Singapore has a lot more going on than meets the eye. In lively and food-obsessed Singapore, the ultimate stopover city, it’s possible to cram a surprising amount into a few days. Take time to discover more than the clichés in this culturally and architecturally rich Southeast Asian gem.

Day 1: Eat and Explore Chinatown and City Views

Approach Singapore's Chinatown from a variety of directions, all leading you to sample its culinary wonders and fabulous hawker food. Visit electronic geek-heaven Sim Lim Square, take afternoon tea at Raffles Hotel in colonial splendor, and head to Orchard Road for high-end fashion shopping.

The Singapore Flyer is a spectacular way to look out over Singapore, with a unique sky dining option. An evening stroll along Clarke Quay offers a diverse array of fine dining. Also promenade along the water to the Fullerton Hotel for old-world style and see a performance at Esplanade arts centre.

Day 2: Museums and Island Life

Art lovers explore the traditional and contemporary cultural scene from the Asian Civilizations Museum to Singapore Art Museum and the National Museum of Singapore. 

Haw Par Villa is a unique theme park of kitsch elements in Chinese mythology, and strange theme-park 10 Courts of Hell definitely a highlight of the Round Island tour. Visit Kranji War Cemetery, Changi Memorial and Chapel for a moving and poignant experience. Relax in the evening at one of the bars on Keppel Bay Island, watching the cable cars going across to Sentosa Island.

Day 3: Outside Singapore & Nightlife

If you’re craving the outdoors, head West to Jurong Bird park, take a ferry to Palau Ubin Island or the night-safari through the superb Singapore Zoological Gardens. Enjoy a day trip to Malacca, Malaysia’s most historical city, or a leisurely drive in beautiful Kukup and Orchid Valley.

Dempsey Hill is home to many fine restaurants with a lush jungle atmosphere, or lose yourself in the streets of Little India, resplendent with vibrant colours, music, food and life. Try a shisha pipe in the late-night café’s on Arab St, a lychee martini at Loof, cool riverside wine bar Zouk or dance the night away in the urban jungle at Ministry of Sound.