SINGAPORE free travel guide

SINGAPORE free travel guide

Singapore is a beautiful mix of different cultures: Chinese, Malay, Indian and various other ethnicities. I've been here twice and I would come back over and over again! What you will find in this guide: -places to visit -where to stay from budget to luxury -what and where to eat -rooftop bars -useful informations NB: This is an interactive guide which means that when you click on a place in the guide or map you can directly open directions on your phone's Google Maps app, call restaurants or book hotels. Don't forget to download Thatch free app to get easier access!
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Welcome to Singapore!

Alternatively take a taxi or Grap app (itโ€™s like Uber). I would suggest you Grab because itโ€™s really convenient.ย 

Singapore Changi Airport
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Before going out of the airport, donโ€™t forget to stop by the famous waterfall (rain vortex).

HSBC Rain Vortex
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Where to Stay

Singapore offers a variety of accommodations to suit every travelerโ€™s needs. The Marina Bay area offers luxury hotels with stunning cityscape views, while Chinatown and Little India provide a cultural experience with affordable guesthouses and boutique hotels. Orchard Road is a bustling shopping district with a range of hotels. Here is my suggested list from budget friendly to luxury options.

Budget-friendly

lyf Farrer Park Singapore
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Lyf Farrer Park Singapore is a sustainable condo hotel in Singapore. The property features a fitness center, air-conditioned rooms with free Wifi, each with a private bathroom and a shared kitchen for guests. It's pretty close to MRT. Remember to use exit G from the MRT station to the hotel.
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lyf Funan Singapore
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lyf Funan Singapore is a unique apartment hotel located in the newly-renovated Funan Mall. It features air-conditioned rooms, a garden, free WiFi, a fitness center, a shared kitchen and lounge for guests.
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Kฤ“Sa House, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood
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Located in the heart of Chinatown, this contemporary boutique hotel is housed in a heritage townhouse designed in the 1920s. It's a 5-minute walk from Chinatown MRT Station and Outram Park MRT Station.
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Treat yourself

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering
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This eco-friendly hotel stands out with its stunning architecture and lush greenery. Itโ€™s a luxurious oasis in the heart of the city!
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The Clan Hotel Singapore
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The Clan Hotel combines modern elegance with heritage influences, offering a refined stay with a touch of local culture.
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JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La
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If you want to be in the heart of Orchard Road action, JEN is your go-to. Stylish, modern, elegant and right in the shopping and fun zone.
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Luxury

Marina Bay Sands
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Probably one of the most famous hotels in the world thanks to its crazy rooftop infinity pool. Iconic views, epic entertainment; itโ€™s the place to be if you want to feel on top of the world.
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The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
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Ritz-Carlton offers a luxurious experience with impeccable service right in Marina Bay.
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Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
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Known for its timeless luxury and impeccable service, the Four Seasons Hotel offers a refined retreat in the heart of Orchard Boulevard, combining comfort with sophistication.
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Best places to see

Gardens by the Bay
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Gardens by the Bay is the main attraction in Singapore! Is a showpiece of horticulture and garden artistry that presents the plant kingdom in a whole new way, entertaining while educating visitors with plants seldom seen in this part of the world, ranging from species in cool, temperate climates to tropical forests and habitats.
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These are 2 attractions inside the Gardens that you shouldnโ€™t miss:

Cloud Forest
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Home to one of the worldโ€™s tallest indoor waterfalls and a lush mountain clad with plants from around the world that youโ€™ll see as you stroll along its unique aerial walkways. Ticket price is around 30โ‚ฌ per person and you can buy it directly there at the ticket counter or on the website (link below) but see that online you can only buy a combo ticket which includes also another attraction (flower dome)
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OCBC Skyway
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Suspended between Supertrees at 22 metres above ground, this 128m-long aerial walkway offers beautiful views of the Gardensโ€™ lush surrounds and of Marina Bay. Ticket price is around 7โ‚ฌ and it would be better to buy it at the ticket counter because weather in Singapore change constantly and if it rains you wonโ€™t be able to access it and they wonโ€™t even refund you! EXTRA TIP: Iโ€™d suggest you to go for sunset time not only for the sunset but also because every day at 7:45 pm there will be a beautiful event called Garden Rhapsody, an experience of music and lights amidst the Supertrees
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Little India, Arab Street and Chinatown

Just get lost around these areas to also find some nice street art! These are some of the locations:

Little India
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A vibrant neighborhood bursting with colors, scents, and culture. Explore the lively streets, savor authentic Indian cuisine, and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere.
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Moschea del Sultano
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A historical landmark in Kampong Glam that showcases beautiful Islamic architecture.
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Kampong Glam
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A quaint district with Malay and Arab influences. Explore the narrow streets and check out some local shops
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9 Jln Pinang
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this is the exact location to find a street with beautiful street art and a nice view of the sultan mosque
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Sri Mariamman Temple
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Singaporeโ€™s oldest Hindu temple in Chinatown. The architecture and sculptures tell interesting stories from Hindu mythology.
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Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
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A Buddhist temple in Chinatown with intricate interiors and a peaceful rooftop garden.
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Helix Bridge
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A modern pedestrian bridge near Marina Bay with a cool double-helix design. Itโ€™s a great photo point, especially at night!
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SkyPark Observation Deck
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Situated on top of Marina Bay Sands, the Skypark provides panoramic city views! I would suggest you to come here at sunset time. Don't forget to book your tickets online at the link below
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ArtScience Museum
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Shaped like a lotus flower, this museum at Marina Bay Sands combines art and science. Donโ€™t forget to also check out the exhibits
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Marina Bay
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The central hub of Singaporeโ€™s modern skyline. Itโ€™s a bustling area with entertainment, shopping, and impressive architecture, including Marina Bay Sands.
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Colorful houses:

Peranakan Houses
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The Peranakan Houses on Koon Seng Road are famous for their pastel hues. Once used as coconut plantations, the land was eventually developed as more Peranakan merchants and families moved into the Joo Chiat area in the early 20th century, leaving behind these distinctive terrace houses.
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Tan Teng Niah
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Fun fact: the former house of Tan Teng Niah used to be all white โ€“ hard to believe when you look at its colourful facade today. Said to be the last Chinese villa of its kind in Little India, it was built by businessman Tan Teng Niah for his beloved wife, and was only given a makeover when the house was restored for commercial use in the 1980s.
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Shopping area

Orchard Road
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Where to eat and drink

What to eat

๐ŸœLaksa (spicy noodle soup cooked with coconut milk)

๐Ÿ›Hainanese Chicken rice(a simple but delicious combination of boiled chicken, paired with flavorful rice and sauce)

๐ŸงˆKaya Toast (this is the local breakfast which consists of soft boiled eggs, choice of coffee or tea, and bread with coconut jam and butter. If you want to eat it like the locals you have to dip the toast into the soft boiled eggs with a splash of soy sauce)

๐ŸขSatay (seasoned skewered meats

๐Ÿฆ€ Chilli crab (be prepared to get your hands dirty with one of the most famous things to eat in the city

๐ŸคHokkien mee (noodles topped with prawns, fishcake, bean sprouts and nuggets of pork lard.)

๐ŸฅŸCurry puffs (crispy deef fried pastry stuffed with curried potatoes and minced meat)

Breakfast

If youโ€™d like to try the local breakfast which consist in Kaya toast (a toast with coconut jam and butter) and soft boiled eggs you can go to Toast box. The first location is close to the budget option hotel in this guide, the second one in Marina Bay. You can also eat other things like Laksa

Toast Box
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Toast Box
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Cheap Eats/Mid range

Maxwell Food Centre
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One of the most popular places where to eat local street food in Singapore! Before coming here please don't forget to bring cash because they don't accept credit cards.
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Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
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Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is a popular and no-frills eatery in Singapore known for its delicious Hainanese chicken rice. Located in the Maxwell Food Centre, this spot has gained a solid reputation for serving up one of the best renditions of this classic Singaporean dish.
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The Dim Sum Place
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The place to be if you want to satisfy your craving for delicious dim sum
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JUMBO Seafood - The Riverwalk
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Come here to have the curry crab, one of the most famous local dishes! There are a lot of Jumbo in Singapore so you can check on their website if you prefer another location
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Fine Dining (don't forget to book a table)

Colony
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This restaurant is inside the Ritz-Carlton hotel and it showcases local, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Malaysian and Western dishes through seven open kitchens and breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets
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KOMA Singapore
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A famous Japanese restaurant, don't forget to book a table
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Melt Cafรฉ
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Inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel you can find another restaurant where cultures and cuisines mingle
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Rooftop bars with scenic views (you can go to eat or just to have a drink)

Don't forget to book a table on their websites (yes even to drink only you will need a reservation or it's likely that you won't find a table)

Cร‰ LA VI Singapore: Restaurant, SkyBar & Club Lounge
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Located at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Cร‰ LA VI offers a luxurious rooftop experience with stunning panoramic views of the city skyline. This multi-concept venue combines a rooftop restaurant, sky bar, and nightclub. The modern and chic atmosphere, coupled with a menu of Asian-inspired cuisine and creative cocktails, makes Cร‰ LA VI a popular destination.
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LeVeL33
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Head up to Level33 at Marina Bay Financial Centre if you're into craft beer and awesome panoramas. It's the highest urban craft brewery worldwide. The place is chill with an industrial vibe, and they brew their own beer. Plus, the food's European-style, good for a relaxed hangout or business meet-up.
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Kinki Restaurant + Bar
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Located near the Singapore River, there's Kinki, a trendy spot for modern Japanese eats. The place has a cool, graffiti-covered look, and you can sit outside on the terrace. Sushi and fusion dishes are their thing. It's a lively spot if you're after a bit of buzz with your meal.
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Spago Bar & Lounge
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Located in the Marina Bay Sands complex, Spago Bar & Lounge is celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck's sophisticated rooftop venue. Known for its modern Californian cuisine, the restaurant offers an elegant and relaxed atmosphere. You can enjoy panoramic views of the city while savoring a menu that features Puck's signature dishes or just get a drink.
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Getting around Singapore

The best and fastest way is to use Grab app (it's like Uber) but the cheapest way would be the MRT which is also very convenient. Your credit card is valid as a single ticket entry so you donโ€™t need to purchase tickets (you use it to enter)

Here is the map

Before you go

Visa

You do not need a visa if you are going for business or tourism for 90 days or less.

Travel Insurance

Don't forget a travel medical coverage for your trip! Nomad Insurance covers medical emergencies, travel delay, lost checked luggage and more. You can set specific travel dates or subscribe to continuous coverage if you're a frequent traveler. Check it here:

Currency

Singapore: Singapore Dollar with the code SGD

Sim Card

If you want to have always accessibility to internet to book Grab app and to check this guide with Thatch and get directions on Google Maps, don't forget to get a local Sim Card once arrived at the airport. If you're only staying for a few days also know that wifi is easy to find almost everywhere!

Weather

Singapore is hot and humid all year round, so you can visit whenever you want. But still, ย it's a good idea to always carry a small, portable umbrella for those sudden tropical downpours, especially during the monsoon season (November to January).

Language

You will be able to speak english, most of Singaporeans are fluent in it. They also speak Mandarin Chinese and Malay

Power Plug

The standard electrical current used in Singapore is 220-240 volts AC (power plugs with three square prongs) - don't forget to bring a univesal plug adapterย 

Useful numbers

Police: 999

Ambulance: 995

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nice to meet you! :) I'm Ludovica, a travel creator from Rome, Italy ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Here you can shop my travel guides or itineraries so you can easily replicate my trips! You can also check and save my free guides.๐Ÿ“ Every guide includes an interactive map which means that when you click on a place you can directly open it on Google maps from your phone, call restaurants or book hotels ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Don't forget to download the free Thatch App to get easier access from your phone๐Ÿ“ฑ Subscribe to get notified when I publish a new guide or when I update one and to receive special discount codes ๐Ÿ’Œ Save entire days of planning and research, I do it for you :)
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