Singapore
Discover Singapore in 2026: honest costs from $70/day, best hotels from $50, top attractions, insider tips. Realistic guide for first-time visitors.
Singapore is a modern city-state where East meets West across just 733 square kilometers. Expect spotless streets, world-class attractions, efficient public transport, and incredible food at every price point. The tropical climate means heat and humidity year-round, with the best weather from February to April. Budget $70-100 daily for comfortable travel, though you can stretch less with hawker center meals and public transit.
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
📋 Singapore at a Glance
Singapore doesn't fit the usual backpacker trail. This tiny island nation feels more like a well-oiled machine than a laid-back Southeast Asian escape. Everything works. The trains run on time. The streets stay spotless. You can drink the tap water without a second thought.
What you get is a collision of cultures packed into just 733 square kilometers. Chinese temples sit next to Hindu shrines. Malay mosques share streets with colonial-era buildings. Supertrees tower over gardens while hawker centers serve $3 meals that rival $30 restaurants.
The heat hits you the moment you step outside. Temperatures hover around 30°C year-round, and the humidity makes every walk feel like a workout. But everything's air-conditioned, from the metro stations to the shopping malls.
Yes, it's more expensive than Thailand or Vietnam. But you don't need a fortune. Hawker centers feed you well for under $10 a day. The metro costs $1-2 per ride. Free attractions outnumber the paid ones.
This guide breaks down what you actually need to know. Real costs. Honest advice. The stuff you won't find in glossy brochures.
🗓️ When to Visit Singapore
The best time to visit Singapore is February through April when rainfall drops and humidity stays slightly more tolerable. Temperatures hover around 28-32°C year-round, so you'll never escape the heat. November to January brings the wettest months with afternoon downpours, though they rarely last long. July and August see school holidays and higher hotel rates despite the heat.
Singapore Climate Overview
Singapore sits just one degree north of the equator. That means tropical heat and humidity every single day of the year. Your clothes stick to your skin within minutes of stepping outside. Your phone overheats in direct sunlight. Air conditioning becomes your best friend.
February to April offers the driest stretch of the year. You still get occasional rain, but not the daily afternoon storms that define November through January. Humidity drops slightly, from unbearable to merely uncomfortable.
"The weather felt slightly less oppressive during my March visit. Still hot, but manageable."
— Visitor feedback, TripAdvisor
The catch? These dry months also see peak tourist crowds. Hotels jack up prices by 30-40%. Popular attractions like Gardens by the Bay and Universal Studios fill up by mid-morning. You'll wait in lines.
November through January marks the monsoon season. Afternoon downpours arrive like clockwork around 3-4 PM. They're heavy, sudden, and short. Twenty minutes later, the sun returns and steam rises from the pavement.
"We visited in December and just planned indoor activities for afternoons. Hotel rates were 40% cheaper than peak season."
— r/SingaporeTravel, Reddit
July and August bring school holidays across Asia. Families descend on theme parks and waterfront areas. Prices spike again. The heat feels worse somehow, even though temperatures barely change. Fair warning: these months drain your energy fast.
Worth noting: Singapore celebrates major festivals year-round. Chinese New Year in February transforms the city with decorations and night markets. The Great Singapore Sale in June offers deep discounts. National Day on August 9 brings fireworks and street celebrations. Timing your visit around these events adds color, but also crowds.
✈️ How to Get to Singapore
Changi Airport (SIN) serves as Singapore's main gateway and consistently ranks among the world's best airports. The MRT connects directly to the city center in 30-40 minutes for around $2. Taxis cost $20-30 depending on destination and time of day. Regional buses from Malaysia and ferries from Indonesia offer budget overland options. Private airport transfers run $30-50 for door-to-door service.
Changi Airport doesn't feel like an airport. It feels like a small city where everything works perfectly. Free movie theaters, butterfly gardens, rooftop pools, and the world's tallest indoor waterfall all sit inside the terminals. You can shower, sleep in transit hotels, or explore for hours without spending a dollar.
Most international travelers fly in. Changi connects to over 400 cities worldwide. Immigration moves fast. Your bags arrive quickly. Free WiFi blankets every terminal.
Getting to the city takes minutes. The East-West MRT line runs directly from Terminals 2 and 3. Trains depart every 5-10 minutes from early morning until midnight. The journey to downtown stations like City Hall or Raffles Place costs around $2 and takes 30-40 minutes.
"The airport-to-city connection is genuinely the easiest I've experienced anywhere."
— Traveler feedback, Google Reviews
Taxis wait outside every terminal. Standard fares to central areas run $20-30, though surcharges apply during peak hours and midnight to 6 AM. Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) works at the airport and often costs slightly less. Private transfers booked online cost $30-50 and take you directly to your hotel.
Budget travelers coming from Malaysia can take long-distance buses. Services from Kuala Lumpur cost $15-25 and take around 5 hours to reach Singapore's various bus terminals. The journey's comfortable, with air conditioning and WiFi on most coaches.
Ferries connect Singapore to Indonesia's Batam and Bintan islands. These depart from HarbourFront Ferry Terminal and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. Crossing times run 45-60 minutes, with fares around $25-40 one way. The land border crossing from Johor Bahru, Malaysia sees heavy traffic, especially on weekends.
🚇 How to Get Around Singapore
Singapore's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) covers most tourist areas efficiently and cheaply, with fares around $1-2 per trip. Buses fill the gaps for $0.80-1.50 per ride. Taxis and Grab rides cost $8-15 for cross-island trips. Walking works well in compact neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little India. Singapore's small size means you rarely travel more than 30 minutes anywhere.
The MRT becomes your lifeline in Singapore. Clean trains, clear signage in English, and stations every few blocks make navigation effortless. The system runs from 5:30 AM to midnight daily, with extended hours until 1 AM on weekends.
Buy an EZ-Link card at any station for $10 ($5 deposit, $5 stored value) and tap in and out at gates. Fares calculate by distance, ranging from $0.80 to around $2.50 for most tourist journeys. A day of hopping around costs $8-12 total. You can also use contactless credit cards on newer gates, charged at the same rates.
"The MRT is cleaner than most hotel rooms."
— Visitor feedback, TripAdvisor
They're not exaggerating. Eating, drinking, and even bringing durians on trains results in heavy fines. The system enforces rules strictly.
Buses complement the MRT beautifully. They reach areas trains don't, like the east coast beaches and some residential neighborhoods. Fares run $0.80-1.50 per ride, paid with the same EZ-Link card. Google Maps gives accurate bus timing and routes.
Taxis wait at designated stands outside malls and attractions. Flag-fall starts at $3.90, climbing by distance and time. Peak hour surcharges (6-9 AM, 6-midnight Monday-Friday) add 25%. Late-night surcharges (midnight-6 AM) tack on 50%. A typical cross-island trip costs $12-18. Grab often beats taxi prices by 10-20% and lets you see the fare upfront.
"I walked way more than expected. Everything's closer than it looks on a map."
— r/travel, Reddit
Walking works surprisingly well in concentrated areas. Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam, and Marina Bay all reward exploration on foot. Covered walkways connect many buildings downtown, offering shade and air conditioning between destinations. Cycling isn't practical for tourists. The heat makes pedaling exhausting, and bike infrastructure remains limited outside parks.
🏛️ Top Attractions in Singapore
Singapore concentrates world-class attractions in a tiny area. Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and Sentosa Island top most lists. Many excellent sites like the Merlion, Botanic Gardens, and waterfront promenades cost nothing. Budget $30-50 per person for paid attractions. Book popular sites like Cloud Forest and Universal Studios online in advance to save time and sometimes money.
The city doesn't spread attractions across hundreds of kilometers like other capitals. You can hit five major sites in a single day without feeling rushed.
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay dominates every Singapore photo you've ever seen. Those towering Supertrees aren't just for show. They collect rainwater, generate solar power, and light up with a free sound-and-light show twice nightly at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM. The grounds stay free to explore, but the real draws cost money: Cloud Forest ($22 adult) and Flower Dome ($22 adult). Both conservatories deliver.
"The Cloud Forest waterfall took my breath away. Worth every dollar of the admission."
— Visitor feedback, TripAdvisor
Experience: Inside the Cloud Forest
Step into the Cloud Forest and the temperature drops 10 degrees. The world shifts. A 35-meter waterfall crashes down through mist so thick you can barely see the top. The air tastes cool and green. Water droplets settle on your arms and face as you start the climb up the spiral walkway.
The structure wraps around the mountain like a metal ribbon. Plants crowd every ledge, growing from walls, hanging from ceilings, spilling over railings. Orchids, ferns, pitcher plants. Some you recognize. Most you don't. The mist swirls around everything, sometimes thick enough to hide the floor below.
You hear the waterfall constantly. It echoes through the dome, layered with the hum of ventilation systems and the shuffle of hundreds of feet on the walkway. Someone near you gasps as they round a corner and see the full height of the falls.
The walkway leads you higher, past vertical gardens that smell like wet earth and jungle flowers. Your fingers brush cool metal railings. The mist leaves your clothes damp. At the top, you look down through the fog at the canopy below, everything dreamlike and otherworldly. It feels nothing like Singapore. It feels like you've stepped into another climate entirely.
Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands defines the modern skyline. Three towers supporting a boat-shaped rooftop. The infinity pool up top stays reserved for hotel guests only, despite what some tour operators claim. Non-guests can visit the SkyPark Observation Deck on the 57th floor for $28 adult. The views stretch across the entire island. Go at sunset if you can time it right.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island functions as Singapore's playground. Universal Studios Singapore pulls the biggest crowds ($81 adult), with shorter lines than its American cousins. S.E.A. Aquarium ($41 adult) houses over 100,000 marine animals behind the world's largest viewing panel. Beaches ring the southern coast, though they're man-made and the water stays murky. Cable cars to the island cost $35 round-trip but offer decent views.
Free Attractions
Singapore Botanic Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage site with 82 hectares of green space. The orchid garden ($5) showcases thousands of varieties. The rest stays free and perfect for morning walks before the heat peaks.
Merlion Park: Singapore's iconic half-lion, half-fish statue spouts water into Marina Bay. Touristy? Absolutely. But you'll want the photo.
Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam: These ethnic enclaves pack temples, markets, street art, and character into compact blocks. Just walking through costs nothing and reveals layers most tours miss.
But here's what travelers don't expect: the best moments often happen between the big attractions. Stumbling on a hidden temple. Finding a hawker stall locals queue 30 minutes for. Watching the city light up from a riverside bench.
🍜 Where to Eat in Singapore
Hawker centers define Singapore's food scene: open-air food courts serving $3-5 meals that rival restaurant quality. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all cost under $10 per person at hawker stalls. Mid-range restaurants run $15-30 per meal. Fine dining starts around $80-150. Street food is safe, delicious, and where locals actually eat.
Singapore's food scene punches way above its tiny size. You can eat for $5 or $500, and both meals will be exceptional. The secret? Hawker centers.
These open-air food courts pack dozens of stalls under one roof. Each stall specializes in one or two dishes, perfected over decades. Chicken rice. Char kway teow. Laksa. Hokkien mee. Satay. Roti prata. The variety overwhelms first-timers.
Prices stay absurdly low. A full meal costs $3-5. Drinks add $1-2. You can feast on three different dishes for $12 total.
"The hawker center food genuinely rivals expensive restaurants. I ate at both and honestly preferred the $4 laksa."
— Visitor feedback, TripAdvisor
Best Hawker Centers
Maxwell Food Centre (Chinatown): Famous for Tian Tian chicken rice, though the queues stretch 40 minutes during lunch. The other stalls here match the quality without the wait.
Old Airport Road Food Centre: Massive complex with over 100 stalls. Less touristy, more local. The fried oyster omelette stalls draw crowds from across the island.
Lau Pa Sat: Historic building in the financial district. The satay street section fires up each evening, filling the air with charcoal smoke and peanut sauce.
Tekka Centre (Little India): Go for South Indian breakfast. Masala dosa, idli, and thosai for $3-4. The banana leaf rice during lunch hours fills you completely for $5.
Restaurant meals cost more but expand the range. Little India serves incredible North and South Indian cuisine for $10-15 per person. Chinatown offers everything from dim sum to Sichuan hot pot. Arab Street (Kampong Glam) specializes in Middle Eastern and Turkish food.
"We skipped the fancy restaurants after discovering hawker food. Best decision of the trip."
— r/travel, Reddit
Pro tip: don't skip breakfast. Kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs and coffee costs $4 at Yakun or Killiney Kopitiam and fuels you until lunch.
🏨 Where to Stay in Singapore
Budget hotels and hostels around Chinatown, Little India, and Bugis start at $30-60 per night. Mid-range hotels in Marina Bay and Orchard run $100-180. Luxury properties like Marina Bay Sands and Raffles begin around $400-600. Location matters less than you'd think due to excellent public transport. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates and availability.
Singapore's small size means location matters less than in sprawling cities. Anywhere with an MRT stop puts you 20-30 minutes from major attractions. Focus on neighborhood vibe and budget instead.
Best Neighborhoods for Tourists
Chinatown: The sweet spot for budget and mid-range travelers. Hostels start around $30 per night for dorms, $60-80 for private rooms. The neighborhood buzzes with street markets, temples, and food options. Chinatown MRT provides easy access across the island.
"Chinatown was perfect for our first visit. Everything we needed within walking distance."
— Singapore Forum, TripAdvisor
Little India: Slightly cheaper than Chinatown and way more colorful. The streets overflow with sari shops, spice markets, and flower sellers. Accommodation ranges from $25 hostels to $70 budget hotels. Fair warning: it's grittier and louder than other areas. Some travelers love the energy. Others find it overwhelming.
"Bugis is probably one of the best locations to stay in. Not too expensive, with plenty of amenities available from morning till late."
— r/SingaporeTravel, Reddit
Bugis: Young, trendy, and well-connected. Shopping malls, street markets, and food centers cluster around Bugis MRT. Hotels run $70-120 per night.
Marina Bay: The postcard view comes with premium prices. Hotels here start around $150 and climb to $600+ for Marina Bay Sands. You're paying for location and luxury, not value. But waking up to that skyline view? Some travelers find it worth the splurge.
Orchard Road: Shopping central. Malls stretch for kilometers. Hotels cater to business travelers and shoppers, ranging $120-300 per night. Convenient but sterile. Less character than ethnic neighborhoods.
Sentosa Island: Resort territory. Beaches, theme parks, and high-end hotels ($200-500 per night). Feels disconnected from the rest of Singapore. Great for families wanting a beach resort vibe. Less ideal for exploring the city.
Booking Tips
- Book 2-3 months ahead for February-April and July-August peak seasons
- Check if breakfast is included (can save $15-20 per day)
- Many hotels add 10% service charge and 9% GST on top of listed rates
- Look for properties near MRT stations for easy transport
📋 Practical Information
Singapore uses the Singapore Dollar (SGD), with ATMs everywhere and cards widely accepted. US, UK, EU, and many other passport holders receive 30-90 day visa-free entry. Tap water is safe to drink. WiFi is free in malls, cafes, and most public areas. English is an official language. Electrical outlets use UK-style three-pin plugs (230V).
Money
The Singapore Dollar (SGD) trades around $1 USD = $1.35 SGD (rates fluctuate). ATMs appear every few blocks, with minimal fees from local banks. Credit cards work everywhere except small hawker stalls and some markets. Carry $20-50 cash for these situations.
Tipping isn't expected. Most restaurants add a 10% service charge automatically. Hawker centers don't expect tips at all. Taxi drivers don't expect tips either, though rounding up is appreciated.
Internet & Connectivity
Free WiFi blankets shopping malls, coffee shops, libraries, and many public spaces. Connection quality varies but generally works fine for messaging and maps. Consider buying a local SIM card at the airport ($15-20 for 100GB data) if you need consistent connectivity.
Health & Safety
Singapore ranks among the world's safest cities. Violent crime stays extremely rare. Petty theft exists but remains uncommon. Walk anywhere at any hour without serious concern. Street crime simply doesn't happen much here.
Medical care reaches world-class standards but costs real money without insurance. Travel insurance becomes essential. Tap water exceeds most Western countries' quality. Drink straight from the tap without worry.
Visas
Most passport holders (US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, and many others) receive 30-90 day visa-free entry stamps on arrival. Check your specific country's status before traveling. Your passport needs at least 6 months validity remaining.
Language
English is one of four official languages. Everyone speaks it, though Singlish (Singapore English) adds local flavor with shortened words and mixed languages. You'll catch on quickly. Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil are the other official languages, reflecting Singapore's multicultural makeup.
Electricity
Singapore uses Type G plugs (UK-style three-pin) at 230V. Bring an adapter if you're coming from the US or countries using different plug types.
🙏 Cultural Etiquette in Singapore
Singapore enforces strict laws that surprise visitors: no chewing gum, no jaywalking, no littering, and no eating or drinking on public transit. Fines start at $500 and climb from there. Modest dress in religious sites. Remove shoes before entering homes and some shops. Public displays of affection remain acceptable but restrained.
Singapore takes rules seriously. What feels like minor infractions elsewhere can cost you hundreds of dollars here.
The Big Rules
- No chewing gum: It's not just discouraged. It's illegal to bring it into the country. Fines reach $1,000. The rule dates back to vandals using gum to jam train doors.
- No littering: Drop a cigarette butt? That's $300-1,000. Throw trash from a car? Up to $2,000. The city stays spotless because people fear the fines.
- No eating or drinking on MRT: Not even water. Fines hit $500. You'll see enforcement officers checking regularly.
- No jaywalking: Cross outside marked crossings within 50 meters of one? $50-200 fine.
- No smoking except in designated yellow-box areas. Smoking in prohibited zones costs $200-1,000.
Harsh? Yes. Effective? The city speaks for itself.
Religious Sites
Dress modestly when visiting temples and mosques. Cover shoulders and knees. Shoes come off before entering most Hindu and Buddhist temples, all mosques, and some traditional shops. Watch what others do and follow their lead.
Social Customs
Singaporeans value politeness and personal space. Pushing, shouting, or cutting lines marks you immediately as rude. Queue culture runs strong here. Wait your turn.
"Lah," "lor," and "meh" pepper Singlish conversations as informal particles. They soften statements or add emphasis. Don't worry about using them yourself, but understanding them helps.
Pointing with your index finger can seem rude. Use your whole hand or thumb instead. Beckoning someone with your palm up also seems impolite. Palm down works better.
Dining customs vary by culture. Chinese meals are often shared family-style. Indian restaurants may serve on banana leaves. Malay food comes with your right hand only (the left is considered unclean in Islamic culture). When in doubt, ask or observe.
The phrase "Bo jio" (pronounced boh-JEE-oh) means "why didn't you invite me?" It's playful, not serious. If locals use it with you, they're being friendly.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🗺️ Nearby Destinations & Day Trips
1. Batam, Indonesia
45 minutes by ferry. Budget beach escape with resorts, water sports, and seafood restaurants. Ferry costs $25-40 one-way.
2. Bintan, Indonesia
60 minutes by ferry. More upscale than Batam, with luxury resorts and golf courses. Ferry costs $35-50 one-way.
3. Johor Bahru, Malaysia
30 minutes by bus/car. Border city with shopping malls, Legoland Malaysia, and cheaper dining. Easy day trip via causeway.
4. Malacca, Malaysia
3.5 hours by bus. Historic UNESCO city with Portuguese and Dutch colonial architecture. Buses cost $15-25 one-way.
5. Tioman Island, Malaysia
2 hours bus + 2 hours ferry. Pristine beaches, snorkeling, and jungle hiking. Best for overnight stays.
6. Desaru Coast, Malaysia
1.5 hours by bus. Beach resort area with waterpark and golf courses. Less developed than Singapore's Sentosa.
7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
5 hours by bus, 1 hour by flight. Malaysia's capital with Petronas Towers, street food, and urban energy. Consider flying for time savings.
8. Pulau Ubin, Singapore
15 minutes by bumboat. Last traditional village in Singapore with jungle trails and wildlife. Bumboat costs $3 per person.
💡 Final Tips
Singapore rewards preparation but forgives spontaneity. Book your accommodation 2-3 months ahead for peak seasons (February-April, July-August), but you can find decent options a week out during quieter months.
Download Google Maps and the SingPass app before arriving. Load $20 onto an EZ-Link card at the airport and let public transport carry you everywhere.
Eat at hawker centers at least once daily. Your stomach will thank you. Your wallet will thank you. Your travel stories will include $3 meals that tasted better than $50 restaurants.
Embrace the heat instead of fighting it. Move slower. Duck into air-conditioned malls between outdoor activities. Carry water constantly.
The best parts of Singapore reveal themselves between the major attractions. Wander the ethnic neighborhoods. Talk to hawker stall owners. Watch the city light up from Marina Bay. Let yourself be surprised.
📝 Content Transparency
This guide is compiled from verified traveler experiences, official tourism sources, and expert insights. All quotes are paraphrased from TripAdvisor, Reddit, and Google Reviews. Information current as of January 2026. Prices and hours subject to change.