Hotels in Harbourfront, Singapore

Singapore, dubbed the “Lion City” and the “Garden City,” is hands-down the coolest city-state of all time—yes, of all time, I reckon. This place started as a British trading post back in the day (1819, for the history nerds) and somehow transformed into a financial center that keeps the world turning.

You can hop on a cable car to Sentosa for the beach, stroll under glowing Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, or shop until your wallet cries on Orchard Road. The food? Absolute chef’s kiss. Hawker centers are the real MVPs—grab some chicken rice, chili crab, or laksa for dirt-cheap, and thank me later.

Best Areas to Stay in Singapore

Orchard Road: Shopping paradise and Singapore's most famous street! Endless malls, amazing food (check out ION's basement food court!), and super easy to get around with multiple MRT stations. Hotels are pricey but you're right in the center Singapore.

Marina Bay: This is postcard Singapore - think Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and those killer skyline views. Definitely splurgy, but you're next to all the cool spots and the best hawker centers are just a short walk away.

Bugis/Kampong Glam: My favorite area. Cheaper hotels than Orchard, amazing street food at Albert Centre, cool cafes, and gorgeous Arab Street vibes. Plus you're just 2 MRT stops from everything.

Getting to Singapore

There’s one airport in the world that you can't miss, and that’s Singapore Changi Airport. The first time I landed at Changi Airport, I was absolutely floored. Waterfalls? Butterfly gardens? Is this real life or a Netflix special? Changi Airport is home to the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, surrounded by a lush jungle. There’s also a sky-high canopy park, a giant slide, and more shops than you can handle. Perfect for one last “Wow, Singapore!” moment before flying in or out.

Most international flights land here, and it’s known for being efficient, well-organized, and—honestly—a bit of a tourist attraction itself. The distance from Changi Airport to downtown Singapore is about 20 kilometers (12 miles).

Changi Airport

To get from Changi Airport to the city, taxis are the fastest option, taking 20-30 minutes and costing $20–30, plus a $5 airport surcharge (50% more from 1-6 AM). The MRT is a cheaper choice, taking about 45 minutes with a transfer at Tanah Merah, and costs $2.30 plus a $0.10 deposit.

Pro Tip: If you're flying in on a red-eye flight or arriving super early, I’ve got two hotels to recommend near Changi Airport that offer free airport shuttle or free airport pick-up services, making your early mornings or late arrivals way easier.

See more hotels near Singapore Changi Airport to decide the best hotel to stay.

Getting Around Singapore

Singapore’s public transport system is one of the best in the world. For most tourists, the best option is to rely on public transport and leave the car for more specialized trips.

• By MRT: The MRT is fast and connects major areas like Orchard Road and Marina Bay. Trains run from 5:31 AM to 11:18 PM, and you can use EZ-Link cards or contactless payment for a quick, hassle-free ride.
• By Bus: Buses are slower but reach places that the MRT doesn’t, with fares starting around $1.00. You can pay using an EZ-Link or NETS card, and all buses are air-conditioned.
• Rideshare & Taxis: Grab and Gojek are popular rideshare options, costing around $10–20 for short trips. Taxis are metered, with a typical fare of $10 for short city rides.

Top Things to Do in Singapore

Singapore is the place where modern vibes, lush greenery, and best eats collide. No matter if you’re here for Sentosa’s dreamy resorts or hunting down hawker food like a foodie on a mission, this city doesn’t just meet expectations—it smashes them, literally. Here’s your guide to the must-dos in Singapore. Let’s go!

1. Stay and Play at Sentosa Resorts

Home to dreamy resorts like Resorts World Sentosa, you’ve got everything here: sandy beaches, Universal Studios, and even SEA Aquarium, where you can get lost (in a good way) watching manta rays float by. Whether you're zip-lining at Mega Adventure Park or chilling with a cocktail at Tanjong Beach Club, Sentosa is where your vacay vibes level up.

Sentosa Resorts

2. Dine on Hawker Food

Grab Hainanese Chicken Rice, Char Kway Teow, or satay skewers for less than your morning latte. Head to Newton Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat for satay under the stars. Oh, and don’t forget to “chope” your seat with a tissue packet—it’s how Singaporeans roll.

3. Get Lost in Gardens by the Bay

Singapore said, “Why be a garden city when you can be a city IN a garden?” The Supertrees here look like alien landscapes, and the Cloud Forest is a literal chill zone with misty air and waterfalls that are so Insta-worthy.

Gardens by the Bay

4. Take a Stroll Around Marina Bay

Walk across the Helix Bridge, snap a selfie with the Merlion, or just soak in the view of Marina Bay Sands, the three-tower wonder. Pro tip: Come at sunset for next-level photos, and stick around for the Spectra light show—it’s free and absolutely worth it.

Marina Bay

Things to Know About Singapore

Best Time to Visit Singapore

The best time to visit Singapore is between February and April. These months fall within the region's dry season and experiences less rainfall than other times of the year. The temperatures during this time are also more manageable and comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

What to Eat in Singapore

Singapore's food is a total flavor explosion, thanks to its mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan influences.

• Hainanese Chicken Rice: This simple yet delicious dish has tender chicken, served with fragrant rice and a tangy chili sauce.
• Chilli Crab: If you like a good spicy kick, this dish is for you. Sweet, spicy crab cooked in a thick, savory sauce—perfect for dunking crispy buns.
• Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried noodles loaded with prawns, eggs, and Chinese sausage, all served with a smoky, wok-fried flavor. You’ll crave this one every time.
• Satay: Skewers of juicy grilled meat, slathered in a sweet peanut sauce. It’s a popular street food that’s perfect for munching on the go.
• Cantonese Desserts: For a sweet treat, try 糖水 (tang shui)—a warm, sweet soup with ingredients like lotus seeds or red beans.