Singapore
There’s more to Singapore than the sparkling monuments of Marina Bay Sands and Jewel Changi Airport. This tiny nation’s big ambitions have made room for a rising number of restoration projects that have turned old schools, hospitals and remittance houses into hip lifestyle and hospitality spaces. A groundswell of homegrown, independent brands has made inroads into Asia by weaving craftsmanship with considered design and cutting-edge innovation. And notably, young hawkers and acclaimed chefs are cooking up a storm on the culinary scene and leading bartenders are shaking off Singapore’s starchy image with their progressive style and inventive ingredients (mealworms, anyone?).
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Not far behind is the city-state’s expanded role in the wider art world, growing from a supporting character into a power player and springboard for regional names. This urban oasis is also surprisingly green. Parks and pedestrian paths are par for the course, nature and bike trails crisscross the island and sky gardens set a high standard. Six decades since gaining independence, Singapore has finally found its voice.
Essential information
- Taxi from Changi Airport to the city: A 30-minute metered taxi ride costs between S$25 to S$45. There’s an additional surcharge for all trips that originate from the airport, as well as midnight (00.00 to 05.59) and peak-hour surcharges. For a flat fee, book private-hire cars from Grab, Gojek or Tada.
- How much to tip in restaurants: Tipping is not customary in Singapore as a 10 per cent service charge is added to the bill – but a tip for great service is always welcome.
- Order ‘kopi’ like a local: There’s a dizzying array of coffee variations but these are some of the more popular orders: kopi (with condensed milk and sugar), kopi-o (with sugar), kopi-c (with evaporated milk and sugar) and kopi-o kosong (black coffee without sugar).
- Skip the touristic Lau Pa Sat hawker centre: There are better options close by, including Amoy Street Food Centre, Hong Lim Food Centre and Chinatown Complex Food Centre.
- Visit a strata-titled mall: Shopping centres built in the 1970s and 1980s were often owned by multiple individual landlords, resulting in a hodgepodge of ethnic enclaves and niche shops. Strata-titled malls, such as Bras Basah Complex and Golden Mile Tower (home to indie cinema Filmhouse), offer a glimpse into Singapore beyond the glitz.
This guide was updated on 30 May 2026
