Singapore Travel Hub

Singapore Travel Guide 2026

Singapore ranks as one of Southeast Asia’s top travel destinations. From family-friendly attractions to being generally safe, clean, and having great transport links, Singapore has something for everyone.

Our Singapore travel guide has everything you need to plan your next trip to Singapore, including where to stay, how to get around Singapore, SIM cards for travellers, best attractions, where to eat, and travel tips.

You can use this Singapore travel guide as your handy-dandy one stop shop for everything you need to plan your trip. Below are links to our travel guides on where to stay in Singapore, what to eat in Singapore, top attractions, transport, SIM cards and family friendly Singapore.

This guide is written by a Singapore-based traveller who has lived in Singapore for years and regularly updates content based on real-world experience and local research.

Singapore Travel Overview (At a Glance)

  • Best for: Families, first-time visitors, food lovers
  • Safety: Very high
  • Public transport: Excellent (MRT, buses, and taxis/ride-hailing)
  • Cost level: High compared to most of Southeast Asia
  • English spoken: Yes – widely used and one of the official languages
  • Tap water safe: Yes – safe to drink from the tap in most places
Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Singapore

Picking where to stay in Singapore is just as important as choosing your hotel. Different neighbourhoods give you very different experiences – from iconic Marina Bay skylines to family-friendly Sentosa resorts and great-value city-centre locations.

Marina Bay – Best for First-Time Visitors & Views

Stay in Marina Bay if you want classic postcard views, easy access to Gardens by the Bay, and direct connections to major malls and attractions.

  • Iconic skyline and waterfront walks
  • Close to Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park, and the CBD

Orchard Road – Best for Shopping & Central Access

Orchard Road is ideal if you love shopping malls, air-conditioned walkways, and staying somewhere central with plenty of dining choices.

  • Endless malls, cafes, and restaurants
  • Easy MRT connections to Marina Bay and the rest of the city

Sentosa – Best for Families & Resorts

Sentosa is Singapore’s resort island, perfect for families who want pools, beaches, and easy access to attractions like Universal Studios Singapore.

  • Resort-style stays with kids’ facilities
  • Close to beaches, adventure parks, and family attractions

Bugis & City Hall – Best Value & Transport Access

Bugis and City Hall offer great value for money, excellent MRT links, and easy access to both Marina Bay and older cultural neighbourhoods.

  • Good mix of mid-range and boutique hotels
  • Walkable to Kampong Glam and the Civic District

How to Get Around in Singapore

Singapore has one of the easiest public transport systems in Asia. Between the MRT, buses, and affordable ride-hailing, it is simple to move between attractions, food areas, and your hotel.

  • MRT: The fastest and most convenient way to move around the city for most visitors.
  • Buses: Great for filling in gaps between MRT stations and certain neighbourhoods.
  • Ride-hailing (Grab, Gojek, taxis): Best for late nights, families with kids, or when carrying luggage.
  • Payment: Use a contactless bank card, EZ-Link card, or tourist transport pass.

Singapore Prepaid SIM Card for Tourists

Staying connected makes it much easier to navigate Singapore, book rides, and check opening hours. Tourist SIM cards come with generous data and are easy to buy at the airport or in the city.

  • Buy at Changi Airport on arrival or at major malls and convenience stores.
  • Look for bundles that include local data, hotspot use, and regional roaming if you are visiting nearby countries.
  • Read our full Singapore SIM card guide

Best Attractions in Singapore

Singapore attractions range from iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay to family-friendly parks, wildlife experiences, and cultural neighbourhoods. Below are curated guides to help you decide what to do based on your travel style.

Best Family-Friendly Attractions in Singapore

Top Iconic Attractions in Singapore

Singapore attraction guides

What to Eat in Singapore (Local Food & Must-Try Restaurants)

Singapore is one of the best places in the world to eat, from humble hawker centres to Michelin-starred restaurants. Focus on classic local dishes, explore different neighbourhood food streets, and do not be afraid to join long queues – they usually signal something good.

  • Visit famous Singapore hawker centres like Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat, and Chinatown Complex.
  • Try local dishes such as chicken rice, laksa, chilli crab, satay, and kaya toast.
  • Explore food streets and kopitiams (local coffee shops) for affordable meals.
  • Looking for Sichuan, Hunan, hotpot or dim sum? Browse our Chinese restaurants in Singapore guide with places we have personally tried.
Singapore food guides

Singapore Travel FAQ

  • Is Singapore an expensive city?

    Singapore can be expensive relative to other Asian cities when it comes to accommodation and drinking. However, smart travellers can eat at hawker centres for most meals, use public transport, and book hotels outside of the Marina Bay area in districts like Bugis or City Hall.

  • How many days are enough for Singapore?

    With three full days, you can comfortably explore Singapore's main attractions, sample local cuisine, and visit one or two neighbourhoods on a first visit. Add an extra day or two if you are travelling with kids, want to see Sentosa at a slower pace, or plan to take day trips from Singapore.

  • Is Singapore family friendly?

    Singapore is generally safe for families with young children, solo travellers, and older parents. Violent crimes are uncommon and the streets are well lit at night. Public transport is excellent so as long as you maintain your regular travel safety habits like keeping an eye on your belongings and taking licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps, you will be fine.

  • Do I need cash in Singapore?

    Credit cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere in Singapore, particularly in malls and larger restaurants. However, having some cash on hand is helpful at hawker stalls, older coffee shops, and neighbourhood businesses that prefer cash or only accept notes and coins.