Singapore

What was once a small colonial outpost is now a cosmopolitan haven for cuisine, culture and hospitality.

The sparkling monuments of the Jewel Changi Airport and Marina Bay Sands might be Singapore’s best-known landmarks but there is much more to discover in this glitzy city-state than its central business district. A flurry of homegrown, independent brands focusing on craftsmanship and quality design have launched and flourished with the support of Singapore’s tight-knit creative community. Meanwhile, many an accountant and lawyer have retrained as sommeliers or run some of the city’s buzziest cafés and bistros.

Now the country’s place in the wider art world has shifted too, transforming from a supporting character into a major power player and launchpad for emerging Southeast Asian artists, with new galleries and exhibitions to match. The government’s dedicated development of parks and pedestrian paths has made Singapore more accessible than ever, from leafy, walkable neighbourhoods studded with culinary and sartorial gems to the biking and running trails that crisscross the island. Protected patches of nature, such as the Rail Corridor, offer visitors a tranquil break from the urban buzz – perfect for an afternoon recharge before heading back out on the town.

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