They say the best thing about Singapore is food and shopping. When your foot crosses the border of the Lion City, you will quickly understand it. However, Singapore, which is half the size of London, is much more than shops and restaurants. Take a look at our guide to help you discover the fascinating variety the city has to offer.

TRY ALL

Do what every Singaporean does and stroll through everything the city has to offer. Indian dosa seasoned well with various sauces, or Hainanese (chicken and rice) if you prefer Chinese cuisine. Try laksa, a spicy noodle soup, to indulge your taste buds with Malaysian cuisine, head to the mamak counter for an Indian-Malay concoction known as roti chanai (a type of flatbread). And if you like something sweet, try Singaporean kaya toast, a heavenly combination of coconut jam (kaya) with sugar, coconut milk and eggs served on toast.

DRINK YOURSELF COFFEE AND TEA

It is extremely important that you stay hydrated while exploring the city and discovering new places. In Singapore, this duty is pure pleasure. You need to remember two words: areteh (tea) and kop (coffee). You can find coffee and tea at Kop Thiam Coffee Shop, which offers countless types of popular drinks. If you’re already there, don’t forget to try tarik, Malaysia’s national drink, which translates to “flooded tea”. The composition is very simple: tea and milk, the method of preparation fully explains the name. From one cup you pour the drink into another, repeat everything until the tea is foamy. It may not seem attractive, you will understand the uniqueness of the process when you see it.

DISCOVER EXCENTRICITY

Be sure to visit Haji Lane in the Kampong Glam area. Converted into a hipster town, the Malay village will delight you with fun and eclectic energy. A small narrow street steeped in international culture and an artistic atmosphere without skyscrapers will make you forget that you are in the center of one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. Here you will find many unique shops, alternative eateries and cozy cafes where you can take a break from admiring the unusual architecture, colorful murals and amazing street art.

WHERE EAST MEETS WEST

Tiong Bahru is currently the most iconic suburb in Singapore. There are many cafes, bookstores, art galleries, and all this between Chinese buildings. Tiong Bahru is an artistic mix of east and west and is best visited on an afternoon stroll.

DISCOVER WHAT THE BAY CAN OFFER

Marina Bay is beautiful both day and night. It doesn’t really matter where you start your tour, but why not take a look at the city from the Singapore Flyer, one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world?

See the Merlion in Merlion Park, the famous half-fish-half-lion sculpture for an unforgettable photo shoot.

Then we recommend heading to the award-winning Gardens by the Bay. With breathtaking greenery offering a picnic spot, the world’s largest indoor waterfall, vertical gardens and gorgeous flowers, your Instagram won’t be able to keep up with posting your photos. Oh, and don’t forget that it’s all surrounded by a chain of shops, restaurants and museums and one particular building.

RAIN AND STREAM

The irresistible place is Marina Bay Sands: three cascading hotel towers with a 150-meter pool on the 57th floor. Let’s face it: there is nothing better than swimming in a place like this. Marina Bay also has nightclubs, casinos, shops, restaurants and a museum in case you get tired of looking at the pool.

ATTENTION UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE

Singapore boasts some world famous buildings, so get your camera ready! The Vertical Village, a structure resembling tenements, was named World Building of the Year 2015. A bit like playing with Jenga. Marina Bay Sands never ceases to amaze, as does the ArtScience Museum, which seems like a flower to some, and a robot to others. And while we’re interpreting architecture, let’s not forget the Esplanade, an art center shaped like a huge durian flower or a fly’s eye. If you still have room on your phone or camera memory card, head to Helix Bridge. Pose, shot, shot – Share.

DISCOVER THE WILD AND GREEN SIDE OF THE CITY

Singapore is like an urban jungle, the city is full of greenery that is simply impossible to miss. You can experience the city’s history by hopping on a bike (Punggol Waterway, Bidadari Cemetery or Halus Wetland) or admire the beautiful gardens and parks on foot. Soak up the soothing sunbeams at one of the many beaches (East Coast Park) or spot wildlife (Jurong Bird Park, Sungei Bulo or Chek Jawa).

Jump around the island

Sentosa is a beautiful island tourist resort less than a kilometer from Singapore. Sentosa in Malay means “peace and harmony”, although this place can hardly be called sleepy. After a short cable car ride from Singapore, you will see a large 5 square kilometer island full of interesting sights, theme parks and hotels.

But it’s not just about entertainment, Sentosa is also about rainforest, white sand beaches that will make your Instagram quickly fill with unforgettable photos.