Why You Visit Singapore

With its century-old temples, bustling hawker centres and lush green spaces, Singapore’s varied charms are bound to enchant visitors to our island. Our city’s calendar of events is equally diverse, and present travellers with ample opportunities to explore, indulge and express their passions.

From the glitz and gasoline of the Grand Prix Season Singapore to the flavours and fragrances of the Singapore Food Festival, here are 10 reasons to visit Singapore in 2020.

1) Indulge in world-class eats

With its well-deserved reputation as a global metropolis, Singapore is home to flavours for every palate.

Our city boasts a constellation of 44 Michelin-starred restaurants, including three-star establishments Les Amis and Odette. Chow down on Australian-style barbeque at Burnt Ends, discover the intricate flavours of Peranakan* fare at Candlenut or feast on the world’s most affordable Michelin meal at Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle.

Singapore’s unique hawker food culture is equally impressive, with our hawker centres serving up dishes that span Chinese, Malay and Indian culinary traditions from chicken rice, fish head curry to rojak and satay.

*The term is an Indonesian/Malay word that means “local born”, which generally refers to people of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage.

2) Feast on new flavours at our food festivals

Eating is undoubtedly our nation’s past-time, and visitors can share in our love for food and drinks with an array of exciting events and festivals.

Local dishes such as kopi (traditional local coffee), satay (grilled meat skeweres) and chilli crab take front and centre stage at the Singapore Food Festival, and alcohol connoisseurs can deepen their appreciation for artisanal liquor, cocktail making and mixology at the Singapore Cocktail Festival.

3) Discover inspiring art every where

Besides being a city of world-class museums, art galleries, events and festivals, Singapore is a city where art thrives in the most unlikely of places.

When you’re done exploring the grand halls of the National Museum of Singapore and marvelling at the massive Southeast Asian art collection in the National Gallery Singapore, you’ll discover how art comes alive across our island.

Peruse the street art at Gelam Gallery, hunt for wall murals across our island or catch an outdoor performance against the backdrop of our stunning city skyline at Esplanade—Theatres on The Bay.

4) Find your muse at our annual cultural events

At Singapore’s annual cultural events, you’ll find artists, actors and writers of every stripe coming together to share new perspectives and works of art. The M1 Fringe Festival, Singapore Art Week, Singapore International Festival of Arts and Singapore Writers Festival are just some of the many inspiring events that await visitors.

Traditional festivals and celebrations abound in Singapore as well, from the pounding drums and riveting river races of the Dragon Boat Festival to feats of religious devotion during Thaipusam and the kaleidoscope of colourful personalities at Chingay Parade.

5) Party till dawn in a city that never sleeps

From hidden watering holes to some of the region’s hottest clubs and bars, Singapore’s nightlife is more than just a scene—it’s an opportunity for adventure.

11 Singaporean bars made the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019, including the 1920s-inspired Manhattan, secret oasis 28 Hong Kong Street and NATIVE, which serves up cocktails made from regionally-sourced produce and spirits.

If you’re looking to get your dance shoes on, Singapore’s buzzing nightclubs include stalwarts like Zouk and new haunts like MARQUEE—a sprawling space with an indoor Ferris Wheel.

6) Live it up at electrifying music festivals

Whether you’re a rock and roll fan, a jazz hound or an irrepressible raver, Singapore’s jampacked annual calendar of music and dance events are bound to get you stoked.

From globally-acclaimed DJs spinning the latest hits at Neon Lights to local musicians rocking the stage at Baybeats, music and dance lovers can look forward to more groove and good vibes.

7) Surpass your mental and physical limits

Daredevils and thrill-seekers alike will get to overcome their limits with the plethora of adrenaline-pumping activities.

Enjoy the thrilling movie-themed rides at Universal Studios Singapore, conquer your fear of heights with a bungy jump at AJ Hackett Sentosa, and test your agility at Singapore Wave Park. test your agility at Singapore Wave Park.

Push your endurance to new heights at Climb Central Singapore, discover a dynamic new workout at the Singapore’s Sports Hub, or gather your family and friends at the trampoline park–the choices are endless.

8) Roar with the crowd at thrilling sports spectacles

More than just a display of physical prowess, competitive sports are a showcase of will, discipline and mental fortitude. The Lion City hosts a range of exciting annual sports that shine the spotlight on athletes from all across the globe.

The revving of car engines echo throughout our city centre every year with the Grand Prix Season Singapore, while the roar of sports fans fills our stadiums during annual championships like the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens and the International Champions Cup.

9) Make a fashion statement

Singapore’s legacy as a global metropolis lives on in the modern day, with its trove of international brands and artisanal local products.

From the shopping paradise of Orchard Road and Marina Bay Sands to the hip boutiques of Joo Chiat/Katong and Tiong Bahru, there are ample opportunities for fashionistas to shop for goods that express their individuality.

2019 saw a whole slew of new malls opening across our island, including the majestic Jewel Changi, the futuristic retail hub Funan and Design Orchard—which houses wares by inspired Singaporean artisans.

Keep an eye out for annual festivals that feature both great deals and festive vibes. Depending on the time of the year you visit, you’ll be able to shop for traditional Chinese snacks during Chinese New Year, or pick up a precious gift for your loved one during Christmas on A Great Street.

10) Discover hidden sights and new horizons

The old and the new intertwine in our city, with age-old temples nestled beneath the shadow of skyscrapers and lush green sanctuaries dotting our busy streets.

Districts like Tiong Bahru, Joo Chiat/Katong and Kampong Gelam are intoxicating blends of heritage and modernity, and a stroll around these districts will uncover charming apartment blocks, quaint boutiques and bold works of street art.

Marvel at the futuristic beauty of Marina Bay Sands®, discover a world of flora at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, or walk on the wild side with the nocturnal creatures of the Night Safari.

If you’re looking to venture off the beaten path and see new horizons, take a trip out to sea and explore the verdant beauty of offshore islands like Coney Island, Kusu Island and Pulau Ubin.