My Singapore City Guide
From hawker stalls to hole-in-the-wall kopitiam, a roundup of all the places that made my solo trip unforgettable.
In my last blog post, I shared all the practical tips I picked up as a first-time traveller to Singapore. As promised, here’s the follow-up: a look at all the places I visited during my four-day solo trip in this electrifying city.
Singapore may be small in size, but it’s pulsing with life at every corner. Culture, design, and food come at you from every angle, and I tried to take in as much of it as I could. That meant a lot of walking (and sweating), eating, but also a lot of discovering. From kopitiams to hawker centres, colourful neighbourhoods to gleaming shopping complexes, I packed my days with places that made the city feel endlessly fascinating.
This guide is based on a four-day solo trip and organized into the following five categories:
Restaurants and Eateries
Cafés and Dessert Shops
Museums, Shopping and Attractions
Stays
Neighbourhoods and Notable Areas
To make planning easier, I’ve also pinned everything to a custom Google Map you can save and reference.
One quick note on stays: apart from the Andaz Singapore, where I ended up booking, I’ve also included a few other hotel options I considered while planning the trip.
🍽️ Restaurants and Eateries
Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe – I loved the charming, neo-nostalgic ambience of this place in Chinatown. It felt like stepping back in time. They serve classic local breakfast fare and hearty traditional dishes. I had the Curry Laksa and it was rich, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
Heap Seng Leong – A true old-school gem. This no-frills kopitiam is one of the last places in Singapore still serving kopi gu you (coffee with butter). I had my very first kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs here. Simple yet satisfying. Cash payments only.
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (Maxwell Food Centre) – Arguably the most famous chicken rice stall in Singapore, made even more legendary by the late Anthony Bourdain’s stamp of approval. The chicken was incredibly tender, and the rice was fragrant and flavourful. Definitely worth the hype!
Marina South Delicious Food (Maxwell Food Centre) – A low-key gem of a hawker stall serving crispy oyster cakes and other scrumptious local dishes.
Hill Street Fried Kway Teow (Chinatown Complex) – A Michelin-recognized stall with only one item on their menu - char kway teow with serious wok hei, loaded with Chinese sausage and cockles. Comes in S$4.50 or S$5.50 portions. The queue moves slowly, so go early!
Seroja – This was a memorable fine dining experience. Chef Kevin Wong serves elevated Malaysian-Singaporean cuisine with a seasonal, refined touch. Their Roti Paung with Johorean milk butter stole the show and still lives rent-free in my mind!
The Coconut Club – Recommended to me by Singaporean chef Ernest Toh (whom I met at his restaurant, Earnestos, in Taipei), this place offers a gourmet spin on nasi lemak. Pair it with their Coconut Shake and you got yourself a winning combo. The vibe here is super welcoming—bright, breezy, and tropical. If you can’t score a reservation online, go early as they do accept walk-ins.
☕️ Cafés and Dessert Shops
butter tgt – Tucked along Duxton Road that’s easy to miss, this spot serves specialty coffee, drinks, and homemade baked goods in a sun-drenched space that’s perfect for solo time or a midday reset. I had their madeleines—soft, buttery, and just the right amount of indulgent.
Birds of Paradise – I had my first taste of their gelato at Jewel Changi Airport, though they have multiple outlets around Singapore. Known for their botanical flavours, like white chrysanthemum and basil, and other unexpected infusions, it’s easy to get decision fatigue here. The space, with its earthy tones and clean lines, feels as thoughtfully designed as the gelatos themselves.
Hellu Coffee (Far East Square) – A tiny, stylish coffee shop popular with locals at lunchtime. Their signature drink, the Creamu, is an Einspänner-inspired concoction with whipped cream atop coffee, matcha, or chocolate — rich and satisfying. Their croffles (croissant-waffles) are buttery and crisp. Perfect if you’re craving a sweet bite.
OLLELLA (Far East Square) – If you’re curious about kuehs, those colourful, chewy snacks made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and pandan found in Southeast Asia, OLLELLA is a great place to start. Their modern, approachable take on these traditional Southeast Asian sweets is best enjoyed fresh, right on the spot.
Cedric Grolet Singapore – The famed pastry chef’s first Asian outpost doesn’t disappoint. Known for his hyper-realistic fruit desserts and flawless presentation, this place is dessert theatre at its finest. I tried their limited-edition summer creation, Thai Coconut, and it was absolutely divine. If you’re willing to splurge on sweets, this place deserves a spot on your list.
🏛️ Museums and Attractions
Gardens by the Bay – Singapore’s iconic futuristic garden, home to the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and Supertree Grove. I recommend booking the Cloud Forest + Flower Dome combo ticket, plus a separate one for the OCBC Skyway, which gives you 15-minute timed access to a suspended walkway with exhilarating views of the city. Just make sure to check for any scheduled closures before your visit.
ArtScience Museum – An architectural standout and a fun, immersive space where art, science, and technology intersect in imaginative, often unexpected ways. A must if you’re into interactive exhibits.
Peranakan Museum – A small but beautifully curated museum that dives into the rich heritage of the Peranakan community. It’s colourful, culturally insightful, and doesn’t take too long to explore, making it perfect for a quieter, more reflective stop.
The Helix Bridge – A striking pedestrian bridge with a DNA-inspired design that links Marina Bay Sands to the ArtScience Museum. Personally, I think it’s one of the best spots to take in the Singapore skyline, especially around sunset.
Jewel Changi Airport – Singapore’s legendary airport shopping and leisure complex, featuring a 40-meter indoor waterfall and a lush rainforest garden. There are tons of restaurants here too. I went straight after grabbing my luggage, and honestly, it took my breath away. It’s more than an airport; it’s a destination.
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands – This massive retail space is full of luxury boutiques, lively food halls, and even a small canal running through the mall. If, like me, you gravitate toward unisex fashion, Singaporean brands like Pedro are worth checking out, especially for bags, accessories, and shoes.
🏨 Stays
Andaz Singapore – Located in the vibrant Bugis district, Andaz Singapore caught my eye for its sleek design. What sealed the deal, though, was its unbeatable convenience. The hotel sits right above an MRT station, with direct underground access from the building. It made getting around the city incredibly easy, especially for first-timers like me.
21 Carpenter – Part of the Design Hotels collection, 21 Carpenter is a beautifully restored heritage building that once housed Chye Hua Seng Wee Kee, a notable remittance house. It’s now a boutique stay with warm interiors, thoughtful details, and a calm rooftop terrace that feels like a quiet escape from the city.
The Warehouse Hotel – I stumbled upon this hotel in a design magazine and was instantly intrigued. Housed in a former spice warehouse along the Singapore River, it has been transformed into an industrial-chic space that blends history with contemporary flair.
The Clan Hotel Singapore – I booked this hotel for my parents when they visited earlier this year, and it was a hit. Set in Chinatown, it’s surrounded by some of the city’s best food and nightlife. The rooms strike a balance between oriental charm and modern comfort, with bespoke touches that feel both personal and luxurious.
🕌 Neighbourhoods and Notable Areas
Arab Street – A cultural enclave known for its textiles, murals, and the striking golden-domed Sultan Mosque. It’s a great area to wander, soak in the sights, and grab a bite, though it does get pretty packed with tourists during peak hours. Still, the atmosphere is lively and worth experiencing.
Little India – After learning that Indians make up a significant minority of Singapore’s population, I was keen to explore Little India, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s vibrant, bustling, and full of character. Be sure to visit the ornate Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and browse the stalls at Tekka Centre for everything from spices to fabrics.
Far East Square – I stumbled upon this lively plaza by accident, and what a find! Nestled in the Central Business District, Far East Square is a lively mix of food spots, hipster cafés, and trendy boutiques. It wasn’t on my list, but it ended up being one of my favourite surprises.
Chinatown – A lively blend of old and new, Singapore’s Chinatown is where you’ll find modern bars, hawker centres, and stylish cafés. You’ll find everything from ornate temples (e.g. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple) to buzzing market streets. It’s a great spot to explore the city’s Chinese roots—and maybe pick up a souvenir or two along the way.
Katong District – This pastel-toned neighbourhood is effortlessly alluring, with its mix of Peranakan architecture, indie boutiques, souvenir shops, and excellent cafés. It’s a little removed from the downtown buzz, which makes it perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll. Joo Chiat Road is especially worth a wander if you want to admire those beautifully ornate shophouses.
Orchard Road – Singapore’s most famous shopping stretch, where gleaming malls and global brands line every block. It’s busy, it’s bold, and it’s built for retail lovers. I’m not big on shopping, but if you love brand names and air-conditioned retail therapy, Orchard’s got your name on it.
