Singapore is not your typical "sightseeing city" where you tick off one temple after another like Bangkok or Yogyakarta.

It's more about the experience - the modern architecture, the food, the atmosphere and the things you just can't experience anywhere else in the world.

If I had to pick just a few things that are really worth it, it's the evening light shows at Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay, the hawker centres with local food and the modern architecture.

The best hotels in Singapore

Evening light shows in Singapore: which one to choose?

Singapore has two great free evening shows - and most people are debating whether it makes sense to go to both.

For me, it definitely does, because they're close together and you can easily catch both in one evening.

Plus, they both have a completely different look and vibe.

Nighttime spectacle at Gardens by the Bay

Find yourself for a moment in the fantasy land of Avatar.

Every day at night, Gardens by the Bay hosts a light show that illuminates local structures in the form of giant trees to the beat of music. You will be enchanted.

This is the more famous light show and, in my opinion, much better than Spectra.

• The light show among the "supertrees"
• music + synchronized lights
• dynamic and very original

The experience is very immersive and a bit different than a classic light show.

💡 My experience:
Lying down right under the trees completely changes the experience - otherwise it's not the same.

ℹ️ Handy:
The show takes place daily. For times and more of our photos, check out the venue details - Gardens by the Bay.

Spectra - Marina Bay Sands (lights + water)

The second show takes place right at the Marina Bay Sands hotel.

• A combination of fountains, lasers and projections
• classic style of big shows
• good atmosphere by the water

To be honest, I was expecting something monumental like the Symphony of Lights in Hong Kong.

The projection on the ArtSciense Museum building and the laser show is nice, but I left with a slight feeling of disappointment.

ℹ️ Handy:
The show takes place daily. You can find times and more of our photos in the venue details - Marina Bay.

Which is better?

I much preferred Gardens Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay.

I found it much more original and much more immersive.

💡 Best option:
You can easily catch both shows.

1. Gardens by the Bay at 7:45 p.m.
2. Spectra at 21:00

Or

1. Spectra at 20:00
2. Gardens by the Bay at 20:45

Walking time is approximately 20 minutes.

Both shows last 15 minutes.

Practical tips (experience on site)

• arrive 20-30 minutes early (especially Gardens by the Bay)
• Weekend = significantly more people
• ideal combination: show + evening walk around Marina Bay

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Hawker centres - this is the real Singapore

Hawker Malls are large food courts with dozens of stalls selling local and very cheap food.

This is part of Singaporean culture and one of the main activities you should definitely discover during your stay.

Very often, the stalls even have a mention in the Michelin guide - so it's an exaggeration to say that you can find the cheapest Michelin restaurants in the world in Singapore.

What will you discover at Hawker centres?

• Food for a few dollars
• a mix of Chinese, Indian, Malaysian cuisine
• an authentic atmosphere

I recommend it from personal experience:

• Lau Pa Sat - evening satay street
• Maxwell Food Centre - classics (chicken rice)
• Chinatown Complex Food Centre - most authentic

💡 Practical thing:
Many stalls - especially in the most touristy Lau Pa Sat - accept cards for payment. But cash will come in handy at the lesser-known hawker centres.

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Beaches - does it make sense to visit?

While Singapore is primarily an urban destination, you can also relax on some pretty nice beaches with fine white sand and palm trees.

All the main beaches are on Sentosa Island:

• Siloso Beach - the liveliest
• Palawan Beach - the most photogenic
• Tanjong Beach - the calmest

My experience

The beaches are rather average:

• the water is not exactly inviting
• you often see boats on the horizon
• it's not a tropical paradise like Thailand

But as a break from the city they work well.

Is it worth going to the beach?

✅ Yes, if:

• you want to take a break from the city
• you have more time in Singapore (3-4 days)
• you want to combine with other activities on Sentosa
• book a hotel directly in Sentosa

❌ Not likely if:

• you expect beautiful tropical beaches
• you only have 2 days in Singapore
• you plan to go further afield to Southeast Asia (there are much nicer beaches there)

Amusement parks and attractions

Sentosa is often presented as an "amusement island" - and it fits. You just need to set your expectations correctly.

👉 Don't expect giant theme parks like in the US or Japan.
👉 Expect a mix of smaller attractions, a waterpark and some pretty hilarious experiences.

For a detailed list of all attractions and parks, visit the official website sentosa.com.sg.

Universal Studios Singapore (the only major park)

The main "theme park" on Sentosa is Universal Studios Singapore.

Here you will find:

• roller coasters (Battlestar Galactica)
• 3D/4D attractions (Transformers is one of the best)
• themed zones (Egypt, sci-fi, Hollywood...)

Adventure Cove Waterpark (surprisingly good)

One of the best things about Sentosa: Adventure Cove Waterpark

• Classic water slides
• lazy river
• snorkeling among the fish (!)

iFly Singapore (indoor skydiving)

One of the most famous wind tunnels in the world.

• Free fall simulation
• suitable for beginners
• short experience (count minutes, not hours)

Zipline and other adrenaline rushes

There are also smaller adrenaline activities on Sentosa:

• MegaZip - zipline above the beach
• rope parks
• bungee/jumping (smaller attractions)

S.E.A. Aquarium (if you like the sea)

• one of the largest aquariums in Asia
• giant shark and ray tanks

Fine, but more if you have extra time or are travelling with kids.

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What you won't find here (a common mistake)

❌ No Disneyland
❌ no Harry Potter park
❌ no world-class "mega theme park"

Prospects: where to go and where not to go

Most people head to Marina Bay Sands SkyPark.

But I would consider it.

What I liked better:

• CapitaSpring Sky Garden - free sightseeing at Marina Bay Sands, but you need to book at least 3 (or more) days in advance)
• Pinnacle@Duxton - bridge connecting 4 residential buildings, cheap and almost completely tourist free

Or completely free sightseeing not from the high rise buildings but from the promenades along the water.

Among the best are Merlion Park on the promenade around Marina Bay.

If you're figuring out where to go for the best view, I recommend choosing just one option - no need to go around all of them. Singapore doesn't have quite as iconic a skyline as, say, New York or Hong Kong.

👉 My tip: the viewpoints from hotels work great too. Check out my recommendations on where to stay in Singapore for the best views.

Also, check out my review of my stay at Swissôtel The Stamford, which I think has the best view of the Marina Bay Sands building.

Shopping

Singapore is a shopper's paradise - but it depends what you're looking for.

• Orchard Road
  • The 2km long famous Ginza-style shopping avenue or 5. Avenue
  • luxury, air-conditioned malls, designer shops
• Marina Bay Sands Shoppes
  • luxury shopping mall directly below the Marina Bay Sands hotel
  • luxury boutiques, Michelin star restaurants and food court

For tourist souvenir shopping, head to the Chinatown area, especially Pagoda Street.

However, throughout Singapore you will come across a really large number of mainstream shopping malls.

Walking the promenades: the best free activity

Honestly - this was the one I enjoyed the most out of the whole of Singapore. Walking the promenades along the water.

I love cities that are closely connected to the water, both historic like Venice or Stockholm and modern like Sydney or Hong Kong.

And Singapore certainly hasn't let me down in that regard.

My favourite route is of course around Marina Bay - iconic buildings, skyline views, just what I love.

👉 You don't have to plan anything. Just go.

River Cruise (Singapore River Cruise)

The perfect activity when you're tired or in very hot weather when you don't want to walk around the city.

Small yellow and red boats sail along a short route connecting these places:

• Clarke Quay
• Boat Quay
• Marina Bay

Sail on traditional "bumboats" which now function as tourist boats.

The cruise usually lasts 45 minutes and the boats sail from 11:00 to 22:00.

• 28 sgd - Daily cruise
• 42 sgd - evening cruise during the Spectra light show
• Official website: rivercruise.com.sg

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter at the main boarding point at Boat Quay.

It's best to book tickets for the Spectra evening light show cruises in advance, perhaps through GetYourGuide.com.

What I would have done differently (my retrospective experience)

1️⃣ Over-scheduling
Singapore is about the atmosphere, not the checklist. For me, there's not much point in planning.

2️⃣ Too much time on site
Personally, I think Singapore is ideal for about 3 days. I wouldn't plan for more than that.

3️⃣ Going to expensive restaurants
Hawker centres are one of the symbols of Singapore. You can eat great and extra cheap.