My husband and I have visited Singapore twice, both as short two-day stopovers. The first was during New Year’s Eve on our Philippines / Cambodia trip in 2023, and the second was in August 2025 on the way to Indonesia. Even though staying in Singapore is expensive, the food is cheap and many attractions are free. Here are our favorite things to do from both trips:
1. Gardens by the Bay
Why Visit:
Gardens by the Bay is a a mix of stunning indoor and outdoor gardens. The indoor conservatories are a perfect escape from the heat and humidity, while the outdoor gardens are expansive and free.
Highlights:
- Cloud Forest → exotic plants from around the world with a towering indoor waterfall.
- Flower Dome → colorful flowers and succulents arranged seasonally in the largest glass greenhouse in the world.
- Supertree Grove → futuristic tree-like structures that come alive at night with free light shows.
2. Orchard Road
Why Visit:
Even if you’re not a big shopper, Orchard Road is worth strolling for the sheer scale—malls on both sides, endless food options, and plenty of air-conditioning breaks.
Highlights:
- Takashimaya Shopping Centre → a massive basement food hall with both international and local bites.
- Ion Orchard → high-end brands plus fun extras like a huge arcade (Timezone).
3. Merlion Park
Why Visit:
The Merlion (a half-lion, half-fish statue) is Singapore’s national mascot, representing its history as a fishing village and nickname “Lion City.”
Highlights:
- Waterfront views of Marina Bay Sands and the skyline.
- Visit at night to catch the free light & water show over the river.
4. Hawker Centers
Why Visit:
No trip to Singapore is complete without eating at a hawker centre. These open-air food courts are packed with stalls selling authentic and affordable dishes.
Highlights:
- Maxwell → best known for Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (Michelin Bib Gourmand), but we opted for Uncle Louis Famous Chicken Rice for shorter lines.
- Lau Pa Sat → bustling in the evening with satay skewers.
- Chinatown Complex Food Centre → the largest hawker centre in Singapore.
5. Singapore Botanical Garden
Why Visit:
A lush tropical escape in the heart of the city and the only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Highlights:
- National Orchid Garden → beautifully landscaped displays of orchids, the main draw for most visitors.
Planning a trip to Singapore? Check out my top 5 tips to make the most of your visit.