Updated: April 2026
Singapore is one of the top five most visited cities in the world. It is an island, a nation, and a beautiful city.
It is spotlessly clean even chewing gum is banned! I found it very safe and a relaxed place to visit.
Singapore is also a hub for travellers heading to other Southeast Asian destinations. A lot can be achieved on a three-day stopover. Apart from a city tour, “must-see” places include Merlion Park, the impressive Marina Bay, the historic Civic District, Thian Hock Keng Temple, and the beautiful orchid gardens within Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Marina Bay
One of Singapore’s most exciting areas is Marina Bay, where you’ll find stunning views of both the water and the city skyline.
I took this photo from the top of Marina Bay Sands — the view was absolutely breathtaking.
The waterfront promenade stretches for over 3.5km, linking many of the area’s attractions. In the evening, the light and water show at Marina Bay Sands is a “must-see”. I couldn’t resist taking a video and you can hear me saying “wow” several times! It honestly beats the light shows in Las Vegas and Dubai hands down, which I have also seen.
Gardens by the Bay
These man-made “super trees” at Gardens by the Bay are amazing. Music plays at intervals, bringing the whole place to life. It feels quite magical. The gardens are a multi award-winning attraction, featuring over half a million plants.
Inside the conservatories, the Cloud Forest is particularly impressive. It houses one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls, measuring an incredible 35 metres, surrounded by lush vertical planting displays.
Singapore Botanic Gardens – A Peaceful Escape
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a beautiful and peaceful escape from the city.
This multi award-winning garden is home to over half a million plants and is one of Singapore’s most loved green spaces.
One of the highlights for me was the National Orchid Garden. If you enjoy flowers, this is a must-see. There are so many different varieties, all beautifully displayed, and many are named after well-known figures, including Nelson Mandela, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
It’s quite fun walking around and seeing how many names you recognise.
Local Food Experience
I was disappointed not to have afternoon tea at the famous Raffles Hotel Singapore, as it was closed for renovation during my visit.
However, I did experience the local food markets and this turned out to be one of the highlights. What used to be street food has now been brought together into designated food courts across the city. These places are full of life, like a giant open-air canteen buzzing with activity.
Luckily, many of the stalls display pictures of their dishes, so it’s easy to point and order.
We had to hustle for tables and seats along with the locals, which made the whole experience feel even more authentic.
Some of my fellow travellers were less adventurous and stuck to familiar food, but I loved trying something different.
Without a local guide, I would never have found these places, definitely one of the perks of having local knowledge.
Chinatown
I also visited Chinatown Singapore.
The neighbourhood was originally a settlement for early Chinese immigrants and has retained its name, although today it is a mix of historic temples, traditional medicine shops, and modern bars and boutiques.
It’s an interesting area to wander around and, of course, a good place to shop!
Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport has been voted the world’s best airport multiple times, and I was curious to see why. There is so much to see and do across its four terminals that you really need time to explore.
In fact, I nearly missed my flight trying to find one of its famous attractions — the butterfly garden in Terminal 3! I have to admit, I was slightly disappointed. I had expected something much bigger and more elaborate, but it was quite small and compact. That said, there were other features I really enjoyed — the koi pond was lovely, and the huge vertical plant wall with its own sprinkler system was fascinating.
Local people even visit the airport just to eat, shop, and spend time there.
Is it the best airport in the world? I’m not sure yet. I think I need to visit a few more before I decide! But it is certainly one of the most interesting I’ve experienced.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed my time in Singapore. It was relaxing, refreshing, and incredibly clean, modern with plenty of unique experiences, from the super trees to the orchid gardens.
I would definitely choose Singapore as a stopover again. There is still so much more to see and do, and next time, afternoon tea at Raffles will be top of my list.
You may be interested in the Great Wall of China – one of the seven wonders of the world.
