Singapore: A City of Contrasts

Singapore is a city that promises to surprise you. Sleek shopping malls lie moments from centuries-old markets. Soaring skyscrapers stand over pockets of hidden natural beauty. And an enchanting blend of neighbourhoods each offer their own culture, charm and sights to discover...

For Cultural Immersion

Love a good museum? Head straight for the riverside Civic District - the place where modern Singapore began. First developed in 1822 by Singapore's founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, it's where you'll find some of the country's most historic buildings, many of which have been given a new lease of life. The City Hall and former Supreme Court buildings, for example, now house the National Gallery of Singapore, home to the world's largest collection of Southeast Asian art. The district is also a great place to savour Singapore's culinary heritage. Admire panoramic views of the city skyline at National Kitchen, helmed by local celebrity chef Violet Oon, or visit Lau Pa Sat food centre for a huge variety of local hawker food.

Singapore Skyline at dusk — Singapore Skyline

For Escaping the City

Make sure you save some time to visit Dempsey Hill, set just outside of the city. First a nutmeg plantation and then barracks for the British Forces, it's now a green enclave of super-cool restaurants, cafés, art galleries, yoga studios and boutiques. Among it, COMO Dempsey is a luxurious lifestyle destination that houses a variety of concept stores and innovative eateries, including Candlenut, the world's first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant. There's also the verdant Open Farm Community - a unique urban farm restaurant serving sustainable, ethical cuisine that uses produce from the thriving herb and vegetable garden.

For Old Meets New

There's nowhere that blends tradition with modernity quite like Singapore. In Chinatown, some of the city's most famous temples and traditional medicinal halls are joined by hip watering holes and lifestyle shops, while Little India combines vibrant street food markets with 24-hour malls and modern eateries. Kampong Gelam is another must-visit neighbourhood, loved by trendy travellers and connoisseurs of culture alike - thanks to its impressive street art, Malay heritage and live music bars. In the east of the city, Katong-Joo Chiat is the centre of Peranakan culture, home to heritage shophouses, quaint stores and traditional restaurants.

Hindu temple in Little India in Singapore

For Culinary Discovery

One of Singapore's oldest Malay settlements and a former trade emporium, Geylang Serai got its name from the extensive cultivation of serai (lemongrass) in the district. Today, it remains a hub of heritage, history and trade, housing one of the biggest and busiest wet markets in the city, along with plenty of restored shop houses, intricate temples and traditional eateries. You can sample Singaporean street food in one of the open-air hawker centres, or experience a more elegant take on local favourites at Hjh Maimunah - a renowned Indonesian/Malay restaurant that's been awarded a Michelin Singapore Bib Gourmand.

For Next Level Luxury

Alongside tradition. Marina Bay represents the very best of modern Singapore, where forward-thinking architecture, soaring skyscrapers and unique spaces surround the waterfront. Prepare to be captivated by Gardens by the Bay - a 101-hectare botanic garden filled with space-age bio domes, statement sculptures and the iconic 50-metre-tall Supertrees. Marina Bay is also where you'll find many of Singapore's most luxurious hotels, chicest rooftop bars and contemporary museums, including the excellent ArtScience MuseumT. Housed in a building reminiscent of a lotus flower - designed by world famous architect Moshe Safdie - it showcases thought-provoking exhibitions that push the boundaries of science, technology and knowledge.

For Island Hopping

Fancy a few days of relaxation after your busy city break? Head to Sentosa - a resort island just south of Singapore. Along with world-leading theme parks and family-friendly attractions, it offers three beautiful beaches to choose from. You can also hop aboard a yacht for a tour of Singapore's stunning Southern Islands or take your exploration north to the island of Pulau Ubin. This is a place where nature and history intertwine, home to wildlife-rich wetlands, historic granite quarries, coconut rubber plantations, and Singapore's last-remaining kampong (traditional village).

If you are looking for the perfect luxury holiday in the Singapore, still not sure where to go or just want to read more articles like this? Check Elegant Traveller, our luxury online travel magazine, for more.

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