Top Singapore Experiences

Singapore Luxury

If there's one city in the world that knows how to spoil its visitors, this is it. You'll have no trouble finding a simply superb luxury hotel - the problem will be deciding which one. We suggest that if you're in any way interested in days gone by, you'll look no further than the world-famous Raffles. When it comes to atmosphere and history this hotel is very hard to beat. However, history isn't to everyone's liking, and Singapore has a huge number of modern hotels - some high-tech; others classical. To simplify your search, you might first like to pinpoint an ideal location - and start from there. We know you'll find a suitable, multiple-star Singapore base in no time at all. Be sure to spoil yourself in this city with some top-class dining, sightseeing and - of course - shopping.

Singapore culture

Singapore isn't just about shopping, so take time here to discover the city's rich cultural heritage and extraordinary history. For a grim reminder of the war years, there's Changi Prison Museum - and it really is worth the trip, as is the recently restored Battle Box at Fort Canning. On a more peaceful note, the brilliant new National Museum of Singapore is a world-class establishment with many interactive displays. The Singapore Art Museum, with its 18 exhibition galleries and huge collection of South-East Asian modern art, is superb: the building - a former mission school - is an attraction in its own right. Don't forget to explore the older ethnic areas: Little India, Chinatown and Arab Street, and the historic colonial district, starting at the Padang or Clarke Quay.

Shopping around in Singapore

Where do we begin? This is a city where shopping rules - so wherever you're staying, you'll find ample opportunities to spend. If you're a first-time visitor, you need to know that Orchard Road is the epicentre of retail activity: start your spree in this area and you just can't go wrong. It's lined with huge malls selling fashion (try Paragon for designer labels), ethnic goods, antiques, electronics, cosmetics, sports goods - and plenty more. There is such a mega-selection here that we recommend a little advance planning if you're short of time. Otherwise, just get out there and browse your way along five kilometres of temptation. But Orchard Road isn't the be all and end all - if you're shopping for electronic goods, go to Sim Lim Square; if you're hunting for bargains and ethnic goods, head to Chinatown, Little India or the Mustafa Centre - which never closes. You might also enjoy the colourful Sunday flea market at Clarke Quay. If you prefer to do all your spending under a single roof, head to enormous VivoCity down on the harbour front for what must be one of the world's biggest store selections, plus numerous leisure and entertainment options. If you're making a significant purchase in this city, it pays to shop around and compare prices, as they definitely can differ. Bargaining is expected in the smaller shops, but most malls stores have fixed prices. Finally, for city-wide discounts on just about anything, visit in July - it's the month of the Great Singapore Sale.

Singapore dining

It's hard to go wrong when you dine in Singapore: the competition is so fierce and the choice so huge that every restaurant, cafe, street vendor and market stall seems determined to outdo its rivals. What's more, the number of different world cuisines is so large that it seems the entire globe is represented here. But, to keep things simple, you'll find superb Chinese, Indian and Middle Eastern food on offer in the ethnic districts, as well as fine European cuisine at restaurants all over the city. If you want the chance to browse a few venues (and menus) before making a decision, head to the dining precincts like Chijmes, Clarke Quay or the Boat Quay; or to a genuine hawker market - good ones to try are Maxwell Food Centre (a lot more interesting than it sounds) and the Old Market (Lau Pau Sat). The Newton Circus Hawker Centre is famous but fairly touristy. And, if superb seafood's your thing, you can't go past the UDMC Seafood Centre (East Coast Parkway), with its mouth-watering selection of restaurants.