So you're planning your Singapore trip and wondering "what what do do in Singapore exactly?" Let's cut straight to the chase – I've lived here five years and still discover new things weekly. This isn't some generic listicle. We're diving into the real nitty-gritty: opening hours that actually match reality, prices that won't shock you, and local secrets even some residents miss. Grab a kopi (local coffee) and let's get into it.
Local perspective: Skip the Marina Bay Sands pool unless you're staying there (S$100 just for pool access?!). Instead, head to Lavender Food Centre at 6pm for chicken rice that'll make you question every other version you've tried.
Must-Do Attractions: Beyond the Postcard Shots
Look, Gardens by the Bay is stunning, but everyone knows that. What they don't tell you? The best time slot for Supertree Grove light show is the 7:45pm slot – less crowded than later shows. Oh, and wear sneakers – that place is huge.
| Attraction | Essential Info | Local Hack |
|---|---|---|
| Gardens by the Bay 18 Marina Gardens Dr |
Open daily 5am-2am Cloud Forest + Flower Dome: S$53 Nearest MRT: Bayfront |
Buy combo tickets online (15% off). Free outdoor gardens! |
| Sentosa Island Beach stations via monorail |
Universal Studios: S$82 Beach clubs open till midnight Sentosa Express: S$4 |
Skip USS queues with single-rider lanes. Palawan Beach has free sunset views. |
| Chinatown Street Markets Pagoda St area |
Stalls open 10am-10pm Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: Free Nearest MRT: Chinatown |
Wednesdays = less crowds. Maxwell Centre nearby has better food than tourist traps. |
Frankly? I find Universal Studios overpriced for its size. If you're tight on time, hit Adventure Cove Waterpark instead – way more unique with snorkeling reefs.
Hawker Centres: Where Locals Actually Eat
Forget fancy restaurants – hawker stalls are Singapore's soul. But which ones? Here's the reality check:
| Hawker Centre | Must-Try Dish | Price Range | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lau Pa Sat 18 Raffles Quay |
Satay Street BBQ (nights only) | S$0.70/stick | 24hrs (specific stalls) |
| Old Airport Road 51 Old Airport Rd |
#01-51 Nam Sing Fried Hokkien Mee | S$5-8 | 11am-10pm (varies) |
| Tekka Centre 665 Buffalo Rd |
Indian rojak at Ah Balling | S$2-5 | 6:30am-9pm |
Personal confession? I avoided chili crab for years thinking it'd be too spicy. Turns out it's sweet-tangy perfection. Try it at No Signboard Seafood (Geylang location) – yes it's touristy but consistently good. Budget S$80-100 for two.
Cultural Deep Dives Most Tourists Miss
Little India on Sunday afternoons is pure energy – women buying jasmine garlands, Bollywood blasting from shops. But my favorite hidden spot?
Thian Hock Keng Temple (158 Telok Ayer St). Free entry, open 7:30am-5:30pm. The intricate porcelain sculptures? Handcrafted in 1840. Peaceful even during lunch rush.
Kampong Glam feels different at night. Haji Lane shisha bars get crowded, but wander parallel streets like Bali Lane for indie boutiques. Blu Jaz Cafe has live jazz Wed-Sat nights – cover charge around S$10.
Nature Escapes: Concrete Jungle? Think Again
When humidity hits, here's where I retreat:
- MacRitchie Reservoir (Lornie Rd): Free treetop walk (opens 9am-5pm, closed Mon). Go early – it gets steamy by 10am. Monkeys will steal snacks!
- Southern Ridges Walk: Henderson Waves bridge at sunset. Free, best access from Mount Faber Park.
- Pulau Ubin: Take bumboat from Changi Point (S$4 cash). Rent bikes for S$8/day. Feels like 1960s Singapore.
Botanic Gardens deserves its UNESCO status. But skip the paid Orchid Garden (S$15) unless you're a superfan – the free zones are spectacular enough.
Singapore With Kids: Real Parent-Tested Spots
My niece gets bored at museums. Solution?
| Activity | Kid Appeal Factor | Practical Bits |
|---|---|---|
| Science Centre Singapore 15 Science Centre Rd |
Waterworks playground + tornado simulator | S$20 adults, S$15 kids 10am-6pm daily |
| Jacob Ballas Children's Garden Botanic Gardens |
Suspension bridges & fruit tree maze | Free! 8am-7pm (last entry 6:30pm) |
| S.E.A. Aquarium Sentosa Island |
Giant ocean tunnel | S$41/person online Open 10am-5pm |
Pro tip? Jurong Bird Park closed permanently – don't get scammed by old listings. All birds moved to Mandai Bird Paradise (worth it if you love aviaries).
Night Owls Rejoice: After Dark Activities
Clarke Quay is fun but pricey. For authentic late bites:
- Newton Food Centre: Open till 2am. Try oyster omelette at #01-57
- Zouk Club: World-class DJs but cover S$35+ on weekends
- Supertree Grove light show: Free, 7:45pm & 8:45pm nightly
Honestly? I prefer grabbing beers at Ding Dong (Ann Siang Hill) – S$12 cocktails with 1920s Shanghai vibe.
Money-Saving Hacks Only Locals Know
Singapore's expensive? Not if you do it right:
- Tourist Pass: Unlimited MRT/bus rides. S$22 for 3 days. Break-even point = 4 rides/day
- Free airport attractions: Jewel Changi's waterfall (landside) opens 24/7 – no flight needed!
- Happy hours: 5-8pm citywide. My regular: Operation Dagger (S$15 cocktails instead of S$23)
Biggest scam alert: Avoid Gardens by the Bay ticket resellers near Bayfront MRT. Buy ONLY at official counters or website.
Rainy Day Contingencies
Sudden downpour? Happens daily. My go-tos:
- National Museum (93 Stamford Rd): S$15, stunning glass rotunda
- ION Orchard mall: Free city view from Level 56 (register at concierge)
- Cat cafes: Neko no Niwa (S$22/hr with drink) at 54A Boat Quay
Seriously though, carry that umbrella. 7-Elevens charge S$8 for flimsy ones.
Top Instagram vs Reality Checks
Let's get real about viral spots:
- Haji Lane murals: Tiny alley crammed with people mid-day. Go before 10am
- Marina Bay Sands infinity pool: Guests only. Rooftop bar alternatives cost S$30/drink
- Merlion Park: Always crowded. Walk 5 mins to Fullerton Bay Hotel bridge for cleaner shots
When to Visit: No Sugarcoating
February: Dry but pricey. July: Hazy from fires. Honestly? November is sweet spot – less rain than monsoon season, fewer crowds than December.
Getting Around Without Losing Your Mind
Google Maps works perfectly for buses/MRT. But:
- Taxis: Grab app (like Uber) cheaper than street cabs
- MRT etiquette: No eating/drinking (S$500 fine!) – empty seats? Locals avoid "reserved" seats even if empty
- Walking: City center is walkable but brutal midday. Use underground CityLink Mall tunnels from City Hall to Marina Bay
Final Gut Checks Before You Go
• Shoes: You'll walk 20k steps daily. Blisters ruin trips
• Portable charger: Outlets scarce in hawker centres
• Water bottle: Tap water drinkable, refill stations everywhere
What Do Do in Singapore: FAQ Quickfire
Q: Is 4 days enough for Singapore?
A: Bare minimum. 5-6 lets you add day trips like Pulau Ubin.
Q: Can I use US dollars?
A: Nope. Withdraw SGD from ATMs (avoid airport money changers).
Q: What's overrated?
A: Orchard Road shopping – same global brands. Jewel Changi's Canopy Park (S$5 entry not worth it).
Q: Any cultural no-gos?
A> Pointing with feet, chewing gum (banned sale but not use), loud voices on transit.
Q: Best area to stay?
A> Lavender neighborhood – cheaper than center, MRT access, killer food nearby.
Still wondering what do do in Singapore? Hit me on Twitter @SingaporeInsider – I reply to legit questions. Now go book that flight. Your taste buds will thank me later.
Leave a Comments