Best travel tips for Singapore

Singapore a city like no other, it has everything for both the traditional and modern traveler

It is futuristic yet steeped in tradition, hyper-modern yet lush with greenery, efficient yet bursting with color and creativity. During our 10-day stay in October 2022, we had the chance to housesit, a wonderful opportunity that gave us affordable (free) accommodation and a glimpse into everyday local life. We experienced Singapore as one of the cleanest, safest, and best-organized cities we have ever visited. From its immaculate MRT system to the stunning skyline, everything felt intentional and balanced, a rare mix of innovation and Southeast Asian heritage that left a lasting impression. Whether you visit Singapore on a short stopover or for a longer periode like we did, our best tips help you prepare for your Singapore trip.

When is the best time to visit Singapore?

Being close to the Equator, Singapore has a tropical rainforest like climate, which means it is warm and humid all year round, with daytime temperatures typically between 28°C and 33°C. There is no distinct dry season, but some months are more travel-friendly than others.

February to April is often considered the best period to visit, with slightly lower humidity and less rain.
In April and May there will be some occasional afternoon showers, they are short and refreshing rather than disruptive.
June to September can feel hotter and more humid, but it is also when events like the Great Singapore Sale and food festivals take place.
October to January sees more frequent rain and occasional thunderstorms, but also brings festive energy with Christmas decorations and Chinese New Year preparations. We experienced some showers in late October but overall the weather was pretty decent for 10 days.

Thanks to excellent infrastructure, Singapore is a year-round destination, rain or shine, everything keeps moving smoothly.

How to get to Singapore

Singapore is one of the major air hubs in Asia, and its main airport, Changi Airport (SIN), is consistently ranked as the world’s best, and rightfully so. Whether you arrive on a budget airline or a full-service carrier, you are met with efficient immigration, spotless terminals, and even indoor gardens, waterfalls and a shopping mall. As experienced travelers, we were super impressed.

Major international airlines fly directly to Singapore from Europe, the US, Australia, and across Asia.
Flights from Southeast Asian cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Jakarta are frequent and affordable, ideal if you are combining Singapore with a regional trip.
For overlanders: there are buses from Malaysia, especially Johor Bahru or even Kuala Lumpur, but border crossings can take time.

Tip: Keep an eye out for airline stopover packages, especially from Singapore Airlines, which often include discounted hotels and attraction passes.

Getting around Singapore

Getting around Singapore is a breeze, fast, safe, and clean. You really feel the city’s reputation for organization when using its public transport.

MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The MRT system is the backbone of the city. Trains are punctual, air-conditioned, and well signposted in English. A reloadable EZ-Link or Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited rides and is easy to get at stations or the airport. In 10 days we have only seen green smileys when it comes to customer satisfaction.
Buses: Clean and reliable, they fill the gaps where MRT does not reach. Google Maps works perfectly for planning routes.
Ride-hailing (Grab, Gojek): Widely used and often cheaper than taxis, especially during off-peak hours.
Taxis: Regulated and safe, though slightly more expensive than ride-hailing.
Walking: Many neighborhoods like Marina Bay, Kampong Glam, and Chinatown are perfect for exploring on foot, with shaded walkways and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

Even during the occasional tropical downpour, it is easy to get from A to B without hassle, and usually dry.

Top Attractions in Singapore

Singapore is compact but packed with must-see sights and neighborhoods, each with its own character.

Marina Bay Sands: Iconic skyline views, luxurious shopping, and the world-famous rooftop infinity pool (open to hotel guests only, but go for a drink at the bar at sunset).
Gardens by the Bay: A surreal blend of nature and design. We spent hours wandering the Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome, even during a light rain. And come back for the light show at night!
Chinatown: A vibrant, cultural hub with temples, markets, street art, and mouthwatering food (see picture above).
Little India: A sensory explosion of spices, saris, and temples. Do not miss Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and Tekka Centre.
Kampong Glam: Stylish boutiques, indie cafés, and the impressive Sultan Mosque.
Sentosa Island: A playground of beaches, theme parks (like Universal Studios), and boardwalks, easy to reach via monorail or cable car.

Even just walking through neighborhoods like Tiong Bahru (where our aprtment was) or Clarke Quay feels like discovering a new layer of the city.

For your best tour and attractions offers, book them here!

What to eat in Singapore

Let’s be honest: we came for the culture, but we almost stayed for the food.

Hawker Centres: The heart of Singapore’s food scene. Our favorites were Maxwell Food Centre (try Tian Tian chicken or veggie rice), Lau Pa Sat (for satay under the stars), and Tekka Centre (vegetarian Indian curries!).
Plant-based options: Easy to find, even in hawker stalls. Just ask for “no meat, no fish, no egg” and you will often get a smile and a tasty meal.
Local specialities:
- Hainanese chicken rice (veggie options as well)
- Char kway teow
- Laksa
- Chilli crab (if you do not eat plant-based)

We cooked occasionally at our housesit apartment, but most evenings we ate out, affordable, delicious, and a key part of the Singapore experience.

Where to stay in Singapore

Singapore offers a wide range of accommodation, but prices will be high, unless you are lucky like us and find a housesit!

Chinatown and Little India: Budget-friendly guesthouses and capsule hotels with plenty of charm.
Orchard Road: Well-located for shopping and public transport.
Marina Bay / Clarke Quay: Higher-end hotels with river or skyline views and honestly, almost unaffordable.
Sentosa: Resorts and beach escapes, though pricier as well.

Our tip: Consider alternatives like housesitting or trusted home exchange platforms. We stayed in a bright, modern flat close to the “city” of Singapore with two adorable cats, and it cost us nothing.

Useful apps and tools for Singapore

Grab: For taxis, food delivery, and even grocery services.
CityMapper: Best for navigating public transport.
Google Maps: Great for walking directions, public transort routes and finding hawker stalls.
Chope: Restaurant booking with deals and discounts.
NETS Pay: Local cashless payment system, most useful for residents but good to know.

Staying connected in Singapore

Staying connected in Singapore is easy and affordable, but should you get an eSIM or a local SIM card? Here’s what we found:

eSIM (Best for Convenience & Multi-Country Travel) (Book your eSIM here!)
• Activate online before arrival and you are connected the moment your plane lands.
• Perfect for those traveling through multiple Southeast Asian countries.
• Works seamlessly for navigation, ride-hailing, and contactless payments.

Local SIM Card (Best for Budget & Data-Intensive Users)
• Providers like Singtel, StarHub, and M1 offer affordable tourist SIMs with generous data.
• Available at the airport, convenience stores, and official shops.
• Better performance for streaming, remote work, or if you are staying longer.

Our Verdict: For a short visit or regional trip, an eSIM is effortless and reliable. But if you need lots of data or plan to stay more than a week, a local SIM card offers better value and speed.

Budget tips for traveling to Singapore

Eat like a local: Hawker centres offer full meals from $5 to $10.
Use public transport: Clean, fast, and incredibly cheap.
Tap water: 100% safe to drink, bring your reusable bottle!
Attractions: Many museums and gardens have free or low-cost entry.
Accommodation: Housesitting, hostels, or boutique guesthouses help stretch your budget.

Singapore has its a reputation for being expensive, but if you travel smart, it is surprisingly doable, and totally worth it.

Cultural tips for Singapore

Clean = Serious: Littering, jaywalking, and even chewing gum in public can lead to hefty fines.
Multicultural Respect: Dress modestly when visiting temples and mosques.
Tipping: Not expected. Service charge is usually included.
Language: English is one of the official languages, so communication is easy, even at street food stalls.

Singapore is proud of its rules, but it is also welcoming and relaxed, a safe, easy place to start or end your Southeast Asia journey.

Frequently Asked Questions about traveling to Singapore

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Singapore?
A: Many nationalities can enter visa-free for 30 to 90 days. Check the ICA website to confirm your eligibility here.

Q: Is Singapore safe?
A: Extremely safe. It is one of the cleanest and most secure cities in the world, day or night.

Q: Is English widely spoken?
A: Yes, it is one of the official languages. Most signs, menus, and conversations happen in English.

Q: Can I drink the tap water?
A: Absolutely. Singapore’s tap water is safe, clean, and heavily regulated.

Q: Should I get an eSIM or a local SIM card?
A: For short visits, eSIMs are fast and easy. For longer stays or heavier data use, local SIMs from Singtel or StarHub offer better value.

Ready to discover Singapore?

Singapore surprised us in all the right ways. Sleek and spotless yet buzzing with energy, it blends the best of modern Asia with deep cultural roots. So again, whether you here for a stopover, a week of exploration, or, like us, a 10-day housesit with cats and city views, one thing is certain: you will leave impressed and inspired.

Any tips or questions about Singapore? We would love to hear from you, drop us a message or connect with us on Instagram!