travelling as a couple as you can soak up the beach vibes, and enjoy your time at one of the luxury hotels on the island.

Is Singapore worth visiting for solo travellers?

If you are wondering is Singapore worth visiting for solo travellers then the answer is yes. Singapore is a very safe country as mentioned above, which makes it a great place to visit for solo travellers. You wont tend to find a lot of crimes against tourists, and it is also a great place to go for women travelling solo.

Is Singapore worth visiting for families?

Again due to its safety record Singapore is a great holiday destination for families. Sentosa Island is a very popular family destination, as there are a number of theme parks here, as well as idyllic beaches where you can relax as a family.

Is Singapore worth visiting in the summer?

Singapore is a year round destination so whether you are visiting in summer or winter you will find something to do. There are no real clear cut seasons in Singapore and you will find that the weather is consistent year round averaging between 25 – 31 degrees Celsius. The summer months of June, July and August are probably the least rainy of the months making it a great time to visit.

Is Singapore worth visiting in the winter?

Winter in Singapore is also the rainier part of the year, with December being the most humid of all. The weather is still warm though averaging around the 30 degrees Celsius mark, making it a popular time to visit.

What to pack when visiting Singapore?

Apart from your usual holiday packing list here are some things that we think you should pack when visiting Singapore.

• An umbrella – particularly useful during rainy season.
• A rain coat.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and other items to protect against the heat.
• Cotton clothes due to the humidity.
• A comfy pair of walking shoes.
• Masks and sanitiser – even without covid I always bring sanitiser on all my trips, but the mask is definitely important (check the rules before you go).
• A reusable drink bottle.

What should I know before visiting Singapore?

Here are some things that we think you should know before you visiting Singapore.

• Carry some water around with you when exploring, because it does get super hot – but don’t eat or drink on public transport!
• Be prepared for the humidity.
• Check the covid rules before you go!
• Also brush up on the laws in Singapore before visiting as these may be acceptable in other parts of the world (like chewing gum) but not here.

So Is Singapore worth visiting?

So ‘Is Singapore worth visiting’? We think yes Singapore is very much worth visiting. Not only is it a great stopover city, with lots to see and do, it’s also incredibly clean, and safe, making it a fantastic introduction to Asia.

Hopefully this article has helped you decide if you should visiting Singapore or not. Please do pin this guide for later if you have found it useful. Happy travels!