Planning a trip to Singapore? Yeah, as you should. It was a pretty cool place to visit. How long do you need to see Singapore? My trip was four days, and while I feel like I got a great idea of the city, it was also a whirlwind. I would recommend a week to see everything worth visiting in Singapore.
Here are the top things you've got to see when visiting Singapore.
Easily the most iconic building in Singapore, the Marina Bay Sands hotel and casino has a lot to offer. You don't have to stay in the hotel to visit the top floor for the most breathtaking views of Singapore. Book a reservation at the Lavo restaurant, and put on your Sunday best for this epic photo op.
One of the absolute best botanical gardens I've ever been to is Singapore's Gardens by the Bay. The Skyway offers awesome views of downtown Singapore and the Marina Bay Sands, aka the "boat hotel." The Flower Dome is an incredibly beautiful homage to floral diversity, and the walk up and around the Cloud Dome waterfall is an amazing experience.
I always try to catch the botanical garden in whatever city I'm visiting. I'm quite a fan, and even by my high standards, Singapore's national botanical garden was amazing. There are four-foot long lizards, massive banyan trees, an orchid garden, a bonsai garden, two gorgeous treetop walks, a stage located in a lake, and so much more. You'll definitely want to see it, and you'll need a couple hours at least to get around. Admission is free, though you need to buy a ticket ($7) for the orchid garden.
The hike around the reservoir may be long, but it's totally worth it for the views, the treetop canopy walk, and of course these long-tailed macaques.
This colorful, hip neighborhood of Singapore is a must-visit. You can go for dinner, drinks, or just a walk down the alleyways if you want to do some souvenir shopping. You could spend an hour or a half a day here, but you definitely don't want to miss Haji Lane on your trip to Singapore.
Singapore’s Chinatown is a cramped and bustling district just above downtown. The best thing to do is obviously eat, but there are also shopping markets and the Buddha Relic Temple that is a Singapore must-see.
Singapore’s River Walk is a popular tourist activity, with all unique bridges, and along the way, Clarke Quay is a hip place for nightlife. There are great restaurants, bars, and river cruises leaving right from here.
Level 33 is bar and restaurant with amazing views of the marina and, across the water, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. This is another great spot for a view, but it's not as awesome as seeing the city from the hotel itself.
Singapore's official mascot, the Merlion, can be seen on logos and as sculptures across the country. This fountain is the original, and it's perfectly central between the marina boardwalk and the River Walk. Be warned: this is the most crowded place in Singapore, but that's because it's a great view and a must do!
