This Singapore guide might just have you book that trip

Put a finger down if Singapore immediately makes you think of Crazy Rich Asians – I’ll go first. There’s something irresistibly pop-culturey about the city, from its glittering skyline and grand hotels carrying history and stories to its hawker stalls, hidden cocktail bars and history-filled neighbourhoods. And, of course, the shopping list I’ve been quietly building in my Instagram saves. If Singapore is calling your name (or you’re just one flight-search spiral away from booking those tickets), consider this your cheat sheet. Here’s our edit of the coolest places to stay, eat, sip and shop in the city.

Where to stay-

Set on Singapore’s waterfront, Marina Bay Sands Singapore is one of the OGs, housing around 1,850 rooms and suites, the legendary Sands SkyPark and infinity pool, luxury shopping at The Shoppes, celebrity-chef restaurants, theatres, nightlife and the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum under one roof. Its real draw is the sheer variety of experiences; from panoramic city views 56 storeys above Singapore, immersive art exhibitions to even sampan rides. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore is a dream for art connoisseurs. Along with the skyline views and grand rooms, you’ll find one of Southeast Asia’s largest contemporary art collections (around 4,200 works, including pieces by Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Frank Stella and Dale Chihuly.) Add to that the one-MICHELIN-star Summer Pavilion, heritage-inspired dining at Colony, 1960s-inspired cocktails at Republic, the Ritz Lounge’s afternoon tea and a serene spa, and you really don’t need to step out. 

Set across 30 acres of lush rainforest on Sentosa Island, Capella Singapore feels like a tropical hideaway with plenty of luxury thrown in. The space brings together restored 19th-century colonial bungalows and sweeping contemporary architecture, with 113 rooms, suites, villas and private-pool manors. Add to that Cassia for refined Cantonese, Fiamma for Italian comfort food, The Pineapple Room for cocktails, and Auriga Spa, a 1,114-sq-metre wellness sanctuary built around lunar-inspired treatments. It has also been a fixture on The World’s 50 Best Hotels list since 2023, and that’s a flex enough. 

Raffles Singapore is where you get to live the Singaporean history. Opened in 1887 as a humble 10-room property by the Sarkies brothers, this National Monument has evolved into one of the world’s most storied grand hotels known for its white colonial architecture and old-world glamour. Its 115 suites sit alongside an impressive dining line-up, from French gastronomy at 1887 by André and wood-fired cooking at Butcher’s Block to Cantonese cuisine at 藝 yì by Jereme Leung and the historic Tiffin Room. Then there’s Long Bar, the birthplace of the Singapore Sling in 1915, and Writers Bar, inspired by the literary legends who once stayed here. 

Four Seasons Hotel Singapore is the kind of hotel every explorer should check into, thanks to its close proximity to Orchard Road (a heaven for shoppers). With 259 rooms and suites, six dining venues, a wonderful spa, there’s plenty to do without leaving the property. It also gets bonus points for being pet-friendly, because even our furry babies deserve a Four Seasons holiday.

Where to eat & sip-

28 HongKong Street, hidden behind an unassuming shophouse façade, helped put Singapore on the global drinking map. The current ‘Now & Then’ menu is where you’ll find classics with contemporary riffs. Order a Paper Plane, Negroni or Old Fashioned if you want to get a taste of its cocktail DNA.

ANTI:DOTE at Fairmont Singapore is all about turning drinks into little “cure-alls”. Try its signature Cure-All cocktails, alongside the braised Angus Signature Burger or Hokkaido scallops, or come for the famously theatrical afternoon tea.

Burnt Ends is where Chef Dave Pynt shows off his open-fire cooking, and everyone should experience it once. The Burnt Ends Sanger, smoked quail egg with caviar, king crab with brown butter and onglet with bone marrow are among the dishes you need to look out for.

If Singapore’s hawker culture is on your list, Maxwell Food Centre is non-negotiable. With more than 100 stalls, it’s the place to graze your way through local favourites. Start with Tian Tian’s Hainanese chicken rice, then make room for rojak, ngoh hiang and other traditional hawker bites.

For a taste of Singapore’s Indian and South Asian food culture, wander through Tekka Centre in Little India. Their South Indian dosas, biryani, roti prata, mutton dishes and teh tarik are surprisingly good. Stroll through the market downstairs for a sensory hit of spices, produce and fresh meats.

And if you’ve still got some time, make an evening of Chinatown’s Club Street and Keong Saik Road – two neighbourhoods packed with restaurants, cocktail bars and buzzy little drinking spots, perfect for going from dinner to “just one drink” (we all know how that ends).

Where to shop-

Orchard Road is Singapore’s ultimate retail marathon. You’ll find luxury flagships, department stores and high-street fashion. Start at ION Orchard for Chanel, Dior, Loewe, Celine and COS, then make your way to Takashimaya Shopping Centre for its sprawling department store and Kinokuniya, or Paragon for brands like Balenciaga, Burberry, Moncler and Jimmy Choo.

For something more local, creative and decidedly less mall-like, head to New Bahru, a restored 1960s school turned Singapore’s cool-kid shopping address in River Valley. Its growing community of 60+ brands includes BEAMS’ first Southeast Asian store, Stacked Store, LAIFABA and Kulon, and so much more across categories.

LUMINE Singapore at Raffles City is for all the Japanese fashion obsessed girlies. It gives you the Tokyo department-store experience in Raffles City, with a curated mix of Japanese and international labels spanning fashion, accessories and lifestyle you’re unlikely to find in Singapore’s big luxury malls.

For vintage finds, independent labels and a little Singaporean eccentricity, wander through Haji Lane and Arab Street. You’ll find colourful shophouses, small fashion boutiques, jewellery, homeware and local labels perfect for souvenirs that don’t scream “airport shopping.”

When are you booking the flight, then?

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