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Small island, big appetite
Singapore in a Nutshell
Singapore is small on the map but it overdelivers. Sleek towers sit next to hawker stalls that have been feeding families for generations. Rooftop bars, futuristic gardens, colonial streets, and neighbourhoods that each feel like a different city, Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam, the CBD, all within a 45-minute MRT ride of each other. It's safe, easy to navigate, and the food alone is worth the flight.
13–14 hrs
Direct from the UK
Feb–Apr
Best time to visit
English
Main language, plus Singlish
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
100 SGD ≈ £60 / $77 / €65
Watch First
See Singapore in 60 Seconds
A quick look before you read on. Then read on for the full story.
Singapore is a city-state where futuristic architecture, lush gardens, diverse cultures, and incredible food come together in one remarkable destination. In just 60 seconds, we’ll explore the iconic Marina Bay skyline, the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, colourful neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Little India, world-class hawker food, and green spaces tucked between towering skyscrapers. Whether you’re visiting for a short stopover or a longer city break, Singapore proves that you don’t need a huge country to have a huge travel experience.
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When to go
Best Time To Visit Singapore
Singapore is warm and humid year-round, so the real question isn't "will it be hot" but "how wet will it be". Pick your season well and sightseeing gets a lot more comfortable.
The Sweet Spot
Feb – Apr
Slightly lower rainfall, plenty of sunshine, good conditions for walking neighbourhoods, gardens, and the waterfront without feeling like a permanent steam room.
Busy Season
Jun – Aug
Drier but busier, and it's peak holiday season, so hotels jump in price. Still great if you don't mind crowds and love an aircon break between outdoor stops.
Wettest Period
Nov – Jan
Heavier rain showers and the odd thunderstorm, but it comes in bursts. Pack a light rain jacket, plan a few indoor options, and your day won't get wrecked.
Good to know
What To Expect On The Ground
The practical stuff first-timers always ask about. Quick answers so you can plan without second-guessing.
Capital
Singapore itself, it's a city-state. Compact, clean, and easy to cross end to end on the MRT.
Money & ATMs
100 SGD ≈ £60 / $77 / €65. Cards and contactless work almost everywhere. Keep a little cash for hawker stalls and markets.
Plugs
Type G, same as the UK. 230V, 50Hz. UK plugs work as-is, everyone else needs an adapter.
Safety
One of the safest, easiest cities anywhere. Clean, well-lit, organised. Normal common sense still applies in crowds.
Language wins
English gets you everywhere. If someone calls you "lah", that's just Singlish, not an insult.
The rules are real
No vaping, no littering, no gum sales. Fines aren't symbolic here, so know the local rules before you go.
Right Now
Live Weather in Singapore
Straight from the source, updated as you read this.
28°C
- Temperature
Read before you fly
Essential Singapore Guides
From hawker centre crawls to baggage rules. The guides worth reading before you book anything. More landing here soon.
Essential Tips for Visiting Singapore
Everything you actually need to know before you go. Rules, etiquette, money, transport, and the mistakes worth skipping.
Read the guide
Singapore Airlines Baggage Allowance
Carry-on, checked bags, and fees explained. The full breakdown so you don't get caught out at the gate.
Read the guideFresh Off The Keyboard
Latest Singapore Articles
Every Singapore guide we publish lands here automatically.
City Guides (coming soon)
Itineraries + Maps (coming soon)
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do (coming soon)
Best Time to Visit (coming soon)
Travel Tips
Everything Else
The money bit
How Much Does Singapore Cost?
Singapore has a reputation for being expensive. It can be, but smart choices make a real difference. Here's what to actually expect, all prices in GBP, USD, and EUR.
Backpacker
~£55/day
~$70 / €65 / SGD 95
- Hostel dorms from £25/night
- Hawker centres every meal
- MRT and buses only
- Free parks, walks, viewpoints
Mid-Range
~£130/day
~$165 / €150 / SGD 225
- Private hotel or compact Airbnb
- Mix of hawker and proper restaurants
- MRT plus occasional Grab ride
- Paid attractions like Gardens by the Bay
Upscale
~£280+/day
~$355+ / €325+ / SGD 480+
- Marina Bay or boutique hotel
- Fine dining and rooftop cocktails
- Grab for everything, no queue tolerance
- Premium experiences and full-day tours
Budget
- Hostel dorm£25–£55 / $32–$70 / €29–€64
- Budget hotel£80–£160 / $100–$200 / €93–€186
Mid – Luxury
- Airbnb apartment£120–£220 / $150–$275 / €140–€255
- Boutique hotel£160–£350 / $200–$445 / €185–€410
City Travel
- MRT / bus£1–£2.50 / $1.25–$3.20 / €1.15–€2.90
- Airport train£1.50–£3 / $2–$4 / €1.75–€3.50
Other Trips
- Grab short trip£6–£15 / $8–$20 / €7–€17
- Bike rental£5–£15 / $6–$20 / €6–€17
Eat Cheap
- Hawker meal£3–£6 / $4–$8 / €3.50–€7
- Coffee£2.50–£5 / $3–$6.50 / €3–€5.80
Eating Out
- Mid-range restaurant£15–£35 / $20–$45 / €17–€40
- Beer at a bar£6–£12 / $8–$15 / €7–€14
Budget Fun
- Museum entry£8–£20 / $10–$25 / €9–€23
- Gardens by the Bay£15–£25 / $19–$32 / €17–€29
Big Experiences
- Skyline observation deck£20–£35 / $25–$45 / €23–€40
- River cruise / tour£20–£60 / $25–$75 / €23–€70
Stretch your dollar
How to Spend Less in Singapore
Small habits that add up fast. None of these mean roughing it, they just mean not overpaying.
Eat at hawker centres. Proper meals for £3–£6 ($4–$8). Follow the queues, trust the aunties, eat better than most restaurants.
Use the MRT and buses. Clean, fast, cheap. A contactless bank card works straight on the gates, no ticket machine faff.
Bring a reusable water bottle. Tap water is safe to drink. Refill at your hotel, cafes, and public fountains.
Grab breakfast from a supermarket. Fruit, yoghurt, drinks, sorted. Cuts costs on mornings before a full day of walking.
Do the free stuff first. Marina Bay promenade, Supertree Grove, Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam. Full days, minimal spend.
Book accommodation early. Prices spike fast on weekends and during events. Early booking gets better rooms at better prices.
Travel in shoulder periods. Avoid school holidays and major events. Same great city, calmer crowds, cheaper rooms.
Check for off-peak tickets. Observation decks and big attractions sometimes have cheaper time slots. Worth a two-minute search.
Skip overpriced tours when DIY works. A self-guided hawker crawl or neighbourhood walk beats a tour bus nine times out of ten.
Stay a few stops from Marina Bay. You'll still be on the MRT in minutes, and the price difference can be significant.
Use cards everywhere, keep a little cash. Keep £10–£15 ($12–$20) for smaller hawker stalls and markets.
Prioritise free light shows and events. Gardens by the Bay's light show and waterfront events are often free. Check what's on.
Getting around
How To Get Around Singapore
Good news: Singapore's public transport is so good it's basically showing off. Here's how to get around without a headache.
MRT Metro
The backbone of Singapore transport. Fast, air-conditioned, and connects basically everywhere you want to go.
- Cheap at £1–£2.50 (~$1.25–$3.20) per ride
- Covers all main attractions
- Doesn't run 24hrs, last train ~midnight
Grab (Ride-Hailing)
Singapore's answer to Uber. Safe, regulated, and everywhere. Best for late nights, rain, and humid platform waits.
- Door-to-door convenience
- Safe and metered
- Costs add up fast versus the MRT
Airport Transfer
Changi Airport is one of the world's easiest. The MRT goes directly into town, about 30 minutes and under £2.
- MRT direct to city centre
- Taxi/Grab also easy
- Skip overpriced private transfers solo
Public Bus
Great for neighbourhoods the MRT skips. Slower, but you see the city at street level.
- Same cheap pricing as the MRT
- Covers gaps the MRT doesn't
- Can be slow in traffic
Ferries
River taxis are a fun way to see the city from the water, and your connection to Sentosa if not walking the bridge.
- Scenic harbour and river routes
- Good for Sentosa access
- Limited to specific corridors
Cycling
Great in parks and dedicated paths, especially East Coast Park and Marina Bay. Not really a city-streets place though.
- East Coast Park is brilliant
- Bike hire is cheap
- Heat plus traffic makes city cycling uncomfortable
Exploring one area
MRT every time, cheaper and faster than any alternative
Late night or bad weather
Grab. No argument.
Day trip to Sentosa
Walk the bridge or catch the Sentosa Express
Cross-border to Malaysia
Bus or train, book early, mornings are calmer
Quick wins
Four Things Worth Knowing
Travel Off-Peak
The MRT is free between certain stations during morning off-peak hours. Check the SMRT site, a small but easy saving.
Get a Transit Card
A contactless bank card works straight on MRT gates and buses. No need for a separate card unless staying a while.
Start Early for Outdoors
Heat and humidity peak midday. Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, and waterfront walks are all better before 10am.
Always Carry an Umbrella
Singapore rain arrives fast and heavy. A compact umbrella lives in your bag the whole trip, non-negotiable.
Do More
Book Tours & Tickets
Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa, river cruises, and skip-the-line entries.
Before you go
Related Resources
The guides worth bookmarking for when something goes sideways, because sometimes it does.
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here's how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Read the GuidesTheft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won't see coming. We break down the common ones and how to dodge them.
Protect YourselfTravel Insurance
Don't skip this one. Singapore's healthcare is excellent but private, and priced accordingly. We compare policies and explain what you need.
Find the Right PolicyBefore you book
Singapore Travel FAQs
The questions we get asked most, answered honestly.
Do I need a visa to visit Singapore?
Is Singapore safe for tourists?
How expensive is Singapore?
What's the best time to visit Singapore?
Do I need travel insurance for Singapore?
How do I get around Singapore?
How many days do I need in Singapore?
Can I drink the tap water in Singapore?
What currency is used in Singapore?
What's Singlish and will I understand people?
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