Singapore is a popular tourist destination, with a wide range of attractions to suit all tastes. Popular attractions include the Singapore Zoo, Universal Studios Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, and the Singapore Flyer. Other attractions include the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the Singapore River Cruise, and the Singapore Night Safari. For those looking for a more cultural experience, there are a number of museums and galleries, such as the National Museum of Singapore, the Asian Civilizations Museum, and the Singapore Art Museum. Shopping is also a popular activity in Singapore, with a variety of shopping malls, markets, and street stalls.
Singapore With The Kiddos
Singapore is a great destination for kids, with a variety of attractions designed to keep the little ones entertained. Popular attractions include the Singapore Zoo, the Singapore Science Centre, the Singapore Flyer, and Sentosa Island. The Singapore Zoo is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, monkeys, and elephants. The Singapore Science Centre is a great place to learn about science, with a variety of interactive exhibits. The Singapore Flyer is a giant Ferris wheel that offers stunning views of the city. Sentosa Island is a popular family destination, with a variety of attractions, such as the Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark
On our trip, we focused on the Art Science Museum. There was a current exhibit called Future World playing. It involved several virtual reality simulations for smaller children. These were actually quite interesting for the adults as well. Our children are 8 and 10, so they’re still at the age where this exhibit worked. Consider alternative activities, though again, the adults in our group enjoyed the exhibit’s basic virtual reality and interactive light toys.
For other activities, you can focus on the Bayfront neighborhood. The Bayfront neighborhood is located at the mouth of the Singapore River, and is a popular tourist destination. It is home to the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel, and is a great place to shop, dine, and explore. Popular attractions in the area include the Singapore Flyer, the aforementioned ArtScience Museum, the Esplanade, and the Gardens by the Bay.
Dining, Nightlife, and Cafe Stops in Bayfront
The area is also home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes, as well as a number of shopping malls. The Bayfront neighborhood is also a great place to experience Singapore’s nightlife, with a variety of nightclubs and bars. Don’t miss the free lights show at the Baobab Trees each evening at 7:45 and 8:45 p.m.
If you get hungry, you must stop by Satay by the Bay, which is a street food-lover’s dream. We ate here on a Sunday evening (completely packed by still fun) and a Tuesday evening (much mellower more manageable, yet with the same ambiance and excitement). There are abundant opportunities to eat and entertain yourself cheaply. There are numerous higher-end restaurants as well, so any budget generally fits.
Singapore’s Ethnic Enclaves
Singapore is home to a variety of ethnic enclaves, or neighborhoods that are dominated by a single ethnic group. These include Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Chinatown is home to the largest Chinese population in Singapore, and is a popular destination for shopping and dining. Little India is home to the largest Indian population in Singapore, and is a great place to experience the culture and cuisine of India. Kampong Glam is home to the largest Malay population in Singapore, and is a great place to experience the culture and cuisine of the Malay people.
What Ethnic Enclaves to Focus on
We explored Chinatown, Little India, and Haji Lane. Chinatown was very interesting. We were there on a hot day, while riding bicycles, but it was fascinating. We visited a wet market, and learned about the history of The Street of the Dead.
Haji Lane was chic and quirky. My wife and daughter attended a “Pug Cafe Show,” and they found some pumpkin pie we enjoyed for Thanksgiving. The nearby Arab Street is also not to be missed, showcasing an amazing mosque and some great Middle Eastern and Turkish grub.
Little India was interesting as well, and may have been our favorite, with great candy shops and bazaars. We sampled many of the candy treats and brought plenty back to our hotel room for desert later.
Getting Around the City of Singapore
Singapore has a well-developed public transport system, comprising of a rail network (mass rapid transit or MRT and light rail transit or LRT), an extensive bus network and popular ride-hailing services (such as Grab). The MRT and LRT integrated system spans some 180 kilometres across the island, and connects major residential, business and commercial hubs. The island also has other transport options, such as taxis, trishaws, rental bikes and ferries. Services and experiences vary between operators, so you may want to research your options carefully before choosing one.
Singapore Transportation Simplified
For longer trips, you may really only need the MRT, which is fairly easy to figure out and extensive. As of our trip, masks were still required on the trains, and there is no eating (or carrying Durian fruit, for that matter) on the trains. The island also has other transport options, such as taxis, trishaws, rental bikes and ferries. Services and experiences vary between operators, so you may want to research your options carefully before choosing one. We successfully used the Grab app for almost all of our taxi needs and found the pricing valuable, especially to and from the airport.
What is it Like to Take Your Family to Singapore for a Week?
Singapore is a great destination for families. There are plenty of activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained. Families can explore the city’s many parks and gardens, visit the Singapore Zoo, take a ride on the Singapore Flyer, or explore the city’s many museums and galleries. Families can also enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife, take a boat ride on the Singapore River, or take a day trip to Sentosa Island. There are also plenty of shopping and dining options to choose from.
We came away feeling a sense of calm from this verdant city, as well as more in our pocketbook than would have been expected. Regardless of your budget, Singapore offers plenty to do for families, and you won’t feel trapped into spendy options. This overall juxtaposition of value and quality leaves a lasting impression.