Singapore has quietly become Asia's most refined luxury destination — world-class hotels, the best restaurant scene in Southeast Asia, and a level of service that sets the global standard. Here's how to experience it properly.
Singapore: Asia's Most Sophisticated City
Singapore is a city-state of 5.8 million people on an island the size of a large city park. It has no natural resources, no hinterland, and no obvious reason to exist as an independent nation. And yet it has become one of the wealthiest, cleanest, safest, and most sophisticated cities on earth.
The luxury scene in Singapore is extraordinary — and it is, in many ways, the best in Asia.
Best Luxury Hotels
Raffles Singapore — Most Iconic
From €800/night
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The most famous hotel in Asia, open since 1887. The Singapore Sling was invented at the Long Bar. Somerset Maugham wrote here. Rudyard Kipling stayed here. The colonial grandeur has been meticulously restored — 115 suites, each with a private butler, in a series of white colonial buildings around a central courtyard.
The best room: the Personality Suite, named after a famous guest.
Capella Singapore — Best Resort Feel
From €700/night
On Sentosa Island, with a private beach and a level of seclusion that is remarkable in a city-state. The best hotel for couples — romantic, quiet, and beautifully designed. The spa is the best in Singapore.
Marina Bay Sands — Best for the Experience
From €400/night
The most photographed building in Singapore — three towers connected by a sky park with an infinity pool on the 57th floor. The views over the Singapore skyline are extraordinary. The hotel is enormous (2,500 rooms) and the service is inconsistent, but the experience is unmissable.
Book a room on the upper floors facing the city for the best views.
The Fullerton — Most Historic
From €500/night
A 1928 neoclassical building on the Singapore River, converted into a luxury hotel. The best location in Singapore — walking distance from the Colonial District, Chinatown, and the Marina Bay waterfront.
Andaz Singapore — Best Design
From €350/night
In the Kampong Glam neighbourhood, Singapore's Arab Quarter. The best design hotel in the city — contemporary interiors inspired by Singapore's multicultural heritage.
Best Restaurants
Fine Dining
Odette (€200pp): The best restaurant in Asia, and one of the best in the world. Chef Julien Royer's French-inspired cuisine is extraordinary — book 2+ months ahead.
Les Amis (€180pp): The best French restaurant in Asia, 3 Michelin stars, in Orchard Road.
Burnt Ends (€80pp): The best casual fine dining in Singapore — wood-fired everything, Australian-influenced, book 1 month ahead.
Jaan (€150pp): On the 70th floor of the Swissôtel, with the best views of any restaurant in Singapore.
Hawker Centres
Singapore's hawker centres are UNESCO-listed — and they are extraordinary. The best meals in Singapore cost €3-8.
Maxwell Food Centre: Best chicken rice (Tian Tian stall, €4, queue for 20 minutes, worth it), best char kway teow.
Lau Pa Sat: Best satay (evening only, outdoor stalls), best atmosphere.
Old Airport Road: Most authentic, most varied selection of local dishes, buzzing with locals.
Best Time to Visit
Singapore has a tropical climate, resulting in high humidity and temperatures consistently hovering around 30°C (86°F) year-round. However, certain months are better for travel than others.
January - March
April - June
July - September
October - December
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Where to Stay
Budget (€50-100/night)
Mid-Range (€100-250)
Luxury (€250+)
Getting There & Around
Flights
Local Transport
Singapore boasts an efficient public transport system:
Journey Times
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What to Eat & Drink
Local Dishes
1. Chilli Crab: A must-try dish, best found at Jumbo Seafood (€40 for two).
2. Hainanese Chicken Rice: Try it at Hainan Street Steamboat (€4).
3. Laksa: A spicy noodle soup, famed at 328 Katong Laksa (€6).
4. Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried flat rice noodles, best at Maxwell Food Centre (€4).
5. Satay: Grilled skewers of meat, especially at Lau Pa Sat (€0.80 each).
6. Nasi Lemak: Coconut rice served with various sides, found at Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak (€5).
7. Kaya Toast: A breakfast staple, available at Toast Box (€3).
Drinks
Insider Tips
1. Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Tourist attractions like Gardens by the Bay are best enjoyed early in the morning to avoid crowds.
2. Use the Grab App: For convenient and affordable taxi services, download the Grab app, which is widely used in Singapore.
3. Explore Little India and Kampong Glam: For unique cultural experiences, these neighborhoods offer vibrant markets and authentic food.
4. Pack an Umbrella: Sudden rain showers are common, so be prepared even during the dry season.
5. Look for Discounts: Many attractions offer online discounts or combination tickets, so check before purchasing.
Singapore is a city that thrives on contrasts — from its bustling hawker centres to its opulent hotels. It captures the essence of luxury travel while remaining accessible to the curious traveler. Whether you’re indulging in a Michelin-starred meal or savoring a plate of chicken rice, Singapore promises an extraordinary journey worth every euro spent.
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Founder & Lead Travel Editor · TheTripsites
This guide was researched and written by the TheTripsites editorial team. Every article on this platform is based on genuine destination research, cross-referenced travel data, and an editorial commitment to honest, independent advice — no paid placements, no sponsored rankings.
