Singapore is a city dedicated to business and greenery. The spires of its skyscrapers look like a big bar graph pointing to the sky. Incredibly, it is super clean and crime is virtually unknown. But amid this obsessive neatness is a madly chaotic bustle of peoples and cultures. Everyone is drawn to Singapore in pursuit of the almighty Singapore dollar. Get a taste of colonial Singapore at Raffles, where the Singapore Sling was invented. Explore Emerald Hill, with its charming pavilioned pre-war homes. And, of course, the Victorian botanic garden and the green lawns of the Padang Cricket Club. And don’t forget to visit Orchard Road for non-stop shopping.
The Small List
Best Hotels
Marina Bay Sands – A hotel of architectural wonder in the heart of thriving Singapore, crowned by the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool. The best of spectacular nightlife and entertainment, celebrity chef dining and luxury shopping.
Raffles Hotel – Opened in 1887, Raffles Singapore is one of the few remaining great 19th century hotels in the world. No visit to Singapore is complete without a stay at Raffles.
Mandarin Oriental Singapore – In the thick of the action is one of the best luxury hotels located in the Marina Bay business district.
Best Restaurant
Odette, a culinary masterpiece in Singapore, is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant located in the National Gallery. Helmed by Chef Julien Royer, Odette offers an extraordinary dining experience that harmonizes French fine dining with a contemporary twist. The use of the finest seasonal ingredients, sourced from around the world, reflects the chef’s dedication to precision and elegance. Each dish is a testament to the art of refinement, showcasing creative flavor combinations and masterful presentation.
The dining room’s minimalist design, paired with the impeccable service, enhances the overall sense of calm sophistication. The atmosphere is understated yet luxurious, allowing the food to be the star of the show. Signature dishes like the Rosemary Smoked Organic Egg and Hokkaido Uni Tart elevate the dining experience, making it both memorable and profoundly satisfying. Odette is not just a restaurant but a celebration of the artistry behind modern French cuisine.
Best Cocktail Bars
Neon Pigeon – An Eating Drinking Social house that embodies the culture of urban living fused with underground vibes. The name pays tribute to two main influences: NEON: after Tokyo, which is commonly referred to as the “Neon City” and PIGEON: the constant seen in all urban cities.
D. Bespoke – Tucked away in the heart of the city, this intimate, sophisticated, speakeasy-style bar exudes timeless elegance and is a testament to Japanese hospitality. From the moment you are guided to your plush leather seat, Mr. Daiki Kanetaka tailors your cocktail journey like a Savile Row suit. Instead of a menu, the drinks are customized based on your tastes and mood, balancing innovation with tradition. Using premium ingredients and exquisite glassware, each cocktail is a work of art in itself. With its serene and refined atmosphere, D.Bespoke is not just a bar—it’s where cocktails become a form of art, making it an unmatched destination for cocktail aficionados seeking a personalized experience.
Manhattan Bar – Welcome to the new Golden Age of fine drinking. Inspired by the 19th century’s Golden Age of cocktails and fine drinking (1840 to early 1900s), Manhattan Bar at the Conrad Singapore Orchard is a grand hotel bar. Here, craft bartending meets artisanal spirits in a glamorous space reminiscent of old New York.
Atlas Bar – Singapore’s most over the top bar located in a glorious and guilded lobby of an Art Deco building. Rumor has it that they have the largest gin collection in the country displayed elegantly from floor to ceiling.
Long Bar – The Singapore Sling, widely regarded as the national drink of the country, was first created in 1915 in Raffles Hotel. Specifically, by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon. The iconic cocktail gained international fame. A century later, it is still enjoyed around the globe.
Things to Do
Gardens by the Bay – “Where Wonder Blooms” – A national garden and premier horticultural attraction for local and international visitors. Gardens by the Bay is a showpiece of horticulture and garden artistry. Accordingly, it presents the plant kingdom in a whole new way. The display entertains and educates visitors with plants seldom seen in this part of the world. Remarkably, the species range from cool, temperate climates to tropical forests and habitats.
The National Orchid Garden – Located within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden features over 1000 species and 2000 hybrids on display. Above all, the splendor of these gorgeous blooms is absolutely a sight to behold.
Orchard Road – Undeniably, Orchard Road is Asia’s most famous shopping street. Similar to London’s Oxford Street or Hong Kong’s Nathan Road. Chinese emporiums and modern mega malls line the wide avenue.