When travelling for business, having local insight can make all the difference. To help visitors get a real sense of Singapore beyond the meeting room, Situ team member and Singapore native, Bernice, is here to share practical tips, favourite spots, and recommendations for how to spend downtime in the city. Whether you’re here for a few days or settling in for a longer stay, these suggestions will help you explore Singapore like someone who knows it well.
If you’re visiting Singapore for work, welcome!
I thought I’d share some local tips to help you get around easily and make the most of your time here. Singapore’s compact size and efficient transport make it simple to mix business with a bit of exploring between meetings.
Contents
- Getting around
- Payment tips
- Main attractions in Singapore
- Outdoor days
- The main shopping malls in Singapore
- Where to eat
- Neighbourhoods with a bit of character
- Final thoughts
Getting around
The easiest way to get around is by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), our train system. It reaches most parts of the city and works a lot like the London Underground. You can use your phone or card for contactless payment to tap in and out.
Buses also run regularly and take the same payment method. You can also check your bus timings with the app ‘SG Buses’ that’s available for Andriod and Apple users. Note that eating on public transport is not allowed!
For taxis, most locals use the Grab app – it’s our version of Uber. Otherwise, you can flag down one of the blue taxis you’ll see around town; they use a metre system, so prices are fair and transparent.
Payment tips
Most shops, restaurants, and transport services in Singapore accept contactless or card payments, sometimes called PayWave. However, it’s always handy to have some cash on you as a few hawker stalls and small vendors still prefer it.
Main attractions in Singapore
Even if you’re here mainly for work, try to set aside some time to explore. These are the places I’d say every visitor should see at least once:
- Gardens by the Bay – Featuring the Supertrees which are definitely more majestic in person.
- Marina Bay Sands – The SkyPark is a must-visit for breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the city. Walk-ins are welcome at CÉ LA VI restaurant for $38 nett, which includes SkyPark access and a complimentary drink.
- Merlion – Singapore’s iconic mascot representing our founding history of being a fishing village.
- Clarke Quay – Known for its vibrant nightlife and riverside dinings. Loads of good options for after work dinner and drinks in this area.
- Sentosa Island – Home to sandy beaches, a spectacular aquarium, and the thrilling Universal Studios theme park, Sentosa offers the perfect island escape in Singapore.
Outdoor days
If you prefer the outdoors, Singapore has some lovely green areas for walking or cycling:
- Henderson Waves Trail – a peaceful 10 km route with views across the city.
- Cycling around Marina Bay – I would recommend starting from Stadium MRT and looping past Tanjong Rhu, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and the Esplanade.
- Sentosa Beach – easy to reach from HarbourFront MRT; you can walk the bridge or take the skytrain for about $4 one way.
- Coney Island – good for a quiet cycle, the easiest way to access it by public transport is to start from Punggol Coast MRT.
- Fort Canning Park – An amazing blend of lush greenery, rich history, and hilltop views, Fort Canning Park is a tranquil sanctuary in the heart of Singapore.
While travelling around Singapore, make sure to remember that both littering and chewing gum in public are offences. Also, it’s worth taking an umbrella with you as the rain in Singapore can be very heavy and often comes with thunder and lightning. Humidity levels are high, so wear light and breathable clothing – whenever you feel like you need a break, just step into any public transport system or shopping centre for a blast of air conditioning.
The main shopping malls in Singapore
If you’d like to do some shopping or simply relax in air conditioning for a bit, try one of these malls – all have a good mix of shops and restaurants:
- ION Orchard – Orchard MRT
- 313@Somerset – Somerset MRT
- Plaza Singapura – Dhoby Ghaut MRT
- VivoCity – HarbourFront MRT
- Bugis Junction – Bugis MRT
Where to eat
Singapore is famous for its incredibly diverse food scene, and eating your way through the city is practically a must. If you want to experience it like a true local, start with the hawker centres, which are open-air food hubs where Singaporeans grab satisfying and affordable meals. Bring some cash, follow the queues, and try whatever catches your eye. A few great options include:
- Tiong Bahru Market
- Newton Food Centre – you might recognise it from Crazy Rich Asians.
- Maxwell Food Centre
These hawkers may seem intimidating at first, with their fast pace and endless food choices. If you’re unsure where to begin and would prefer a few easy recommendations, try classics like chicken rice, wanton noodles, or char kway teow! Each one is a comforting staple that’s loved by locals and a perfect introduction to Singapore’s iconic flavours. Also worth knowing: if you see a packet of tissues, a lanyard, a card, or any small item on a table at a hawker centre, it means someone has “chope-d” (Singaporean slang – Singlish – for reserving a seat) the table and will be back. This is especially common during peak hours.
If you’re craving something beyond hawker fare, the city is packed with fantastic restaurants offering flavours from all over the world. Here are a few of my personal picks:
- Swee Choon – a classic dim sum spot
- Super Star K – known for flavourful Korean BBQ
- Fuego Mesa – offering delicious Mexican dishes
Honestly, no matter where you wander, you’re bound to find something tasty – Singapore rarely disappoints when it comes to food!
Neighbourhoods with a bit of character
A few areas worth wandering through when you have a spare hour:
- Haji Lane – Alight at Bugis train station and it’s a 10-minute walk to this lane. It is quite popular amongst tourists, with lots of street art, independent shops, restaurants, and cafes.
- New Bahru – a newer area known for creative businesses and independent spaces.
- Tiong Bahru – one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Singapore, full of great cafes and lovely old buildings.
Final thoughts
Singapore is easy to get around, full of good food, and offers plenty to see even if you only have a little time outside work. Hopefully, these local tips make your stay smoother – and help you enjoy a bit of what makes Singapore special while you’re here on business.
